Which is better — retinal or retinol?

Retinol is as close as it gets to a do-it-all topical skin care ingredient ; dermatologists love its ability to boost skin cell turnover and spur the production of collagen (collagen being the fiber in skin that keeps it firm and smooth). Plus, it has ample data to back up its efficacy. But retinal, which belongs to a group of ingredients called retinoids (that also includes retinol), might be able to surpass it. Short for retinaldehyde, retinal is even more powerful than retinol, with the similar ability to smooth skin texture, clear breakouts, even out skin tone and soften fine lines and wrinkles.

Retinoids are vitamin A derivatives that you can use for acne, wrinkles and hyperpigmentation, says Dr. Gloria Lin , a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology in New York City. Some are only available by prescription (often bucketed under the term “retinoids”), while you can find other over-the-counter options at a lower strength, with retinal being the most potent of these, she says.

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The best retinal products in 2026

The right retinal product depends on your experience with retinoids, as well as your skin type. Below, we compiled expert-recommended face serums and creams that help improve wrinkles, fine lines, breakouts and more. All of the products listed are balanced with moisturizing ingredients, and many are fragrance-free to minimize the potential for irritation.

Best overall

Youth To The People Retinal + Niacinamide Youth Serum

Both Jacobs and Lin consider this fragrance-free serum to be a good option for most skin types. Not only is it both vegan and cruelty-free, but “it contains 0.15% retinal along with niacinamide and ceramides to help nourish the skin,” says Lin. Together, these ingredients can improve fine lines and even out skin tone, according to the brand.

Best budget pick

E.l.f. Youth Busting Advanced Night Retinoid Serum

Intended for overnight use, this face serum contains two retinoids: 1% granactive retinoid and 0.06% retinal. Dr. Michael Jacobs , MD, a board-certified dermatologist and clinical associate professor of dermatology at Weill-Cornell Medical College, likes this fragrance-free formula since it’s infused with hyaluronic acid for hydration, he says. It also has antioxidants to further help brighten skin, according to the brand.

Best for beginners

Naturium Retinaldehyde Cream Serum 0.05%

Since this serum has a relatively low concentration of 0.05% retinal, it’s beginner-friendly, says Lin. Plus, because of its unique cream serum texture, it is easy to apply, she says. The retinal is encapsulated to ensure it doesn’t break down (and thus lose efficacy) while en route to skin’s deeper layers, according to the brand. The fragrance-free formula also contains vitamin E and apricot kernel oil to moisturize skin.

Most versatile

Allies of Skin Retinal & Peptides Repair Night Cream

This fragrance-free night cream uses a patented and encapsulated form of retinal (at 0.05% concentration) alongside antioxidants, peptides and botanical oils. Jacobs likes this particular combination of ingredients since “it hydrates, protects and renews the skin all at once,” he says. Lin is also a fan of the product, saying “it is both gentle and goes on smoothly.”

Editor’s pick

Skinbetter Science AlphaRet Overnight Cream

This product, which comes expert recommended in our guide to dermatologists’ skin care routines , pairs retinaldehyde with alpha hydroxy acids for a two-pronged approach to treating fine lines and dark spots, according to Dr. Julie Russak , board-certified dermatologist in New York City. “It offers the benefits of both exfoliation and retinal, making it a standout choice for addressing multiple skin concerns in one formula,” she says. I’ve also personally found it to help control my hormonal breakouts while smoothing the texture of my skin, making it a must-have in my own routine.

Best splurge

Isdin Retinal Advanced Dual-Phase Night Serum

Russak recommends this night serum as a great option for those who want to target fine lines and wrinkles. “When introduced gradually into your evening routine, it aims to reveal smoother and revitalized skin,” she says. It also has a proprietary soothing complex, which includes niacinamide, to keep skin calm and hydrated, according to the brand.

Most gentle

Peach & Lily Retinal for All Renewing Serum

Lin likes this Korean skin care brand, which she says focuses on gentle ingredients and preventative care. What makes this serum especially great, according to Lin, is the 0.1% retinal as well as ceramides and ectoin , which research has found to prevent inflammation caused by retinoids.

Best K-beauty retinal

Beauty of Joseon Revive Eye Serum Ginseng + Retinal

Beauty of Joseon makes some of our favorite K-beauty products, and this eye cream includes retinal for reduced fine lines and wrinkles around your eye area, according to the brand. The formula also has ginseng extract to firm the skin, along with niacinamide to help brighten dark under eyes .

Best for sensitive skin

Avène Retrinal 0.1 Intensive Cream

Lin likes this cream not only because it comes in two strengths (0.05% and 0.1%), allowing users to graduate to a higher percentage as their skin adjusts, but also because it’s fragrance-free, which she says may be better for sensitive skin types. Plus, it is formulated with thermal spring water to help reduce the irritation, along with vitamin E and peptides to soothe and brighten skin, she says.

Best for mature skin

Murad Retinal ReSculpt Overnight Treatment

Designed to target sagging and deep wrinkles, this serum uses an encapsulated form of retinal as well as oat lipids and alpha glucan (to moisturize) and botanical ingredients, including kangaroo paw flower and olive leaf extract (to improve saggy skin). It can also be used on the neck to help lift and smooth sagging skin, according to the brand. It has a 4.9-star average rating from over 650 reviews on Sephora.

Best for dull skin

The Ordinary Retinal 0.2% Emulsion

This serum-like retinal combats fine lines and the loss of firmness and elasticity, according to the brand. Reviewers say, their skin has a brighter appearance, smoother texture and a more even tone (including the fading of dark spots) after consistent nightly use. Plus, they appreciate that the serum doesn’t cause any dryness, discomfort or tightness in their skin.

Best for acne-prone skin

Paula’s Choice Pro Retinaldehyde Dual-Retinoid Treatment

This creamy overnight treatment is excellent for those looking to decrease fine lines, enlarged pores, dark spots , uneven tone and texture, according to the brand. Besides retinaldehyde, it also has jojoba seed oil and adapinoid (an oil-soluble retinoid) to soothe the skin and combat acne triggers. You can use this with your nighttime moisturizer or apply it before your moisturizer to minimize potential dryness and irritation, according to Paula’s Choice.

How I picked the best retinal products

Retinal products can treat a variety of skin concerns like uneven texture and clogged pores, and can address discoloration, acne and wrinkles, according to our experts. When shopping for retinal products, they recommended considering the following factors:

What is retinal?

Retinal, or retinaldehyde, is a derivative of vitamin A and delivers results more quickly than retinol (as well as other over-the-counter retinoids). It “is considered the most effective retinoid in over-the-counter [skin care products],” says Jacobs.

Because it’s weaker than prescription-level retinoids, “retinal is a good option though for those who cannot tolerate the prescription tretinoin, but want to see more benefits than with just plain retinol,” says Lin. (Tretinoin is a form of retinoic acid, which makes it more powerful and therefore only available with a prescription.) Additionally, it’s easier to access, as it doesn’t require a trip to the dermatologist.

Finally, retinal also offers a middle ground for those looking to amplify the benefits of their retinoid. “Some people may want to work their way up from retinol to retinal and then to a prescription tretinoin depending on their skin type,” says Lin. It can be a way to step up your skin care regimen over time.

What are the benefits of retinal for the skin?