Medik8 Crystal Retinal 10 Night Serum 30ml/1.0 oz single

Common questions

Is Medik8 Crystal Retinal 10 Night Serum 30ml/1.0 oz single healthy?

Medik8 Crystal Retinal 10 Night Serum 30ml/1.0 oz single scores 75/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — a fair-to-good score — solid, with tradeoffs. This serum contains beneficial ingredients like squalane, glycerin, and various forms of Vitamin C, which provide hydration and antioxidant protection.

Which ingredients drive Medik8 Crystal Retinal 10 Night Serum 30ml/1.0 oz single's score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glycerin, Cetearyl Olivate count in its favor; Phenoxyethanol, Lecithin, Disodium EDTA are flagged as ingredients of concern. The full breakdown, with why each one matters, is in the Key ingredients section on this page.

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Medik8 Crystal Retinal 10 Night Serum 30ml/1.0 oz single

Medik8
75 Good

Analysis updated August 2026 · How Scout scores

$111.00 · 1 fl oz
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At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 15
Harmful ingredients 5
Owned by L'Oréal
Category Serum
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

Squalane
Very 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.

See more about Squalane →
Rubus Chamaemorus Seed Oil
Very 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 Acid
Very 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.

See more about 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid →
Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Seed Oil
Very 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.

See more about Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Seed Oil →
Retinal
Very 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 Ascorbate
Very 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.

See more about Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate →
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Good

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.

See more about Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride →
Glycerin
Good

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.

See more about Glycerin →
Cetearyl Olivate
Good

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.

See more about Cetearyl Olivate →
Sorbitan Olivate
Good

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.

See more about Sorbitan Olivate →
Tocopheryl Acetate
Good

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.

See more about Tocopheryl Acetate →
Sodium Hyaluronate
Good

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.

See more about Sodium Hyaluronate →
Lonicera Japonica (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract
Good

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 Extract
Good

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 Extract
Good

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.

See more about Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract →
Water
Neutral

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.

See more about Water →
Isododecane
Neutral

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.

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Cyclodextrin
Neutral

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.

See more about Cyclodextrin →
Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Neutral

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 Alcohol
Neutral

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.

See more about Cetearyl Alcohol →
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Neutral

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.

See more about Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer →
Hydroxyacetophenone
Neutral

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.

See more about Hydroxyacetophenone →
Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose
Neutral

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.

See more about Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose →
Pentylene Glycol
Neutral

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.

See more about Pentylene Glycol →
Alumina
Neutral

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.

See more about Alumina →
Isostearic Acid
Neutral

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.

See more about Isostearic Acid →
Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate
Neutral

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.

See more about Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate →
Polyhydroxystearic Acid
Neutral

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.

See more about Polyhydroxystearic Acid →
Stearic Acid
Neutral

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.

See more about Stearic Acid →
Ethylhexylglycerin
Neutral

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.

See more about Ethylhexylglycerin →
Sorbitan Isostearate
Neutral

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.

See more about Sorbitan Isostearate →
Sodium Polyaspartate
Neutral

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 Extract
Neutral

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.

Coumarin
Neutral

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.

See more about Coumarin →
Red 4
Neutral

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 77891
Neutral

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.

See more about Titanium Dioxide/CI 77891 →
Phenoxyethanol
Bad

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.

See more about Phenoxyethanol →
Lecithin
Bad

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.

See more about Lecithin →
Disodium EDTA
Bad

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.

See more about Disodium EDTA →
Polysorbate 60
Bad

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.

See more about Polysorbate 60 →
BHT
Bad

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.

See more about BHT →

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