Vitamin A is one of the best-studied ingredients in skincare. It comes in several forms, and the names are easy to mix up: retinol, retinal, retinoic acid. This guide explains how they relate and how to start using one without irritating your skin.
The vitamin A family
Your skin can only use vitamin A once it has been converted into retinoic acid, the active form. Over-the-counter forms have to convert through one or more steps to get there. The fewer the steps, the faster — but often the stronger — the effect.
The conversion pathway
| Form | Steps to active | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Retinyl esters | 3 steps | Gentlest, slowest |
| Retinol | 2 steps | The most common form |
| Retinal (retinaldehyde) | 1 step | Faster-acting than retinol |
| Retinoic acid | 0 steps (already active) | Prescription only |
Retinol vs. retinal
Retinal sits one step from active retinoic acid, so it tends to show results faster than retinol, which needs two steps. Both smooth texture, soften fine lines, and support skin renewal. Riverstone’s Smooth Stone Retinal Night Treatment uses retinal at 0.1%, buffered with squalane and ceramides to keep it comfortable.
How to start safely
- Use it at night only, on clean dry skin.
- Start with 2–3 nights a week and build up slowly.
- Follow with a moisturizer such as the Riverbed Recovery Cream.
- Always wear sunscreen the next morning.
- Avoid during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Curious about other actives? Read Niacinamide vs. Vitamin C or the full Ingredients Glossary.
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