Retinol or retinal – how do they differ and which should you choose?

Retinol and retinal are two forms of vitamin A used in facial skincare products. Retinal is one step closer to the active form, so it usually works faster, while retinol is the classic found in many creams and serums. Below we explain the differences, which skin types each is made for and how to introduce them into your routine without irritation.

This is general cosmetic information, not medical advice. If you have a skin condition, are under dermatological treatment, are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before using retinoids.

What is retinol?

Retinol (vitamin A1) is a vitamin A derivative from the retinoid group. It is found in creams, serums and night-time products. In the skin it goes through two conversions: retinol → retinal → retinoic acid. The more steps, the more gradual the effect, which is why changes in the look of the skin with retinol are usually seen after several weeks of regular use.

What is retinal?

Retinal (retinaldehyde) is a newer form of retinoid. It needs only one conversion to retinoic acid, so cosmetic makers describe it as faster-acting and effective at lower concentrations. There are fewer retinal products than retinol ones, and they tend to cost more.

How is retinol different from retinal?

What skincare benefits can retinol offer?

Products with retinoids are most often chosen to:

• smooth the look of fine lines and improve firmness,
• even out skin tone and brighten the look of discolouration,
• improve skin texture,
• care for mature skin in a night routine.

Results depend on the product, concentration, regularity and skin type.

When should you choose retinol?

Retinol is a sensible choice if:

• you have normal, dry or mature skin,
• you want classic anti-ageing care,
• you are new to retinoids and prefer a wide choice of products at a lower price.

In our range you will find, among others, Norel Renew Extreme cream with 0.3% retinol for night, Bielenda Neuro Retinol moisturising serum, Eveline Serum Shot 0.2% Retinol, Bioliq PRO retinol serum for mature, also sensitive skin, Charmine Rose Medi Reti Fix retinol cream and Apis Retin Ambre Synergy cream-mask with retinol. See the full list of retinol cosmetics in the store search. Also browse the categories anti-wrinkle creams and anti-wrinkle serums and the brands Norel, Bielenda, Eveline, Apis, Bioliq and Charmine Rose.

Why do so many cosmetics combine retinol with vitamin C?

Manufacturers like to combine the two ingredients in one formula because it is a popular duo in anti-ageing care: retinol is associated with skin renewal, vitamin C with radiance and an even tone. It is a decision made in the formulation of each product, so always use it according to the manufacturer's instructions. If your skin is sensitive, start with less frequent use and watch how it reacts. Examples: Norel Renew Extreme serum with retinol and vitamin C, Clarena Power Pure Vit C Line serum with retinol and hyaluronic acid, Apis Re-Vit C night cream with vitamin C and retinol, Bielenda Super Trio 3 (retinol, vitamin C, collagen) night serum and creams from the same line: 40+, 50+ and 70+.

When should you choose retinal?

Consider retinal if:

• your skin is sensitive or reacts to classic retinol with irritation,
• you want a faster pace when introducing changes to your routine,
• you are looking for a product also for skin with imperfections (check the description of the specific product).

Retinal is sometimes used around the eyes too, but only in cosmetics where the manufacturer intends this.

In the store we have, among others, BasicLab serum with 0.15% retinal and growth factor, BasicLab Esteticus with 0.05% retinal and Cica, BasicLab with 0.07% retinal and eye-area cosmetics with retinal: BasicLab Esteticus 0.03% and Bielenda Professional SupremeLab Re-Advanced. Find more in the store search, the brand BasicLab and the category anti-wrinkle eye creams.

Who is retinol for, and who should be careful?

Retinoids are meant for adults whose skin has no acute conditions. We advise caution with very sensitive or irritation-prone skin, during dermatological treatment, in pregnancy and while breastfeeding. In those cases talk to your doctor first.

How do you safely start using retinol or retinal?

1. Introduce it gradually. Start with 2 times a week, then 3–4 times, and eventually every other day if your skin reacts well.
2. Use it in the evening on clean, dry skin, following the manufacturer's instructions.
3. Use SPF every day. Retinoids make skin more sensitive to the sun, so during the day you need a cream with high SPF, for example from our protective creams category.
4. Look after your skin barrier. Reach for cosmetics with ceramides, squalane, panthenol or hyaluronic acid, for example from the moisturising creams category.
5. Don't combine immediately with other strong actives such as AHA/BHA acids. Introduce them separately and watch your skin.

How long until you see results?

Usually we talk about several weeks of regular care (often 8–12), though much depends on the product and skin type. What matters most is regularity, sun protection and moisture.

Retinol or retinal – summary

Both are retinoids but work at a different pace. If you want gentler and faster action, consider retinal. If you prefer a proven, widely available option, choose retinol. In either case, rely on SPF and moisturising.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Are retinol and retinal the same thing?

No. They are two different forms of vitamin A. Retinol needs two conversions to become retinoic acid and retinal needs one, which is why retinal usually works faster.

Can retinol be used in the morning?

Manufacturers usually recommend evening use because retinoids make skin more sensitive to the sun. During the day always use a cream with SPF.

How often should I use retinol at the start?

Start with 2 times a week and gradually increase the frequency if your skin does not react with irritation. Always follow the instructions on the packaging.

Are retinoids suitable for everyone?

No. People with very sensitive skin, who are pregnant, breastfeeding or under dermatological treatment should first talk to a doctor.

Delivery and collection

We ship across the UK, and delivery is free on orders over £50. You can also collect your order in person at our shop in Hounslow (112 High St, 1st Floor, TW3 1NA) and pay online or in cash. Visit us in person – with the help of our staff you will choose even more accurately.