Retinaldehyde vs retinol: Which should you choose?

What is the difference?

Those concentrations are examples, not an equivalence chart: 0.05% retinal and 0.5% retinol are different ingredients in different formulas. Retinol comes in several textures, so the word serum is not a promotion to a higher rank.5

Which should you choose?

If you are starting your first retinoid, choose the least intense formula you can find rather than choosing by conversion count alone. Retinol is a reasonable option for mild uneven tone, texture changes and fine lines. Retinal is another option for wrinkles and firmness, with clinical results for stabilized 0.05% and 0.1% formulas. Neither ingredient name promises a comfortable experience on sensitive skin.36

What does retinaldehyde do for your skin?

Retinaldehyde belongs to the retinoid family, which helps regulate skin cell renewal and supports collagen, the protein that gives skin structure. Stabilized retinal formulas improved skin elasticity, texture and firmness over 24 weeks, with greater wrinkle improvements at 0.1%. Most participants tolerated the formulas well, although one stopped because of facial redness and significant discomfort.23

Think in months, not mornings. Retinol can take several weeks to produce visible changes, and wrinkle improvement usually takes several months. Retinal also needs sustained use; its shorter conversion pathway is not permission to expect an overnight result, however impatient the bathroom mirror gets.35

How do you start using either?

1. 1Test a small amount on a small skin area first. For retinol, watch for redness or itching over a couple of days before adding it to your routine.
2. 2At night, wash with a gentle cleanser and pat dry. Avoid scrubbing.
3. 3Follow the product's application directions. General retinoid guidance is to use a minimal amount every other night initially. For retinol, a thin layer about the size of a pea covers the face; avoid the eyes, mouth and nose.
4. 4Finish with moisturizer. Increase frequency gradually only as your skin tolerates it.
5. 5During the day, use sunscreen, seek shade and wear protective clothing. Retinoids increase sun sensitivity.

Who should be careful?

Avoid both during pregnancy. If you are trying to become pregnant or breastfeeding, discuss your skincare and medicines with your obstetrician or dermatologist. Retinoids can worsen eczema and are poor choices for skin that is already very dry, red or inflamed. Irritation can trigger dark marks in darker skin, making a slow start and moisturizer especially useful.467

Dryness, peeling, itching and burning can occur. Stop if irritation is severe or causes significant discomfort, and seek medical advice rather than increasing use. See a dermatologist before treating moderate or severe acne scarring or acne linked to hormonal changes. If you already use a prescription retinoid, discuss changes with its prescriber rather than treating retinal or retinol as a substitute.256