Age-defying serum making people ask 'is it Botox?'

People say they get asked if they have had Botox after using an age reversing serum. The Medik8 Crystal Retinal Age-Defying Vitamin A Night Serum promises to visibly smooth stubborn wrinkles, brighten dark spots, decongest and firm your skin - without irritation.

The Medik8 Crystal Retinal serum comes in a number of strengths as retinal can irritate the skin if you are not used to it with the beginner strength 3 priced at £49 for 30ml. The product description said: "Crystal Retinal contains retinAL; a next-generation vitamin A which acts 11x faster than standard retinOL. And, unlike others, our patented retinal stability system ensures unmatched retinal potency and effectiveness until the very last drop."

It has more than 3,000 positive reviews on the Medik8 website, Ellis C said: "I have always had a good skincare regimen and have used conventional ‘retinol’ for some time. I thought my skin was good until I started using the Medik8 Crystal Retinal 3.

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"I have been very cautious and followed the steps by easing the new product in over time. I’m still at the stage of using every other night and I have already started to see fantastic results. I have even been asked if I’ve had Botox as my skin is smooth with a distinct glow."

Michelle H said: "Someone who doesn't know me very well said, 'You use Botox right?' I'm like, 'no I don't actually just a really good retinal [Medik8] and good diet'. I think that says it all."

Rachel B said: "My skin has never looked so good since using this. My fine lines are reduced so no need for Botox anymore (I know I can't believe it!) And my skin tone is more even. With the routine care I would not be without this product."

But one customer, Ashley M said: "I wanted to like this but something in it is breaking me out. I feel like this is better suited for normal to dry skin. I wake up greasy and my pores are more congested." Mesik8 responded suggesting they start by phasing the retinal serum in twice a week at first.

Medik8's Crystal Retinal Age-Defying Vitamin A Night Serum is sold on their website with prices starting at £45 for the sensitive range. Alternatively, there is the Facetheory's Retinal Supreme MultiCream Trio promising to be a "vitamin A serum-and-moisturiser hybrid to firm, brighten, clear and plump overnight" for £41.

Or there is The Ordinary Retinal 0.2% Emulsion Serum 15ml for £12.92 from Boots, which has hundreds of positive reviews and claims to "rapidly firms and smooths skin".