Retinal (Retinaldehyde)

Also known as retinaldehyde, vitamin A aldehyde

What is retinal?

Retinal, short for retinaldehyde, is a form of vitamin A that sits one step away from the active form your skin uses. Retinol needs two steps, so retinal works faster on wrinkles, texture, and breakouts. It also fights acne bacteria, which retinol doesn't.
Best forWrinkles Acne Uneven texture Faster results than retinol

Products with retinal

Shop all 50
Biopelle Retriderm Serum Max 1% Retinol Biopelle 1 fl. oz. Shop at Exclusive Beauty Biopelle Biopelle Retriderm Serum Max 1% Retinol $94.50 Biopelle Retriderm Serum Plus 0.75% Retinol Biopelle 1 fl. oz. Shop at Exclusive Beauty Biopelle Biopelle Retriderm Serum Plus 0.75% Retinol $89.50 Derma Made Retinol + Bakuchiol Serum 0.5 shop at Exclusive Beauty Derma Made Derma Made Retinol+ Bakuchiol Serum 0.5 $54.00 Biopelle Retriderm Serum Mild 0.5% Retinol Biopelle 1 fl. oz. Shop at Exclusive Beauty Biopelle Biopelle Retriderm Serum Mild 0.5% Retinol $84.00

Pairs well with

  • Hyaluronic acid
  • Ceramides
  • Niacinamide
  • Peptides

Use with caution

  • AHAs and BHAs on the same night
  • Benzoyl peroxide
  • Pregnancy and breastfeeding
  • Skipping sunscreen

Retinal FAQs

Retinal is stronger than retinol. It converts to the active form in one step, so you see results sooner.

They are different forms of vitamin A. Retinal is closer to the prescription form, and retinol is milder.

Start with two nights a week for two weeks, then add a night as your skin allows.

Switch if your skin handles retinol well and you want faster results. Start at a low strength like 0.05%.

Related reading

Retinoids: the gold standard for anti-aging Tretinoin vs retinol Ingredients you can and can't use with retinol

This content on this page is for general information only and is not medical advice. Always speak to a dermatologist before starting a new skincare routine.