Retinal vs. Retinol: Which One Should You Start With?

Autumn is the best time to start with vitamin A: the sun is weaker, and you have months to let your skin get used to it before summer. The first question we hear in our shop is almost always the same – retinal or retinol? Here is the short answer, and how to start without the redness and flaking many people fear.

What is the difference?

Retinol and retinal (retinaldehyde) are both forms of vitamin A. Your skin has to convert them into retinoic acid, the form that actually works. Retinol needs two conversion steps, retinal only one. That is why retinal generally works faster at the same concentration – and why it can also feel a little stronger.

• Retinol – the gentler, slower start. Good for sensitive skin and complete beginners.
• Retinal – faster and more noticeable. Good if you have used retinol before, or if your skin is not particularly sensitive.

Two serums, two starting points

Dr. Althea 0.1% Gentle Retinol Serum combines 0.1% retinol with bakuchiol and panthenol in a light gel. It is fragrance-free and the easier entry if your skin reacts quickly.

Celimax Retinal Shot Tightening Booster – our bestseller – contains 0.1% retinal plus niacinamide, panthenol and peptides, also without fragrance. It is applied only to the areas you want to target: fine lines, the forehead, around the nose. It contains fine micro-spicules (hydrolyzed sponge), so a light tingling after application is normal.

For the eye area, where skin is thinnest, a dedicated product such as the Beauty of Joseon Revive Eye Serum Ginseng + Retinal is the better choice than your face serum.

How to start without irritation

• Evenings only. Vitamin A makes skin more sensitive to the sun.
• Start with two evenings a week, then three, and increase slowly over four to six weeks.
• A pea-sized amount for the whole face is enough – more does not work better, it only irritates more.
• Moisturise afterwards. A calming cream such as the Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream buffers the first weeks.
• Do not combine it with strong acids (AHA/BHA) on the same evening while your skin is getting used to it.
• Sunscreen every morning, also in autumn – for example the Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun SPF50+.
• Not during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Some dryness or light flaking in the first two weeks is normal. If your skin burns or stays red, take a break for a few days and restart with fewer evenings.

Still unsure?

Come by the Shopping City Seiersberg and tell us about your skin – we will help you choose between retinol and retinal. Or take our skin type test online.