Retinol & Retinal

Both are vitamin A, and both end up as retinoic acid in the skin — the difference is how many steps it takes to get there. Retinol needs two conversions. Retinal needs one, which makes it roughly eleven times faster and, predictably, more likely to irritate.

Beginners should start with retinol. If your skin already handles actives comfortably, retinal gets you there sooner.

Either way the rules are the same, and ignoring them is why most people give up: one or two nights a week to begin, on dry skin, never on the same night as an acid, and sunscreen every morning without exception. Some flaking in the first fortnight is normal.

Want the longer version? Read Retinol vs retinal: which one should you use?