Head to head

Beauty of Joseon Glow Deep Serum vs Medik8 Crystal Retinal 6

Same comparison whichever way you searched it: Medik8 Crystal Retinal 6 vs Beauty of Joseon Glow Deep Serum.

The bottom line

Beauty of Joseon Glow Deep Serum and Medik8 Crystal Retinal 6 are close on what they deliver, so it comes down to your skin: Beauty of Joseon Glow Deep Serum is the kinder pick for sensitive or reactive skin since it is fragrance-free.

Beauty of Joseon Glow Deep Serum keeps clear of pregnancy-flagged actives, while Medik8 Crystal Retinal 6 carries one that is best paused in pregnancy.

Beauty of JoseonGlow Deep SerumSerum · ~€15See every ingredient in Glow Deep Serum, decoded
Medik8Crystal Retinal 6Serum · ~€86See every ingredient in Crystal Retinal 6, decoded

Which should you pick?

Pick Glow Deep Serum if

  • you are dealing with breakouts and oiliness
  • your barrier feels stressed and needs the support
  • your skin is sensitive or reacts to fragrance

Pick Crystal Retinal 6 if

  • fine lines and firmness are the goal
  • you want more actives working at once

What each delivers

HydrationBarrierBrighteningOil-controlAnti-aging
Glow Deep SerumCrystal Retinal 6
  • Hydration
    1010
  • Barrier repair
    97
  • Brightening / tone
    98
  • Oil-control & blemishes
    84
  • Anti-aging
    69

Side by side

Glow Deep SerumCrystal Retinal 6
TypeSerumSerum
Key activesGlycerin, Niacinamide, Alpha ArbutinGlycerin, Retinal, Squalane
TextureA light, fast-absorbing texture that layers cleanly under the rest of your routine, with no greasy film.A rich, cushiony cream that sinks in slowly.
FragranceNone detectedContains fragrance
Fungal-acne safeNot likelyNot likely
PregnancyNo flagged activesOne caution
Ingredients32 listed47 listed
Price~€15~€86

What's in one but not the other

The molecule doing the work

Glow Deep SerumGlycerin
Crystal Retinal 6Glycerin

Better for…

  • Dark spots & uneven toneEither works
  • Fine lines & firmnessCrystal Retinal 6
  • Breakouts & congestionGlow Deep Serum
  • Dryness & dehydrationEither works
  • Sensitive, reactive skinGlow Deep Serum

Beauty of Joseon Glow Deep Serum is the cheaper of the two (~€15 vs ~€86).

Ready to pick one?

Affiliate links, so a purchase sends us a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, Glow Simplified earns from qualifying purchases. We make and sell nothing here, so the verdict above never bends toward a sale.

Common questions

Is Beauty of Joseon Glow Deep Serum or Medik8 Crystal Retinal 6 better for fine lines & firmness?

For fine lines & firmness, Medik8 Crystal Retinal 6 is the stronger pick by our read of the two formulas. Beauty of Joseon Glow Deep Serum and Medik8 Crystal Retinal 6 are close on what they deliver, so it comes down to your skin: Beauty of Joseon Glow Deep Serum is the kinder pick for sensitive or reactive skin since it is fragrance-free. Beauty of Joseon Glow Deep Serum keeps clear of pregnancy-flagged actives, while Medik8 Crystal Retinal 6 carries one that is best paused in pregnancy.

Which is cheaper, Beauty of Joseon Glow Deep Serum or Medik8 Crystal Retinal 6?

Beauty of Joseon Glow Deep Serum is the cheaper of the two (~€15 vs ~€86).

Can I use Beauty of Joseon Glow Deep Serum and Medik8 Crystal Retinal 6 together?

They are both serums, so you would normally pick one rather than layer both in the same step. You can keep both and alternate them (morning and night, or on different days) if you like variety, but you do not need two.

Compare it with…

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