The most important facts:

Retinal acts faster, stronger, and more aggressively than retinol, but this also means it has a higher potential for irritation. Ideal as an intensive anti-aging or acne treatment.
Retinol is better tolerated – therefore more suitable for beginners.
Concentration and product form are crucial for the effect.
Encapsulated retinoids increase stability and skin tolerance.
Retinal is particularly effective in serums with skin-soothing accompanying substances.

Retinal or retinol – what is the difference?

Retinol and retinal belong to the retinoid family. They are converted into retinoic acid in the skin – the actual active ingredient. Retinal is a precursor closer to the active form, which makes it faster and more aggressive. Retinol, on the other hand, is gentler but requires more conversion steps.

Retinol = milder, slower, ideal for beginners.
Retinal = faster, stronger, more aggressive, ideal for experienced skincare users.
Both forms stimulate collagen and promote skin renewal.

What makes retinol so special in skin care?

Retinol is considered a “classic” among anti-aging ingredients. It reduces fine lines, supports cell regeneration, and improves the appearance of the skin. Its mild effect allows for long-term use with good tolerability.

Promotes collagen synthesis
Reduces pigmentation spots and fine lines
Suitable for long-term use

What makes retinal so special in skin care?

Retinal, also known as retinaldehyde, works up to ten times faster and more intensively than retinol. It is particularly effective for light-induced skin aging, uneven complexion, or acne-like conditions.

Fast results for wrinkles and skin texture
Ideal for mature, sun-damaged, or blemished skin
Can be combined well with niacinamide or panthenol
Retinal is much more aggressive on the skin than retinol

Which active ingredient works faster?

Retinal only needs one conversion step to become active retinoic acid. Retinol has to go through two steps. This makes retinal the faster and more effective option at comparable concentrations. However, retinol is the gentler, less aggressive choice and is better suited for long-term use.

Which is better tolerated?

Retinol is often better tolerated, especially for sensitive skin or those new to retinol skincare. Due to its intense activity, retinal can quickly cause irritation at the beginning if an appropriate formulation is not used.

Retinal in skin care products

Retinal is used specifically in anti-aging serums. It combines high effectiveness with modern carrier systems to minimize irritation. It is often supplemented with anti-inflammatory or antioxidant active ingredients.

Retinol in skin care products

Retinol is found in numerous skin care products. The choice of product should be based on the skin's needs. Creams have a nourishing effect, serums are more intensive. Encapsulated forms of retinol are considered particularly stable and low-irritant.

Retinol cream

Retinol creams are particularly suitable for night care and also moisturize the skin. They are specially formulated to soothe the skin and often contain lipophilic carriers that improve absorption.

Night Cream

Vitamin A Night Cream

Vitamin A Night Cream is smoothing, reduces wrinkles and enhances moisture retention. For effective regeneration overnight.

Content: 50 ml

€50.70*

Light Cream

Vitamin A Cream Light

Vitamin A Cream Light makes the skin velvety-soft and ensures a refined complexion with fewer wrinkles.

Content: 50 ml

€50.70*

Day Cream

Vitamin A Day Cream

Vitamin A Cream gives the skin a velvety complexion, balances moisture and ensures a refined complexion with fewer wrinkles.

Content: 50 ml

€50.70*

Retinol Serum

Face serums with retinol offer a high concentration of active ingredients in a light texture. They penetrate deep into the skin and are ideal for the targeted treatment of wrinkles or uneven skin texture, while also moisturizing the skin as a base for your skin care cream.

Serum & Gel

Retinol+ Serum

The Retinol+ Serum provides anti-aging of the highest order It is enriched with a choice combination of highly effective active ingredients that refine the complexion and boost the regeneration process.

Content: 30 ml

€83.90*

Encapsulated retinol vs. free retinol

Encapsulated retinol penetrates deeper into the skin. At the same time, it increases the stability of the pure active ingredient and improves skin tolerance. It is therefore more effective and gentler on the skin than encapsulated retinol, which can quickly cause irritation.

Recommendation:

Dr. Spiller Retinol⁺ Serum – highly concentrated and combined with moisturizing ingredients such as hyaluronic acid for maximum effect and moisture balance.

Dr. Spiller Retinol⁺ Cream or Cream Light – both a symbiosis of four different retinoids and retinol-like active ingredients. This skincare product, used in combination with Retinol⁺ Serum underneath, is ideal for both mature skin and blemished skin conditions. Even sensitive skin can benefit from the potency of Retinol⁺ products without irritating the skin.

Serum & Gel

Retinol+ Serum

Content: 30 ml

€83.90*

Night Cream

Vitamin A Night Cream

Vitamin A Night Cream is smoothing, reduces wrinkles and enhances moisture retention. For effective regeneration overnight.

Content: 50 ml

€50.70*

Light Cream

Vitamin A Cream Light

Vitamin A Cream Light makes the skin velvety-soft and ensures a refined complexion with fewer wrinkles.

Content: 50 ml

€50.70*

Day Cream

Vitamin A Day Cream

Vitamin A Cream gives the skin a velvety complexion, balances moisture and ensures a refined complexion with fewer wrinkles.

Content: 50 ml

€50.70*

Tips for use

Retinoids are most effective when used consistently – ideally in the evening. It is important to introduce them slowly, use complementary skincare products, and apply sunscreen daily. This minimizes the risk of irritation.

Start with 2–3 applications per week.
Use soothing and protective complementary skincare products.
Always use sun protection factor 30 or higher during the day.

For which skin types is retinol or retinal not suitable?

The use of retinoids can be problematic for inflammatory skin conditions or highly sensitive skin. Retinal and retinol should also be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Not suitable for active rosacea, eczema, or open irritations.
Avoid during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Consult a skin expert if you are unsure about your skin condition.

What other forms are there?

In addition to retinol and retinal, there are other forms of retinoids, some of which are prescription-only and some of which are available in cosmetics. They differ in their effects, strength, and tolerability.

Retinoid: Generic term for all vitamin A derivatives.
Tretinoin: Prescription-only retinoic acid, directly effective.
Adapalene, isotretinoin, etc.: Medical variants, mainly used for acne.

Is bakuchiol a suitable alternative?

Bakuchiol is considered a plant-based alternative to retinol. It has antioxidant and regenerative properties without the typical risks of irritation. Bakuchiol can be a good choice for particularly sensitive skin or during pregnancy.

This may also be interesting:

Dr. Spiller Instagram

• View on Instagram

Retinal or retinol in skin care

Retinal or retinol – what is the difference?

What makes retinol so special in skin care?

What makes retinal so special in skin care?

Which active ingredient works faster?

Which is better tolerated?

What concentration of retinol or retinal should be used?

Retinal in skin care products

Retinol in skin care products

Retinol cream

Retinol Serum

Encapsulated retinol vs. free retinol

Tips for use

For which skin types is retinol or retinal not suitable?

What other forms are there?

Is bakuchiol a suitable alternative?

Conclusion

This may also be interesting:

Retinol for acne scars

Retinol before and after

Retinol against wrinkles

Dr. Spiller Instagram