r-Retinoate Range

Medik8's r-Retinoate combines encapsulated retinol with retinyl retinoate — a next-generation vitamin A derivative that's both potent and remarkably gentle. Available as a day & night moisturiser and an intense treatment for advanced anti-ageing needs.

Premium retinoid technology for those who want results without compromise.

r-Retinoate Range

Medik8 r-Retinoate — The Most Advanced Retinoid in the Range

r-Retinoate represents the pinnacle of Medik8's retinoid technology. Unlike the Crystal Retinal range which uses retinaldehyde, r-Retinoate delivers encapsulated retinyl retinoate — a next-generation ester that provides retinoid activity without the irritation typically associated with high-strength vitamin A. It's the only product in the Medik8 range that combines two forms of vitamin A in a single formula, targeting both the surface and deeper layers of the skin simultaneously.

With a significantly higher price point than Crystal Retinal, r-Retinoate is positioned for patients who want maximum anti-ageing efficacy with minimal downtime — or those whose skin simply cannot tolerate traditional retinoids. Available as a day-and-night cream or a more concentrated intensive treatment, both deliver visible improvements in fine lines, firmness, and skin clarity.

Premium Anti-Ageing Protocol

r-Retinoate + Vitamin C + SPF — The Complete System

Pair your r-Retinoate with a expert-selected vitamin C serum and broad-spectrum SPF for the most comprehensive anti-ageing routine available without prescription. Book a free written skin assessment and we'll build your personalised protocol — with 10% off your entire order when purchasing the full system.

Book Free Skin Assessment

Clinician's Recommendation

r-Retinoate is the product I recommend for patients who want the anti-ageing benefits of a retinoid but have struggled with sensitivity or irritation from Crystal Retinal or a Advanced-Protocol Retinoid. The Day & Night formula is sufficient for most — it delivers visible results in lines, firmness, and clarity within 4–8 weeks. The Intense formula is for patients who want the absolute maximum from an OTC retinoid. If budget allows, it's exceptional. But if cost is a factor, Crystal Retinal 10 or 24 will still deliver outstanding results at a lower price point.

— Mark Taylor, MSurg, INP, RMN

The Science Behind r-Retinoate

  • Retinyl Retinoate

    A next-generation vitamin A ester that delivers retinoid activity through a unique dual-pathway mechanism. Unlike retinol (which must convert through 3 steps to become active) or retinaldehyde (2 steps), retinyl retinoate works through a different receptor pathway entirely — providing anti-ageing benefits without the typical irritation cascade. This is what makes r-Retinoate tolerable for even the most sensitive skin types.

  • Vitamin A (Encapsulated)

    In addition to retinyl retinoate, the formula contains a second form of encapsulated vitamin A that targets different cellular pathways. This dual vitamin A approach is unique to r-Retinoate and delivers more comprehensive retinoid activity than any single-form product. The encapsulation technology ensures gradual, sustained release — reducing peak irritation while maintaining efficacy over the full application period.

  • Hyaluronic Acid

    Multi-weight hyaluronic acid provides immediate and sustained hydration at multiple skin depths. In the context of r-Retinoate, this serves a dual purpose: it cushions the skin against potential retinoid sensitivity while actively plumping fine lines. Well-hydrated skin also processes active ingredients more efficiently, enhancing the overall efficacy of the formula.

  • Vitamin E & Squalane

    Vitamin E (tocopherol) provides antioxidant protection while working synergistically with vitamin A to enhance its stability and efficacy. Squalane — a lightweight, biocompatible lipid — reinforces the skin barrier and locks in moisture. Together, they create an optimal environment for retinoid activity without compromising barrier function, making r-Retinoate suitable for drier and more mature skin types.

How to Use r-Retinoate

Day & Night: Apply a small amount to clean skin morning and evening. Unlike most retinoids, r-Retinoate is stable enough for daytime use — but always follow with SPF in the AM. In the PM, apply after cleansing and before your night moisturiser.

Intense: Use in the PM only. Apply to clean, dry skin after cleansing. Follow with a hydrating moisturiser. Start with every other evening if you're new to retinoids, building to nightly use over 2–4 weeks.

Key: r-Retinoate can be used from day one without a tolerance-building phase — a significant advantage over Crystal Retinal or Advanced-Protocol Retinoid. However, always introduce one new active at a time and maintain daily SPF.

View Full AM & PM Routine Guide

Frequently Asked Questions About r-Retinoate

What is the difference between r-Retinoate and Crystal Retinal?

Crystal Retinal uses retinaldehyde — a potent form of vitamin A that converts to retinoic acid in one step. It's highly effective but can cause irritation, especially at higher strengths. r-Retinoate uses retinyl retinoate, a different vitamin A ester that works through an alternative receptor pathway. The result is comparable anti-ageing activity with significantly less irritation. r-Retinoate is also stable enough for daytime use, whereas Crystal Retinal is PM-only. The trade-off is price — r-Retinoate costs roughly 3–4x more than Crystal Retinal.

Is r-Retinoate worth the price?

It depends on your skin and priorities. If you have sensitive skin that cannot tolerate Crystal Retinal or Advanced-Protocol Retinoid, r-Retinoate gives you retinoid benefits that you literally cannot access any other way. If your skin tolerates Crystal Retinal 10 or 24 well, the anti-ageing results are comparable and those products cost significantly less. r-Retinoate's value proposition is in its tolerability, its dual vitamin A technology, and the convenience of AM + PM use.

Can I use r-Retinoate during the day?

Yes — the Day & Night formula is specifically designed for both AM and PM use. The retinyl retinoate molecule is photostable, meaning it doesn't degrade in sunlight like retinol or retinaldehyde. However, you must still apply broad-spectrum SPF over the top every morning. Any retinoid — even a stable one — increases the importance of UV protection.

What is the difference between r-Retinoate Day & Night and Intense?

Day & Night (£149) is the standard formula designed for twice-daily use. It's suitable for all skin types including sensitive skin and retinoid beginners. Intense (£229) is a more concentrated formula designed for PM-only use, targeting more advanced signs of ageing — deeper lines, significant loss of firmness, and pronounced textural changes. If you're new to r-Retinoate, start with Day & Night. If you've used it for 2–3 months and want to intensify, Intense is the next step.

Can I use r-Retinoate with vitamin C?

Absolutely — and we recommend it. Apply vitamin C serum first in the morning, allow it to absorb, then apply r-Retinoate Day & Night, followed by SPF. This combination delivers antioxidant protection (vitamin C), cell renewal (r-Retinoate), and UV defence (SPF) — the complete CSA protocol that Medik8 is built around. Any of the Medik8 C-Tetra or Pure C15 serums pair well.

How long before I see results from r-Retinoate?

Most patients notice improved skin texture and radiance within 2–4 weeks. More significant improvements in fine lines, firmness, and pigmentation typically become visible from 6–12 weeks of consistent use. Because r-Retinoate doesn't cause the same adjustment period as Crystal Retinal or Advanced-Protocol Retinoid, results tend to be progressive and steady rather than preceded by a period of peeling or irritation.

Learn More

Crystal Retinal: Strengths & How to Progress · Medik8 Crystal Retinal — The Complete UK Guide

Not Sure Where to Start?

Two routes, both free. Take our 90-second skin quiz for an instant expert-built routine, or book a consultation with Mark for a conversation first.