Retinaldehyde
Intermediate vitamin A form between retinol and retinoic acid. More potent than retinol but gentler than tretinoin.
Evidence by route
Topical application
Studies show comparable activity to retinol with a better tolerability profile. One head-to-head trial demonstrated superiority over retinol in conversion rate and clinical efficacy.
- Creidi P et al. J Am Acad Dermatol. 1998;39(6):960-5. PMID 9843009
How to read tiers A–F
- AProven efficacy. Two or more independent RCTs with instrumental endpoints
Tolerability and safety
- Working concentrations
- 0.05–0.1%
- Irritation potential
- Medium
- Allergen risk
- Low
- Pregnancy
- Avoid
- Suitable for
- Normal, Combination, Oily
- Use with caution
- Sensitive, Dry
Combinations with other ingredients
Works well with
Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate
The oil-based THD form of C is oxidation-resistant and pH-neutral. Often sits in a single formula with retinal in anti-aging brands (Medik8, Avene).
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
Retinal is sensitive to low pH, so L-AA does not pair with it. Ethyl ascorbate works at neutral pH and can be combined with retinal without loss of activity for either.
Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate
MAP works gently at neutral pH, so it is compatible with retinal. A good choice for sensitive skin that cannot tolerate L-AA plus a retinoid in one routine.
About this ingredient
Retinaldehyde is an intermediate in vitamin A metabolism: retinol → retinaldehyde → retinoic acid. Conversion to active retinoic acid requires one enzymatic step vs two for retinol, so retinaldehyde acts faster at lower concentrations. Used in cosmetics and cosmeceuticals at 0.05–0.1% for photoaging, acne, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and signs of aging. Effects: accelerates epidermal turnover, stimulates collagen and hyaluronic acid synthesis, normalizes follicular keratinization, and has antibacterial activity against Cutibacterium acnes. Compared with retinol – faster onset and less irritation; compared with tretinoin – over-the-counter in most countries and lower risk of retinoid dermatitis. Unstable in light and oxygen – formulations require opaque airless packaging. Contraindicated in pregnancy and breastfeeding, as with all retinoids. Do not combine with direct L-ascorbic acid or acid exfoliants in the same routine – split between morning and evening.
Frequently asked questions
Is Retinaldehyde safe during pregnancy?
Retinaldehyde is not recommended during pregnancy. Consider an alternative from the same category.
What skin types is Retinaldehyde for?
Retinaldehyde suits: normal, combination, oily. Use with caution in: sensitive, dry.
Can Retinaldehyde irritate the skin?
Retinaldehyde has moderate irritation potential. Sensitive skin may show a transient reaction that usually settles with adaptation.
What is Retinaldehyde and what does it do in cosmetics?
Intermediate vitamin A form between retinol and retinoic acid.
What's the INCI name for Retinaldehyde?
The INCI name is Retinal. It may also appear as: Retinaldehyde.
What concentration of Retinaldehyde is effective?
0.05–0.1%
See Retinaldehyde in a product composition right on the store page
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Ingredients in the same category
Retinol, Retinyl Acetate, Retinyl Palmitate, Retinyl Propionate, Ubiquinone (CoQ10), Caprooyl Tetrapeptide-3, Heptasodium Hexacarboxymethyl Dipeptide-12, Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide
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