7 Best Retinaldehyde Serums & Creams To Visibly Reduce Signs of Aging

• What Is Retinal?

Retinal (also referred to as retinaldehyde) is a form of retinol that is a direct precursor to retinoic acid, which is what retinol breaks down once its absorbed by skin. This vitamin A derivative is well-documented with decades of research backing its skin care benefits, including the ability to visibly reduce fine lines and wrinkles, as well as mitigating other signs of aging, including hyperpigmentation.

Studies show retinal can also help improve the appearance of blemish-prone skin by helping to offset underlying triggers. Those with excessively oily skin may also find retinal helps balance their sebum excretion on skin's surface. This combination of benefits provides a unique advantage for retinal to tackle multiple stubborn skin concerns at once.

• Retinal vs. Retinol

1. Retinal works 11x faster than retinol

One of the most significant differences is the amazing speed at which retinal works. This incredible molecule delivers rapid, visible skin improvements, so you can see the results sooner.

2. Retinal is antibacterial

Retinal is the only retinoid with direct antibacterial properties, which make it perfect for blemish-prone skin. With continued use, it helps to diminish the bacteria responsible for breakouts to leave the skin looking clear and radiant.

3.  Retinal is less irritating on the skin

Although it's closer to the active form retinoic acid, retinal is proven to have the same low irritation potential as retinol. This means that you can have a more potent product, without compromising your skin's comfort.

4. Retinal products are harder to make

Retinal presents many challenges during production. Because it's an unstable molecule and can lose its potency if exposed, it requires innovative stabilization systems. Therefore its effectiveness relies on the sophistication of these technologies.

• Best Retinaldehyde Serums & Creams for Anti-Aging

| Paula's Choice Clinical PRO Retinaldehyde Dual-Retinoid Treatment

($68.00/30ml, up to 7% cashback at Paula's Choice)

Key Ingredients:

- Retinaldehyde: Calcium encapsulated for advanced results with minimized irritation.

- Adapinoid: An oil-soluble retinoid that bioconverts to promote clear skin.

- Pomegranate Peel Extract: Supports healthy collagen production and soothes skin.

Comparison & Review: 

It's a must-have for anyone concerned with acne and signs of aging, such as wrinkles, fine lines, and loss of firmness.

This advanced retinal face treatment combines the power of retinaldehyde and oleyl adapalenate for a potent yet gentle approach to improving skin texture, reducing the appearance of wrinkles and promoting a clearer complexion.

Enriched with retinaldehyde, a precursor to retinoic acid, this treatment works efficiently to target signs of ageing. Its encapsulation technology minimises irritation while delivering maximum results. Alongside retinaldehyde, oleyl adapalenate helps to refine skin texture and promote clearer skin. Pomegranate peel extract provides antioxidant protection and supports healthy collagen production.

Beauty enthusiasts know that retinoid is a superhero skin care product, and this Paula's Choice formula is no exception. This serum actually delivers on its promises to smooth texture, combat acne, and fight signs of aging. The formula is lightweight and refreshing to massage into the skin. It is never harsh, making it an excellent match for those with compromised or sensitive skin.

| The Ordinary Retinal 0.2% Emulsion Serum

($14.90/15ml, up to 4% cashback at Sephora)

Key Ingredients:

- Advanced Anti-Aging Derived from Babchi seeds, this natural retinol alternative stimulates the look of resurfaced skin by softening the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, while reducing the look of pores.

- Plant-Powered Protection Rich in antioxidants, Bakuchiol works to target photodamaged skin to improve the appearance of pigmentation and dark spots, while providing a barrier against environmental stressors. 

With a high 0.2% concentration of retinal, Retinal 0.2% Emulsion is a very high strength retinoid formula that rapidly firms and smooths skin, while noticeably reducing the appearance of dark spots. It helps refine skin texture, while targeting uneven tone and boosting luminosity for brighter, more even-looking skin.

While retinoids can cause retinization (redness, irritation, flaking, and itchiness), this particular product has encapsulated retinal, meaning the retinoid is surrounded by a shell of lipids (fatty substance). Likewise, the retinol is released into the skin at a slower rate. 

Moreover, this also includes a calming, oat-based component. The product contains avenanthramide, an ingredient that provides soothing barrier support. It soothes, refines texture, and even boosts luminosity. 

The bright yellow hue of the formula comes from the high concentration of retinal, which is naturally yellow. This may leave some residual colour on skin and light coloured fabrics, which can be minimised by allowing the product to fully absorb, and skin to dry before making contact with light-coloured fabrics.

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| Murad Retinal ReSculpt Overnight Treatment

($105.00/30ml, up to 4% cashback at Murad)

Key Ingredients:

- Encapsulated Retinal: Is two times more effective (vs. free retinal) while still being gentle on skin.

- Kangaroo Paw Flower Extract: Helps improve the appearance of sagging skin and smooths the look of wrinkles.

- Olive, Oat and Alpha Glucan: Boost moisture and restore skin's barrier.

This retinal serum features an exclusive delivery system that keeps the retinal stable and brings it deep into skin. As a result, it's 2.5 times as effective as free retinal, smoothing the look of even deep wrinkles.

Now, with these faster benefits can also come skin sensitivity. That's why Murad also included olive leaf extract, oat lipids, and alpha glucan work together to support skin's resilience, boost moisture, restore the skin's barrier, and counter traditional vitamin A drawbacks.

In addition, Kangaroo paw flower extract helps improve the appearance of sagging skin and smooths wrinkles, giving a sculpted and lifted look to the skin. It's rich in ferulic acid, which has been proven to firm the skin, and as a result, tighten the area along the jawline. 

This product stands out in texture and consistency, with a very thick and well spreading feel that encompasses the skin in a very moisturizing and effective way. There is no oily residue, a simple and fairly nonexistent scent. There is no tingling, tightness, or irritation off the bat. Murad Retinal ReSculpt is definitely for the more seasoned persons, but especially anyone whose concerns include more severe wrinkles, crepey skin, and sagging. 

| Medik8 Crystal Retinal 3 Serum

($65.00/30ml, up to 5% cashback at Dermstore)

Key Ingredients:

- Retinaldehyde: Proven to work up to 11 times faster than standard retinol, retinaldehyde (retinal for short) is a revolutionary retinoid that effectively targets the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, dark spots, uneven skin texture and loss of firmness - while remaining gentle.

- Hyaluronic Acid: With a unique ability to attract and retain more than 1,000 times its own weight in water, hyaluronic acid draws moisture into the skin. This leaves the complexion visibly nourished and supple.

- Vitamin E: A powerful antioxidant that's naturally present in the skin, Vitamin E works to nourish the complexion.

- Glycerin: A natural humectant, glycerin attracts water to the skin to leave it hydrated, comfortable and visibly supple.

Featuring retinaldehyde (retinal), a next-generation form of vitamin A which is not to be mistaken for the classic form of vitamin A, retinol. In numerous studies, retinal has been demonstrated to be more effective and 11x faster-working than retinol, without any additional irritation. The hydrating overnight serum-cream visibly addresses signs of aging; improving the appearance of wrinkles, texture and tone.

Potency and optimum power is ensured through a double-layered stabilization system, which includes a crystal encapsulation that releases vitamin A gradually throughout the night, to pprotect the skin from becoming overwhelmed at any point. Hyaluronic acid and glycerin also feature to moisturize and hydrate skin, minimizing any dryness. The complexion is left visibly smooth and supple. Crystal Retinal is available in a series of progressive strengths. Crystal Retinal 3 (0.03% retinal) is where most users begin, which is designed to deliver professional-grade results in a gentle formula that is suitable for sensitive skin.

Medik8's patented stability complex ensures that the serum's potency remains consistent from first use to the last drop.

| Youth To The People Retinal + Niacinamide Youth Serum

($72.00/30ml, up to 4% cashback at Sephora)

Key Ingredients:

- Retinal (Retinaldehyde) 0.15%: Advanced vitamin A derivative reduces the visible signs of aging and improves the look and feel of skin texture. 

- Niacinamide 5%: Visibly rebalances tone, refines pores, and reinforces skin's barrier to maximize receptivity to retinal. 

- Adapotgenic Mushroom + Ceramide Complex: Visibly smooth, replenish moisture, and neutralize signs of sensitivity.

Revitalise the skin with the Youth To The People Retinal + Niacinamide Youth Serum, a skin-perfecting night serum that combats fine lines and wrinkles while brightening and smoothing the skin.

This potent serum harnesses the skin-perfecting powers of stabilised retinaldehyde to smooth the skin and reduce fine and wrinkles. It also contains a blend of 5% niacinamide, ceramides and adaptogens, which help boost the efficacy of the formula by refining the pores and preventing any signs of irritation.

Youth To The People's lightweight serum floods the skin with hyaluronic acid and squalane, delivering much-needed hydration to soothe and maintain a healthy skin barrier.

| Avene RetrinAL 0.1 Intensive Cream

($79.00/30ml, up to 4% cashback at Avene)

Key Ingredients:

- Retinaldehyde: clinically shown to be more effective than Retinol, smoothes away the appearance of wrinkles and brightens the skin.

- Patented Relastide®: a pro-elastin peptide, helps the skin look plumper, firmer and more radiant.

- Patented Pre-Tocopheryl: a photostable form of Vitamin E, provides powerful anti-oxidant protection against free radicals.

- Avène Thermal Spring Water: clinically shown by 150 studies to soothe, soften and calm the skin.

A clinically shown to visibly reduce signs of aging while brightening and rejuvenating the skin with little to no irritation. Enriched with a powerful anti-oxidant and synergy of patented ingredients to plump the skin and restore radiance for a more youthful appearance. Formulation is supported by 3 patents with Retinaldehyde, a direct precursor to Retinoic Acid, and RelastideTM, a pro-elastin peptide, and Pre-Tocopheryl, a photostable precursor to vitamin E for maximum efficacy.

RetrinAL 0.1 is a very lightweight, yellow-colored cream. It's thin and doesn't feel sticky. The most unusual thing about this product is it contains Retinal NOT Retinol. The company claims this ingredient is a direct precursor to retinoic acid– and therefore it is more potent than good old retinol. But the stronger the retinoid, the higher the risk for redness, flaking, and irritation. Thankfully, Avène anticipated the potential sensitivity and added hyaluronic acid and thermal spring water, which helps calm skin for "a win-win situation." 

The vast majority of customers found this product effective at removing wrinkles and lines and hydrating the skin. A few users thought it was too thick, however, but generally, there were few complaints.

| Allies of Skin Retinal 0.05% & Peptides Repair Night Cream

($116.00/48ml, up to 5% cashback at Dermstore)

Key Ingredients:

- 0.05% Encapsulated Retinal: The most bio-available, potent, and fastest-acting cosmetic Retinoid, to help improve the look of wrinkles, fine lines, photo damage, and uneven skin tone while being well-tolerated by the skin.

- 5 Peptides: A powerful blend of Peptides that help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines for smoother and firmer looking skin.

- 2% Ornithine & EGCG Complex: A combination of Amino Acids and antioxidants with firming, soothing, and calming properties. Reduces the appearance of structural aging and plumps the skin.

- 7.1% Ceramide & Omegas Complex: A skin-loving combination that reinforces the skin barrier and helps to maintain its moisture balance while soothing the skin.

Allies of Skin's Supercharged Night Cream is available in 2 progressive strengths, formulated to hydrate, brighten, and reduce multiple signs of aging. This 0.05% concentration includes patented Encapsulated Retinaldehyde, 5 Peptides, 2% Ornithine and EGCG Complex, 11 Brighteners and Antioxidants, and a 7.1% Ceramide and Omegas Complex. Ideal for new users, beginning their Retinoid journey.

Retinal is 30% gentler and 3X more bio-active than retinol. The Night Cream targets the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, blemishes and pigmentation for skin that looks younger, feels firmer, and is visibly smoother - with no morning-after redness.

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