Retinoid vs retinol: What's the difference?

Are retinoids and retinol the same?

For mild uneven tone, rough texture or fine lines, a low concentration retinol is a practical starting point. Retinol is sold without a prescription in many products. For acne, adapalene and prescription retinoids are established treatment options. Severe acne needs medical care rather than a topical retinoid alone.134

How do you use retinoids?

These are general steps for retinol. Follow your medicine's directions if you use a prescription treatment.

1. 1Test a little retinol on a small patch of skin first. Wait a couple of days before full use, and do not proceed if the patch is very red or itchy.
2. 2At night, wash with a gentle cleanser and pat dry. Do not scrub.
3. 3Apply a thin layer. A pea sized amount is the general dose for the face; keep it out of your eyes, mouth and nose.
4. 4Finish with moisturizer. Begin every other night, or less often if needed, and increase gradually as your skin tolerates it.
5. 5During the day, use sunscreen, seek shade and wear protective clothing.

How long before you see results?

Retinol takes several weeks to produce visible improvement, and changes in wrinkles or dark spots usually take months. Acne can look worse initially; topical retinoid treatment can take 12 weeks or longer to show improvement. Dryness, peeling, redness, itching and burning are possible side effects, not reasons to increase the dose.23

Who should be careful?

Do not use retinoids during pregnancy. Ask your doctor about use while breastfeeding. Skin allergies, marked dryness or persistent redness are reasons to discuss alternatives before starting; topical retinoids can also worsen eczema. Irritation can trigger dark marks in darker skin, making a slow start and moisturizer especially useful. Stop and seek advice if you suspect an allergic reaction. See a dermatologist before self treating moderate or severe acne scarring, or acne linked to menstrual periods or other hormonal changes.123

What is the difference between retinal, retinol and retinoids?

Retinal, also called retinaldehyde, is another retinoid used in cosmetics, because apparently this family needed a name with a formal version. Retinol needs two conversion steps to reach the active form of vitamin A; retinal needs one. That makes retinal a more potent option, but choosing a product still means considering the concentration and your tolerance, not just counting conversion steps.5

How does The Ordinary retinol compare with Granactive Retinoid?

Granactive Retinoid uses hydroxypinacolone retinoate, which does not require conversion on skin. Its percentage is not a retinol strength equivalent. The Ordinary sells both squalane and emulsion formats, which makes choosing a retinoid partly a texture decision rather than a vocabulary exam.5

The Ordinary directs you to apply its retinoids at night after cleansing and water based serums, then finish with moisturizer or oil. Do not combine multiple retinoids. The brand advises alternating its retinoids with direct acids, copper peptides or direct vitamin C rather than applying them together, to reduce irritation.5