Retinal

What is retinal?

Retinal, also called retinaldehyde, belongs to the retinoid family (vitamin A derivatives), just like retinol. The skin can only use retinoic acid directly. Retinol first has to be converted into retinal and then into retinoic acid – retinal skips the first step.

The result: retinal works considerably faster than retinol, but is usually better tolerated than prescription retinoic acid. Retinal was long considered difficult to stabilise. Modern formulas, often encapsulated, have made it one of the most exciting anti-ageing ingredients.

How does retinal work on the skin?

• Wrinkles and firmness: Retinal stimulates collagen production and softens fine lines.
• Cell renewal: The skin renews itself faster and the surface looks smoother.
• Dark spots: Sun spots and post-acne marks fade faster.
• Blemishes: Unlike retinol, retinal also acts directly against acne bacteria – a plus for blemish-prone skin.

Which skin types is retinal suitable for?

• mature skin that wants more results than retinol delivers – see Anti-ageing skincare
• blemish-prone skin and adult acne – see Acne skincare
• skin that already tolerates retinol well and wants to take the next step

Retinal is not suitable for very sensitive skin, rosacea, or during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

How to use retinal

1. In the evening, cleanse your face and let your skin dry.
2. Apply a pea-sized amount of retinal, avoiding the eye area and the corners of the mouth – unless the product is specifically designed for the eyes.
3. Finish with a soothing cream.
4. Always use sunscreen in the morning.

Start with a low concentration (0.05 to 0.1%) two to three evenings a week. If you have never used retinoids before, starting with a mild retinol is often more comfortable.

What can you combine retinal with?

• Niacinamide for a stronger barrier
• Ceramides and panthenol against dryness and irritation
• Hyaluronic acid for hydration
• Peptides as a gentle anti-ageing addition

Don’t use it in the same evening as AHA, BHA, retinol or high-strength vitamin C.

Retinal in Korean skincare

Retinal has arrived in K-beauty too: Korean brands often use retinal liposomes that release the ingredient gradually, and combine it with soothing ingredients such as ginseng, centella or peptides. Favourites include the Vita-A Retinal Shot Tightening Booster from celimax, the Revive Eye Serum with ginseng and retinal from Beauty of Joseon and KSECRET’s SEOUL 1988 line with retinal liposomes. Our Korean retinal skincare collection has all products with retinal.

What does the research say?

In studies, topically applied retinal showed biological effects similar to retinoic acid, but was significantly better tolerated (Saurat et al., Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 1994). A direct antibacterial effect has also been described for retinal (Pechère et al., Dermatology, 2002). For cosmetic products with lower concentrations, regular use and patience are key.