Retinaldehyde is considered one of the strongest over-the-counter retinoids, and products containing it can benefit the skin in numerous ways, including improving acne, fine lines, dark spots, and skin texture.
In this article, you will find details about what retinaldehyde (or retinal) is, the best products containing retinaldehyde, and how to use them.
Retinal (also called retinaldehyde) is a hidden gem that is found in a few products as compared to retinol. In fact, often retinal and retinol are confused together.
But these two are different ingredients and retinal is considered more potent than retinol.
So, what’s there not to love about this ingredient especially if you have sensitive skin and cannot tolerate prescription-strength retinoid.
Table of Contents
What is retinal?
Retinal (retinaldehyde) is a Vitamin A derivative and belongs to the group “retinoids”, the same group that also contains retinol and tretinoin.
Our skin cells need to do some work and convert retinal to the active form – retinoic acid for it to work. This requires just one step, unlike retinol which requires 2-steps to reach the active form.
This makes retinal more potent than other over-the-counter retinoids like retinol.
The active form, retinoic acid, can bind to receptors inside the nucleus of skin cells and can affect the way our skin cells grow and differentiate.
Benefits
Retinal can benefit our skin in numerous ways:
- Prevents acne: Retinal increases cell turnover and prevents plugging of pores with dead skin cells, decreases sebum output, and has antibacterial properties due to its structure. All these mechanisms can help in preventing acne.
- Improves and prevents fine lines and wrinkles: Retinal can protect our collagen from degradation, stimulate its formation, and improve the texture of the skin.
- Fades dark spots: Retinal can get rid of skin cells with excess melanin pigment and can decrease the melanin pigment formation. This can fade the dark patches or spots.
- Improves melasma: Retinal can help in fading the dark patches of melasma.
Side effects
Retinal is a gentle retinoid but can still cause side effects, especially in first-time users or those with sensitive skin.
The common side effects include redness, peeling or flaking, burning or stinging, and dryness.
Who should use it?
Retinal can be used by anyone dealing with acne, dark spots, melasma, fine lines and wrinkles, and textural issues.
Who should not use it?
Retinal should not be used during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.
If you have an inflammatory skin condition like eczema etc., avoid the use of retinal during an active flare. Also, it’s best to talk to your doctor who can help you choose the right formula.
How to choose a retinaldehyde product?
In general, one should keep these things in mind while buying a retinal serum or product:
- Free of fragrance and essential oils.
- Air-tight packaging.
- Reputable brand.
- A bonus is if the serum has additional barrier repair ingredients like niacinamide, panthenol, ceramides, Centella, or antioxidants.
How do I choose
A few years back, we had just a handful of products with retinal. But luckily in the last year or so, I have seen so many new retinal products and some come at a very affordable price.
I have rosacea and seborrheic dermatitis, so I am careful when using any retinoid on my skin. I prefer using retinal as I tolerate it much better than other retinoids (probably due to encapsulation and slow-release formulas).
But still, I have to be careful and not overdo it. For my face, I use retinal 1-3 times a week and on my neck, I use it almost every day. I switch back and forth between 0.05% and 0.1% concentration and have no problem adjusting to any of these concentrations (I have been using retinal consistently for a few years now). I use azelaic acid twice every day, but skip it on the nights I use retinal.
So, when I look for a retinal product, below are a few things I focus on:
- Fragrance-free: I try to pick a formula that is fragrance-free. Retinoids can lead to irritation and redness. So, I try to stay away from fragrance otherwise it can be really hard to tell what is causing irritation – the retinoid or fragrance.
- Essential oil-free: Some brands will say that they don’t use artificial fragrances but add essential oils which can lead to skin reactions. So, I go for an essential oil-free formula.
- Spreadability: I don’t like tugging or pulling on my skin. I prefer formulas that are easy to spread on the skin. Otherwise, I end up using too much product, especially on my neck.
- Affordable: Treating both neck and face means using double the amount of product as compared to the face alone. So, I prefer to choose an affordable formula.
- Air-tight container: Retinal is not a very stable molecule although brands use several technologies like encapsulation to make it more stable. I still prefer to use a formula in an airtight container or a pump.
How to use
One can minimize the chances of side effects using the following measures:
- If you are new to retinoids, start slow and use only 1-2 times per week for the first couple of weeks, and then add a day as tolerated by your skin.
- Use a pea-sized amount for your face.
- Do not spot treat, instead use it on your whole face. If you have any sensitive areas which cannot tolerate retinoids, skip them.
- Apply retinal on completely dry skin or after putting on moisturizer.
- Use along with niacinamide or other barrier repair ingredients.
- Use a good nourishing moisturizer.
- Avoid the use of exfoliating acids when you first start using retinal, introduce them back slowly.
- Protect your skin from the sun: Use broad-spectrum sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.
Note: Retinal serums or products have a yellow color due to the retinal’s natural color so the products may stain white or light-colored pillows.
Best product picks
Below you will find my list of the 6 best products with retinaldehyde, including the pros and cons of each.
1. The Ordinary Retinal 0.2% Emulsion
- Quick facts
- Retinal concentration: 0.2%
- Price: $14.90
- Size/Quantity: 15 ml
The Ordinary Retinal Emulsion is part of my current skincare routine, and it is now my favorite retinal serum. It has a 0.2% concentration of retinaldehyde—very few high-concentration retinal serums offer this. The texture is thin, almost serum-like, and reminds me of Geek and Gorgeous’ retinal serum. It spreads nicely, and I need just one pump for my face. It has a bright yellow color with no noticeable scent. In addition to retinaldehyde, it contains several skin-soothing ingredients.
I did have an adjustment period with this compared to the lower concentrations I’ve used over the years (read more in my current skincare routine here). If you’ve never used retinoids on your skin, I recommend taking slow steps. Retinal has helped a lot with texture, and this serum took me a step further in refining the appearance of pores and improving overall smoothness.
I apply my moisturizer first, then wait before applying this serum, followed by azelaic acid. It’s the perfect combination working for my skin right now.
Another thing I love is that you can just walk into Ulta or Sephora and pick this up anytime you’re out of it.
Pros
- Thin formula that spreads easily.
- Affordable and easily available.
- Free of fragrance.
Cons
- None.
Full ingredient list
Aqua (Water), Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Propanediol, Pentylene Glycol, Hydroxyapatite, Retinal, Cetylhydroxyproline Palmitamide, 4-t-Butylcyclohexanol, Hydroxyphenyl Propamidobenzoic Acid, Ergothioneine, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Bisabolol, Brassica Campestris Sterols, Zingiber Officinale Root Extract, Butylene Glycol, Isohexadecane, Hexyldecanol, Maltodextrin, Caesalpinia Spinosa Gum, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Stearic Acid, Isoceteth-20, Polysorbate 60, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Tocopherol, Lactic Acid, Sodium Lactate, Sodium Hydroxide, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin.
2. Naturium Retinaldehyde Cream Serum 0.05%
- Quick facts
- Retinal concentration: 0.05%
- Other key ingredients: Faex (Yeast) Extract
- Price: $29.00
- Size/Quantity: 50 ml
I have used Naturium Retinaldehyde Cream Serum for quite some time. I am pleasantly surprised with its texture: gel-serum which spreads so nicely on the skin. The natural color of retinal gives it a lemon-yellow color. It has no odor or smell to it.
I have used many over-the-counter retinoids over the last few years. Some agree with my sensitive skin and some don’t. I had no issues with this serum. No redness or peeling but remember I am not new to retinoids.
It makes my skin soft and my texture appears smooth which is one of my main concerns due to rosacea and seborrheic dermatitis. I also use it on my neck every day with no problem.
In addition to retinal, the formula has additional emollients and hydrators to moisturize the skin. Although it is moisturizing, I still use a moisturizer with it to avoid any dryness or side effects.
I have used both 0.05% and 0.1% concentrations from this brand (read my detailed review of Naturium retinaldehyde serum here).
Pros
- Thin formula that spreads easily.
- Affordable and easily available.
- Free of fragrance and essential oils
Cons
- None
Full ingredient list
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.
3. Geek & Gorgeous A-Game 5
- Quick facts
- Retinal concentration: 0.05%
- Other key ingredients: Allantoin, panthenol
- Price: €13.80 (~ $15.24)
- Size/Quantity: 30 ml
Geek and gorgeous A-game 5 is another affordable retinaldehyde serum. It is bright yellow in color with no smell and comes in pump packaging. It has a thin lotion-like consistency which spreads really nicely on the skin and sinks in.
It comes in three concentrations (0.05%, 0.1% and 0.2%). The ingredients are identical, the only difference is the concentration of retinal. The serum worked really well to keep my textural issues under control.
The only downside is that it is not widely available and you might have to pay shipping charges to get it.
Pros
- Lotion-like texture which is easy to spread on the skin.
- Affordable.
- Free of fragrance and essential oils.
Cons
- Not widely available.
Full ingredient list
Aqua (Water), Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Oleyl Erucate, Glycerin, Triheptanoin, Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, Cyclodextrin, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Allantoin, Retinal, Rubus Chamaemorus (Cloudberry) Seed Oil, Panthenol, Citric Acid, Tocopheryl Acetate, Disodium Edta, Pentylene Glycol, Lonicera Japonica (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract, Lonicera Caprifolium (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol.
4. Avene RetrinAL 0.1 Intensive Cream
- Quick facts
- Retinal concentration: 0.1%
- Other key ingredients: Tocopheryl glucoside, evening primrose oil, Avene thermal spring water
- Price: $74.00
- Size/Quantity: 30 ml
Avene RetrinAL 0.1 Intensive Cream was one of the first retinaldehyde products that I had tried. Avene is a reputable brand with effective products and they also did their own study with this product.
It has a cream consistency which is thicker than Naturium retinal serum. It spreads nicely but not as easily as some of the other retinal serums.
It does have a dye Red 33 in it. I didn’t have any reaction but something to keep in mind if you are allergic to dyes.
I have used both 0.05% and 0.1% retinaldehyde concentration from this brand. 0.1% is definitely more effective but if you are a beginner, it’s better to start with a lower concentration.
Pros
- Effective moisturizing formula.
- Free of fragrance and essential oils.
Cons
- Contains a dye.
Full ingredient list
Avène Thermal Spring Water, Triethylhexanoin, Cyclopentasiloxane, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cyclohexasiloxane, Ceteareth-20, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Ceteareth-33, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Ammonium Acrylol Dimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Oil, Phenoxyethanol, Benzoic Acid, Disodium Edta, Retinal, Tocopheryl Glucoside, Oleoyl Dipeptide-15, Mica, Sodium Hydroxide, Silica, Bht, Oleoyl Tetrapeptide-31, Tocopherol, Titanium Dioxide, Caramel, Red 33.
5. Medik8 Crystal Retinal 6
- Quick facts
- Retinal concentration: 0.06%
- Other key ingredients: Antioxidants – vitamins C & E, emollients
- Price: $81
- Size/Quantity: 30 ml
Medik8 is one of the few brands that have been carrying retinal serums for quite some time. I first tried Crystal Retinal 6 a couple of years back and I remember buying it from Space NK but now it is much more widely available in the US.
You cannot go wrong with retinal serums from this brand as they use their own technology (crystal encapsulation) to stabilize the formula. The other beauty about this brand is that crystal retinal comes in various concentrations even at 0.01% and 0.03%, so if you have extremely sensitive skin or are a beginner, you can go with these.
Crystal retinal comes in a tube with a pump. It has a creamy consistency which spreads nicely.
It does smell like vanilla probably due to Vanilla Planifolia fruit extract. However, this is considered non-sensitizing and should not be a problem. I didn’t have any reaction to it, still, it’s best to do a patch test with any new skin product.
It is moisturizing but I preferred using a separate moisturizer along with it. In addition to retinal, it has antioxidants like Vitamin E & C, and emollients.
It does have a dye – Red 4 in it. If you are allergic to dyes, it’s best to skip this one.
Note: They also have retinal serum at a concentration of 0.24% (I have not tried it yet).
Pros
- Multiple antioxidants and emollients.
- A wider range of serums with different concentrations of retinal, so even someone with extremely sensitive skin can use retinal.
- You can upgrade to the highest available concentration of retinal – 0.2% in the same brand.
Cons
- Contains a red dye.
- Pricey especially the ones with higher concentrations of retinal.
Full ingredient list
Water, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glycerin, Isododecane, Cetearyl Olivate, Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Cyclodextrin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Sorbitan Olivate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Squalane, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Hydroxyacetophenone, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Rubus Chamaemorus Seed Oil, Pentylene Glycol, Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Seed Oil, Retinal, Alumina, Isostearic Acid, Lecithin, Sodium Polyaspartate, Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate, Lonicera Japonica (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract, Lonicera Caprifolium (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Disodium EDTA, Ethylhexylglycerin, Stearic Acid, Polysorbate 60, Sorbitan Isostearate, BHT, Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract, Dipteryx Odorata Bean Extract, Coumarin, Red 4, Titanium Dioxide/CI 77891.
6. Dr. Different VITALIFT-A
- Quick facts
- Retinal concentration: 0.05%
- Other key ingredients: Ceramides, emollients like safflower oil and shea butter
- Price: $42.00
- Size/Quantity: 20 grams
Dr. Different Vitalift-A is a retinaldehyde product from a Korean beauty brand with an intensely nourishing formula. I was surprised to find it online at Costco (I couldn’t find it this time) and it was at a great price.
It comes in tube packaging. It is very faint yellow in color with a thick creamy texture that feels very rich. I always used it as the last step as it was thick and it was hard to put any serum on top of this.
Some days, this alone was enough for me and I didn’t need a moisturizer under it. But if you have very dry skin, you may need a moisturizer along with it.
It does not spread as nicely as other formulas due to its texture. But it made my skin super soft and also worked well for my skin texture and pores.
In addition to retinal, it has oils and ceramides which can help minimize any side effects.
It also comes at 0.1% concentration which is called Vitalift-A forte.
Pros
- Very moisturizing.
- Free of fragrance and essential oils
Cons
- The thick texture can be hard to spread.
- Tube packaging (I prefer air-tight packaging).
Full ingredient list
Water, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Glycerin, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil, Squalane, Brassica Campestris (Rapeseed) Sterols, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Cholesterol, Phytosteryl/Behenyl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Polyglyceryl-10 Oleate, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Polyglutamic Acid, Ceramide NP, Stearic Acid, Tocopherol, Oleic Acid, Retinal, Adenosine, Disodium EDTA.
The above list has multiple options both for beginner and advanced retinoid users. I hope you can find your holy grail product or serum containing retinaldehyde.
For best results, use retinal consistently, even if it is a few times a week.
Further reading
Disclaimer: The ingredient list/ price is subject to change over time, so make sure you check them before buying any product.