The guides · Retinoids
Retinal
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Retinaldehyde — one enzymatic step from retinoic acid, faster-acting than retinol with a shorter irritation window. Supports the look of more refined skin texture and tone.
What it does
Retinaldehyde — one enzymatic step from retinoic acid, faster-acting than retinol with a shorter irritation window. Supports the look of more refined skin texture and tone.
The facts
- Effective pH
- <5.5 (active form)
- Category
- Retinoids
- Also known as
- Retinaldehyde
- Pregnancy
- Avoid in pregnancy; ask your doctor
Pairs with · fights with
Pairs well with
Conflicts
- Benzoyl Peroxide
- AHAs/BHAs in same step
Before you use it
Often tolerated better than retinol at equivalent outcomes. Apply on dry skin, then moisturize over.
On the label
Listed as "retinaldehyde" in INCI. Typically 0.05–0.1% in leave-on formulas — higher than retinol equivalents because of the one-step conversion.
This guide is editorial, not medical advice. For a condition, a reaction or a medical question, see a dermatologist.
On the shelf
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See also
Retinol
Vitamin A alcohol that converts in-skin to retinaldehyde then retinoic acid. Accelerates cell turnover, supports the …
Read the guide →Tretinoin
Retinoic acid — the active form vitamin A receptors bind directly. Prescription-only in most markets. Fastest-acting …
Read the guide →Retinyl Palmitate
Retinoid ester — the most stable, most gentle form in the vitamin A family. Converts via two enzymatic steps (palmita…
Read the guide →
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