Retinal
Retinal (retinaldehyde) is a form of vitamin A from the retinoid family. In the skin it is converted into retinoic acid, and it is one step closer in that chain than retinol. In skincare it is used to care for uneven texture and fine lines.
It suits you if uneven texture or your first fine lines bother you and you are ready to introduce an active gradually, in the evening only and with daily SPF.
Retinal or retinol: what is the difference?
In the skin, retinol is first converted into retinal and only then into retinoic acid, the form skin cells use directly. Retinal therefore needs one conversion step less. Studies have shown that retinal applied to the skin is biologically active and tends to be better tolerated than the retinoic acid in prescription medicines. Even so, it may sting, redden or flake at first.
The concentrations of the two cannot be compared directly. In the EU, retinol and certain vitamin A esters are restricted to 0.3% retinol equivalent in facial and other products excluding body lotions; the limit for body lotions is 0.05% (Regulation (EU) 2024/996). Retinaldehyde is not specifically listed among these restricted substances. This does not mean it is automatically suitable for every skin type or exempt from general cosmetic safety requirements. Earlier clinical studies with retinal used a concentration of 0.05%.
How to use retinal in your routine
Retinal belongs in your evening routine only: after cleansing and toner, before moisturiser. Start with one or two evenings a week and increase the frequency as tolerated. Especially while you are introducing it, do not combine it on the same evening with another retinoid, with exfoliating AHA, BHA and PHA acids, with azelaic acid, kojic acid or with benzoyl peroxide. Using several actives at once may increase irritation, so alternate them on different evenings. Always use SPF in the morning.
What to watch out for
Do not use retinoids during pregnancy. While breastfeeding, we recommend leaving retinal out as a precaution, or asking your doctor about using it. Mild tightness and flaking in the first weeks are common. Stinging that does not settle or marked redness are a reason to stop. If more spots appear in the places where you usually get them after starting retinal, it may be purging. Around the eyes, use only products made for the eye area. Retinal is sensitive to light and air, so keep the product tightly closed.
Retinal products at VIONE
- Arencia Retinal Booster Shot – a gel-cream face serum with 0.02% retinal according to the brand, plus niacinamide, bakuchiol and peptides.
- K-SECRET Seoul 1988 Retinal Glow Eye Patch – hydrogel under-eye patches with retinal and niacinamide for evening care of fine lines.
- VT Cosmetics PDRN Hydrogel Eye Patch – clear under-eye patches with retinal, niacinamide and caffeine for a dry eye area.
Frequently asked questions
Is retinal stronger than retinol?
Retinal is one step closer to retinoic acid, which is why it is described as the more active form. How strongly a product works on your skin, however, depends on its concentration and the whole formula. So do not introduce a retinal serum any faster than a retinol one.
Can I use retinal under my eyes?
Yes, if the product is made for the eye area, such as under-eye patches. On that evening, do not use another retinoid around the eyes.
The better-known form of vitamin A is described in our glossary entry on retinol. You will find care for mature skin in Mature skin 35+ and under-eye patches in Eye care.