Retinal vs. Retinol: The difference and which is really better
You've heard of retinal and are wondering if it's better than retinol? Or are you confused by all the vitamin A derivatives – retinol, retinal, retinoic acid, retinoids?
In this article you will learn the exact difference between retinol and retinal, how retinal works, whether a retinal serum is really better – and which plant-based alternative offers you the benefits of both active ingredients, without the side effects.
What is retinal?
Retinal – also called retinaldehyde – is a vitamin A derivative and belongs to the retinoid family. It is the most direct precursor of the active retinoic acid (tretinoin), which is responsible for the anti-aging effect [1] .
The retinoid hierarchy:
In short: The fewer conversion steps are needed, the stronger and faster the active ingredient works – but the more side effects are also possible.
The difference between retinol and retinal
The most important difference between retinol and retinal lies in the conversion:
- Retinol must first be converted to retinal in the skin, then to retinoic acid (2 steps)
- Retinal is directly converted to retinoic acid (1 step)
That means:
A study in the British Journal of Dermatology showed that retinal is up to 11 times more effective than retinol – with comparable tolerability in controlled studies [2] . However, "comparable tolerability" does not mean "without side effects".
The effects of retinal: What happens in the skin?
The effect of retinal is based on the same mechanisms as retinol, only faster and more intense:
1. Accelerated cell renewal
Retinal promotes cell division in the epidermis. Old skin cells are shed more quickly, and new cells move in. The result: a fresher, more even complexion.
2. Collagen stimulation
In the dermis, retinal stimulates fibroblasts to produce more collagen. At the same time, collagen degradation by matrix metalloproteinases is inhibited [3] .
3. Pigment regulation
Retinal can normalize melanin production and thus reduce pigment spots.
The downside of retinal effects:
Stronger effects also mean stronger side effects:
- Intensive skin peeling
- Redness and burning
- Severe drought
- Increased sun sensitivity
- Longer adjustment period for some skin types
Retinal Serum: What you need to know
A retinal serum is more concentrated than a retinal cream and penetrates deeper into the skin. This makes it more effective – but also more aggressive.
Retinal Serum vs. Retinol Serum
If you are already using retinol and want to switch:
- 0.5% retinol is approximately equivalent to 0.05% retinal.
- 1% retinol is approximately equivalent to 0.1% retinal.
A 0.1% retinol serum is therefore comparable to a 1% retinol serum – but delivers results faster.
Encapsulated retinal: Better tolerated?
Encapsulated retinal is enclosed in tiny liposomes or capsules that release the active ingredient slowly and in a controlled manner. The idea: less irritation with the same effect.
The reality:
- Encapsulated retinal can improve tolerability.
- The irritations often only appear with a delay.
- Sensitive skin often reacts with problems nonetheless.
- It is not a free pass for irritation-free use.
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Alt-text: Retinal serum effect – encapsulated retinal and how it works in the skin
Cream with retinal: Who is it suitable for?
A cream containing retinal is generally milder than a serum, as the effect of the retinal cream is somewhat buffered by the creamy texture.
A cream containing retinal is suitable for:
- Experienced retinol users who want to upgrade
- Normal to robust skin types
- People who are looking for faster results
- Users who already have experience with retinol
A cream containing retinal is NOT suitable for:
- Sensitive skin
- Rosacea or perioral dermatitis
- pregnant or breastfeeding women
- Retinoid beginners
Retinal or retinol – which is better?
The honest answer: Neither is generally "better".
The problem with both: side effects
Whether retinol or retinal – both active ingredients have the same fundamental problems:
- Initial worsening: The skin gets worse before it gets better.
- Skin peeling: possible for weeks to months
- Redness and burning: Especially during the initial adjustment phase
- Light sensitivity: Sun protection is a must
- Contraindicated: Forbidden during pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Combination restrictions: Many active ingredients are incompatible.
The only difference is that with retinal these side effects often occur more intensely [4] .
The alternative: Anti-aging without compromise.
What if you could have the anti-aging benefits of retinol and retinal – without the drawbacks?
Bidens Pilosa is a plant-based alternative that shows comparable results to vitamin A derivatives in studies – but via a different, gentler mechanism [5] .
Biden's Pilosa vs. Retinol vs. Retinal
Research shows that Bidens Pilosa activates similar signaling pathways for cell renewal and collagen production without overtaxing the skin [6] .
Our solution: SheCARE Retinol Alternative
Our products with Bidens Pilosa offer you the benefits of retinol and retinal – without their disadvantages:
Retinol Alternative Serum
The highly concentrated anti-aging serum. Works like a retinal serum, but without irritation.
€79.90 | 30 ml
Retinol Alternative Eye Serum
For the sensitive eye area. Gentle anti-aging care without risk.
€59.90 | 15 ml
Retinol Alternative Moisturizer
A daily moisturizer with anti-aging benefits. Like a cream with retinal, but gentler.
€79.90 | 50 ml
All products are COSMOS natural certified, vegan and also suitable during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
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Alt text: SheCARE Retinol Alternative – the plant-based alternative to retinal and retinol serum
Who is the retinol alternative suitable for?
The SheCARE Retinol alternative is perfect for you if you:
- You cannot tolerate either retinol or retinal.
- do not want to accept the side effects of vitamin A derivatives
- are pregnant or breastfeeding
- You have sensitive, reactive, or rosacea-prone skin.
- You want anti-aging results without an adjustment period?
- You don't feel like complicated skincare routines
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between retinol and retinal?
Retinal (retinaldehyde) is the direct precursor of retinoic acid and only needs to be converted once. Retinol needs to be converted twice. As a result, retinal works faster and more potently, but can also cause more irritation.
What is retinal?
Retinal (also called retinaldehyde) is a vitamin A derivative and the most direct precursor of active retinoic acid. It is considered 11 times more potent than retinol and is converted only once in the skin before it takes effect.
Retinal or retinol – which is better?
Retinal works faster and more potently than retinol. However, greater potency also means more side effects. Neither retinol nor retinal is ideal for sensitive skin – here, Bidens Pilosa offers a plant-based alternative without irritation.
How does retinal work on the skin?
Retinal accelerates cell renewal, promotes collagen production, and reduces wrinkles and age spots. Its effects occur faster than with retinol because retinal only requires one conversion step to the active retinoic acid.
What is encapsulated retinal?
Encapsulated retinal is enclosed in tiny capsules that slowly release the active ingredient. This is intended to improve tolerability. However, even encapsulated products can cause irritation – just with a time delay.
Is retinal serum better than retinol serum?
Retinal serum works faster and more intensively than retinol serum. Whether it's "better" depends on your skin. Sensitive skin often doesn't tolerate either retinol or retinal well. Robust skin can benefit from its stronger effect.
Is there an alternative to retinol and retinal without side effects?
Yes, Bidens Pilosa is a plant-based alternative that delivers similar anti-aging results to retinol and retinal – but without irritation, peeling, or increased photosensitivity. It is also suitable for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Conclusion: The decision lies with your skin.
Retinal vs. retinol – both active ingredients have their place. Retinal works faster and more strongly, while retinol is somewhat milder. But both share the same fundamental problems: side effects, adjustment period, and limitations.
If you want uncompromising anti-aging, Biden's Pilosa is the logical alternative. Same effect, no side effects, no limitations.
Your skin doesn't have to suffer to become more beautiful.
→ Discover the Retinol Alternative Serum now
Sources
[1] Saurat, JH (1999). Retinoids and psoriasis: Novel issues in retinoid pharmacology and implications for psoriasis treatment. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology , 41(3), 2-6. PubMed
[2] Creidi, P. et al. (1999). Profilometric evaluation of photodamage after topical retinaldehyde and retinoic acid treatment. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology , 39(6), 960-965. PubMed
[3] Fisher, GJ et al. (1996). Molecular basis of sun-induced premature skin aging and retinoid antagonism. Nature , 379(6563), 335-339. PubMed
[4] Zasada, M. & Budzisz, E. (2019). Retinoids: active molecules influencing skin structure formation. Advances in Dermatology and Allergology , 36(4), 392-397. PubMed
[5] Bartolome, AP et al. (2013). Bidens pilosa L.: A review of its traditional use, phytochemistry and pharmacology. Journal of Ethnopharmacology , 149(3), 601-619. PubMed
[6] Yang, W. C. (2014). Botanical, pharmacological, phytochemical, and toxicological aspects of the antidiabetic plant Bidens pilosa L. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine , 2014. PubMed