Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsRetinoidsRetinolRetin-AKey DifferencesChoosing a RetinoidPreventing Side EffectsFAQ
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Retinoids
Retinol
Retin-A
Key Differences
Choosing a Retinoid
Preventing Side Effects
FAQ
Retinol is a type ofretinoid, or a group of compounds derived fromvitamin A, typically found in over-the-counter (OTC) anti-aging skincare options.Retinol productscan help your skin feel smoother and look brighter.
Retin-A, the brand name fortretinoin, is a prescription-only retinoid used to treat acne, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation. It is stronger and works faster than retinol.
This article explains retinoids and discusses the differences between retinol and Retin-A. It also covers potential side effects and how to select the best product for your needs.
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What Are Retinoids?
“Retinoid” is the term used to describe a group of compounds that are derived from vitamin A. Retinoids are well-regarded among skincare experts because they offer proven benefits for the skin.Using retinoids regularly can help tone, smooth, and brighten your skin.
Retinoids can increase collagen production, and some evidence shows they may increase elastin production as well.This makes retinoids effective anti-agers, and they are often found in products designed to prevent and reverse signs of aging.
Retinoids also speed upcell turnover ratesand can help unblock pores.For this reason, they are also used to treat acne.
Six types of retinoids are derived from vitamin A. These retinoids include:
Some medications that contain retinoids include:
Retinoids and PregnancyRetinol and Retin-A should be avoided during pregnancy, even though newer retinoids are thought to present less risk to a developing fetus than previous versions of the drugs.If you become pregnant, stop taking any retinoids and tell your healthcare provider.
Retinoids and Pregnancy
Retinol and Retin-A should be avoided during pregnancy, even though newer retinoids are thought to present less risk to a developing fetus than previous versions of the drugs.If you become pregnant, stop taking any retinoids and tell your healthcare provider.
Is Retin-A (Tretinoin) Safe to Use During Pregnancy?
What Is Retinol?
Retinolis a natural form of vitamin A. It can be found in many OTC skin care treatments and beauty products. It can help make your skin look brighter, and feel softer and smoother. It may also help prevent fine lines and wrinkles.
Retinol itself doesn’t affect the skin directly. Enzymes within the skin must first convert retinol into retinoic acid. It’s only when it is converted into retinoic acid that it becomes effective. This isn’t an instantaneous process, though. The conversion process can take a long time.
Retinol products are generally fairly gentle. The longer you use them, the more likely you’ll see anti-aging results, but they typically won’t deliver transformative change.
How much retinol is converted into retinoic acid is dependent on several factors including:
Because of all of these factors, retinol is a slow worker. You might not see much in the way of results for up to six months or longer.
Results are cumulative, so the longer you use it, the better results you will see. Retinol is a good addition to your anti-aging skincare routine but it’s not a miracle cure. You likely won’t see massive change.
Retinaldehyde: Another Skin Care Solution?
Side Effects
Retinols can cause side effects. You may notice your skin gets a bit pink after you apply a retinol product. Some stinging or dryness is also common but it’s typically very mild.
Most people can use retinols without many issues, but if your skin seems irritated, you should stop using the product.
How to Use a Retinol ProductWash your face first. When your skin is completely dry, apply a pea-sized amount of the retinol product. Use your fingers to work the product into your skin. Since retinol can make you more sensitive to the sun, make sure to also use sunscreen if you’re going to spend time outdoors.
How to Use a Retinol Product
Wash your face first. When your skin is completely dry, apply a pea-sized amount of the retinol product. Use your fingers to work the product into your skin. Since retinol can make you more sensitive to the sun, make sure to also use sunscreen if you’re going to spend time outdoors.
What Is Retin-A?
Retin-A is the brand name for the medication tretinoin. Retin-A is a synthetic form of vitamin A.
Unlike retinols, Retin-A is a prescription-only medication. It’s typically used to treatinflammatory acneandcomedonal breakouts. Retin-A’s active ingredient, tretinoin, is also used to treat fine lines and wrinkles and brighten the complexion.
You don’t have to wait for the skin to convert Retin-A to an active form. It’s stronger than retinol products and works faster. You may see improvement in six to eight weeks.
Retin-A is a stronger treatment, but that also means you’re more likely to notice side effects while using it. These side effects include:
Some researchers have found that with long-term use, retinoid side effects can lead to a condition calledepidermal barrier dysfunction. This, in turn, can contribute to the development ofeczemaand other skin disorders.
Effects of Retinol vs. Retin-A
Although they work in similar ways, retinol is not the same as Retin-A. Some may call retinol an OTC version of Retin-A, but they aren’t interchangeable.
Retinol is sometimes added to OTC acne medications but it’s not an acne treatment. It’s used most often as an anti-aging treatment.
Retin-A is much more powerful than retinol. Even the lowest strength Retin-A is stronger than the highest strength retinol product.
Choosing the Right Product
Whether you choose retinol or Retin-A is dependent on what your end goals are. There are benefits and drawbacks for each.
General Skin Care
If you’re looking to give your skin a little boost, stave off some signs of aging, and don’t have any big problems that need to be addressed, retinol is the most practical choice. Look for retinol in leave-on treatments like moisturizers, creams, eye treatments, and serums.
There are different forms of retinol. So, while looking at the ingredients list on that anti-aging cream, you probably won’t see “retinol.“Instead, you’ll see theformof retinol used in that particular product: retinal,retinyl palmitate, retinyl acetate, orretinyl linoleate.
The higher it’s placed on the ingredient list, the more retinol a product contains. If listed last, it doesn’t contain much retinol and probably won’t be very effective.
Acne, Wrinkles, and Scars
For concerns like acne, blackheads, pigmentation problems, and deeper lines and wrinkles, Retin-A will give you more bang for your buck.This means going to the dermatologist for a prescription.
In the long term, you will get more dramatic results with a prescription retinoid than you will with an OTC version.
Retinol can be a good first step before moving on to stronger, and potentially more irritating, Retin-A. It doesn’t have to be an either/or decision.
Your skin gradually becomes accustomed to retinoids as you use them. This doesn’t mean they don’t work as well over time—they do. You will notice a decrease in side effects like dryness and peeling over time.
Mottled Skin
Whichever retinoid you use,sunscreen is a must. Retinoids can make your skin more susceptible to sunburn because of the new skin cells at the surface of your skin.
Sun damage can still occur even if your skin isn’t burning. To protect your skin, use your retinoid at night and apply sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher every morning.
If you have sensitive skin, you may want to acclimate to your new retinoid treatment slowly. Try using your product just two to three times a week initially.
This will let your skin get used to the retinol and make it less likely that you will develop irritation. Work up to the point where you can use your product every day with no skin reaction.
Tretinoin Peeling: How to Treat Dry and Peeling Skin
Summary
Retinoids are drug compounds derived from vitamin A and used to treat skin conditions, such as age-related wrinkles or acne. Retinol and Retin-A (tretinoin) are both retinoid compounds but they may be used for different reasons.
Retinol is available in many over-the-counter products suitable for general skincare needs, and over time will deliver modest changes to make skin softer and smoother. Retin-A is stronger and available only with a prescription. It is used to treat acne, wrinkles, scars, and hyperpigmentation.
Frequently Asked QuestionsThe answer depends on what you’re using it for and how sensitive your skin is to its effects. Retin-A is stronger than retinol and may work faster than retinol. However, Retin-A is more likely to cause side effects like dryness, burning, and peeling. Retin-A Micro, a slow-release gel, may cause fewer side effects.Learn MoreThe Difference Between Retin-A and Retin-A MicroRetin-A is thought to be about 20 times as strong as retinol.However, studies have found that both Retin-A and retinol products deliver similar results in people with photodamaged skin and wrinkles.Learn MorePhotoaging: Causes, Treatment, PreventionDermatologists often recommend using retinol products on your skin starting in your mid- to late-20s. This can vary, however, since your skin may not age at the same rate as someone else’s.Always talk to your dermatologist before beginning any new skincare routine.Learn MoreBuilding a Healthy Skin-Care Routine
Frequently Asked Questions
The answer depends on what you’re using it for and how sensitive your skin is to its effects. Retin-A is stronger than retinol and may work faster than retinol. However, Retin-A is more likely to cause side effects like dryness, burning, and peeling. Retin-A Micro, a slow-release gel, may cause fewer side effects.Learn MoreThe Difference Between Retin-A and Retin-A Micro
The answer depends on what you’re using it for and how sensitive your skin is to its effects. Retin-A is stronger than retinol and may work faster than retinol. However, Retin-A is more likely to cause side effects like dryness, burning, and peeling. Retin-A Micro, a slow-release gel, may cause fewer side effects.
Learn MoreThe Difference Between Retin-A and Retin-A Micro
Retin-A is thought to be about 20 times as strong as retinol.However, studies have found that both Retin-A and retinol products deliver similar results in people with photodamaged skin and wrinkles.Learn MorePhotoaging: Causes, Treatment, Prevention
Retin-A is thought to be about 20 times as strong as retinol.However, studies have found that both Retin-A and retinol products deliver similar results in people with photodamaged skin and wrinkles.
Learn MorePhotoaging: Causes, Treatment, Prevention
Dermatologists often recommend using retinol products on your skin starting in your mid- to late-20s. This can vary, however, since your skin may not age at the same rate as someone else’s.Always talk to your dermatologist before beginning any new skincare routine.Learn MoreBuilding a Healthy Skin-Care Routine
Dermatologists often recommend using retinol products on your skin starting in your mid- to late-20s. This can vary, however, since your skin may not age at the same rate as someone else’s.Always talk to your dermatologist before beginning any new skincare routine.
Learn MoreBuilding a Healthy Skin-Care Routine
9 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.Zasada M, Budzisz E.Retinoids: active molecules influencing skin structure formation in cosmetic and dermatological treatments.Postepy Dermatol Alergol. 2019;36(4):392-397. doi:10.5114/ada.2019.87443McDaniel DH, Mazur C, Wortzman MS, Nelson DB.Efficacy and tolerability of a double-conjugated retinoid cream vs 1.0% retinol cream or 0.025% tretinoin cream in subjects with mild to severe photoaging.J Cosmet Dermatol. 2017;16(4):542-548. doi:10.1111/jocd.12381American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.Retinoids, topical.Williams AL, Pace ND, DeSesso JM.Teratogen update: Topical use and third-generation retinoids.Birth Defects Res. 2020;112(15):1105-1114. doi:10.1002/bdr2.1745NIH MedlinePlus.Tretinoin topical.Szymański Ł, Skopek R, Palusińska M, et al.Retinoic acid and its derivatives in skin.Cells. 2020;9(12). doi:10.3390/cells9122660Zaenglein AL, Pathy AL, Schlosser BJ, et al.Guidelines of care for the management of acne vulgaris.J Am Acad Dermatol. 2016;74(5):945-973.e33. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2015.12.037Babcock M, Mehta RC, Makino ET.A randomized, double-blind, split-face study comparing the efficacy and tolerability of three retinol-based products vs. three tretinoin-based products in subjects with moderate to severe facial photodamage.J Drugs Dermatol. 2015;14(1):24-30.Lee MW.The detrimental side effects of retinol: beyond beauty products. Portland State University; 2020. doi:10.15760/honors.916Additional ReadingNohynek GJ.Commentary on the safety of topical vitamin A in cosmetics.Regululatory Toxicology and Pharmacology.2017;89:302-304. doi:10.1016/j.yrtph.2017.08.002
9 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.Zasada M, Budzisz E.Retinoids: active molecules influencing skin structure formation in cosmetic and dermatological treatments.Postepy Dermatol Alergol. 2019;36(4):392-397. doi:10.5114/ada.2019.87443McDaniel DH, Mazur C, Wortzman MS, Nelson DB.Efficacy and tolerability of a double-conjugated retinoid cream vs 1.0% retinol cream or 0.025% tretinoin cream in subjects with mild to severe photoaging.J Cosmet Dermatol. 2017;16(4):542-548. doi:10.1111/jocd.12381American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.Retinoids, topical.Williams AL, Pace ND, DeSesso JM.Teratogen update: Topical use and third-generation retinoids.Birth Defects Res. 2020;112(15):1105-1114. doi:10.1002/bdr2.1745NIH MedlinePlus.Tretinoin topical.Szymański Ł, Skopek R, Palusińska M, et al.Retinoic acid and its derivatives in skin.Cells. 2020;9(12). doi:10.3390/cells9122660Zaenglein AL, Pathy AL, Schlosser BJ, et al.Guidelines of care for the management of acne vulgaris.J Am Acad Dermatol. 2016;74(5):945-973.e33. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2015.12.037Babcock M, Mehta RC, Makino ET.A randomized, double-blind, split-face study comparing the efficacy and tolerability of three retinol-based products vs. three tretinoin-based products in subjects with moderate to severe facial photodamage.J Drugs Dermatol. 2015;14(1):24-30.Lee MW.The detrimental side effects of retinol: beyond beauty products. Portland State University; 2020. doi:10.15760/honors.916Additional ReadingNohynek GJ.Commentary on the safety of topical vitamin A in cosmetics.Regululatory Toxicology and Pharmacology.2017;89:302-304. doi:10.1016/j.yrtph.2017.08.002
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.
Zasada M, Budzisz E.Retinoids: active molecules influencing skin structure formation in cosmetic and dermatological treatments.Postepy Dermatol Alergol. 2019;36(4):392-397. doi:10.5114/ada.2019.87443McDaniel DH, Mazur C, Wortzman MS, Nelson DB.Efficacy and tolerability of a double-conjugated retinoid cream vs 1.0% retinol cream or 0.025% tretinoin cream in subjects with mild to severe photoaging.J Cosmet Dermatol. 2017;16(4):542-548. doi:10.1111/jocd.12381American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.Retinoids, topical.Williams AL, Pace ND, DeSesso JM.Teratogen update: Topical use and third-generation retinoids.Birth Defects Res. 2020;112(15):1105-1114. doi:10.1002/bdr2.1745NIH MedlinePlus.Tretinoin topical.Szymański Ł, Skopek R, Palusińska M, et al.Retinoic acid and its derivatives in skin.Cells. 2020;9(12). doi:10.3390/cells9122660Zaenglein AL, Pathy AL, Schlosser BJ, et al.Guidelines of care for the management of acne vulgaris.J Am Acad Dermatol. 2016;74(5):945-973.e33. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2015.12.037Babcock M, Mehta RC, Makino ET.A randomized, double-blind, split-face study comparing the efficacy and tolerability of three retinol-based products vs. three tretinoin-based products in subjects with moderate to severe facial photodamage.J Drugs Dermatol. 2015;14(1):24-30.Lee MW.The detrimental side effects of retinol: beyond beauty products. Portland State University; 2020. doi:10.15760/honors.916
Zasada M, Budzisz E.Retinoids: active molecules influencing skin structure formation in cosmetic and dermatological treatments.Postepy Dermatol Alergol. 2019;36(4):392-397. doi:10.5114/ada.2019.87443
McDaniel DH, Mazur C, Wortzman MS, Nelson DB.Efficacy and tolerability of a double-conjugated retinoid cream vs 1.0% retinol cream or 0.025% tretinoin cream in subjects with mild to severe photoaging.J Cosmet Dermatol. 2017;16(4):542-548. doi:10.1111/jocd.12381
American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.Retinoids, topical.
Williams AL, Pace ND, DeSesso JM.Teratogen update: Topical use and third-generation retinoids.Birth Defects Res. 2020;112(15):1105-1114. doi:10.1002/bdr2.1745
NIH MedlinePlus.Tretinoin topical.
Szymański Ł, Skopek R, Palusińska M, et al.Retinoic acid and its derivatives in skin.Cells. 2020;9(12). doi:10.3390/cells9122660
Zaenglein AL, Pathy AL, Schlosser BJ, et al.Guidelines of care for the management of acne vulgaris.J Am Acad Dermatol. 2016;74(5):945-973.e33. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2015.12.037
Babcock M, Mehta RC, Makino ET.A randomized, double-blind, split-face study comparing the efficacy and tolerability of three retinol-based products vs. three tretinoin-based products in subjects with moderate to severe facial photodamage.J Drugs Dermatol. 2015;14(1):24-30.
Lee MW.The detrimental side effects of retinol: beyond beauty products. Portland State University; 2020. doi:10.15760/honors.916
Nohynek GJ.Commentary on the safety of topical vitamin A in cosmetics.Regululatory Toxicology and Pharmacology.2017;89:302-304. doi:10.1016/j.yrtph.2017.08.002
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