Retinal
One conversion step closer to retinoic acid than retinol, meaning faster results with comparable tolerability. Also possesses intrinsic antibacterial activity against C. acnes.
Oxidised directly into all-trans retinoic acid via a single enzymatic step, bypassing the slower retinol→retinal conversion. Binds RAR/RXR receptors to drive collagen synthesis and normalise keratinocyte differentiation.
- Faster visible results than retinol
- Antibacterial against C. acnes
- Improves elasticity
- Evens skin tone
- Lower irritation than tretinoin
What the evidence supports.
- Normal
- Oily
- Combination
- Sensitive
- Pregnant
- Breastfeeding
Later treatment or moisturiser step.
Concentration range in well-formulated products: 0.05%–0.1%
Year-round if tolerated; introduce gradually in any season.
Beta-carotene from orange/red vegetables converts to retinal in the small intestine.
- Bumpy keratin plugs
- Slow wound healing
- Mild dullness
Often a better entry retinoid for sensitive clients than retinol, equivalent efficacy at half the irritation in clinical comparisons.
- Sorg et al. 2006, retinal showed 11× faster conversion to retinoic acid vs retinol
- Saurat et al. 1994, 0.05% retinal matched 0.05% retinoic acid in photoaging without irritation
The research behind Retinal.
Every claim on this page traces to published research. Findings below are drawn from randomized trials and systematic reviews, each links to the study on PubMed.
Annals of Internal Medicine, 2013
American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2020
Journal of Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery, 2020
Journal of Advanced Research, 2015
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