medik8 Crystal Retinal
medik8 Medik8 Crystal Retinal lists 38 ingredients on its label, 36 decoded. See what each one does, its irritancy and comedogenic tendency, and its status in national inventories.
Ingredients overview
Label order. Colour is our internal rating: green routine, yellow restricted or worth a look, red prohibited or high-risk, grey not yet decoded.
Ingredients are listed in label order; the order reflects the label only, not exact concentrations.
- Aqua
- Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
- Glycerin
- Isododecane
- Cyclodextrin
- Cetearyl Alcohol
- Cetearyl Olivate
- Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
- Sorbitan Olivate
- Tocopheryl Acetate
- Squalane
- Sodium Hyaluronate
- Retinal
- Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
- Daucus Carota Sativa Seed Oil
- Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
- Ethylhexylglycerin
- Pentylene Glycol
- Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract
- Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose
- Rubus Chamaemorus Seed Oil
- Sodium Polyaspartate
- Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
- Dipteryx Odorata Bean Extract
- BHT
- Polyhydroxystearic Acid
- Disodium EDTA
- Titanium Dioxide
- Phenoxyethanol
- Alumina
- Lonicera Caprifolium Flower Extract
- Isostearic Acid
- Lecithin
- Lonicera Japonica Flower Extract
- Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate
- Stearic Acid
- Coumarin
- Ci 14700
Highlights
Free of alcoholFree of parabensFree of siliconesFree of sulfatesFree of formaldehyde releasersContains mineral oilContains animal-derivedContains essential oilsContains fragranceContains EU-26 allergens
Key ingredients
- SOLVENT
- Aqua
- FRAGRANCE
- Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
- DENATURANT
- Glycerin
- SKIN CONDITIONING - EMOLLIENT
- IsododecaneCetearyl AlcoholCetearyl Olivate
- ABSORBENT
- Cyclodextrin
- ANTICAKING
- Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Other ingredients
Sorbitan OlivateTocopheryl AcetateSqualaneSodium HyaluronateRetinalEthyl Ascorbic AcidDaucus Carota Sativa Seed OilHydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate CopolymerEthylhexylglycerinPentylene GlycolVanilla Planifolia Fruit ExtractHydroxypropyl MethylcelluloseRubus Chamaemorus Seed OilSodium PolyaspartateTetrahexyldecyl AscorbateDipteryx Odorata Bean ExtractBHTPolyhydroxystearic AcidDisodium EDTATitanium DioxidePhenoxyethanolAluminaLonicera Caprifolium Flower ExtractIsostearic AcidLecithinLonicera Japonica Flower ExtractPolyglyceryl-3 PolyricinoleateStearic AcidCoumarinCi 14700
Skim through
| Ingredient | What it does | Irr. · Com. | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aqua | SOLVENT | 0 · 0 | Green |
| Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride | FRAGRANCE, SOLVENT, PERFUMING, SKIN CONDITIONING - OCCLUSIVE | 0 · 0 | Green |
| Glycerin | DENATURANT, HAIR CONDITIONING, HUMECTANT, ORAL CARE, SKIN PROTECTING, SOLVENT, VISCOSITY CONTROLLING, PERFUMING, FRAGRANCE, SKIN CONDITIONING - HUMECTANT | 0 · 0 | Green |
| Isododecane | SKIN CONDITIONING - EMOLLIENT, SOLVENT, PERFUMING | 0 · 0 | Green |
| Cyclodextrin | ABSORBENT, CHELATING | 0 · 0 | Green |
| Cetearyl Alcohol | SKIN CONDITIONING - EMOLLIENT, SURFACTANT - EMULSIFYING, EMULSION STABILISING, SURFACTANT - FOAM BOOSTING, OPACIFYING, SURFACTANT - CLEANSING, VISCOSITY CONTROLLING | 0 · 0 | Green |
| Cetearyl Olivate | SKIN CONDITIONING - EMOLLIENT, SURFACTANT - EMULSIFYING, EMULSION STABILISING, HAIR CONDITIONING, SLIP MODIFIER | 0 · 1 | Green |
| Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer | ANTICAKING, EMULSION STABILISING, FILM FORMING, OPACIFYING, VISCOSITY CONTROLLING | 0 · 0 | Green |
| Sorbitan Olivate | SURFACTANT - EMULSIFYING | 0 · – | Green |
| Tocopheryl Acetate | ANTIOXIDANT, SKIN CONDITIONING | 0 · 0 | Green |
| Squalane | SKIN CONDITIONING - EMOLLIENT, HAIR CONDITIONING, REFATTING, SKIN CONDITIONING | 0 · 0 | Green |
| Sodium Hyaluronate | HUMECTANT, SKIN CONDITIONING | 0 · 0 | Green |
| Retinal | SKIN CONDITIONING | 2 · 0 | Green |
| Ethyl Ascorbic Acid | 抗氧化剂, 皮肤调理剂 | 1 · 0 | Green |
| Daucus Carota Sativa Seed Oil | SKIN CONDITIONING - EMOLLIENT, FRAGRANCE, SKIN CONDITIONING | 0 · 1 | Green |
| Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer | EMULSION STABILISING, VISCOSITY CONTROLLING | 0 · 0 | Green |
| Ethylhexylglycerin | DEODORANT, SKIN CONDITIONING | 0 · 0 | Green |
| Pentylene Glycol | SKIN CONDITIONING, SOLVENT | 0 · 0 | Green |
| Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract | SKIN CONDITIONING, SKIN PROTECTING, SMOOTHING | 0 · – | Green |
| Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose | ANTISTATIC, BINDING, EMULSION STABILISING, FILM FORMING, SURFACTANT - CLEANSING, VISCOSITY CONTROLLING | 0 · 0 | Green |
| Rubus Chamaemorus Seed Oil | Not decoded yet | — | — |
| Sodium Polyaspartate | HAIR CONDITIONING, HUMECTANT, SKIN CONDITIONING | 0 · 0 | Green |
| Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate | ANTIOXIDANT, SKIN CONDITIONING | 0 · 0 | Green |
| Dipteryx Odorata Bean Extract | Not decoded yet | — | — |
| BHT | ANTIOXIDANT, FRAGRANCE · 限制 III / 325 | 0 · 0 | Yellow |
| Polyhydroxystearic Acid | SURFACTANT - EMULSIFYING | 0 · – | Green |
| Disodium EDTA | CHELATING, VISCOSITY CONTROLLING | 0 · 0 | Green |
| Titanium Dioxide | UV FILTER · 附录 VI · 最高浓度 25%* *: In case of combined use of Titanium Dioxide and Titanium Dioxide (nano), the sum shall not exceed the limit given in column g (Maximum concentration in ready for use preparation) · 限制 <empty>; as a constituent of other substances, or in mixtures, in concentrations equal to, or greater than 0.1% by weight; Shall not be placed on the market, or used, as substance or in mixtures in concentrations equal to ot greater than 0.1% by weight; Shall not be used as propellant in aerosols for any use. Aerosols dispenser containing the substance as propellant shall not | 0 · 0 | Yellow |
| Phenoxyethanol | ANTIMICROBIAL, PRESERVATIVE · 限制 V/29 | 1 · 0 | Yellow |
| Alumina | ABRASIVE, ABSORBENT, ANTICAKING, BULKING, OPACIFYING, VISCOSITY CONTROLLING | — | Green |
| Lonicera Caprifolium Flower Extract | SKIN CONDITIONING, PERFUMING | 0 · 0 | Green |
| Isostearic Acid | BINDING, CLEANSING, SURFACTANT - EMULSIFYING, SURFACTANT - CLEANSING | 0 · 2 | Green |
| Lecithin | ANTISTATIC, SKIN CONDITIONING - EMOLLIENT, SURFACTANT - EMULSIFYING, SKIN CONDITIONING | 0 · 0 | Green |
| Lonicera Japonica Flower Extract | SKIN CONDITIONING | 0 · 0 | Green |
| Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate | SURFACTANT - EMULSIFYING, VISCOSITY CONTROLLING | 0 · – | Green |
| Stearic Acid | CLEANSING, SURFACTANT - EMULSIFYING, EMULSION STABILISING, FRAGRANCE, REFATTING, SURFACTANT - CLEANSING | 0 · 0 | Green |
| Coumarin | PERFUMING · 限制 III/77 | 1 · – | Yellow |
| Ci 14700 | COLORANT · 限制 IV/18 ( CI 14700) II/1341 (Ponceau SX; CI 14700: when used as a substance in hair dye products) | — | Green |
Ingredients explained
- Aqua
- Solvent, main base; microbial control is critical
- Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
- Light occlusive and solvent at 1–10%; non-greasy feel, suitable for oily and combination skin
- Glycerin
- Workhorse humectant at 3–10%; tacky at high levels, pair with occlusives
- Isododecane
- Synthetic hydrocarbon solvent providing dry, silky skin feel; high volatility, non-comedogenic, common in sunscreens and foundations, usage 5-30%.
- Cyclodextrin
- Cyclodextrin; used as a stabilizer or solubilizer to improve solubility of active ingredients and fragrances
- Cetearyl Alcohol
- Fatty alcohol emulsifier at 1-5%; non-ionic surfactant
- Cetearyl Olivate
- Natural emulsifier pairing with glucosides; skin-like feel, biodegradable, prone to oxidation requiring light protection
- Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
- Acrylate copolymer for film/thickening; water-soluble, compatible, monitor residual monomers.
- Sorbitan Olivate
- O/W emulsifier, HLB ~15, requires ionic co-surfactant, potential sensitizer.
- Tocopheryl Acetate
- Vitamin E derivative antioxidant at 0.1–1%; more stable than tocopherol, store protected from light
- Squalane
- Emollient from plants or synthetic; light texture
- Sodium Hyaluronate
- Potent humectant at 0.1–2%; different MW for penetration depth, high levels may draw moisture
- Retinal
- Potent vitamin A aldehyde for cell turnover; low effective range 0.01-0.05%, unstable, avoid for pregnant users.
- Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
- Ethyl ascorbic acid, lipophilic Vit C derivative, antioxidant/whitening; more stable than L-AA, for oil phases
- Daucus Carota Sativa Seed Oil
- Plant seed oil with antioxidants; may have natural fragrance, low photosensitizing potential
- Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
- High-molecular-weight thickener and emulsion stabilizer; requires electrolytes or acid adjustment near isoelectric point for optimal performance.
- Ethylhexylglycerin
- Mild conditioner and preservative booster at 0.5–1%; reduces preservative load, smooth feel
- Pentylene Glycol
- Polyol humectant at 1-3%; low irritancy, suitable for sensitive skin
- Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract
- Vanilla extract adds scent and soothing; acts as natural fragrance, dose carefully.
- Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose
- High polymer for thickening and film formation; water-soluble, used in physical sunscreens or gels, tacky at high levels
- Rubus Chamaemorus Seed Oil
- Not decoded yet
- Sodium Polyaspartate
- Chelating agent and humectant, low irritation; improves surfactant performance in hard water.
- Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
- Lipophilic Vitamin C derivative, antioxidant and brightening; more stable than VC, oil-soluble, must pair with oil phase
- Dipteryx Odorata Bean Extract
- Not decoded yet
- BHT
- Lipophilic antioxidant at 0.01-0.05%; ineffective with acidic systems, label-sensitive, check regulatory limits as preservative alternative.
- Polyhydroxystearic Acid
- Emulsifier and stabilizer at 1–3%; non-ionic, prone to hydrolysis.
- Disodium EDTA
- Chelating agent at 0.05–0.5%; sequesters metal ions for stability, boosts preservative efficacy
- Titanium Dioxide
- Physical UV filter and colorant up to 25%; nano form requires attention
- Phenoxyethanol
- Broad-spectrum preservative at ≤1%; may irritate sensitive eye areas, often paired with ethylhexylglycerin
- Alumina
- Alumina, inorganic abrasive/thickener; nano-grade requires inhalation risk assessment.
- Lonicera Caprifolium Flower Extract
- Honeysuckle extract for soothing and antioxidants; trace use, low allergenic risk
- Isostearic Acid
- Fatty acid derivative as emulsifier auxiliary and emollient; insoluble, requires homogenization, may feel slightly greasy
- Lecithin
- Phospholipid emulsifier at 1-5%; biocompatible, moisturizing/antioxidant, prone to oxidation (add TBHQ), mild for sensitive skin.
- Lonicera Japonica Flower Extract
- Honeysuckle extract for soothing; requires antimicrobial protection.
- Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate
- Mild emulsifier for O/W systems; 1-3%, avoid cationic surfactants
- Stearic Acid
- Fatty acid emulsifier, white waxy solid; adds slip feel
- Coumarin
- Classic fragrance and photosensitizer, EU restriction III/77; high allergen risk, limit in facial products
- Ci 14700
- Red azo dye restricted to hair dye products only; not for leave-on or general skin care
Source: full ingredient list published on the product label, collected 2026-09-19. Ratings are our internal reading, not a regulatory conclusion. · Product page
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