Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsUsesStrengths and ApplicationRetinaldehyde vs. RetinolSide EffectsWhere to Find It
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Uses
Strengths and Application
Retinaldehyde vs. Retinol
Side Effects
Where to Find It
Retinaldehyde (also called retinal) is a nonprescription ingredient in some skincare products, including advanced serums and creams. It’s different from retinol, another popular retinoid. While retinol is known for helping with skin issues like wrinkles and uneven texture, retinaldehyde converts more directly into a form of vitamin A that may be even more effective and less irritating.
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Retinaldehyde Skin Uses
Retinaldehyde is a form of vitamin A that has become increasingly popular in skin care for its potent effects. It’s a step closer to retinoic acid, the active form of vitamin A that helps improve skin texture and tone. This means retinaldehyde can deliver many of the same benefits as retinoic acid but with less irritation, making it more suitable for those with sensitive skin.
According to one 2021 study involving 23 participants over eight weeks, the benefits of retinaldehyde are:
Like other retinoids, retinaldehyde stimulates collagen production, which helps maintain skin elasticity and firmness.
Incorporating retinaldehyde into your skin care routine may provide these benefits while potentially causing less irritation than other retinoids. However, it’s important to introduce it gradually to allow your skin to adjust and maximize its effectiveness.
Retinaldehyde Percentage and Application Steps
Retinaldehyde is typically present in skin care products at concentrations of 0.05% to 0.1%. These concentrations are effective for improving skin texture, reducing wrinkles, and enhancing overall skin appearance while maintaining a favorable safety profile.
Order of Application
When using retinaldehyde, it’s crucial to understand the recommended percentage ranges and follow a proper application process to maximize benefits and minimize irritation.
Here’s how to incorporate retinaldehyde into your skin care routine:
Additionally, make sure you start introducing retinaldehyde gradually into your routine to minimize potential irritation. Observe how your skin reacts and adjust the frequency of use if you need it.
Retinaldehyde vs. Retinol Comparison for Lessening the Signs of Aging
When comparing retinol and retinaldehyde, both offer powerful benefits to lessen sighs of aging but differ in potency and irritation potential. Retinol is one of the most well-known retinoids, celebrated for its extensive skin-renewing properties. It enhances cell turnover, aids in exfoliation, controls oil production, and minimizes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
To achieve these results, retinol undergoes a two-step conversion process in the skin, first turning into retinaldehyde before becoming retinoic acid, which can make its effects less immediate. Despite its advantages, retinol is notorious for causing dryness and irritation, especially in sensitive skin. Dermatologists may recommend gradually introducing it into your routine to improve skin tolerance.
On the other hand, retinaldehyde is a more potent retinoid that is just one step away from becoming retinoic acid. This makes its effects more direct than retinol. Retinaldehyde shares similar benefits with retinol, such as promoting cell turnover, smoothing wrinkles, and preventing acne, but tends to act more quickly.
Despite its enhanced potency, retinaldehyde is gentler on the skin than pure retinoic acid. Like retinol, it can cause some irritation, but it often is more effective alternative for those looking for faster results while still managing potential side effects.
Retinol vs. RetinaldehydeRetinaldehyde is stronger than retinol because it is nearer to the active form of vitamin A (retinoic acid). It is one step removed from retinoic acid, while retinol is two steps removed.
Retinol vs. Retinaldehyde
Retinaldehyde is stronger than retinol because it is nearer to the active form of vitamin A (retinoic acid). It is one step removed from retinoic acid, while retinol is two steps removed.
Retinaldehyde’s Side Effects and Considerations
Retinaldehyde offers many benefits but also comes with potential side effects and considerations, as follows:
Skin Irritation
Like other retinoids, retinaldehyde can cause skin irritation, including redness, peeling, and dryness, especially during the initial use phase. This is due to its potency and the skin’s adjustment period to the active ingredient.
Sensitivity to Sunlight
Retinaldehyde can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, increasing the risk of sunburn and photoaging. It’s crucial to use sunscreen daily and avoid excessive sun exposure while using products containing retinaldehyde.
Initial Adjustments
During the first few weeks of use, your skin may experience increased dryness or peeling as it adapts. To minimize these effects, consider starting with a lower concentration and gradually increasing usage.
Use With Caution
Retinaldehyde is generally safe for most skin types, but certain individuals should be cautious or avoid its use:
Overall, retinaldehyde is a potent ingredient with significant benefits, but careful introduction and management are essential to minimize potential side effects.
How to Get Retinaldehyde
Consult with your dermatologist before starting a retinaldehyde regimen to help ensure it’s appropriate for your skin type.
Retinaldehyde can be obtained over-the-counter.You can find it in places such as:
Summary
Retinaldehyde is a potent retinoid offering significant skin care benefits, such as improving skin texture and reducing wrinkles. Its closer proximity to retinoic acid compared to retinol makes it more effective while generally causing less irritation. However, it’s essential to introduce retinaldehyde gradually into your routine to minimize potential side effects like dryness or irritation.
Always consult with a dermatologist to determine if retinaldehyde is right for you and to get recommendations on appropriate concentrations. With proper use and care, retinaldehyde may be a valuable addition to your skin care regimen.
6 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Motamedi M, Chehade A, Sanghera R, Grewal P.A clinician’s guide to topical retinoids.J Cutan Med Surg. 2022;26(1):71-78. doi:10.1177/12034754211035091Zasada M, Budzisz E.Retinoids: active molecules influencing skin structure formation in cosmetic and dermatological treatments.Advances in Dermatology and Allergology. 2019;36(4):392-397. doi:10.5114/ada.2019.87443Kim J, Kim J, Jongudomsombat T, et al.The efficacy and safety of multilamellar vesicle containing retinaldehyde: A double‐blinded, randomized, split‐face controlled study.J of Cosmetic Dermatology.2021;20(9):2874-2879.doi.org/10.1111/jocd.13993Yoham AL, Casadesus D.Tretinoin. In:StatPearls: StatPearls Publishing; 2024Milosheska D, Roškar R.Use of retinoids in topical antiaging treatments: a focused review of clinical evidence for conventional and nanoformulations. Adv Ther. 2022;39(12):5351-5375. doi:10.1007/s12325-022-02319-7Skin Cancer Foundation.Is your beauty routine making you photosensitive?
6 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Motamedi M, Chehade A, Sanghera R, Grewal P.A clinician’s guide to topical retinoids.J Cutan Med Surg. 2022;26(1):71-78. doi:10.1177/12034754211035091Zasada M, Budzisz E.Retinoids: active molecules influencing skin structure formation in cosmetic and dermatological treatments.Advances in Dermatology and Allergology. 2019;36(4):392-397. doi:10.5114/ada.2019.87443Kim J, Kim J, Jongudomsombat T, et al.The efficacy and safety of multilamellar vesicle containing retinaldehyde: A double‐blinded, randomized, split‐face controlled study.J of Cosmetic Dermatology.2021;20(9):2874-2879.doi.org/10.1111/jocd.13993Yoham AL, Casadesus D.Tretinoin. In:StatPearls: StatPearls Publishing; 2024Milosheska D, Roškar R.Use of retinoids in topical antiaging treatments: a focused review of clinical evidence for conventional and nanoformulations. Adv Ther. 2022;39(12):5351-5375. doi:10.1007/s12325-022-02319-7Skin Cancer Foundation.Is your beauty routine making you photosensitive?
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Motamedi M, Chehade A, Sanghera R, Grewal P.A clinician’s guide to topical retinoids.J Cutan Med Surg. 2022;26(1):71-78. doi:10.1177/12034754211035091Zasada M, Budzisz E.Retinoids: active molecules influencing skin structure formation in cosmetic and dermatological treatments.Advances in Dermatology and Allergology. 2019;36(4):392-397. doi:10.5114/ada.2019.87443Kim J, Kim J, Jongudomsombat T, et al.The efficacy and safety of multilamellar vesicle containing retinaldehyde: A double‐blinded, randomized, split‐face controlled study.J of Cosmetic Dermatology.2021;20(9):2874-2879.doi.org/10.1111/jocd.13993Yoham AL, Casadesus D.Tretinoin. In:StatPearls: StatPearls Publishing; 2024Milosheska D, Roškar R.Use of retinoids in topical antiaging treatments: a focused review of clinical evidence for conventional and nanoformulations. Adv Ther. 2022;39(12):5351-5375. doi:10.1007/s12325-022-02319-7Skin Cancer Foundation.Is your beauty routine making you photosensitive?
Motamedi M, Chehade A, Sanghera R, Grewal P.A clinician’s guide to topical retinoids.J Cutan Med Surg. 2022;26(1):71-78. doi:10.1177/12034754211035091
Zasada M, Budzisz E.Retinoids: active molecules influencing skin structure formation in cosmetic and dermatological treatments.Advances in Dermatology and Allergology. 2019;36(4):392-397. doi:10.5114/ada.2019.87443
Kim J, Kim J, Jongudomsombat T, et al.The efficacy and safety of multilamellar vesicle containing retinaldehyde: A double‐blinded, randomized, split‐face controlled study.J of Cosmetic Dermatology.2021;20(9):2874-2879.
doi.org/10.1111/jocd.13993
Yoham AL, Casadesus D.Tretinoin. In:StatPearls: StatPearls Publishing; 2024
Milosheska D, Roškar R.Use of retinoids in topical antiaging treatments: a focused review of clinical evidence for conventional and nanoformulations. Adv Ther. 2022;39(12):5351-5375. doi:10.1007/s12325-022-02319-7
Skin Cancer Foundation.Is your beauty routine making you photosensitive?
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