Retinol vs. Retinal
Ever seen “retinal” on a skincare website and thought they made a typo? You’re not alone! Even skincare aficionados often don’t know that there’s a huge difference between retinal and retinol, and their effects on your skin.
Let’s dive in.
This family includes notable members like tretinoin, retinoic acid, and retinal, among others. They're primarily known for their formidable acne-fighting abilities, as they have a knack for unclogging pores. Additionally, they hold a reputation for diminishing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, rejuvenating the skin.
While retinol, easily found over the counter, has become a household name in skincare, it falls short when compared to its stronger counterparts. Its limitations arise because it undergoes a two-step conversion process before it becomes active on the skin.
When it comes to skincare's vitamin A champions, retinol often steals the limelight, celebrated for its anti-aging prowess.
Side effects of
retinol
✕ Acne breakouts
✕ Eczema flare-ups
✕ Skin discoloration
✕ Swelling
✕ Stinging sensation upon
application
But there's a more powerful and less irritating contender for the retinoid crown – retinaldehyde, or retinal.
Retinal:
✓ Anti-aging
✓ Evens skin tone
✓ Oil control
✓ Reduces breakouts
✓ 20x more powerful than
retinol
✓ Faster results than retinol
✓ Efficacy similar to
prescription-grade tretinoin
Benefit #1
Retinal is a more potent form of vitamin A, closely resembling prescription-grade tretinoin. The primary difference between retinal and retinol is their speed of action. Retinal needs just one phase of conversion before becoming active, making it more effective, faster.
Benefit #2
Retinal is approximately 20x more powerful than retinol (resembling prescription-grade tretinoin in effectiveness), delivering enhanced benefits in a significantly shorter period. It’s also less likely to cause the irritations commonly linked with retinol, which is especially helpful for those with sensitive skin.
Benefit #3
Additionally Rest Religion's encapsulation system provides stable and efficient retinal delivery that goes above and beyond industry standards. This makes it a potent yet gentle option for your skincare routine.
That’s why a growing number of dermatologists are recommending retinal over retinol to their patients - and why our Retinal Skin Restoring Serum is becoming a household staple among skincare enthusiasts.