Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Woman & Home
Woman & Home
Lifestyle
Rebecca Fearn

Confused between retinol vs retinal? Our simple guide will help you choose

Close up image of woman's hands as she applies cream on the back of one of them, in a white frame against a dusky pink watercolour-style background.

Retinol is an ingredient you likely will have heard plenty about. Known for its ability to 'turn back time' and touted as a gold standard skincare hero, the vitamin A derivative encourages collagen production and increases cell turnover to unveil brighter, fresher and more youthful-looking skin. It also works well with acne-prone skin, as it’s brilliant for treating breakouts.

However, lately a new – albeit very similar – ingredient has been shining just a little brighter: retinal (with an "a"). But what exactly is the difference between the best retinol creams and those with retinal, and which one should you be investing in for clearer, smoother-looking skin? Ahead, the experts will explain...

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.