Head to head
Medik8 Crystal Retinal 6 vs The Ordinary GF 15% Solution
Same comparison whichever way you searched it: The Ordinary GF 15% Solution vs Medik8 Crystal Retinal 6.
The bottom lineMedik8 Crystal Retinal 6 and The Ordinary GF 15% Solution are close on what they deliver, so it comes down to your skin: The Ordinary GF 15% Solution is the kinder pick for sensitive or reactive skin since it is fragrance-free.
The Ordinary GF 15% Solution keeps clear of pregnancy-flagged actives, while Medik8 Crystal Retinal 6 carries one that is best paused in pregnancy.
Which should you pick?
Pick Crystal Retinal 6 if
- fine lines and firmness are the goal
- dark spots, dullness or an uneven tone are your focus
- you want more actives working at once
Pick GF 15% Solution if
- you are dealing with breakouts and oiliness
- your skin is sensitive or reacts to fragrance
- you want the more affordable option
What each delivers
Side by side
| Crystal Retinal 6 | GF 15% Solution | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Serum | Serum |
| Key actives | Glycerin, Retinal, Squalane | Glycerin, Epidermal Growth Factor |
| Texture | A rich, cushiony cream that sinks in slowly. | A light, fast-absorbing texture that layers cleanly under the rest of your routine, with no greasy film. |
| Fragrance | Contains fragrance | None detected |
| Fungal-acne safe | Not likely | Likely |
| Pregnancy | One caution | No flagged actives |
| Ingredients | 47 listed | 12 listed |
| Price | ~€86 | ~€16 |
What's in one but not the other
Only in Crystal Retinal 6
Both share
Only in GF 15% Solution
The molecule doing the work
Better for…
- Dark spots & uneven toneCrystal Retinal 6
- Fine lines & firmnessCrystal Retinal 6
- Breakouts & congestionGF 15% Solution
- Dryness & dehydrationEither works
- Sensitive, reactive skinGF 15% Solution
The Ordinary GF 15% Solution is the cheaper of the two (~€16 vs ~€86).
Ready to pick one?
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Common questions
Is Medik8 Crystal Retinal 6 or The Ordinary GF 15% Solution better for dark spots & uneven tone?
For dark spots & uneven tone, Medik8 Crystal Retinal 6 is the stronger pick by our read of the two formulas. Medik8 Crystal Retinal 6 and The Ordinary GF 15% Solution are close on what they deliver, so it comes down to your skin: The Ordinary GF 15% Solution is the kinder pick for sensitive or reactive skin since it is fragrance-free. The Ordinary GF 15% Solution keeps clear of pregnancy-flagged actives, while Medik8 Crystal Retinal 6 carries one that is best paused in pregnancy.
Which is cheaper, Medik8 Crystal Retinal 6 or The Ordinary GF 15% Solution?
The Ordinary GF 15% Solution is the cheaper of the two (~€16 vs ~€86).
Can I use Medik8 Crystal Retinal 6 and The Ordinary GF 15% Solution 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.
Compare it with…
All 33 comparisons
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- GF 15% Solution vs The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
- GF 15% Solution vs The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (Original Formulation)
- GF 15% Solution vs The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (with Ceramides)
- GF 15% Solution vs CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum
- GF 15% Solution vs The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%
- GF 15% Solution vs La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Suractivated Serum
- GF 15% Solution vs Eucerin Anti-Pigment Dual Serum
- GF 15% Solution vs The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG Eye Serum
- GF 15% Solution vs The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + HA Serum
- GF 15% Solution vs Celimax The Vita A Retinal Shot Tightening Booster
- GF 15% Solution vs Vichy Minéral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Booster