I Tried Medik8's Buzzy Science-Backed Skincare Products. Here's My Honest Review

Medik8’s Crystal Retinal is one of the brand’s most popular and award-winning products, and it’s easy to see why. The formula uses a patented crystal-shaped encapsulation system to slowly release retinal into the skin, helping the product last longer while reducing your risk of side effects. What’s more, it’s available in five strengths (1,3,6,10, and 20), so you can find a concentration that works best for your skin. As you move up through the ladder, it’s recommended that you finish two tubes of 10 before moving on to the highest grade of 20.

The brand also recommends that you phase in the product gradually. Use it twice a week for the first two weeks, every other night for the next two weeks, and then every night. I’m on the “every-other-night” phase of my retinal journey, and I can already say that I’ve seen a significant change in the texture of my skin. It looks significantly smoother, as well as overall plumper and brighter.

Part of Medik8’s patented r-Retinoate line, this cream namely uses encapsulated retinyl retinoate. Breaking that down, retinyl retinoate is a hybrid molecule of retinol and retinoic acid that’s been studied to be eight times more powerful than retinol yet less irritating. Plus, the cream features tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, a stable, gentler form of vitamin C, for extra skin-brightening and firming benefits.

Not only is the product great for people with sensitive skin like me (case in point: I experienced no irritation with this product after two weeks of use), but it can also be used during the day, too. Unlike other types of retinoids, the retinyl retinoate in this product is photostable, meaning it doesn’t break down in sunlight.

In terms of texture, the product is rich and velvety. After cleansing, I apply it all over my face and décolletage, and I love that it’s easy to blend in without leaving any residue behind. After only a few applications, my complexion was noticeably brighter and smoother.

I love a good eye serum. And this one is good. Like the Day & Night eye cream, it is quite gentle and can be used both day and night. I have very fragile skin underneath my eyes, but this formula caused zero irritation. It’s all thanks to the brand’s photostable, encapsulated retinyl retinoate, which allows for better absorption into the skin while minimizing redness.

And although it’s packed with nourishing ingredients, it’s not heavy in the slightest. I noticed how quickly it absorbed into my skin as I gently layered it on, allowing me to avoid any pesky milia from cropping up in the area.

Even better, I saw results almost instantly. While FaceTiming my friend one morning, I noticed my under eyes looked far more hydrated and less discolored than usual. My skin even felt smoother and more even, too.

The r-Retinoate Ultimate Night cream uniquely combines Medik8’s two standout technologies: encapsulated retinyl retinoate and crystal-stabilized retinal. Additionally, the formula includes hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and peptides to nourish, plump, and fortify the skin barrier while you sleep. So, if you want to consolidate your existing nighttime skincare routine, consider this powerhouse formula an all-in-one solution.

Immediately after using this for the first time, my skin felt hydrated and plump. The formula has a similar silky texture to the r-Retinoate Day & Night cream and boasts a light, fresh scent. Still,it’ss free of any artificial fragrances that can cause irritation.

As mentioned, Medik8 also swears by vitamin C for healthy skin. The brand’s vitamin C serum contains 14% tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, a stabler, gentler form of vitamin C compared to other varietals like L-ascorbic acid. It’s also packed with vitamin E, activated red ginseng, and vitamin F to help visibly tighten and brighten your complexion.

I started using a few drops of the serum in the morning after cleansing, immediately noticing it sank beautifully into my skin. After using the serum for a week, my complexion looked more even-toned and luminous. Plus, the serum provides a seamless base for makeup. My favorite foundations sit just right when I use this as a primer for a full-face beat.

Another great product that works overtime while you catch some Z’s, the Advanced Night Ceramide cream is a pillowy-soft formula that’s simple to apply and melts into the skin effortlessly. Not to mention, a little goes a long way. Apply the formula at night after cleansing and using serum, and expect to be greeted by a smoother, softer, and more hydrated complexion come morning.

If fine lines and wrinkles are your concern, add this Liquid Peptides serum to your routine. It’s a potent cocktail of 30% peptides, which work to stimulate collagen production for plumper, firmer results. Also featuring nourishing hyaluronic acid, it left my skin looking super dewy and supple after just one use.

Medik8’s Hydr8 B5 Intense is a must when your skin needs a serious hydration boost. It’s an impressive elixir of multi-weight hyaluronic acid, which works on multiple layers of the skin to deeply nourish, vitamin B5, and antioxidant-rich saskatoon berry to smooth and hydrate even the most dehydrated complexions.

It glides right onto the skin and is the perfect step before moisturizer. I applied it both day and night, using approximately six drops each time, then let the product settle in before reaching for Medik8’s r-Retinoate Day & Night cream.

I wear a lot of makeup, so I naturally run through plenty of cleansers. But I also run into a lot of problems with said cleansers—many of them irritate my sensitive skin or don’t thoroughly remove all my makeup, leaving me to mercilessly scrub away. Medik8’s cleansing oil is a total game-changer, however.

Suitable for all skin types, this oil-based cleanser effectively removed even my heaviest night-out makeup and left my skin moisturized. Once applied and rubbed in, it takes on a milky consistency that strips away dirt and bacteria without leaving you feeling tight or dry.