Medik8 Crystal Retinal 6 vs Vichy Minéral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Booster
Both serums contain Hyaluronic Acid, but only Medik8 Crystal Retinal 6 adds a targeted active: Retinaldehyde. That's the main thing to weigh.
A stabilised retinaldehyde serum (0.06%) with hyaluronic acid and vitamin E, sitting between retinol and prescription tretinoin in strength. Faster-acting than retinol with good tolerability; part of a tiered ladder you climb gradually.
89% Vichy mineralizing thermal water with hyaluronic acid in a light gel-serum. Not a heavy-hitting active product — it's a first-step hydrator. Comfortable under actives, useful for anyone finding fuller HA serums too tacky.
Which should you choose?
Medik8 Crystal Retinal 6 goes further with Retinaldehyde, which Vichy Minéral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Booster doesn't have. If you only need Hyaluronic Acid, Vichy Minéral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Booster covers it; if you want Retinaldehyde as well, choose Medik8 Crystal Retinal 6. Medik8 Crystal Retinal 6 is the better fit for fine lines, preventing sun damage and rough texture; Vichy Minéral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Booster for dryness, a damaged barrier and dullness. On price, Vichy Minéral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Booster is the less expensive option (Mid-range versus Luxury). Medik8 Crystal Retinal 6 is flagged evening only; Vichy Minéral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Booster is flagged morning or evening.
What they share
This hero active appears in both formulas:
Ingredient stacks, side by side
Medik8 Crystal Retinal 6 — top of the list
- Aqua~50–80%
- Caprylic/Capric…~3–10%
- Dimethicone~2–6%
- Retinal~1.5–4%
Vichy Minéral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Booster — top of the list
- Vichy Minerali…~50–80%
- Propanediol~3–10%
- PEG-6 Caprylic…~2–6%
- Sodium Hyaluro…~1.5–4%
● marks ingredients that appear near the top of both lists. Percentages are positional estimates from INCI order, not disclosed doses.
The specs
| Medik8 Crystal Retinal 6 | Vichy Minéral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Booster | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Serum | Serum |
| Price tier | Luxury | Mid-range |
| Best for | Fine Lines, Photoaging Prevention, Rough Texture | Dryness, Damaged Barrier, Dullness |
| Usage notes | Evening only | Morning or evening |
| Shared hero actives | Hyaluronic Acid | |
Common questions
Is the Medik8 Crystal Retinal 6 or the Vichy Minéral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Booster better?
What's the difference between the Medik8 Crystal Retinal 6 and the Vichy Minéral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Booster?
Are the Medik8 Crystal Retinal 6 and Vichy Minéral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Booster dupes for each other?
Can I use the Medik8 Crystal Retinal 6 and Vichy Minéral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Booster together?
Related comparisons
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