Head to head
Crystal Retinal 6 vs C E Ferulic with 15% L-Ascorbic Acid
Medik8 Crystal Retinal 6 edges out SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic with 15% L-Ascorbic Acid, 7.9 to 7.7. It wins on texture and feel and value, while the C E Ferulic with 15% L-Ascorbic Acid is stronger on results and formula.
Benefit fingerprints
What each one does.
Medik8 Crystal Retinal 6
SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic with 15% L-Ascorbic Acid
Side by side
Every detail, compared.
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- Fine lines
- Firming
- Smoothing
- Dark spots
- Antioxidant
- Brightening
- Fine lines
- Firming
- • Retinol users ready to move up to retinaldehyde
- • Fine lines and uneven texture in normal to dry skin
- • People who prefer a slow, stepwise retinoid routine
- • Daily antioxidant protection under sunscreen
- • Dullness and early signs of aging
- • Buyers who want the original, clinically studied formula
- 0.06% retinaldehyde, a step up from Crystal Retinal 3 for regular vitamin A users
- Part of a six-strength ladder, so users can build tolerance gradually
- Airless pump tube with a stability system meant to protect the retinal
- Well-studied 15% L-ascorbic acid, 1% vitamin E and 0.5% ferulic acid combination
- New formula adds 0.3% carnosine and 1% Endophytol for extra antioxidant support
- Fragrance-free, paraben-free and dye-free
- $87 for 30 mL is expensive for a retinoid serum
- Contains vanilla and tonka extracts and coumarin, despite 'no artificial fragrance' marketing
- $185 for 30 mL is a luxury price for a daily serum
- L-ascorbic acid oxidizes and darkens; the brand advises using within 3-6 months of opening
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Affiliate links — we may earn a commission. How we make money
FAQ
Quick answers.
Which is better, Crystal Retinal 6 or C E Ferulic with 15% L-Ascorbic Acid?
Medik8 Crystal Retinal 6 edges out SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic with 15% L-Ascorbic Acid, 7.9 to 7.7. It wins on texture and feel and value, while the C E Ferulic with 15% L-Ascorbic Acid is stronger on results and formula.
Which is better value?
Medik8 Crystal Retinal 6 works out to about $85.76 / oz and SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic with 15% L-Ascorbic Acid to about $182.37 / oz, based on typical non-Amazon retail prices when we last checked.
How do you score them?
Both are scored on the same five-factor rubric (results, formula & ingredients, texture & experience, value, community love), using the formula or specs, verified creator reviews, community consensus and value. Brands can’t pay for placement.