Retinal vs retinol
Retinal (retinaldehyde) and retinol are both vitamin A derivatives used for smoother-looking skin. Your skin converts both into retinoic acid; retinal is one step closer, which is why it is often described as working faster than retinol.
How they differ
- Retinol converts to retinal, then to retinoic acid.
- Retinal converts directly to retinoic acid.
- Both can cause dryness or irritation at first.
How to start
- Use at night, a few evenings a week at first.
- Apply after toner, then follow with moisturizer.
- Avoid layering with exfoliating acids on the same night if your skin is sensitive.
- Wear sunscreen every morning.
A gentle place to begin
Beauty of Joseon’s Revive Eye Serum pairs 2% retinal liposome with 10% ginseng root extract and is described as suitable for retinal beginners.
Who should be careful
If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or have a skin condition, talk to your doctor before using vitamin A products.
Questions people ask
Is retinal stronger than retinol?
Retinal is one conversion step closer to retinoic acid, so it is often described as faster-acting. Start slowly with either.
Can I use retinal every night?
Start a few nights a week and increase as your skin tolerates it.
Do I need sunscreen with retinal?
Yes. Vitamin A products can increase sun sensitivity, so wear broad spectrum sunscreen daily.
Keep reading
- The Korean sunscreen guide
- Korean skincare routine order, morning and night
- Korean skincare by skin type
General information, not medical advice. Patch test new products and ask a dermatologist about skin conditions. Updated 2026-11-02.
