Naturium Retinaldehyde Cream Serum is based on retinal, a retinoid, which can help with skin concerns such as fine lines, wrinkles, acne, dark spots, and skin texture. This serum is very lightweight, has a gel-like consistency, and spreads nicely on the skin. Read the detailed review below.
Full Ingredient List
Below you can find the full ingredient list for both Naturium retinaldehyde cream serum 0.05% and 0.1%. The ingredient lists of these serums are exactly the same, except for the concentration of retinaldehyde in them.
0.05% serum
Aqua (Water), Glycerin, Propanediol, Triheptanoin, C13-15 Alkane, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Carbomer, Faex (Yeast) Extract, Apricot Kernel Oil Polyglyceryl-6 Esters, Soy Amino Acids, Punica Granatum Seed Extract, Cetyl Diglyceryl Tris (Trimethylsiloxy) Silylethyl Dimethicone, Hydrolyzed Yeast Extract, Olivine Extract, Dilinoleic Acid/Butanediol Copolymer, Cellulose, Phenoxyethanol, Sorbitan Oleate, Sodium Metabisulfite, Retinal, Guanosine, Uracil, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, C9-12 Alkane, Caprylyl Glycol, Polyglyceryl-10 Dipalmitate, Dipropylene Glycol, Sodium Hydroxide, Glyceryl Polyacrylate, Tocopherol, PVM/MA Copolymer, Adenosine Phosphate, Castor Oil/IPDI Copolymer, Potassium Sorbate, Hexadecene, Sodium Benzoate, T-Butyl Alcohol.
0.1% serum
Aqua (Water), Glycerin, Propanediol, Triheptanoin, C13-15 Alkane, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Carbomer, Faex (Yeast) Extract, Apricot Kernel Oil Polyglyceryl-6 Esters, Soy Amino Acids, Punica Granatum Seed Extract, Cetyl Diglyceryl Tris (Trimethylsiloxy) Silylethyl Dimethicone, Hydrolyzed Yeast Extract, Olivine Extract, Dilinoleic Acid/Butanediol Copolymer, Cellulose, Phenoxyethanol, Sorbitan Oleate, Sodium Metabisulfite, Retinal, Guanosine, Uracil, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, C9-12 Alkane, Caprylyl Glycol, Polyglyceryl-10 Dipalmitate, Dipropylene Glycol, Sodium Hydroxide, Glyceryl Polyacrylate, Tocopherol, PVM/MA Copolymer, Adenosine Phosphate, Castor Oil/IPDI Copolymer, Potassium Sorbate, Hexadecene, Sodium Benzoate, T-Butyl Alcohol.
Free of
This serum is free of fragrance, dyes, and parabens. Additionally, this product is cruelty-free and vegan.
Ingredient highlights
In a retinal product, I’m not usually looking for other actives, as retinoids themselves are strong. The simpler the formulation, the better it is to tolerate. Naturium Retinaldehyde Cream Serum is a mixture of solvents, thickeners, and moisturizing ingredients, making it a perfect choice for beginners.
Not to mention, it is free of fragrances and essential oils, unlike some other retinal products. That is one of the reasons I chose to try it.
Retinal
Retinaldehyde is the star ingredient in this product. If you are new to the world of retinoids, let me give you a brief summary.
Retinoids are Vitamin A derivatives and include a large family of different compounds. Some of these are available only by prescription, such as tretinoin, tazarotene, and trifarotene, while others like retinol, retinal, and retinyl esters are available over the counter.
Tretinoin (or retinoic acid), which is a prescription retinoid, is active on its own. Once applied to the skin, it starts working immediately. On the other hand, retinoids like retinol and retinal need to be converted to tretinoin or retinoic acid before they can start working on the skin.
So, in general, prescription-strength retinoids are stronger. Among the over-the-counter options, retinal is considered more potent as it requires just one step of conversion to retinoic acid, while retinol needs two steps to convert to retinoic acid. In addition, retinal has antibacterial properties.
So how do retinoids benefit our skin? Well, in multiple ways:
- They increase the turnover of skin cells, which can improve texture and refine the appearance of pores.
- Increased cell turnover also prevents the blocking of hair follicles, resulting in an improvement in acne.
- They can protect collagen and promote its formation.
- They can improve the appearance of dark spots and melasma by removing skin cells with excess pigment and also by decreasing the enzyme responsible for making melanin pigment.
Retinal is what gives this formula a bright yellow color. Retinal is very unstable, so it can be challenging to formulate a product with it. According to the brand, they use microencapsulation technology to protect the retinal molecule.
Faex (Yeast) Extract
Another notable ingredient on the list is Faex (yeast extract), which is essentially a mixture of yeast byproducts such as vitamins, amino acids, sugars, and antioxidants. It can act as a moisturizing and skin-protecting ingredient.
Packaging
Naturium retinaldehyde cream serum comes in a tube packaging with a pump. The pump works smoothly and never gets stuck. The airtight packaging also keeps the ingredients effective. Both concentrations have the same packaging.
Formulation and application
This serum is very lightweight and has a gel-like feel that spreads nicely on the skin. I usually need just one pump for my face and another pump for my neck and upper chest. Due to its spreadability, you don’t have to drag it too much on your skin.
In addition, the lightweight formulation makes it easy to pair with any other product. I’ve never had any issues with pilling.
Most days, I use azelaic acid in the morning and retinal at night. Occasionally, when I am not able to use azelaic acid in my morning routine (mornings can be really busy with little kids!), I use both products in the evening. My prescription azelaic acid never pills when used with the Naturium retinaldehyde serum.
Results
I am in my late 30s, so I don’t have deep wrinkles. What I use retinal for is to improve the texture of my cheeks. I have rosacea and seborrheic dermatitis, and both of these conditions can make the skin’s texture appear rough and thick. Retinal along with azelaic acid has helped me a lot in improving skin texture.
I used the 0.05% concentration for a few months and now use both concentrations on alternate days—one day 0.05% and the next day 0.1%. Once I am done with the 0.05% serum, I will just switch to the 0.1% serum.
I have used retinal for quite some time, so I didn’t have any adjustment period with either of them.
If you are new to retinoids, it’s best to start with the lower concentration and use it 3-4 times a week before using it every day.
Another thing I love about these formulations is that the formula for both concentrations is the same, so I don’t have to worry about potential irritation from ingredients in the base formula when switching between the two concentrations.
Note: If you have an active flare-up of rosacea or seborrheic dermatitis, it’s important to control that before using any retinoid products like retinal.
Value for money
Both concentrations of Naturium retinaldehyde cream serum come in a 50 ml tube. The 0.05% retinaldehyde serum retails for $29, while the 0.1% retails for $32—according to the official Naturium website (prices may vary and are subject to change).
Compared to many expensive retinaldehyde products, I think this is one of the more affordable options. Also, many retinal serums or products come in 30 ml packaging, while this is 50 ml, so you get quite a lot of product for the price.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Free of fragrance and essential oils.
- Affordable and widely available.
- Lightweight, no layering issues.
Cons
None
Will I buy it again?
Yes!! For now, this is my go-to retinaldehyde serum.
Where to buy it?
You can buy it at the online stores shown below.
Alternatives
In addition to this serum, there are several other retinaldehyde products on the market.
Below are some of the options:
- Avene RetrinAL 0.1 Intensive Cream: Retinal products from the brand Avene have been around for quite some time, making them a reliable choice. Avene RetrinAL 0.1 Intensive Cream has 0.1% retinal and is much more moisturizing than Naturium retinaldehyde serum. However, it contains a red dye.
- Medik8 Crystal Retinal: Medik8 is another brand with retinaldehyde products at various concentrations, ranging from 0.01% to 0.2%. So, no matter what specific concentration you are looking for, you may be able to find it in its range.
See more options: Best retinaldehyde products
Summary and Score
Naturium retinaldehyde cream serum is a lightweight retinaldehyde serum. It is free of fragrance, dyes, and essential oils and can be a great option for someone who wants to try retinoids and has sensitive skin. In addition, this serum is one of the most affordable options.
Review Rating: 5/5
Disclaimer: The ingredient list/ price is subject to change over time, so make sure you check them before buying any product.