Dermatologists adore retinol’s ability to increase skin cell turnover and stimulate the creation of collagen, the fiber in skin that maintains it tight and smooth. It’s as near as it comes to a one-stop shop for topical skin care products. Its effectiveness is also supported by a wealth of data. However, retinal, which is a member of the class of substances known as retinoids, which also contains retinol, may be able to outperform it. Retinaldehyde, short for retinaldehyde, is even more potent than retinol and has a comparable capacity to even out skin tone, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, clear up breakouts, and smooth out skin texture.
According to Dr. Gloria Lin, a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology in New York City, retinoid derivatives are vitamin A that can be used to treat acne, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation. Retinal is the most effective of these, she says, but there are several over-the-counter alternatives at a lesser dosage. Some are only accessible with a prescription (sometimes grouped under the word “retinoids”).
GO Ahead and SkipHow did I choose the best retinal products? What is retinal? How can I shop for retinal products? Why should I trust NBC Select?
Selected.
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Best overallYouth To The People Retinal + Niacinamide Youth Serum
$undefined$72.00Sephora
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Editor s pickSkinbetter Science AlphaRet Overnight Cream
$undefined$140.00Laz Skincare
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Best budget pickE.l.f. Youth Busting Advanced Night Retinoid Serum
$undefined$22.00Amazon
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Best for beginnersNaturium Retinaldehyde Cream Serum 0.05%
$undefined$31.99Amazon
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How I picked the best retinal product
According to our specialists, retinal solutions can address hyperpigmentation, acne, wrinkles, and a range of skin issues, including uneven texture and blocked pores. They advised taking into account the following elements when looking for retinal products:
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Concentration
: The concentration of retinal can vary, with the lower end starting at 0.05% and going up to 1%. -
Additional ingredients
: Retinal is often paired with soothing and moisturizing ingredients to offset any potential for dryness or irritation. -
Delivery system
: Some retinal formulas are encapsulated, meaning it s housed in a capsule that dissolves after you apply them to skin, which may reduce irritation at the skin s surface and keep the ingredient stable.
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The best retinal products
Your skin type and retinoid experience will determine which retinal product is best for you. We have listed top-rated face serums and creams below that can assist with breakouts, fine lines, wrinkles, and more. In order to reduce the possibility of irritation, all of the products on the list are balanced with hydrating ingredients, and many are fragrance-free.
Best overall:
Youth To The People Retinal + Niacinamide Youth Serum
Youth To The People Retinal + Niacinamide Youth Serum
- Improves dull skin
- Lightweight
- Reinforces skin barrier
- Higher price point
According to Lin and Jacobs, this fragrance-free serum works well for the majority of skin types. According to Lin, in addition to being cruelty-free and vegan, it also includes 0.15% retinal, niacinamide, and ceramides to help nourish the skin. The brand claims that when combined, these substances can balance out skin tone and reduce fine wrinkles.
Best budget pick:
E.l.f. Youth Busting Advanced Night Retinoid Serum
E.l.f. Youth Busting Advanced Night Retinoid Serum
- Free of common irritants
- Smooths skin
- Reduces the look of fine lines
- Potent formula
This face serum, which is meant to be used overnight, contains two retinoids: 0.06% retinal and 1% granactive retinoid. Because it contains hyaluronic acid for hydration, this fragrance-free solution appeals to Dr. Michael Jacobs, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and clinical associate professor of dermatology at Weill-Cornell Medical College, he says. According to the manufacturer, it also contains antioxidants to help brighten skin even more.
Most versatile:
Allies of Skin Retinal & Peptides Repair Night Cream
Allies of Skin Retinal & Peptides Repair Night Cream
- Comes in two concentrations
- Smooths skin
- Improves tone and texture
- Higher price point
This fragrance-free night lotion contains antioxidants, peptides, and botanical oils in addition to a proprietary, encapsulated version of retinal (at a concentration of 0.05%). According to Jacobs, he enjoys this specific component combination since it simultaneously hydrates, protects, and renews the skin. Lin, who also likes the product, claims that it applies nicely and is mild.
Editor s pick:
Skinbetter Science AlphaRet Overnight Cream
Skinbetter Science AlphaRet Overnight Cream
- Fast acting
- Moisturizing
- Free of common irritants
- Higher price point
According to Dr. Julie Russak, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, this product, which is expertly recommended in our guide to dermatologists’ skin care routines, combines retinaldehyde with alpha hydroxy acids for a two-pronged approach to reducing dark spots and fine wrinkles. She claims that because it combines the advantages of exfoliation and retinal treatment, it is an exceptional option for treating several skin issues with a single product. It’s a must-have in my own routine because I’ve personally found it to help regulate my hormonal breakouts while smoothing the texture of my skin.
Best splurge:
Isdin Retinal Advanced Dual-Phase Night Serum
Isdin Retinal Advanced Dual-Phase Night Serum
- Suitable for all skin types
- Gentle formula
- Improves tone and texture
- Most expensive on our list
- Not pregnancy-safe
According to Russak, this night serum is a fantastic choice for anyone who wish to address wrinkles and fine lines. “It aims to reveal smoother and revitalized skin when introduced gradually into your evening routine,” she says. According to the manufacturer, it also has a special soothing compound that contains niacinamide to keep skin hydrated and tranquil.
Most gentle:
Peach & Lily Retinal for All Renewing Serum
Peach & Lily Retinal for All Renewing Serum
- Reduces dark spots
- Suitable for all skin types
- Helps the skin barrier
- Nothing to note at this time
Lin says she enjoys this Korean skin care line because it emphasizes preventative care and mild ingredients. According to Lin, the 0.1% retinal as well as ceramides and ectoin in this serum are particularly beneficial because they have been shown in studies to reduce inflammation brought on by retinoids. I
Best for beginners:
Naturium Retinaldehyde Cream Serum 0.05%
Naturium Retinaldehyde Cream Serum 0.05%
- Improves tone and texture
- Firms the skin
- Reduces the look of fine lines
- Nothing to note at this time
According to Lin, this serum is beginner-friendly due to its comparatively low dosage of 0.05% retinal. Additionally, she claims that it is simple to apply due to its distinct cream serum texture. According to the brand, the retina is encapsulated to prevent it from degrading (and losing its effectiveness) on its way to the deeper layers of the skin. Vitamin E and apricot kernel oil are also included in the fragrance-free recipe to help hydrate skin.
Best for sensitive skin:
Av ne Retrinal 0.1 Intensive Cream
Av ne Retrinal 0.1 Intensive Cream
- Plumps skin
- Has antioxidant protection
- Improves deep fine lines
- Higher price point
Lin enjoys this cream because it is fragrance-free, which she feels may be better for sensitive skin types, and since it comes in two strengths (0.05% and 0.1%), allowing users to progress to a higher percentage as their skin adjusts. According to her, it is also made with peptides and vitamin E to calm and brighten skin, as well as thermal spring water to assist lessen inflammation.
Best for mature skin:
Murad Retinal ReSculpt Overnight Treatment
Murad Retinal ReSculpt Overnight Treatment
- Improves deep fine lines
- Moisturizing
- Available in multiple sizes
- Potent formula
This encapsulated version of retinal, oat lipids, alpha glucan, and botanical components including kangaroo paw flower and olive leaf extract (to enhance sagging skin) are all used in this serum, which is intended to target deep wrinkles and sagging. According to the manufacturer, it can also be used to the neck to assist smooth and lift drooping skin. Based on more than 600 reviews, it has an average rating of 4.9 stars on Sephora.
Best for dull skin:
The Ordinary Retinal 0.2% Emulsion
The OrdinaryRetinal 0.2% Emulsion
- Lower price point
- Improves skin luminosity
- Reduces the look of fine lines
- Potent formula
- Can leave slight color residue
According to Ulta, this serum-like retinal fights fine lines and the loss of firmness and elasticity. It has an average rating of 4.3 stars based on over 900 reviews. After regular nightly use, reviewers report that their skin looks brighter, feels smoother, and has a more even tone (including the disappearance of black spots). Additionally, they value that the serum doesn’t make their skin feel tight, uncomfortable, or dry.
Best for acne-prone skin:
Paula s Choice Pro Retinaldehyde Dual-Retinoid Treatment
Paula s Choice Pro Retinaldehyde Dual-Retinoid Treatment
- Gentle release formula
- Clears skin
- Suitable for all skin types
- Not pregnancy-safe
According to the company, this creamy overnight treatment is great for people who want to reduce dark spots, enlarged pores, fine wrinkles, uneven tone, and texture. In addition to retinaldehyde, it contains adapinoid (an oil-soluble retinoid) and jojoba seed oil to calm the skin and fight acne causes. According to Paula’s Choice, you can apply this before your moisturizer or in addition to it at night to reduce the likelihood of dryness and irritation. Based on more than 580 reviews, it has an average rating of 4.9 stars on Sephora.
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What is retinal?
Compared to retinol (and other over-the-counter retinoids), retinaldehyde, a derivative of vitamin A, produces benefits faster. According to Jacobs, it is the most potent retinoid found in over-the-counter [skin care] treatments.
“Retinal is a good option for those who cannot tolerate prescription tretinoin but want to see more benefits than with just plain retinol because it’s weaker than prescription-level retinoids,” Lin adds. (As retinoin is a stronger type of retinoic acid, it can only be obtained with a prescription.) It is also more accessible because it eliminates the need to visit a dermatologist.
Lastly, for people who want to maximize the advantages of their retinoid, retinal also provides a compromise. Depending on their skin type, some people might wish to progress from retinol to retinal and finally to a prescription tretinoin, adds Lin. Over time, it might be a means of increasing the intensity of your skin care routine.
How to shop for retinal products
Our specialists suggest examining the concentration when shopping for retinal products. According to Russak, start with a lower retinal concentration and progressively increase usage as your skin adjusts. This is due to retinoids’ tendency to cause dry, flaky, or irritated skin in both prescription and over-the-counter medications.
Finding the ideal retinal concentration might be aided by your skin type and past experiences with retinoids. Higher intensities contain up to 0.1% retinal, whereas lower concentrations may be approximately 0.05%. Since retinol is less effective than retinal, you might want to try it first if your skin is naturally dry or sensitive. According to Lin, you could advance to the lesser strength retinal if you can handle that. Meanwhile, if you have more oily skin, you can potentially start with a higher strength retinal, like 0.1%, and then increase it over time (or move up to a prescription-level retinoid) if tolerated, she says. The same is true for people who are taking retinol now and have not seen any negative side effects.
However, according to Russak, individual tolerability can differ and some users may still feel sensitive or irritated. The formulation can also play a role; some ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid and ceramides (that are both hydrating), can help balance the inherent drying properties of retinal. Additionally, some technologies, including retinal encapsulation, can reduce adverse effects.According to research, encapsulation is an effective strategy for maintaining retinal stability and preventing discomfort since it gradually releases the retina over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Like all retinoids, retinal offers a multitude of benefits for skin. Retinoids help increase the natural skin cell turnover to minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, Lin says. They ve also been found to treat acne and even out skin tone, thus reducing hyperpigmentation.
As a result, products containing retinal can benefit a wide range of individuals, particularly those who are concerned with aging skin, acne, uneven skin tone and texture irregularities, says Russak. The below groups would benefit most from using a retinal product in their routine, she says.
- People who want to address signs of aging, like wrinkles and fine lines
- People who want to clear and prevent breakouts
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People who want to improve skin tone and reduce
hyperpigmentation
and acne scars
- People who want overall skin rejuvenation and a healthier complexion
They re both types of retinoids, but they re not the same thing. The main difference lies in their chemical structures and how they interact with the skin, Russak says. In your skin, retinol needs to convert into retinal before it can further convert into retinoic acid, which is the active form that delivers benefits. Retinal, on the other hand, only needs to convert once to become retinoic acid.
The extra conversion needed by retinol ultimately weakens it, according to Jacobs. As a result, it takes longer to work. Meanwhile, retinal can potentially deliver quicker and more noticeable results in terms of improving skin texture, reducing wrinkles and addressing other skin concerns, says Russak.
While it may seem reasonable that the more potent ingredient, retinal, would have a higher risk of irritation, that s not actually the case. According to recent research, retinal is actually better tolerated by skin compared to retinol, says Russak. Since it requires fewer conversions in skin, that results in potentially fewer side effects such as irritation and dryness, she says.
That said, individual tolerance can vary, so it s possible to still experience sensitivity when using a retinal product. For that reason, some people with facialeczemaorrosaceamay find that retinoids worsen their condition; in that case, you should avoid using them, says Lin.
Retinal may require an acclimation period when first incorporating it into your skincare routine, Russak says. For that reason, she recommends starting with a lower concentration of retinal, with the option of gradually increasing it as your skin adjusts.
Retinal, as with all retinoids, have some contraindications; for instance, they re not safe duringpregnancyand breastfeeding. And for those who already have an extensiveskin care routinefor example, one that includes exfoliating acids like alpha hydroxy acid, beta hydroxy acid and poly hydroxy acid retinoids, including retinal, might be hard to tolerate, says Lin. Consider using those once weekly and taking a break from the retinoid that night if you want to incorporate both into your regimen, she says.
Meet our experts
At Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
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Dr. Gloria Lin
, MD, FAAD, is dermatologist with the Schweiger Dermatology Group in New York City. She has special interests in the treatment of skin cancer, psoriasis and atopic dermatitis among others.
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Dr. Michael Jacobs
, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and clinical associate professor of dermatology at Weill-Cornell Medical College. In addition to practicing both medical and cosmetic dermatology, his research interests include the treatment of melanoma.
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Dr. Julie Russak
, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist and assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital.
Why trust NBC Select?
I am afreelance beauty writer and editorwho has been covering beauty and health for more than a decade, including topics like skin care ingredients and sun protection. For this article, I spoke to three dermatologists to narrow down the retinal products to shop this year, and highlighted their recommendations for the best options to consider.
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