Day 4 my jaw dropped — literally. A flake the size of a sesame seed landed on my coffee cup.
I’ve used retinol for years. This is not retinol. This is retinal ester, and it does not mess around. Medik8 calls it a “retinal booster” — I call it a polite slap in the face for my pores.
It’s $89 for 30ml. The claim: faster results than retinol, less irritation than pure retinal. I bought it because I’m impatient but also a coward.
r-Retinoate Ester
Converts in one step vs. retinol’s two. Means you see results in weeks, not months.
Triple-Action Peptide Complex
Not just smoothing — actually plumps the dermis. Felt it under my eyes by week 2.
Time-Release Capsules
Delivers the active over 8 hours. This is why you don’t peel like a snake by day 3.
Photo: Content Pixie / Unsplash
Don’t let the “retinal” scare you — it’s buffered with calming stuff. The base is actually hydrating, which is rare for high-potency retinoids.
- r-Retinoate (1%): Directly signals collagen without the angry redness
- Vitamin F (Linoleic Acid): Repairs barrier overnight — noticed less tightness by day 5
- Ceramide NP: Locks in moisture so you can use it 3x a week without peeling
- Bisabolol: Chamomile-derived, takes the sting out of the purge
Photo: Viktoriia Muzyka / Unsplash
Texture is a silky gel-cream. Absorbs in 10 seconds — no tacky film. First application: zero sting. Thought I got scammed.
Week 2: purge arrived. Three tiny whiteheads on my cheek. Week 3: gone. Week 4: my forehead lines looked like someone ironed them. Unexpected: it made my sunscreen sit better. Something about the finish — velvety, not greasy.
Photo: Kaeme / Unsplash
Pores around my nose? Smaller. That weird forehead crease I got from squinting? Faded about 40%. Texture on my chin — actually smooth. Dark spots: lighter, not gone. That’s honest.
Photo: simon / Unsplash
If you want retinal results without the meltdown, this is it. I’m buying a backup before they reformulate.