Retinoids are among the most researched and effective ingredients in anti aging skincare. Within this group the most commonly mentioned are retinol and retinal, also known as retinaldehyde. Although they sound very similar, the difference between them is important because it directly affects the speed, strength and tolerability of their action.
To understand this difference, it helps to know that all retinoids in the skin are eventually converted into retinoic acid. Retinoic acid is the active form that works at the cellular level and stimulates collagen production, cell renewal and the reduction of wrinkles and hyperpigmentation.
However, the path to this active form is not the same for all retinoids.
The biochemistry explained simply
In the skin the process looks like this:
Retinol first needs to be converted into retinal, and then into retinoic acid.
Retinal needs to be converted only once, directly into retinoic acid.
In other words:
- retinol goes through two steps
- retinal goes through one step
The fewer conversions are needed, the:
- faster the effect
- stronger the impact
- more predictable the result
This is why retinal is considered a more potent and advanced form of vitamin A compared to retinol.
Why retinal often delivers better results
Because retinal is closer to the active form, it can work more strongly and more quickly than retinol, even at lower concentrations. In real life this can mean:
- faster improvement in skin texture
- visible softening of fine lines
- quicker evening of skin tone
- more effective action on pores and imperfections
Interestingly, despite being more powerful, retinal can be just as well tolerated or even better tolerated than retinol. The reason is simple. Less retinal is needed to achieve the same effect and modern formulations help further reduce the risk of irritation.
An important benefit of retinal for acne prone skin
Another key difference is that retinal has an antibacterial effect on C. acnes bacteria. Because of this it is especially suitable for people who experience:
acne or congestion
along with the first signs of skin aging
Retinol does not have this effect to the same extent.
How to use retinal (or retinol) safely and effectively
Regardless of which form of vitamin A you choose, the basic rules are similar:
- use it only at night
- start with 2 to 3 applications per week, then gradually increase frequency
- apply to dry skin, especially if your skin is sensitive
- always follow with a moisturiser and barrier supporting ingredients
- during the day always use SPF, every single day
- do not use during pregnancy or breastfeeding
If your skin is sensitive you can try the sandwich method: moisturiser → retinal → moisturiser.
Retinal will usually deliver faster and more visible results with a lower chance of dryness and flaking, provided that it is introduced gradually.
Conclusion
Retinol is an effective and well researched ingredient. However, retinal is a more advanced form of vitamin A from a biochemical perspective. Because it has a shorter conversion path to retinoic acid it works faster and more strongly, while still being equally or even better tolerated. With the added antibacterial benefit, retinal is increasingly regarded as the next generation retinoid in modern skincare.
