PRODUCT REVIEW: MEDIK8 CRYSTAL RETINAL 6, SUPER C30+ INTENSE AND BALANCE MOISTURISER WITH GLYCOLIC ACID ACTIVATOR

I’m sure you recall me raving about the cosmeceutical skincare brand Medik8 - and with good reason, as their products are seriously incredible, and so efficient. I’ve put a selection of their newest launches to the test, including the Balance Moisturiser & Glycolic Acid Activator, Crystal Retinal 6 and Super C30+ Intense*.

• Let’s start with the Medik8 Balance Moisturiser & Glycolic Acid Activator. I have previously talked about the moisturiser (which used to be known as betaMoisturise - you can read my feature here!), and, now it has been updated, with not just a new name, but it also comes with a Glycolic Acid Activator, to fight blemishes. 

• I’ve long used the light moisturiser as it is perfect for using under my makeup during the day, keeping my skin moisturised, and nourished, and matte too, also helping to keep my makeup stay put. It can be used both morning and evening (it doesn’t contain any SPF), but personally I prefer to use just during the day, and use a richer night cream int he evening, except for perhaps on the hottest nights during summer when my skin tends to become a tad greasier. 

• The moisturiser contains pre and probiotics to help balance the bacteria that lives on the skin, while feeding the good bacteria. It also helps decrease the oil production thanks to the cinnamon extract, and thereby reduces the occurrence of blemishes. 

• When the skin is in need of a little extra, you can use the Glycolic Acid Activator, 2-3 times during the week at night, after cleansing but prior to the moisturiser. The glycolic bottle is quite small with just 5ml, but you only need to apply 4-6 drops so it’ll still last you a while. You apply it to the face, next and décolleté, and let it dry before applying moisturiser. The Glycolic Acid Activator contains 10% glycolic acid, which helps to give the skin a gentle exfoliation by loosening up the dead skin cells, and thereby helping to clear and unclog the pores, and the following moisturiser absorb better into the skin. 

• Due to the high level of glycolic acid, it can tingle a little on the skin when first applied, but it doesn’t last long and is so worth it! After each use, I wake to skin that is even softer and smoother and clearly clearer too. I can clearly see how this is helping reduce the my hormonal breakouts, along with those deeper lying spots that can otherwise take forever to clear up. 

• The BetaMoisturise was my favourite moisturiser, and now with the addition of the Glycolic Acid Activator its even better. A must have if you have oily skin or like me struggle with breakouts. 

• Next up is the Medik8 Crystal Retinal 6, which has 0.06% stabilized retinaldehyde, and is an overnight serum that promises results comparable to clinical-grade vitamin A up to 11x faster than classic forms of retinol. Unlike retinol, which must first be converted to retinaldehyde and then to retinoic acid (vitamin A’s active form) within the skin, Crystal Retinal requires just one conversion to retinoic acid, which is what helps it be so efficient. 

• The serum promises to help resurface the skin while rebuilding collagen for a more youthful, radiant complexion, with fine lines and wrinkles visibly reduced, skin texture smoother and the overall tone more luminous and clear. 

• In addition to the Retinaldehyde, the serum also contains Hyaluronic Acid to help provide intense hydration, Vitamin E to help targets free radicals to reduce the rate of premature ageing, and boost the moisture, along with Glycerin to leave the skin hydrated. 

• I’ve been using quite strong retinoid creams (including dermatologist scripted ones) for some time, given to me to help reduce the appearance predominantly increasing pigmentation from pregnancies, along with scarring from past acne and occurring hormonal breakouts. And while I do love the results they give me, there is no denying that they can be a bit drying on the skin, so was quite excited trying out the new one from Medik8 which also promises to be gentle and suitable on even sensitive skin thanks to the microencapsulation technology that releases retinaldehyde into the skin slowly over a period time as opposed to immediately - which also means that, once the skin is used to it, it can be used daily as opposed to every few days, at greater benefit to the skin. 

• The serum is to be used only at night, (as it can make the skin even more sensitive to the sun, so also make sure to use SPF during the day when using!). It is used prior to moisturiser and you need get the skin used to it, by gradually building up the tolerance until you can use it daily - but again, as my skin is used to the retinoids, I did start using it daily immediately, and without any problems or skin irritations. 

• And I have to say that I am impressed. No, it is not quite as strong as the scripted one I’ve been using, but I am continuing to see great results from it, and no doubt also as I am able to use it daily, (and hence why I have plans of moving up the the higher strength version, the Crystal Retinal 10 version that has 0.1% stabilised retinaldehyde, once I’m finished with the bottle). 

• Each morning, my skin is so soft and smooth, and while I often wake with greasy skin in the morning, when using this, my skin isn’t (but again, without drying out my skin, which other retinol products can!). I have also noticed that I generally have been experiencing less breakouts, which goes to show the tit really does help balance oil production and clear the bacteria that causes breakouts. My skin is also generally looking more even with a few larger clusters of pigmentation clearly fading, and therefore my skin appearing brighter and more glowing. And no, lines and wrinkles take years to form, so they sadly haven’t vanished overnight, but I do feel that I see some reduction in my fine lines and wrinkles, and someone recently didn’t believe me when I told them my age, which is a good sign too. This is seriously is an incredible serum, and I really love what it is doing for my skin, both from an anti-ageing point of view, but also in regards to keeping my skin clear from breakouts. 

• Finally, there’s the Medik8 Super C30+ Intense, which is a serum intended for day time use, after cleaning and prior to moisturiser. The serum contains 30% ethylated ascorbic acid (vitamin C) - vitamin C is usually very unstable, often changing colour after just a few weeks after being opened, which is an indication of lost potency, however this ethylated ascorbic acid lab-optimised version of pure vitamin C, produces the same superior antioxidant protection as conventional vitamin C serums but without the stability issues. The serum also contains ferulic acid, and combined they provide antioxidant protection from harmful free radicals, stimulate collagen production, help combat fine lines and wrinkles, and simply make the skin look more youthful and radiant. In addition, it also contains Turmeric extract to promote a brighter and more even skin tone by helping to block the creation of pigment in the skin, for a more luminous skin.

• The serum takes a few months to absorb into the skin. And while it is rich, it doesn’t leave my skin feeling greasy, and I can quickly apply my moisturiser (Balance Moisturiser) on top, followed by my makeup. When I remove my makeup at night, my skin feels soft and smooth, and clearly the added Vitamin E also helps add moisture to my skin. 

• I’ve been using the serum in the mornings for about a month, and I absolutely love it thanks to the results I am seeing. My skin is simply looking more and more even as the days go by, and it is also more glowing and radiant, and consequently I also feel that it is looking younger too. 

• Overall, Medik8 hasn’t failed to impress me with these products. Each of the product is incredible in its own right, and combined with makes for an amazing combination covering both morning and night routine, and day by day transforming my skin for the better. 

Balance Moisturiser & Glycolic Acid Activator - RRP: $98 / 50ml + 5ml \
Crystal Retinal 6 - RRP: $108 / 30ml
Super C30+ Intense - RRP: $140 / 30ml


Available from Medik8, RY and Advanced Cosmeceuticals or call on 1800 242 011 for further stockists


Some products may have been kindly provided for editorial consideration, and have been reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy, and reviews are 100% honest and based on personal opinion and experience. Note that The Beauty & Lifestyle Hunter is not a professional or expert, so please do not substitute these opinions as professional advice.

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