Head to head
CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum vs Medik8 Crystal Retinal 6
Same comparison whichever way you searched it: Medik8 Crystal Retinal 6 vs CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum.
The bottom lineCeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum and Medik8 Crystal Retinal 6 are close on what they deliver, so it comes down to your skin: CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum is the kinder pick for sensitive or reactive skin since it is fragrance-free.
Which should you pick?
Pick Resurfacing Retinol 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
- plump, lasting hydration is what you want
What each delivers
Side by side
| Resurfacing Retinol Serum | Crystal Retinal 6 | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Serum | Serum |
| Key actives | Niacinamide, Ceramide 3, Retinol | Glycerin, Retinal, Squalane |
| Texture | A 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. |
| Fragrance | None detected | Contains fragrance |
| Fungal-acne safe | Not likely | Not likely |
| Pregnancy | One caution | One caution |
| Ingredients | 33 listed | 47 listed |
| Price | ~€16 | ~€86 |
What's in one but not the other
Only in Resurfacing Retinol Serum
Both share
Only in Crystal Retinal 6
The molecule doing the work
Better for…
- Dark spots & uneven toneEither works
- Fine lines & firmnessEither works
- Breakouts & congestionResurfacing Retinol Serum
- Dryness & dehydrationCrystal Retinal 6
- Sensitive, reactive skinResurfacing Retinol Serum
CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum is the cheaper of the two (~€16 vs ~€86).
Ready to pick one?
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Common questions
Is CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum or Medik8 Crystal Retinal 6 better for breakouts & congestion?
For breakouts & congestion, CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum is the stronger pick by our read of the two formulas. CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum and Medik8 Crystal Retinal 6 are close on what they deliver, so it comes down to your skin: CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum is the kinder pick for sensitive or reactive skin since it is fragrance-free.
Which is cheaper, CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum or Medik8 Crystal Retinal 6?
CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum is the cheaper of the two (~€16 vs ~€86).
Can I use CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol 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…
All 28 comparisons
- Resurfacing Retinol Serum vs The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
- Resurfacing Retinol Serum vs The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (Original Formulation)
- Resurfacing Retinol Serum vs The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (with Ceramides)
- Resurfacing Retinol Serum vs The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2%
- Resurfacing Retinol Serum vs The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane
- Resurfacing Retinol Serum vs The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%
- Resurfacing Retinol Serum vs La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Suractivated Serum
- Resurfacing Retinol Serum vs Eucerin Anti-Pigment Dual Serum
- Resurfacing Retinol Serum vs The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG Eye Serum
- Resurfacing Retinol Serum vs The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + HA Serum
- Resurfacing Retinol Serum vs The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion
- Resurfacing Retinol Serum vs The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 5% in Squalane
- Resurfacing Retinol Serum vs Geek & Gorgeous A-Game 10
- Resurfacing Retinol Serum vs Celimax The Vita A Retinal Shot Tightening Booster
- Crystal Retinal 6 vs The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
- Crystal Retinal 6 vs The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (Original Formulation)
- Crystal Retinal 6 vs The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (with Ceramides)
- Crystal Retinal 6 vs The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2%
- Crystal Retinal 6 vs The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane
- Crystal Retinal 6 vs The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%
- Crystal Retinal 6 vs La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Suractivated Serum
- Crystal Retinal 6 vs Eucerin Anti-Pigment Dual Serum
- Crystal Retinal 6 vs The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG Eye Serum
- Crystal Retinal 6 vs The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + HA Serum
- Crystal Retinal 6 vs The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion
- Crystal Retinal 6 vs The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 5% in Squalane
- Crystal Retinal 6 vs Geek & Gorgeous A-Game 10
- Crystal Retinal 6 vs Celimax The Vita A Retinal Shot Tightening Booster