INCI: Retinal
Intermediate vitamin A form between retinol and retinoic acid. More potent than retinol but gentler than tretinoin.
Topical application
AProven efficacy. Two or more independent RCTs with instrumental endpoints.
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.
0.05–0.1%
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.
Irritation potential
MediumAllergen risk
LowPregnancy
AvoidSuitable for
Works well with
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid3-О-этил-аскорбиновая кислота
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 PhosphateМагний аскорбил фосфат
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.
Ascorbyl TetraisopalmitateАскорбилтетраизопальмитат
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).
Does not combine with
The Evigrade extension adds an evidence panel to Wildberries, Goldapple, Letu, iHerb, Sephora and 12 more stores. This ingredient and every other one in the product show evidence-tier, allergen risk and pregnancy/lactation flags at a glance.
Retinaldehyde is not recommended during pregnancy. Consider an alternative from the same category.
Retinaldehyde suits: normal, combination, oily. Use with caution in: sensitive, dry.
Retinaldehyde has moderate irritation potential. Sensitive skin may show a transient reaction that usually settles with adaptation.
Intermediate vitamin A form between retinol and retinoic acid.
The INCI name is Retinal. It may also appear as: Retinaldehyde, Ретиналь.
Published: · updated:
Use with caution
0.05–0.1%