There are retinoids, and then there’s Medik8 r-Retinoate Intense – a product that bills itself as the jewel in the crown of the Medik8 Vitamin A range. Others have loudly proclaimed that it is one of the finest on the market, and so I was thrilled when I found this as a gift under the Christmas tree last year.
What is it?
An all-encompassing anti-ageing serum harnessing the power of Retinyl Retinoate and Retinaldehyde.
What Do I Think?
Medik8 has expertly combined retinyl retinoate, which works 8x faster than retinol, with crystal-stabilised retinaldehyde, which works 11x faster than retinol. Adding to this already star-studded cast are a few supporting acts like Peptides, Ceramides and Hyaluronic Acid for the ultimate serum-cream targeting all the signs of ageing we hate. Thanks to the impressive moisturising formula, this could easily become your one-and-done evening skincare product.
You shouldn’t get the dreaded retinol uglies here – it’s been formulated to be as gentle as possible. Gone are the days of flaking and redness. This is a retinoid for the modern, busy woman or man who doesn’t have time to hide away during the retinol adjustment period.
The cream-serum texture apricot-toned with a Madagascan vanilla and citrus fragrance making it feel luxurious and pleasant to apply. I find the apricot colour of the cream flattering against my skin, giving it an even appearance immediately.
Results-wise, Medik8 r-Retinoate delivers. After a month’s use every other night, my skin looked visibly brighter and more even-toned, with a noticeable softening of fine lines. However, it should be noted I haven’t found there’s much of a difference between using this and some other Retinal serums I’ve been trying over the past couple of years (including some of the Crystal Retinal products from the same brand).
It should be noted that even Medik8 themselves admit this isn’t their strongest Retinaldehyde product. It’s been created and marketed as a multi-tasking product that tackles many skin concerns, the idea being this is the only product you need for your nighttime routine. I think given the price tag people are often mistaken for this being the strongest, and thus the best, but this may not necessarily be the case, depending on what kind of product you are looking for.
This doesn’t come cheap – it costs £229 for 50ml. It’s undoubtedly an investment and won’t suit all pockets. For those who find it too steep, believe me there are more affordable options out there that will get you the same results.
Would I recommend?
I’d say this is for you if you can afford it and if you want a one-stop all-encompassing night cream. The price alone puts me off repurchasing and I’m not sure the results warranted the price for me personally.
Brands Product Description
Setting new standards for age-defying excellence, r-Retinoate Intense is the jewel in the Medik8 Vitamin A crown. Proven to deliver noticeably firmer, smoother, brighter-looking skin, with dramatic wrinkle and dark spot reduction in as little as 4 weeks. Also proven to be 8x stronger and 11x faster than classic retinol, this innovative vitamin A formula is powered by a revolutionary blend of retinal and encapsulated retinyl retinoate (exclusive to Medik8). Combining 5 of Medik8’s most advanced age-defying technologies in 1 extraordinary nighttime cream, r-Retinoate Intense delivers everything your skin needs for astonishing youth-renewing results in one simple but luxurious step.
Key Ingredients
- Encapsulated Retinyl Retinoate – 8x more powerful than retinol. Helps tackle signs of ageing such as fine lines and wrinkles and uneven skin tone.
- Encapsulated Retinal – Targets fine lines, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation and uneven skin texture.
- Drone-Targeted Peptide – A copper peptide encapsulated in a polymer shell. It helps support collagen-production for a more youthful-looking skin.
- Ceramide Complex – Mimics the skins natural lipid barrier to restore and nourish the skin.
- Hyaluronic Acid – Draws in moisture to the upper layers of the skin, thus hydrating it.
How I Use It
I’d apply this after cleansing in the evening, and then wait 20 mins before applying a moisturiser. It’s quite moisturising on it’s own, so you could get away without using moisturiser if you wanted to.
Would I Repurchase/Buy?
Probably not. I got this as a gift for Christmas and if I received it as a gift again, I’d be thrilled, but I don’t think I’d spend my own money on it. I’d put my own money towards more affordable serums.
How Much?
£229 for 50ml. It’s not cheap, but if it’s your one-and-done serum/moisturiser, you might find it more appealing.
