The ESK blog
The New Skincare Star: Why Retinal is Taking Over Retinol
26 February 2025
Dr Ginni Mansberg
If you’ve dabbled in Vitamin A skincare, you’ve probably heard of retinol. It’s been the most popular anti-aging skincare ingredient around for years. And why not? Studies show that people using Vitamin A have fewer fine lines and wrinkles, thicker, more elastic skin, increase in skin thickness, less pigmentation, and better skin hydration. But there’s a new kid on the block making waves in the beauty world: retinal, also known as retinaldehyde. And let me tell you, this isn’t just another trendy ingredient. Retinal is the real deal, offering faster and often better results than its older sibling, retinol. So, what makes retinal skincare so special?
Retinal vs. Retinol: What’s the Difference?
Both retinol and retinal (retinaldehyde) are derivatives of Vitamin A, but the key difference lies in how they work their magic. Retinol needs to go through a two-step conversion process in the skin to become retinoic acid, the active form that gets the job done. Retinal, on the other hand, only needs one step. That means when you slather on your retinal cream or retinal serum, you’re getting faster and more efficient results. Who doesn’t love a shortcut, especially when it leads to smoother, younger-looking skin?
Why Retinal is Perfect for Sensitive Skin
One of the biggest complaints about retinol is that it can be irritating, especially for those of us with sensitive skin. Redness, peeling, and dryness are common side effects that can make sticking to a skincare routine feel like a chore. But retinal skincare offers a gentler approach without sacrificing results. Thanks to its slower conversion, retinal is less likely to cause irritation, making it a fantastic option for sensitive skin. It has even been studied for one of the most sensitive skin types around- rosacea. And against rosacea, it is a powerfully effective yet gentle option! So, if you’ve been avoiding Vitamin A skincare because you thought it was too harsh, retinal night cream might just change your mind.
The Anti-Aging Powerhouse
We all want anti-aging skincare that works, right? Enter retinal night cream, your new nighttime hero. Because retinal converts more efficiently into retinoic acid, it can help boost collagen production, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, and even out skin tone more effectively than retinol. Plus, its antibacterial properties make it a great option for acne-prone skin. So, whether you’re dealing with crow’s feet or pesky breakouts, retinal cream has you covered.
Retinal is a Bit of a Splurge. Here’s Why
If you’ve noticed that retinal cream or retinal serum tends to be pricier than their retinol counterparts, you’re not imagining things. Retinal is more expensive to produce, which is why many brands have stuck with retinol. But for those willing to invest, the benefits of retinal skincare are hard to ignore. Think of it as a little extra spent today for more noticeable results tomorrow. At about $30,000 per kilo retinal costs more than 10 times as much as retinol! Plus it has to be transported and stored at below zero degrees centigrade. No wonder so many companies are happy to stick to the old school retinol!
How to Incorporate Retinal into Your Routine
Ready to make the switch to retinal skincare? There’s no need to start slow. If you’ve used a Vitamin A skincare product before, you might have been told to stick to two to three times a week, gradually increasing as your skin builds tolerance. Retinal is so well tolerated you can skip this step and use it every night as soon as it arrives.
Night time is key as Vitamin A tends to go off when exposed to sunlight.
And, of course, always follow up with sunscreen during the day. Retinoids can make your skin more sensitive to the sun, and the last thing you want is to undo all that anti-aging goodness with sun damage!
When it comes to anti-aging skincare, retinal is the rising star that deserves a spot on your vanity. With quicker results, fewer side effects, and powerful benefits for sensitive skin, retinaldehyde is proving to be more than just a passing trend. Sure, it might be a bit of a splurge, but the glowing, youthful skin you’ll get in return? Totally worth it.
So, if you’re ready to take your Vitamin A skincare to the next level, give retinal cream or retinal serum a try. Your skin will thank you, and you’ll be in on the secret that’s got everyone in the skincare world buzzing.
Ultimate A Night Cream contains 0.06% Retinal, the most gentle and effective form of Vitamin A, paired with Niacinamide to help maintain skin barrier function and support brighter, firmer and more even looking skin tone and texture. Well suited even for the most irritable skin. Usage: Apply at night after cleansing (and serum if being used) as part of your evening skincare routine.
Ultimate A
Key features:
Building on the proven performance of Ultimate A, Ultimate A+ Night Cream is designed for those looking to refine texture and tone or support skin prone to congestion. With 0.1% Retinal (the next-generation form of Vitamin A), Niacinamide, and 2% Glycolic Acid, this formula delivers visible improvements while remaining gentle and well tolerated. This unique combination supports smoother-looking skin, helps refine the appearance of pores and uneven tone, and promotes a more hydrated, balanced complexion. Featuring: Potent yet gentle formulation suitable for daily use Helps improve the appearance of uneven tone and texture Supports firmer, more supple-looking skin Formulated with evidence-based ingredients known to enhance skin clarity Note: Retinal is not suitable for use during pregnancy.
Ultimate A+
