Head to head

Anua Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Serum vs Medik8 Crystal Retinal 6

Same comparison whichever way you searched it: Medik8 Crystal Retinal 6 vs Anua Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Serum.

The bottom line

Anua Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Serum and Medik8 Crystal Retinal 6 are close on what they deliver, so it comes down to your skin: Anua Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Serum is the kinder pick for sensitive or reactive skin since it is fragrance-free.

Anua Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Serum keeps clear of pregnancy-flagged actives, while Medik8 Crystal Retinal 6 carries one that is best paused in pregnancy.

AnuaNiacinamide 10% + TXA 4% SerumSerum · ~€20See every ingredient in Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Serum, decoded
Medik8Crystal Retinal 6Serum · ~€86See every ingredient in Crystal Retinal 6, decoded

Which should you pick?

Pick Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Serum if

  • you are dealing with breakouts and oiliness
  • your barrier feels stressed and needs the support
  • your skin is sensitive or reacts to fragrance

Pick Crystal Retinal 6 if

  • fine lines and firmness are the goal

What each delivers

HydrationBarrierBrighteningOil-controlAnti-aging
Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% SerumCrystal Retinal 6
  • Hydration
    1010
  • Barrier repair
    107
  • Brightening / tone
    98
  • Oil-control & blemishes
    84
  • Anti-aging
    69

Side by side

Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% SerumCrystal Retinal 6
TypeSerumSerum
Key activesGlycerin, Niacinamide 10%, Ceramide 3Glycerin, Retinal, Squalane
TextureA light, fast-absorbing texture that layers cleanly under the rest of your routine, with no greasy film.A rich, cushiony cream that sinks in slowly.
FragranceNone detectedContains fragrance
Fungal-acne safeNot likelyNot likely
PregnancyNo flagged activesOne caution
Ingredients51 listed47 listed
Price~€20~€86

What's in one but not the other

The molecule doing the work

Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% SerumGlycerin
Crystal Retinal 6Glycerin

Better for…

  • Dark spots & uneven toneEither works
  • Fine lines & firmnessCrystal Retinal 6
  • Breakouts & congestionNiacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Serum
  • Dryness & dehydrationEither works
  • Sensitive, reactive skinNiacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Serum

Anua Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Serum is the cheaper of the two (~€20 vs ~€86).

Ready to pick one?

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Common questions

Is Anua Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Serum or Medik8 Crystal Retinal 6 better for fine lines & firmness?

For fine lines & firmness, Medik8 Crystal Retinal 6 is the stronger pick by our read of the two formulas. Anua Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Serum and Medik8 Crystal Retinal 6 are close on what they deliver, so it comes down to your skin: Anua Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Serum is the kinder pick for sensitive or reactive skin since it is fragrance-free. Anua Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Serum keeps clear of pregnancy-flagged actives, while Medik8 Crystal Retinal 6 carries one that is best paused in pregnancy.

Which is cheaper, Anua Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Serum or Medik8 Crystal Retinal 6?

Anua Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Serum is the cheaper of the two (~€20 vs ~€86).

Can I use Anua Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Serum and Medik8 Crystal Retinal 6 together?

They are both serums, so you would normally pick one rather than layer both in the same step. You can keep both and alternate them (morning and night, or on different days) if you like variety, but you do not need two.

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