Doctor, Which is the best Retinol or retinaldehyde cream? What does Retinol do for your skin? “

These are the questions I encounter frequently in my dermatology practice. Dive into the world of retinoids, the secret weapons with a chemical structure akin to Vitamin A, and find out which one is your skin’s best ally at the end of this article. But for more customised anti-ageing regime based on your skin type, try our free SOLUTION FINDER TOOL.

Let’s begin with the list of best retinaldehyde and retinol that fit our criteria for scientifically researched and carefully packed to deliver best results.

RELATED: Discover more about your age-specific anti-aging strategy in the following articles:

1. Anti-ageing regime in 20s
2. Anti-ageing regime in 30s
3. Anti-ageing regime in 40s
4. Anti-ageing regime above 50s

RELATED ARTICLE: Top Brands of Exosome for Anti-ageing

 How to choose retinoids for the skin?

Your journey to radiant, age-defying skin is one smart choice. Here are some tips to find the best retinoid:

1. Choosing the right retinoid:

Retinoids are a popular choice for combating signs of aging. Here’s a breakdown of their potency as listed in this review article, from strongest to weakest:

• Tretinoin: The most potent retinoid, but it’s only available by prescription.
• Retinaldehyde: A powerful over-the-counter option with better tolerability than tretinoin.
• Retinol: Ten times less potent than tretinoin, meaning 0.1% retinol is equivalent to 0.01% tretinoin.
• Retinol Compounds: Retinyl esters like retinyl propionate, retinyl retinoate, and retinyl acetate have limited research supporting their anti-aging efficacy in cosmetics.

While tretinoin offers the most significant results, retinaldehyde provides a strong over-the-counter alternative. Retinol require higher concentrations for noticeable effects. But retinol compounds are least effective.

2. Decode the Ingredients List:

Dive into the brand’s DNA by scanning the ingredients list. Seek out for anti-aging, like peptides, Vitamin C, Hyaluronic acid, Niacinamide that augment action of retinoids.

Ingredient list deciphering might feel like detective work, but fret not! In the next section, we’ve done the detective work for you, spilling the beans on popular anti-aging creams’ pros and cons.

3. Preserve the Potency:

Retinoids are a delicate bunch and don’t play well with light and air. Opt for airtight, tinted, or opaque packaging, like pump bottles or tubes, to keep your retinoid potent and ready for action. Don’t let your investment go to waste by choosing an open jar that leaves your retinoid powerless.

4. Bank on the Research Gurus:

The retinol realm is a volatile one, and not all brands are created equal. Don’t skimp on quality; invest in a brand that has mastered the art of preserving this precious ingredient’s potency. Saving money on a cheap brand might end up costing you results. Stick with the brands that put research at the forefront of their mission.

3 Best Retinaldehyde cream

1. Avene RetrinAL 0.1 Intensive Cream

Overall rating 9.5/10

• Avene has 2 variants- 0.5% and 1 % retinaldehyde. You can start with 0.5 concentration and then move to 0.1 %.
• This cream is infused with Eau thermal spring water. Its soothing action reduces the irritant effect of Retinaldehyde.
• Relastide, a pro-elastin peptide, is another scientifically proven ingredient. It helps in building elastin. Overall, it gives a plumper look to the skin.
• Pre-tocopherol is stabilized form of Vitamin E. It helps in skin repair by removing free radicals.
• The base of Avene retinal is hydrating and soothing ingredients. This increase the tolerability of the retinaldehyde product.

2. Dr.Different VITALIFT-A

Overall rating 9/10

• Has liposomal patent technology that improves the penetration of Retinaldehyde into the skin.
• A concentration of 0.5% retinaldehyde is good, to begin with.
• Has hyaluronic acid that hydrates and pumps up your skin.
• Ceramides, cholesterol and fatty acid provide deep hydration. This is desirable to reduce the dryness of Retinaldehyde.
• Affordable than other brands.

3. MyChelle Retinal Serum

Overall rating 8/10

Pros:

• This water-based formula with 1% Retinaldehyde along with multiple natural ingredients.
• Orange stem cells in this product have an anti-ageing effect. It reduces wrinkles and makes the skin firm.
• Hydrating elements like ceramides, glycerine, sunflower oil, and aloe vera. This will counteract dryness caused by Retinaldehyde.
• The soothing action of Honeysuckle Flower Extract, Vitamin E, Allantoin and Aloe vera increases the tolerability of the product.

Cons:

• Eucalyptus oil, lemongrass oil, and lemon peel oil are irritants. They can increase the chances of reaction with Retinaldehyde.

Best Retinol Products

While retinaldehyde is a better choice, there are other retinoids you should try. Here are the last of bet Retinol to begin your anti-ageing journey.

The Ordinary Retinol 1% In Squalane

Overall rating 8/10

Pros:

• It has variants-0.2%, 0.5% and 1 % pure Retinol
• You can start with 0.2% if your skin is sensitive and gradually build up concentration.
• Retinol is an unstable molecule that oxidizes in the presence of water or light. Squalene base helps in stabilizing Retinol.
• This product is water-free and uses Squalane as a base ingredient.
• Opaque bottle.
• Trusted brand

Cons:

• Dropper bottle exposes the product to air which might affect the efficacy of Retinol.
• Does not contain any other anti-aging ingredients.

Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair

Overall rating 8/10

Pros:

• Has retinol SA which is a combination of retinol and retinyl palmitate. According to the product website, “Accelerated Retinol SA combines the highest concentration of Neutrogena’s Retinol SA with glucose complex. They deliver pure stabilized Retinol into the skin’s surface quickly and effectively, leaving skin feeling smoother and younger-looking.”
• It also has ascorbic acid and Sodium Hyaluronate
• Pump packing.
• Comes with the trust of Johnson & Johnson

Cons:

• The concentration of retinol is not mentioned.

Murad retinol Youth Renewal Serum

Overall rating 9.5/10

Pros:

• Murad retinol has unique Tri-active technology to deliver Retinol.
• Murad claims a 93% reduction in fine lines within two weeks of using this serum.
• Has HA and Ceramides that hydrate your skin

Cons:

• Expensive
• Might be irritating for sensitive skin types.

Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 Serum

Overall rating 9/10

Overall a good product with the benefits of two significant types of anti-ageing agents, namely retinoids and peptides, at affordable prices.

Pros:

• Has 2 forms of retinoids- Retinol and retinyl palmitate
• In addition has an anti-aging peptide, Matrixyl – A 5 amino acid peptide. Research shows that it can reduce fine lines and wrinkles and improve skin texture.
• Niacinamide in this serum further help in skin lightening and soothing skin.
• The pump bottle protects the ingredients from air and sun exposure.
• Trusted brand.

Cons:

The concentration of retinoids is not mentioned.

RoC Retinol Wrinkle Night Cream

Overall rating 9.5/10

Pros:

• Has Retinol, concentration not mentioned
• One of the trusted brands for retinol-based wrinkle creams. The Roc website says,” Retinol can degrade and lose its effectiveness if exposed to light or air. This is why our skincare scientists developed innovative processing guidelines that limit product exposure to sunlight and oxygen, preserving the integrity and strength of RoC® Retinol.”
• It also has Glycolic acid and Ascorbic acid.
• Has a perfect combination of good Anti-aging(Retinol), exfoliating(Glycolic acid) and antioxidant (Vitamin C).
• Unlike most tube packing, the nozzle is thin to minimize exposure to air or sunlight. The company claims that it is a special packing made to preserve the unstable Retinol.

Cons:

• The concentration of retinoids is not mentioned.

Fillerina HA Night Cream

Overall rating 10/10

Pros:

• Has Retinyl palmitate form of retinoid
• It has a mixture of 3 peptides that works similarly to Botox. They block the neurotransmitter signal similar to Botulinum toxin. Regular use of Fillerina can reduce expression lines like crow’s feet, forehead, and frown lines.
• The mixture of 12 Hyaluronic acids, 3 Collagen, and 2 elastin help in plumping and firming up the skin.
• Glycolic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid, and Vitamin C gently exfoliate and lightens up your skin.
• Antioxidants like Ascorbyl palmitate (Vitamin C) and Tocopherol (Vitamin E) help reverse skin damage.

Cons:

• It is expensive, but worth buying.

FAQ

What are retinoids?

Retinoids, the superheroes of skincare, boast a structure akin to Vitamin A. These compounds come in three generations, each with unique powers:

• Adapalene and Isotretinoin, combating acne.
• Acitretin and tazarotene, going to war with psoriasis.
• Tretinoin and Retinol, battling the signs of aging.

Is Retinol or Retinaldehyde the best ultimate anti-aging champ?

Surprisingly, no! Tretinoin takes the crown, though it’s prescription-only and can stir up some retinoid reactions. Retinaldehyde follows as the second most potent, with Retinol and its derivatives bringing up the rear.

Behold the retinoid showdown:

What does Retinol or Retinaldehyde do for your skin?

These retinoids dive into your skin cells, tweaking their growth and differentiation, making outer skin cells more efficient and increasing collagen and elastin in the deeper layers. Research shows that over 3 to 12 months, they can reverse skin aging on both clinical and microscopic levels.

How to use Retinaldehyde cream?

Once your skin is comfortable with 0.1% Retinol, you ready for the dazzling world of Retinaldehyde, and we’re here to show you the way. Here’s how to introduce this skincare superstar into your routine:

Week 1: Start with a gentle ‘hello’ – Use once or twice a week.

Week 2: Take it up a notch – Go for alternate nights.

Week 3: Dive in headfirst – Use it every single night.

But here’s the catch – if your skin throws a fit, discontinue immediately and call in the dermatology squad.

Remember, the sun is not your skin’s BFF when you’re using Retinaldehyde. So, don’t forget to slather on that sunscreen every morning. We’ve got the scoop on the best dermatologist-approved sunscreens for you right here.

Feeling a little parched? No worries. After applying your Retinaldehyde cream, give your skin some love with a top-notch moisturizer. If your face is still thirsting for hydration, consider a face wash tailored to your skin type. Get the inside track on dermatologists’ favorite brands right here.

• face wash for oily skin
• face wash for combination or normal skin
• face wash for dry skin

Embrace this all-encompassing approach to turn back the clock, as revealed in this article Anti-ageing: 3-month skincare routine recommended by dermatologist