Retinal or retinol for a beginner: which should you buy?
For most beginners, retinol is the safer place to start, while retinal suits you once your skin is used to a vitamin A product. Retinal converts to retinoic acid in a single step, so it tends to work faster but can also irritate more, whereas retinol takes an extra conversion step and is usually more forgiving.
Below we match beginner-friendly Korean cosmetics from our own stocked catalog to your skin type and a slow ramp-up schedule.
A good first step for cautious beginners who prefer an occasional, low-commitment sheet mask format before a daily product.
Suits dry or sensitive skin that wants a nourishing night cream with retinol rather than a stronger serum.
For those who specifically want a retinol product formulated for the delicate under-eye area.
A retinal night cream for readers who have already tolerated retinol and want the faster-acting option in a buffered cream.
Best for resilient skin that is comfortable with vitamin A and wants a focused retinol serum.
How to choose between retinal and retinol
If you have never used a vitamin A product, start with a lower-strength retinol or a leave-on cream that eases you in, then move to retinal later if you want faster results. Retinal is the stronger, quicker-acting option, so keep it for when your skin already tolerates retinol without redness or peeling.
Sensitive or dry skin usually does best with a nourishing cream format, while normal to resilient skin can handle a serum sooner.
What to avoid at the start
- Do not layer retinal or retinol with strong acids or high-strength vitamin C on the same night when you begin.
- Avoid using it every night straight away, as this is the fastest way to trigger irritation.
- Always patch test a new product on a small area for a couple of days before applying it to your whole face.
How to use it and ramp up
Apply at night on clean, dry skin, using a pea-sized amount for the whole face and avoiding the immediate eye area unless the product is made for it. Start once or twice a week, and if your skin stays calm, slowly build to every other night over several weeks.
Introduce only one new active at a time so you can tell what your skin is reacting to, and stop if you see persistent stinging or flaking.
How it fits your routine
Keep the rest of your routine simple: a gentle cleanser, a hydrating layer and a moisturiser to buffer any dryness. In the morning, sunscreen is essential, because vitamin A products can make skin more sensitive to the sun.