Medik8 Crystal Retinal 6 Versus Instytutum X‑Strength Retinol Serum
Updated on January 29, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free serums. They have a total of 11 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain hyaluronic acid, retinoid, Vitamin C and Vitamin E
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, oily skin, reducing pores, scar healing, dark spots and better texture
Free From
They both do not contain any parabens, silicones or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain oils
We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that needs an update? Let us know.
Ingredient Info
Medik8 Crystal Retinal 6 47 ingredients
Instytutum X‑Strength Retinol Serum 40 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Medik8 Crystal Retinal 6 47 ingredients
Instytutum X‑Strength Retinol Serum 40 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingGlycerin
Humectant
Isododecane
EmollientCetearyl Olivate
Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingCetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
PPG-12/Smdi Copolymer
EmollientSorbitan Olivate
Emulsifying
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Titanium Dioxide
Cosmetic Colorant
Eclipta Prostrata Extract
Skin ConditioningCyclodextrin
AbsorbentSqualane
Emollient
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningHydroxypropyl Methylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingSodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
Antioxidant
Rubus Chamaemorus Seed Oil
Skin Conditioning
Alumina
Abrasive
Isostearic Acid
Cleansing
Lecithin
EmollientPolyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate
Emulsifying
Polyhydroxystearic Acid
Emulsifying
Stearic Acid
Cleansing
Pentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningRetinal
Skin Conditioning
Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil
Emollient
Sodium Polyaspartate
HumectantClimbazole
Antimicrobial
Disodium EDTA
Lonicera Japonica Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningLonicera Caprifolium Flower Extract
Perfuming
Daucus Carota Sativa Seed Oil
Emollient
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin Conditioning3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
Skin Conditioning
Dipteryx Odorata Bean Extract
Masking
Hydroxyacetophenone
Antioxidant
Polysorbate 60
Emulsifying
Sorbitan Isostearate
Emulsifying
Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningDecylene Glycol
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningBHT
Antioxidant
Coumarin
Perfuming
Water, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glycerin, Isododecane, Cetearyl Olivate, Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Cetearyl Alcohol, PPG-12/Smdi Copolymer, Sorbitan Olivate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Titanium Dioxide, Eclipta Prostrata Extract, Cyclodextrin, Squalane, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Phenoxyethanol, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Rubus Chamaemorus Seed Oil, Alumina, Isostearic Acid, Lecithin, Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Stearic Acid, Pentylene Glycol, Retinal, Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil, Sodium Polyaspartate, Climbazole, Disodium EDTA, Lonicera Japonica Flower Extract, Lonicera Caprifolium Flower Extract, Daucus Carota Sativa Seed Oil, Ethylhexylglycerin, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Dipteryx Odorata Bean Extract, Hydroxyacetophenone, Polysorbate 60, Sorbitan Isostearate, Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract, Decylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, BHT, Coumarin
Retinoic Acid 8%
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Squalane 3%
Emollient
Prunus Armeniaca Kernel Oil
Masking
Pentapeptide-8 2%
Skin Conditioning
Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil
Emollient
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Water
Skin ConditioningDibutyl Adipate
EmollientDimethyl Isosorbide
SolventPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningDicaprylyl Ether
EmollientGlycerin
Humectant
Sucrose Polystearate
EmollientHydrogenated Starch Hydrolysate
HumectantDisodium Cetearyl Sulfosuccinate
CleansingTocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate
Skin Conditioning
Cetyl Palmitate
Emollient
Lecithin
EmollientXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
Sclerotium Gum
Emulsion StabilisingAlcohol
Antimicrobial
Citric Acid
Buffering
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingSodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
Humectant
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Aphanizomenon Flos-Aquae Extract
HumectantSodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
Humectant
Pantolactone
HumectantAscorbyl Palmitate
Antioxidant
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningAscorbic Acid
Antioxidant
Hexanoyl Dipeptide-3 Norleucine Acetate
Skin Conditioning
Retinoic Acid 8%, Tocopherol, Allantoin, Squalane 3%, Prunus Armeniaca Kernel Oil, Pentapeptide-8 2%, Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil, Panthenol, Hyaluronic Acid, Water, Dibutyl Adipate, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Pentylene Glycol, Dicaprylyl Ether, Glycerin, Sucrose Polystearate, Hydrogenated Starch Hydrolysate, Disodium Cetearyl Sulfosuccinate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Phenoxyethanol, Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate, Cetyl Palmitate, Lecithin, Xanthan Gum, Ethylhexylglycerin, Disodium EDTA, Sclerotium Gum, Alcohol, Citric Acid, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Aphanizomenon Flos-Aquae Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Pantolactone, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Potassium Sorbate, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Ascorbic Acid, Hexanoyl Dipeptide-3 Norleucine Acetate
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Water. It's the most common cosmetic ingredient of all. You'll usually see it at the top of ingredient lists, meaning that it makes up the largest part of the product.
So why is it so popular? Water most often acts as a solvent - this means that it helps dissolve other ingredients into the formulation.
You'll also recognize water as that liquid we all need to stay alive. If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about WaterThis ingredient is an emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping the skin prevent moisture loss.
It helps thicken a product's formula and makes it easier to spread by dissolving clumping compounds.
Caprylic Triglyceride is made by combining glycerin with coconut oil, forming a clear liquid.
While there is an assumption Caprylic Triglyceride can clog pores due to it being derived from coconut oil, there is no research supporting this.
Learn more about Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideGlycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.
A study from 2016 found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.
As a humectant, it helps the skin stay hydrated by pulling moisture to your skin. The low molecular weight of glycerin allows it to pull moisture into the deeper layers of your skin.
Hydrated skin improves your skin barrier; Your skin barrier helps protect against irritants and bacteria.
Glycerin has also been found to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Due to these properties, glycerin is often used in wound and burn treatments.
In cosmetics, glycerin is usually derived from plants such as soybean or palm. However, it can also be sourced from animals, such as tallow or animal fat.
This ingredient is organic, colorless, odorless, and non-toxic.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinTocopheryl Acetate is AKA Vitamin E. It is an antioxidant and protects your skin from free radicals. Free radicals damage the skin by breaking down collagen.
One study found using Tocopheryl Acetate with Vitamin C decreased the number of sunburned cells.
Tocopheryl Acetate is commonly found in both skincare and dietary supplements.
Learn more about Tocopheryl AcetateSqualane is an emollient that helps the skin hold onto moisture. It's an oily liquid that occurs naturally in certain types of fish and plant oils.
Because squalane boosts hydration in the skin, it also comes with plenty of benefits: it is an antioxidant and can help fight free radicals and skin damage. Squalane is also found to have a detoxifying effect when applied.
Squalane comes from squalene, which occurs naturally within the sebum of our skin. It is one of the oils our skin produces to keep itself hydrated. Squalane is the hydrogenated version of squalene and has a longer shelf life.
Research shows that squalane is non-irritating (even at 100% concentration).
In general, it's a fantastic ingredient. It does a great job at hydrating the skin, and it's suitable for those with sensitive skin.
The source of squalane may impact malassezia / fungal acne. This is because olive oil derived squalane can contain impurities such as fatty acids and plant waxes. Sugarcane derived squalane is recommended for anyone with malassezia concerns.
Is squalane vegan?
This depends on the source. Squalane can be derived from both plants and animals. Most squalane used in skincare comes from plants.
Please note: the source of squalane is only known if disclosed by the brand. We recommend reaching out to the brand if you have any questions about their squalane.
Read more about squalene with an "e".
Learn more about SqualanePhenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent microbial growth. By itself, it has a scent that is similar to that of a rose.
It's often used in formulations along with Caprylyl Glycol to preserve the shelf life of products.
Sodium Hyaluronate is hyaluronic acid's salt form. It is commonly derived from the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid.
Like hyaluronic acid, it is great at holding water and acts as a humectant. This makes it a great skin hydrating ingredient.
Sodium Hyaluronate is naturally occurring in our bodies and is mostly found in eye fluid and joints.
These are some other common types of Hyaluronic Acid:
Learn more about Sodium HyaluronateLecithin is a term for a group of substances found in the cell membranes of plants, animals, and humans. They are made up of mixture of phospholipids.
This ingredient has emollient and emulsifying properties.
As an emollient, lecithen helps soften the skin and creates a barrier to keep moisture in.
As an emulsifier, it also helps prevent water and oil ingredients from separating. Lecithin can also help ingredients be better absorbed by the skin.
This is because the phospholipids in lecithin produce liposomes. Liposomes help other ingredients get through the skin barrier.
Depending on the source of this ingredient, lecithin may not be fungal acne safe. This is because some sources of lecithin come from soybean oil, which may feed the malassezia yeast that feeds fungal acne.
We recommend reaching out to the brand you are purchasing from to inquire about the source of their lecithin.
Learn more about LecithinPentylene glycol is typically used within a product to thicken it. It also adds a smooth, soft, and moisturizing feel to the product. It is naturally found in plants such as sugar beets.
The hydrophilic trait of Pentylene Glycol makes it a humectant. As a humectant, Pentylene Glycol helps draw moisture from the air to your skin. This can help keep your skin hydrated.
This property also makes Pentylene Glycol a great texture enhancer. It can also help thicken or stabilize a product.
Pentylene Glycol also acts as a mild preservative and helps to keep a product microbe-free.
Some people may experience mild eye and skin irritation from Pentylene Glycol. We always recommend speaking with a professional about using this ingredient in your routine.
Pentylene Glycol has a low molecular weight and is part of the 1,2-glycol family.
Learn more about Pentylene GlycolDisodium EDTA plays a role in making products more stable by aiding other preservatives.
It is a chelating agent, meaning it neutralizes metal ions that may be found in a product.
Disodium EDTA is a salt of edetic acid and is found to be safe in cosmetic ingredients.
Learn more about Disodium EDTAEthylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.
You might see Ethylhexylglycerin often paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol. Ethylhexylglycerin has been found to increase the effectiveness of these other preservatives.
Ingredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Medik8 Crystal Retinal 6 47 ingredients
Instytutum X‑Strength Retinol Serum 40 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Medik8 Crystal Retinal 6 47 ingredients
Just about safe enough for me to use on my forehead and the tops of my cheeks, but any further down my face/neck it causes massive breakouts and fungal acne which takes months to get rid of. For the price, it's just not worth it.
Great retinal serum but not for dry skin. Could be a little bit irritating too! The price is also mindblowing! Too expensive! It has a nice vanilla like scent
