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Medik8 Crystal Retinal 6 INCI Teardown: 0.06% Retinaldehyde pH Window & Layering Rules
Cyclodextrin-encapsulated 0.06% Retinaldehyde serum. Separate from Benzoyl Peroxide and direct low-pH acids.
Recommended Spacing: 5 Minutes
Do not apply in the AM; UV photons and oxidizing actives degrade retinoid efficacy. Wear SPF 50+ daily.
In the PM, Cyclodextrin-encapsulated Retinaldehyde at pH 5.9. Degraded by Benzoyl Peroxide and low-pH direct acids; pair with Ceramide NP and Squalane.
Benzoyl Peroxide cleaves into oxygen free radicals that oxidize delicate retinoid polyene chains on contact, neutralizing >80% of Tretinoin/Retinol potency within 2 hours.
Layering low-pH keratolytic acids (pH 3.0–3.8) with nuclear retinoids strips the stratum corneum barrier, accelerates acid-catalyzed retinoid degradation, and causes severe retinoid dermatitis.
Layering low-pH keratolytic acids (pH 3.0–3.8) with nuclear retinoids strips the stratum corneum barrier, accelerates acid-catalyzed retinoid degradation, and causes severe retinoid dermatitis.
+ View 3 additional secondary ingredient interaction(s)
Layering low-pH keratolytic acids (pH 3.0–3.8) with nuclear retinoids strips the stratum corneum barrier, accelerates acid-catalyzed retinoid degradation, and causes severe retinoid dermatitis.
Stacking multiple leave-on AHA/BHA exfoliants in one routine dissolves both hydrophilic surface corneodesmosomes and lipophilic sebaceous lipids, causing acute barrier burn.
Stacking multiple leave-on AHA/BHA exfoliants in one routine dissolves both hydrophilic surface corneodesmosomes and lipophilic sebaceous lipids, causing acute barrier burn.
- AM Prep: pH 5.5 Gentle Amino-Acid Cleanser or Water Rinse [pH 5.5 · Pat dry]
- AM Antibacterial (Split from PM Retinoid): Benzoyl Peroxide 2.5%–5.5% Treatment (Prevents PM Retinoid Oxidation) [pH 5.0 · ⏱ Let dry 5 min]
- AM Barrier + Photoprotection: Physiological Ceramide Moisturizer + Broad-Spectrum SPF 50+ PA++++ [pH 5.8 · Mandatory final step]
Save Your Personalized AM/PM Glow Ritual & 9:16 Vanity Card
Includes your printable 4-Night Skin-Cycling calendar, Henderson-Hasselbalch free-acid table, and Apple-Wallet lockscreen guide.
Esthetician & Cosmetic Chemist FAQ
What is the formulation pH and full INCI profile of Medik8 Crystal Retinal 6 (0.06% Encapsulated Retinaldehyde)?
Medik8 Crystal Retinal 6 (0.06% Encapsulated Retinaldehyde) is formulated at pH 5.9 ($85). Full INCI: Aqua (Water), Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glycerin, Isododecane, Cetearyl Olivate, Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Retinal, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tocopherol, Squalane.
Which skincare actives conflict with Medik8 Crystal Retinal 6 (0.06% Encapsulated Retinaldehyde)?
Cyclodextrin-encapsulated Retinaldehyde at pH 5.9. Degraded by Benzoyl Peroxide and low-pH direct acids; pair with Ceramide NP and Squalane.
Is Medik8 Crystal Retinal 6 (0.06% Encapsulated Retinaldehyde) comedogenic or fungal-acne (Malassezia) safe?
Run the pre-loaded INCI analyzer above to inspect positional comedogenicity (0–5) and C12–C24 Malassezia lipid ester triggers for every ingredient in Crystal Retinal 6 (0.06% Encapsulated Retinaldehyde).