Retinol vs Retinal (Retinaldehyde)

Both retinol and retinal are over-the-counter forms of vitamin A – but they don’t behave exactly the same on your skin.

How they work in the skin

• Retinol needs two conversion steps to become active retinoic acid.
• Retinal needs only one conversion step and is therefore more potent.

In simple terms: retinal sits one step closer to the “end goal” molecule your skin actually uses.

Which one is stronger?

Molecule for molecule, retinal is stronger and often works faster. Many people see quicker improvements in texture and pigmentation compared to classic retinol.

That doesn’t mean retinol is weak – it just tends to be a gentler, more forgiving way to start using vitamin A, especially at lower strengths.

Which one is better for sensitive skin?

Retinol is typically easier to tolerate, especially in lower strengths and encapsulated formulas. Retinal can be more active – great for results, but not ideal for highly reactive skin.

If you struggle with flushing, stinging and a fragile barrier, it’s usually smarter to start with a beginner-friendly retinol serum.

When to choose retinal over retinol

• You’ve already used retinol successfully for a while.
• You want faster results on stubborn fine lines or pigmentation.
• You’re willing to invest in slightly more expensive formulas.

If you’re still unsure, think of it this way: retinol is the training phase. Retinal is the “next level” once your skin proves it can handle vitamin A without constant irritation.