Medik8 Crystal Retinal 10 Night Serum 30ml/1.0 oz single
Analysis updated August 2026 · How Scout scores
At a glance
Summary
This serum contains beneficial ingredients like squalane, glycerin, and various forms of Vitamin C, which provide hydration and antioxidant protection. However, the presence of phenoxyethanol and BHT, both associated with potential skin irritation and health concerns, lowers the overall safety profile. The product is moderately processed, which also impacts its rating.
Key ingredients 41
SqualaneVery Good
Squalane is a highly effective emollient and natural antioxidant. It mimics the skin's natural oils, providing deep hydration and improving skin elasticity. It is non-irritating and suitable for all skin types.
Risks
There are no significant risks associated with squalane.
Benefits
It provides deep hydration and improves skin elasticity.
Rubus Chamaemorus Seed OilVery Good
Rubus Chamaemorus Seed Oil is rich in essential fatty acids and antioxidants. It provides nourishment and protection to the skin, improving its barrier function. It is beneficial for maintaining skin health and radiance.
Risks
There are minimal risks, though it may cause mild irritation in very sensitive skin.
Benefits
It nourishes and protects the skin, improving barrier function.
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic AcidVery Good
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid is a stable form of Vitamin C. It provides antioxidant protection and brightens the skin, reducing signs of aging. It is effective in improving skin tone and texture.
Risks
There are minimal risks, though it may cause mild irritation in very sensitive skin.
Benefits
It provides antioxidant protection and brightens the skin.
Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Seed OilVery Good
Carrot Seed Oil is rich in beta-carotene and vitamins, providing antioxidant protection. It helps to rejuvenate and repair the skin, improving its appearance. It is beneficial for maintaining skin health and radiance.
Risks
There are minimal risks, though it may cause mild irritation in very sensitive skin.
Benefits
It rejuvenates and repairs the skin, providing antioxidant protection.
RetinalVery Good
Retinal is a form of Vitamin A, known for its anti-aging properties. It helps to reduce wrinkles and improve skin texture by promoting cell turnover. It is effective in enhancing skin radiance and firmness.
Risks
It may cause irritation or sensitivity, especially in high concentrations.
Benefits
It reduces wrinkles and improves skin texture, promoting cell turnover.
Tetrahexyldecyl AscorbateVery Good
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate is a stable, oil-soluble form of Vitamin C. It provides antioxidant protection and brightens the skin, reducing signs of aging. It is effective in improving skin tone and texture.
Risks
There are minimal risks, though it may cause mild irritation in very sensitive skin.
Benefits
It provides antioxidant protection and brightens the skin.
Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideGood
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride is derived from coconut oil and glycerin. It is used as an emollient and helps to moisturize and replenish the skin. It is generally well-tolerated and beneficial for skin hydration.
Risks
There are minimal risks, though it may cause mild irritation in very sensitive skin.
Benefits
It helps to moisturize and replenish the skin, enhancing hydration.
GlycerinGood
Glycerin is a humectant that attracts moisture to the skin. It is widely used in skincare for its hydrating properties. It helps to maintain the skin's moisture balance.
Risks
There are no significant risks associated with glycerin.
Benefits
Glycerin helps to maintain the skin's moisture balance and improve hydration.
Cetearyl OlivateGood
Cetearyl Olivate is an emulsifier derived from olive oil. It helps to blend oil and water components in formulations. It is known for its moisturizing properties and skin compatibility.
Risks
There are minimal risks, though it may cause mild irritation in very sensitive skin.
Benefits
It provides moisturizing properties and enhances skin compatibility.
Sorbitan OlivateGood
Sorbitan Olivate is an emulsifier derived from olive oil. It helps to blend oil and water components in formulations. It is known for its moisturizing properties and skin compatibility.
Risks
There are minimal risks, though it may cause mild irritation in very sensitive skin.
Benefits
It provides moisturizing properties and enhances skin compatibility.
Tocopheryl AcetateGood
Tocopheryl Acetate is a form of Vitamin E, an antioxidant that helps protect the skin from free radical damage. It is commonly used in skincare for its protective and moisturizing properties. It supports skin health and reduces signs of aging.
Risks
There are minimal risks, though it may cause mild irritation in very sensitive skin.
Benefits
It protects the skin from free radical damage and supports skin health.
Sodium HyaluronateGood
Sodium Hyaluronate is a form of hyaluronic acid, known for its excellent hydrating properties. It attracts and retains moisture in the skin, improving elasticity and plumpness. It is beneficial for all skin types, providing deep hydration.
Risks
There are no significant risks associated with sodium hyaluronate.
Benefits
It attracts and retains moisture, improving skin elasticity and plumpness.
Lonicera Japonica (Honeysuckle) Flower ExtractGood
Honeysuckle Flower Extract is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps to soothe and protect the skin from environmental stressors. It is beneficial for calming irritated skin.
Risks
There are minimal risks, though it may cause mild irritation in very sensitive skin.
Benefits
It soothes and protects the skin from environmental stressors.
Lonicera Caprifolium (Honeysuckle) Flower ExtractGood
Honeysuckle Flower Extract is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps to soothe and protect the skin from environmental stressors. It is beneficial for calming irritated skin.
Risks
There are minimal risks, though it may cause mild irritation in very sensitive skin.
Benefits
It soothes and protects the skin from environmental stressors.
Vanilla Planifolia Fruit ExtractGood
Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract is known for its antioxidant and soothing properties. It helps to protect the skin from environmental stressors and provides a pleasant fragrance. It is beneficial for calming and soothing the skin.
Risks
There are minimal risks, though it may cause mild irritation in very sensitive skin.
Benefits
It protects the skin from environmental stressors and provides soothing benefits.
WaterNeutral
Water is a common solvent used in cosmetics to dissolve other ingredients. It helps in the application and absorption of the product. It does not have any direct benefits or risks.
Risks
There are no significant risks associated with water in cosmetics.
Benefits
Water helps in the application and absorption of the product.
IsododecaneNeutral
Isododecane is a lightweight, volatile solvent that helps in the even application of products. It evaporates quickly, leaving a smooth finish. It does not provide direct skin benefits.
Risks
There are minimal risks, though it may cause mild irritation in sensitive skin.
Benefits
It helps in the even application of products and provides a smooth finish.
CyclodextrinNeutral
Cyclodextrin is used to stabilize and enhance the delivery of active ingredients. It forms complexes with other molecules, improving their stability. It does not have direct skin benefits.
Risks
There are no significant risks associated with cyclodextrin.
Benefits
It helps stabilize and enhance the delivery of active ingredients.
Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate CopolymerNeutral
This copolymer is used as a thickening agent and stabilizer in cosmetic formulations. It helps to improve the texture and consistency of the product. It does not have direct skin benefits.
Risks
There are no significant risks associated with this copolymer.
Benefits
It improves the texture and consistency of the product.
Cetearyl AlcoholNeutral
Cetearyl Alcohol is a fatty alcohol used as an emollient and thickener. It helps to soften and smooth the skin. It is generally well-tolerated and non-irritating.
Risks
There are minimal risks, though it may cause mild irritation in very sensitive skin.
Benefits
It helps to soften and smooth the skin.
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate CopolymerNeutral
This copolymer is used as a thickening agent and stabilizer in cosmetic formulations. It helps to improve the texture and consistency of the product. It does not have direct skin benefits.
Risks
There are no significant risks associated with this copolymer.
Benefits
It improves the texture and consistency of the product.
HydroxyacetophenoneNeutral
Hydroxyacetophenone is an antioxidant and preservative booster. It helps to stabilize formulations and enhance the efficacy of preservatives. It does not have direct skin benefits.
Risks
There are no significant risks associated with hydroxyacetophenone.
Benefits
It stabilizes formulations and enhances preservative efficacy.
Hydroxypropyl MethylcelluloseNeutral
Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose is used as a thickening and film-forming agent. It helps to improve the texture and application of products. It does not have direct skin benefits.
Risks
There are no significant risks associated with hydroxypropyl methylcellulose.
Benefits
It improves the texture and application of products.
Pentylene GlycolNeutral
Pentylene Glycol is a humectant and solvent that helps to retain moisture in the skin. It enhances the texture and spreadability of formulations. It is generally well-tolerated and non-irritating.
Risks
There are minimal risks, though it may cause mild irritation in very sensitive skin.
Benefits
It helps to retain moisture and enhance formulation texture.
AluminaNeutral
Alumina is used as a thickening agent and absorbent in cosmetics. It helps to improve the texture and application of products. It does not have direct skin benefits.
Risks
There are no significant risks associated with alumina.
Benefits
It improves the texture and application of products.
Isostearic AcidNeutral
Isostearic Acid is used as an emulsifier and thickening agent. It helps to stabilize formulations and improve texture. It does not have direct skin benefits.
Risks
There are no significant risks associated with isostearic acid.
Benefits
It stabilizes formulations and improves texture.
Polyglyceryl-3 PolyricinoleateNeutral
Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate is an emulsifier used to blend oil and water components. It helps to improve the texture and stability of formulations. It does not have direct skin benefits.
Risks
There are no significant risks associated with this emulsifier.
Benefits
It improves the texture and stability of formulations.
Polyhydroxystearic AcidNeutral
Polyhydroxystearic Acid is used as a thickening and stabilizing agent in formulations. It helps to improve the texture and consistency of products. It does not have direct skin benefits.
Risks
There are no significant risks associated with polyhydroxystearic acid.
Benefits
It improves the texture and consistency of products.
Stearic AcidNeutral
Stearic Acid is a fatty acid used as an emulsifier and thickener. It helps to stabilize formulations and improve texture. It does not have direct skin benefits.
Risks
There are no significant risks associated with stearic acid.
Benefits
It stabilizes formulations and improves texture.
EthylhexylglycerinNeutral
Ethylhexylglycerin is used as a preservative and skin-conditioning agent. It enhances the efficacy of preservatives and provides mild moisturizing benefits. It is generally well-tolerated and non-irritating.
Risks
There are minimal risks, though it may cause mild irritation in very sensitive skin.
Benefits
It enhances preservative efficacy and provides mild moisturizing benefits.
Sorbitan IsostearateNeutral
Sorbitan Isostearate is an emulsifier used to blend oil and water components. It helps to improve the texture and stability of formulations. It does not have direct skin benefits.
Risks
There are no significant risks associated with sorbitan isostearate.
Benefits
It improves the texture and stability of formulations.
Sodium PolyaspartateNeutral
Sodium Polyaspartate is used as a humectant and conditioning agent. It helps to retain moisture in the skin and improve texture. It does not have direct skin benefits.
Risks
There are no significant risks associated with sodium polyaspartate.
Benefits
It helps to retain moisture and improve texture.
Dipteryx Odorata Bean ExtractNeutral
Dipteryx Odorata Bean Extract, also known as Tonka Bean Extract, is used for its fragrance and potential antioxidant properties. It provides a pleasant scent to formulations. It does not have significant direct skin benefits.
Risks
There are minimal risks, though it may cause mild irritation in very sensitive skin.
Benefits
It provides a pleasant scent and potential antioxidant properties.
CoumarinNeutral
Coumarin is a fragrance ingredient used to impart a sweet scent to products. It is commonly used in cosmetics for its aromatic properties. It does not have direct skin benefits.
Risks
There are minimal risks, though it may cause mild irritation in very sensitive skin.
Benefits
It provides a sweet scent to formulations.
Red 4Neutral
Red 4 is a synthetic dye used to impart color to cosmetic products. It is approved for use in cosmetics and provides vibrant color. It does not have direct skin benefits.
Risks
There are minimal risks, though it may cause mild irritation in very sensitive skin.
Benefits
It provides vibrant color to cosmetic products.
Titanium Dioxide/CI 77891Neutral
Titanium Dioxide is used as a pigment and UV filter in cosmetics. It provides opacity and sun protection in formulations. It is generally considered safe and effective.
Risks
There are minimal risks, though inhalation of fine particles may pose respiratory concerns.
Benefits
It provides opacity and sun protection in formulations.
PhenoxyethanolBad
Phenoxyethanol is a preservative used to prevent microbial growth in cosmetics. It is effective but can cause irritation and allergic reactions in some individuals. It is considered a potential skin irritant.
Risks
It can cause irritation and allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
It effectively prevents microbial growth in formulations.
LecithinBad
Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.
Risks
There are minimal risks, though it may cause mild irritation in very sensitive skin.
Benefits
It hydrates and restores the skin's barrier function.
Disodium EDTABad
Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.
Risks
There are minimal risks, though it may cause mild irritation in very sensitive skin.
Benefits
It improves the stability of formulations by binding metal ions.
Polysorbate 60Bad
Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.
Risks
There are no significant risks associated with polysorbate 60.
Benefits
It improves the texture and stability of formulations.
BHTBad
BHT is a synthetic antioxidant used to prevent product spoilage. It is effective but has been associated with potential health concerns, including skin irritation and endocrine disruption. It is considered a controversial ingredient in cosmetics.
Risks
It may cause skin irritation and has potential endocrine-disrupting effects.
Benefits
It prevents product spoilage by acting as an antioxidant.
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