Elm Biosciences A3O Elemental Serum vs Medik8 Crystal Retinal 1 Serum
Buy the Medik8 Crystal Retinal 1 if you want a documented retinal strength and a light serum that layers easily. Buy the Elm A3O Elemental Serum if you prefer a cream with bakuchiol and blue tansy alongside the retinoid and want the larger 1.35 fl. oz. bottle. No prices were provided for either product, so compare current store prices on Deal.ai before deciding.
Ask our shopping agent
Elm Biosciences A3O Elemental Serum
Choose the Elm A3O Elemental Serum if you want a cream night treatment that pairs a retinoid with bakuchiol, blue tansy and squalane in a 1.35 fl. oz. size.
Pros
- Cream formula with squalane and blue tansy suits dry skin
- Bakuchiol adds a second smoothing active
- Larger 1.35 fl. oz. bottle
- Marketed as gentle enough for nightly use
Cons
- No retinol percentage disclosed
- Cream may feel heavy on oily skin
- Not listed as FSA/HSA eligible
What separates them
| Elm Biosciences A3O Elemental Serum | Medik8 Crystal Retinal 1 Serum | |
|---|---|---|
| Retinoid | Retinol, no percentage stated | 0.01% encapsulated retinal |
| Supporting actives | Bakuchiol, blue tansy, squalane, hyaluronic acid, ectoin | Squalane, sodium hyaluronate, vitamin E, vitamin C |
| Form | Cream | Serum |
| Size | 1.35 fl. oz. | 1 fl. oz. |
| Skin types | All skin types | Normal, dry, combination, oily, sensitive |
| FSA/HSA eligible | Not stated | Yes |
| Stated skin concerns | Fine lines, firmness, hydration | Hyperpigmentation, wrinkles |
| Packaging |
Price history
- Elm Biosciences A3O Elemental Serum: lowest $165.00 on Oct 28.
- Medik8 Crystal Retinal 1 Serum: lowest $56.00 on Oct 28.
Specs compared
| Spec | Elm Biosciences A3O Elemental Serum | Medik8 Crystal Retinal 1 Serum |
|---|---|---|
| Key Ingredients | Acetyl zingerone, bakuchiol, hyaluronic acid, b… | 0.01% retinal, squalane, sodium hyaluronate |
| Size | 1.35 fl. oz. | 1 fl. oz. |
| Ingredient | Retinol | Retinol, Vitamin E, Vitamin C, Hyaluronic Acid,… |
| Face Treatment Type | Night | Night |
| Skin Type | For All Skin Types | For All Skin Types |
| Form | Cream | Serum |
| Skin Types | — | Normal, dry, combination, oily, sensitive |
| Container Type | — | Tube |
| Skin Problem | — | Hyperpigmentation, Wrinkles |
What reviewers say
Medik8 Crystal Retinal 1 Serum
Owners of the Crystal Retinal range generally rate it well for tolerability, with the lower strengths praised as a smooth entry point. Complaints center on slow results at step 1 and the cost of climbing the ladder.
Pros
- Little irritation compared with retinol serums
- Lightweight, fast-absorbing texture
- Good starting point before stronger steps
Cons
- Results at step 1 are subtle and slow
- Price per ounce is high for the strength
- Some users still flake during acclimation
Questions and answers
- Which is better for sensitive skin?
- Medik8 lists sensitive skin among its skin types and uses encapsulated retinal at a low 0.01%. Elm markets its cream as gentle enough for nightly use, but it does not state a retinol percentage, so Medik8 is the easier one to judge.
- Which is stronger?
- Medik8 states 0.01% retinal, which is a step up in potency from standard retinol. Elm does not disclose its retinol percentage, so you cannot compare strength directly.
- Which is better for oily skin?
- Medik8. It is a light serum, while Elm is a cream that may feel heavy on oily skin.
- Which lasts longer?
- Elm, at 1.35 fl. oz. versus 1 fl. oz. for Medik8. That is about 35% more product if you use the same amount each night.
- Is Medik8 worth the extra cost?
- No prices were provided, so check current store prices on Deal.ai. Medik8 gives you a stated retinal percentage and FSA/HSA eligibility; Elm gives you more volume and a cream base.
- Can I use either every night?
- Elm is marketed for nightly use. Medik8 advises acclimating to vitamin A, so start a few nights a week and build up.