Head to head
Medik8 Crystal Retinal 6 vs The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion
Same comparison whichever way you searched it: The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion vs Medik8 Crystal Retinal 6.
The bottom lineMedik8 Crystal Retinal 6 and The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion are close on what they deliver, so it comes down to your skin: The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion is the kinder pick for sensitive or reactive skin since it is fragrance-free.
Which should you pick?
Pick Crystal Retinal 6 if
- dark spots, dullness or an uneven tone are your focus
Pick Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion if
- your skin is sensitive or reacts to fragrance
- you want the more affordable option
What each delivers
Side by side
| Crystal Retinal 6 | Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Serum | Serum |
| Key actives | Glycerin, Retinal, Squalane | Glycerin, Retinol, Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate 2% |
| Texture | A rich, cushiony cream that sinks in slowly. | A light, fast-absorbing texture that layers cleanly under the rest of your routine, with no greasy film. |
| Fragrance | Contains fragrance | None detected |
| Fungal-acne safe | Not likely | Not likely |
| Pregnancy | One caution | One caution |
| Ingredients | 47 listed | 33 listed |
| Price | ~€86 | ~€13 |
What's in one but not the other
Only in Crystal Retinal 6
Both share
Only in Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion
The molecule doing the work
Better for…
- Dark spots & uneven toneCrystal Retinal 6
- Fine lines & firmnessEither works
- Dryness & dehydrationEither works
- Sensitive, reactive skinGranactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion
The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion is the cheaper of the two (~€13 vs ~€86).
Ready to pick one?
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Common questions
Is Medik8 Crystal Retinal 6 or The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion better for dark spots & uneven tone?
For dark spots & uneven tone, Medik8 Crystal Retinal 6 is the stronger pick by our read of the two formulas. Medik8 Crystal Retinal 6 and The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion are close on what they deliver, so it comes down to your skin: The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion is the kinder pick for sensitive or reactive skin since it is fragrance-free.
Which is cheaper, Medik8 Crystal Retinal 6 or The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion?
The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion is the cheaper of the two (~€13 vs ~€86).
Can I use Medik8 Crystal Retinal 6 and The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion 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 24 comparisons
- 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 CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum
- 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 5% in Squalane
- Crystal Retinal 6 vs Geek & Gorgeous A-Game 10
- Crystal Retinal 6 vs Celimax The Vita A Retinal Shot Tightening Booster
- Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion vs The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
- Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion vs The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (Original Formulation)
- Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion vs The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (with Ceramides)
- Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion vs CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum
- Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion vs The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%
- Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion vs La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Suractivated Serum
- Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion vs Eucerin Anti-Pigment Dual Serum
- Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion vs The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG Eye Serum
- Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion vs The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + HA Serum
- Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion vs Celimax The Vita A Retinal Shot Tightening Booster