Skip to content

Head to head

Crystal Retinal 6 vs 20% Vitamin C + E Ferulic Acid Serum

Timeless Skin Care 20% Vitamin C + E Ferulic Acid Serum edges out Medik8 Crystal Retinal 6, 8.1 to 7.9. It wins on value, while the Crystal Retinal 6 is stronger on results and formula.

Benefit fingerprints

What each one does.

Medik8 Crystal Retinal 6

HydrateClarifyRenewGlowCalm & ProtectHair & ScalpFinish & WearScentMoistureBarrierBreakoutsOil & PoresCleanseLines & FirmnessTextureEye AreaEven ToneRadianceSensitiveProtectRepairShape & ShineScalpFinishWearCoverageLashes & BrowsFloralGourmandFreshWoody & AmberHydratingPlumpingLong-lasting moistureBarrier repairDryness reliefFlaking reliefAcneBlackheadsClogged poresOil controlPore refiningShine controlMakeup removalDouble cleansingFine linesFirmingCrepinessSmoothingResurfacingBumps & KPDark circlesPuffinessDark spotsHyperpigmentationAcne marksBrighteningDullnessGlass skinSoothingRednessIrritation-freeUV protectionNo white castAntioxidantOdor controlDamage repairSplit endsHeat protectionCurl definitionFrizz controlVolumeShineScalp careHair growth supportDandruffColor protectionMatteDewySatinNaturalLong-wearTransfer-proofWaterproofBuildableSheer coverageMedium coverageFull coverageBlurringLash lengthLash volumeCurl holdBrow definitionFloralWhite floralRoseVanillaGourmandCaramelCitrusFresh & cleanAquaticGreenWoodyAmberMuskySpicyHydrateClarifyRenewGlowHair & ScalpFinish & WearScent

Timeless Skin Care 20% Vitamin C + E Ferulic Acid Serum

HydrateClarifyRenewGlowCalm & ProtectHair & ScalpFinish & WearScentMoistureBarrierBreakoutsOil & PoresCleanseLines & FirmnessTextureEye AreaEven ToneRadianceSensitiveProtectRepairShape & ShineScalpFinishWearCoverageLashes & BrowsFloralGourmandFreshWoody & AmberHydratingPlumpingLong-lasting moistureBarrier repairDryness reliefFlaking reliefAcneBlackheadsClogged poresOil controlPore refiningShine controlMakeup removalDouble cleansingFine linesFirmingCrepinessSmoothingResurfacingBumps & KPDark circlesPuffinessDark spotsHyperpigmentationAcne marksBrighteningDullnessGlass skinSoothingRednessIrritation-freeUV protectionNo white castAntioxidantOdor controlDamage repairSplit endsHeat protectionCurl definitionFrizz controlVolumeShineScalp careHair growth supportDandruffColor protectionMatteDewySatinNaturalLong-wearTransfer-proofWaterproofBuildableSheer coverageMedium coverageFull coverageBlurringLash lengthLash volumeCurl holdBrow definitionFloralWhite floralRoseVanillaGourmandCaramelCitrusFresh & cleanAquaticGreenWoodyAmberMuskySpicyHydrateClarifyRenewGlowHair & ScalpFinish & WearScent

Side by side

Every detail, compared.

We may earn a commission when you buy through links on this page. It never affects our scores or what we recommend. How we make money

Beauty score
7.9Good
8.1Great
Results30% of score
8.3
8.0
Formula & ingredients20% of score
8.6
8.2
Texture & experience15% of score
8.1
6.8
Value20% of score
6.2
9.0
Community love15% of score
8.3
8.2
Community
No ratings yet
No ratings yet
PriceTypical, checked by our editors
$87.00/ 1 fl oz / 30 mlPrestige
$27.95/ 1 fl oz / 30 mlMid-range
Price per ounceLowest wins
$85.76 / oz
$27.55 / oz
What it does
  • Fine lines
  • Firming
  • Smoothing
  • Dark spots
  • Antioxidant
  • Brightening
  • Dullness
  • Hyperpigmentation
Made for
Normal skin, Combination skin, Dry skin, Mature skin
Normal skin, Oily skin, Combination skin, Dry skin
Format
Serum
Serum
Texture
Lightweight cream-serum dispensed by pump (2 pumps per use, about 100 uses per tube, per Medik8)
Water-like, fast-absorbing serum in a glass pump bottle, per Timeless
Fragrance-free
No — contains fragrance
Yes
Claims
Vegan
Vegan, Cruelty-free (brand-stated), Paraben-free, Sulfate-free, Fragrance-free
Brand origin
🇬🇧 British beauty
🇺🇸 American beauty
Video reviews
Best for
  • • 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
  • • Budget buyers who want a pure vitamin C serum
  • • Dullness and uneven tone in non-sensitive skin
  • • People curious about a C E Ferulic alternative
Strengths
  • 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
  • 20% L-ascorbic acid with vitamin E and ferulic acid at $27.95 for 1 oz
  • Fragrance-free, vegan and cruelty-free
  • Now packaged in glass bottles, per Timeless
Watch-outs
  • $87 for 30 mL is expensive for a retinoid serum
  • Contains vanilla and tonka extracts and coumarin, despite 'no artificial fragrance' marketing
  • Oxidizes and darkens; Timeless advises using it within 3-6 months and refrigerating it
  • High 20% strength; some users report burning, and Timeless advises stopping if irritation occurs
Where to buy

Affiliate links — we may earn a commission. How we make money

FAQ

Quick answers.

Which is better, Crystal Retinal 6 or 20% Vitamin C + E Ferulic Acid Serum?

Timeless Skin Care 20% Vitamin C + E Ferulic Acid Serum edges out Medik8 Crystal Retinal 6, 8.1 to 7.9. It wins on value, while the Crystal Retinal 6 is stronger on results and formula.

Which is better value?

Medik8 Crystal Retinal 6 works out to about $85.76 / oz and Timeless Skin Care 20% Vitamin C + E Ferulic Acid Serum to about $27.55 / 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.