Why Retinal – Not Retinol – Might be the Future of Vitamin A Skincare

Another day, another must-have active ingredient to add to the repertoire. But first, a confession: When it comes to skincare routines, mine has veered firmly down the less-is-more path these last few years. Blissful in my ignorance, I was more content to slather old die-hards (Dermalogica, hi. Emma Lewisham, looking at you!) then donate one more minute of this wild and precious life towards the endless pursuit of: Should I be microdosing Tret? Does slugging with a ceramide balm lead to eternal youth? Is an antioxidant mist between skincare layers the closest thing to biohacking we’ve got? (The answer to all, in case you’re wondering, is yes.)

And then Retinal landed on my desk. Haters will say it’s a typo. The more enlightened among us will know better. A fast-acting little sister to the ever-lauded Retinol — the undisputed icon of good skin — Retinal (with an A!) operates in the same realm. Also from the Vitamin A family, also promising luminous skin and softened fine lines. But like all siblings, they’ve got their own distinctive personalities: one steady and reliable, the other high-achieving and in a hurry.

From potency to performance, we demystify the science behind these two powerhouse ingredients, so you can choose what works for your skin…

A cornerstone of modern skincare, Retinol is a Vitamin A derivative known for speeding up cell turnover, refining skin texture, and boosting collagen production. Unlike prescription-strength retinoic acid, which acts immediately, Retinol converts in the skin, making it potent yet tolerable. It tackles fine lines, uneven tone, breakouts, and dullness, exfoliating on a cellular level while also acting as an antioxidant. With consistent use, it delivers a clearer, more luminous complexion.

Retinal, or retinaldehyde, is a next-gen retinoid offering a faster route to results. Unlike Retinol, which undergoes multiple conversion steps before becoming active, Retinal is just one step away from retinoic acid — the form that drives collagen production and skin renewal. This proximity allows it to work up to 11 times faster than Retinol, making it ideal for those seeking visible improvements in texture, tone, and fine lines. Despite its strength, it’s surprisingly gentle and well-tolerated when formulated well.

Faster results. Retinal works up to 11x faster, meaning quicker improvements in fine lines, texture, and clarity. Less waiting, more glow.

Antibacterial edge. The only retinoid with antibacterial benefits, Retinal is great for breakout-prone skin.

Surprisingly gentle. Though more potent, Retinal has a similar irritation profile to Retinol. Translation: more results, without the red face.

Harder to stabilise. Retinal is delicate. Exposure to light and air can reduce its efficacy, so it requires advanced formulation to stay potent.

Less research (for now). Retinol has been studied for decades. Retinal is newer but gaining ground, with derms increasingly backing it.

Less common, more advanced. Retinol’s easier to formulate, so it’s everywhere. Retinal’s still the preserve of high-performance formulas. Rarer, but worth it.

Ease in. Both pack a punch, so start slow. Use a pea-sized amount twice a week — 0.01–0.03% for Retinol, 0.03–0.1% for Retinal — and build up gradually. New to Retinal? Go even slower. Skip on exfoliation days and before treatments like lasers or microneedling.

Pay attention. Mild dryness or flaking? Normal. Angry redness or peeling? Pull back. Buffer with moisturiser if needed, or consider gentler options like fruit enzymes or bakuchiol.

Night only. SPF always. Both degrade in sunlight. Apply at night, never before a beach day, and always follow with SPF 30+ the next morning.

Moisturise like you mean it. Retinoids can strip the skin. Pair with barrier-loving ingredients like ceramides, squalane, or hyaluronic acid. Buffering Retinal can also help reduce irritation. And repeat after me: never layer with other vitamin A products. 

Take it south. Don’t stop at your face: treat the neck, chest, and décolletage too. If sensitive, buffer with a ceramide-rich moisturiser or use a lower strength. Retinal’s antibacterial benefits also make it ideal for acne-prone areas like the chest.