First, it’s important to keep strength in mind, as retinal is ten times more potent and faster-acting than retinol. Dr. King advises her patients to use this general strength guide:
- 0.025-0.05% retinal: best for beginner or sensitive skin
- 0.05-0.1%: best for intermediate retinoid users
- 0.1%+: best for experienced users
Encapsulation: Additionally, “retinal is light-sensitive, oxygen-sensitive, and less stable than retinol,” King says. “Therefore, look for encapsulation—such as liposomes, polymer systems, time-release technology, microencapsulation—as this improves stability and reduces irritation.”
Opaque Packaging: Since retinal degrades quickly with air and light, Dr. King says to look for opaque bottles, preferably with an airless pump, and no clear droppers.
Soothing Ingredients: Finally, Dr. King suggests looking for retinal formulations that combine the potent ingredient with barrier-supporting ones, including ceramides, cholesterol, fatty acids, panthenol, niacinamide, centella asiatica, ectoin, and glycerin.
