Best for
Anti-Ageing, Acne, Skin Renewal
Typical concentration
0.025–1% retinol / 0.025–0.1% retinal
Works well with
Peptides, Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide, Ceramides
Use caution with
AHAs/BHAs, Vitamin C, Benzoyl Peroxide — use on alternate days
What it does
Retinol must convert to retinoic acid (the active form) via a two-step process: retinol → retinal → retinoic acid. This conversion reduces its potency relative to prescription tretinoin but also reduces irritation. Retinal — increasingly used in K-beauty — requires only one conversion step and is approximately 11× more potent than retinol at equivalent concentrations, with the added benefit of direct antimicrobial activity against acne bacteria.
How to use it
Begin 2–3 nights per week at 0.025–0.05% retinol (or 0.025% retinal). Sandwich method: apply a thin layer of moisturiser first, then retinoid, then moisturiser again — reduces irritation while maintaining efficacy. Do not use on the same night as AHAs or BHAs. Always use SPF the following morning. Increase frequency gradually over 8–12 weeks.
Who is it suitable for?
Not for use during pregnancy. Not suitable for severely compromised skin barriers. Otherwise suitable for all skin types with gradual introduction.
Products containing Retinol
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References
[1] Mukherjee S et al. Retinoids in the treatment of skin aging. Clin Interv Aging. 2006.
[2] Dhaliwal S et al. Prospective assessment of topical bakuchiol and retinol. Br J Dermatol. 2019.