RETINOL VS RETINAL: WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE…

Whether you're a skin care connoisseur or just getting to know the beauty space, the chances are you’ve probably heard of retinol (with an O) and retinal (with an A). And before you say it, no they are not the same thing – but you’ll be forgiven for thinking that they are. Not only do they sound almost identical, but they both a fall under the vitamin A family and promote the synthesis of collagen, too.  

That being said, they are in fact two unique ingredients (we like to think of them as siblings rather than twins). Varying in benefits, behaviours and how they interact with the skin, it’s important to understand the difference between retinol and retinal and how to use them. 

Not sure where to start? No worries, we’ve enlisted the help of the Chief Product Officer at Medik8, Daniel Isaacs,to help us finally get to the bottom of the retinol vs retinal debate.  

WHAT IS RETINOL 

As mentioned above, retinol is a derivative of vitamin A (otherwise known as retinoids). “Retinoids stimulate skin cell renewal and support collagen production – enhancing the skin’s radiance, texture and tone. Vitamin A travels through several stages known as the ‘vitamin A pathway’. When it is applied to the skin, retinol first converts to retinal, and then to retinoic acid. At this stage, the ingredients become ‘active’ and visible results begin to occur,” says Daniel.  

Medik8 R-Retinoate Intense

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£229.00

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Augustinus Bader The Retinol Serum 30ml

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£280.00

30ml

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BYOMA Sensitive Retinol Oil 30ml

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£17.99

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Shani Darden Skin Care Retinol Reform (Various Sizes)

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£30.00

30ml

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Paula's Choice Resist Intensive Repair Cream (50ml)

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£39.00

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The Ordinary Retinol Serum 1% in Squalane 30ml

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£8.50

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Versed Press Restart Gentle Retinol Serum 30ml

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£20.00

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WHAT IS RETINAL 

On the other hand, while retinal (that’s short for retinaldehyde, FYI) is also a retinoid, it’s further along the vitamin A pathway than retinol. “Just one conversion step away from becoming retinoic acid – which means it acts faster on the skin than retinol – retinal boasts other additional benefits, from smoothing fine lines to helping reduce redness and more. But as it degrades quickly and is very difficult to stabilise, it’s rare to find retinal products on the market that deliver truly noticeable results. That’s where Medik8’s breakthrough patented stabilisation system comes in” Daniel adds. 

Medik8 Crystal Retinal 20 Serum 30ml

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£99.00

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Medik8 Crystal Retinal 3 Serum 30ml

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£49.00

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Youth To The People Retinal and Niacinamide Youth Serum 30ml

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£64.00

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The Ordinary Retinal 0.2% Emulsion 15ml

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£15.20

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Murad Retinal ReSculpt Overnight Treatment 30ml

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£105.00

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Allies of Skin Retinal and Peptides Repair Night Cream 50ml

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£115.00

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Omorovicza Midnight Renewal 30ml

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£145.00

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WHAT ARE THE KEY DIFFERENCES BETWEEN RETINOL AND RETINAL 

Now we know the definitions of these gold-standard ingredients, Daniel uncovers the key difference between retinol and retinal.  

1. Retinal is the only retinoid with direct antibacterial properties and is more potent than retinol as it’s only one step away from retinoic acid – making it ideal for those with blemish-prone skin. 
2. Retinal products are more difficult to make. Why? Because retinal is an unstable molecule and can lose its potency if exposed to light. As such, it requires innovative stabilisation systems like Medik8’s renowned crystal encapsulation technology, that features a patented carrot seed oil complex and airless packaging. 
3. Retinal doesn’t yet have as much clinical evidence and hasn’t been studied to the same extent as retinol.  
4. Retinal is a stronger retinoid that provides faster results. 

WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS OF RETINOL AND RETINAL 

Like all retinoids, both retinol and retinal can have the potential to cause dryness and irritation if applied to skin that isn’t used to it. Therefore, Daniel recommends “introducing retinoid products gradually and slowly – increasing the strength over time. This way, the potential for irritation is minimised as your skin can naturally adapt to the molecule over time.” 

“At Medik8, our retinoid products are carefully formulated to reduce the potential for discomfort. We use our Time Release Technology delivery system to gently release retinol or retinal into the skin, to avoid overwhelming it and to prolong the effects overnight,” adds Daniel. 

WHICH SKIN TYPES SHOULD USE RETINAL OVER RETINOL  

“The main reason someone might choose to go for a retinol product instead of retinal is if they prefer the format or texture – for example, we have a range of retinol serums which have an oil-based liquid texture. However, at Medik8 we recommend for everyone to use retinal as it’s a more potent form of vitamin A than retinol,” says Daniel. 

HOW DO YOU PICK THE BEST RETINAL FOR YOUR SKIN 

When it comes to selecting the best retinal-based skin care, there are a few key things to consider… 

1. Firstly, opt for a retinal collection that offers a choice of strengths, so you can build up your tolerance for stronger results.  
2. Then, ensure it contains hydration-boosters such as hyaluronic acid, glycerine or plant oils. 
3. Finish by checking that your chosen retinal comes in an air-tight pump dispenser that is opaque. This protects the retinal’s stability, as sun light can damage this.  

TOP TIPS ON HOW TO USE RETINAL PRODUCTS 

• Avoid using any other skin care products that contain vitamin A at the same time as this could overwhelm your skin and potentially cause sensitivity and irritation.  
• For new users of retinal, gradually phase-in application to enable your skin to build up a tolerance and avoid any reactions. Use twice a week for the first two weeks, every other night for the next two weeks, then every night. 
• Begin with products containing a lower percentage of retinal. Once your skin becomes used to this strength, move up to a higher concentration.  
• Only use retinal in the evening. Retinal is photosensitive, meaning that it becomes ineffective when exposed to UV rays and can cause irritation. However, an exception to this is Medik8's r-Retinoate Day & Night Serum. This formula is photostable and doesn’t break down when exposed to sunlight like other traditional forms of vitamin A. It can therefore be used both morning and night for effective visible results. If using r-Retinoate Day & Night in your morning routine, make sure to always follow with sunscreen. 
• Retinal can make your skin more sensitive to the sun, so it is important that you use sunscreen with a high SPF the following morning to protect your complexion against the damaging and ageing effects of UV rays. 
• Layer retinal with a deeply nourishing night cream that’s specially formulated to work alongside vitamin A. A case in point is Medik8's Advanced Night Restore, which helps minimise dryness and lock in the visible benefits of its retinal formulas. 

RETINOL VS RETINAL FAQS 

Which one is better; retinol or retinal? 

While one isn't better than the other, as mentioned above, retinal is faster-acting than retinol, so it can be more effective, but also more irritating. 

Which is more potent; retinol or retinoid? 

Is 0.1% retinal effective? 

Although it may seem surprising that such a small percentage can be effective, even 0.01% retinal has been proven to improve the appearance of fine lines, reduce the look of pores and improve the overall health of your skin.  

Is retinal percentage the same as retinol percentage? 

No, it's more than 10 times more powerful than retinol. For example, 0.3% retinal is stronger than 3% retinol.  

So, there you have it. Now you know the main differences between retinol and retinal, it’s time to level up your daily regime and reap the benefits of the skin care industry’s hero ingredient.