Actives
Retinal
also known as Retinaldehyde, retinol
The fastest-acting OTC retinoid — smooths lines, evens tone, and unclogs pores with less irritation than retinol.
What it actually does
Retinoids speed up cell turnover, increase collagen production, and normalize how your pores shed dead cells. Your skin has to convert each retinoid up the chain — retinyl ester → retinol → retinal → retinoic acid (the active form). Retinal is one step from active, so it works faster than retinol with comparable irritation. Korean formulas tend to encapsulate it for stability and tolerance.
Who it's for
Fine lines, uneven texture, post-acne marks, or persistent breakouts. Not for pregnancy. Beginners should start every 3rd night for two weeks before going nightly.
How to use it
Evening only, on dry skin, after cleansing — a pea-sized amount for the whole face. Always pair with daily SPF in the morning; without it you're moving backwards.
Products with retinal
6 products
107 Beauty
SOSEO VINBIOME Retinal Serum
3W Clinic
Collagen Retinol Ball Eye Serum
Abib
Pdrn Retinal Eye Patch Glow Jelly
Abib
Retinal Eye Serum Lifting Roller
Anua
Collagen Retinol Refining Gua Sha Cream
Anua
Retinol 0 1 Caffeine Revitalizing Eye Cream
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Related ingredients
Niacinamide
Brighteningaka Vitamin B3
The all-rounder — evens tone, calms redness, and tightens the look of pores without irritation.
Ceramides
HydrationThe mortar between your skin cells — restores the barrier when it's been compromised.
BHA
Activesaka Salicylic acid
An oil-soluble exfoliant that gets inside pores — for blackheads, congestion, and texture that won't smooth out.