retinoid
One enzymatic step from retinoic acid — more potent than retinol with faster visible results. Also exhibits direct antibacterial activity against P. acnes, unique among retinoids.
| Concern | Strength | Studies | What the research says |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine lines & wrinkles | Strong | 2 | Smaller but reasonably consistent evidence base. Saurat 1994 established biological activity on human skin (CRABP-2 induction, epidermal thickening, keratinocyte proliferation) in a dose-response study at 0.05%, 0.1%,… |
| Acne & breakouts | Relevant | 1 | Some European use for mild acne historically. Not a first-line choice; adapalene or tretinoin preferred. |
| Blackheads | Relevant | — | Some European use for mild acne historically. Not a first-line choice; adapalene or tretinoin preferred. |
| Loss of firmness | Relevant | — | Smaller but reasonably consistent evidence base. Saurat 1994 established biological activity on human skin (CRABP-2 induction, epidermal thickening, keratinocyte proliferation) in a dose-response study at 0.05%, 0.1%,… |
| Dark spots & hyperpigmentation | Relevant | — | Hyperpigmentation improvement reported in Creidi 1998 secondary outcomes and several review-cited pilot studies but not the primary indication studied. Plausible via same mechanism as retinol and tretinoin; evidence… |
No known conflicts — Retinaldehyde isn’t flagged against any concern or skin condition.
Strength reflects the ingredient’s effect on each concern; study counts match research whose findings relate to that concern.
Retinaldehyde is a retinoid backed by a moderate body of supporting evidence (evidence tier 2 of 4). We track 5 studies for it, 3 reporting a positive effect. It is typically effective at 0.05–0.1% in a formulation.
Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology · 1998 · rct · n=125
Controlled study (n=125: retinaldehyde 0.05%, retinoic acid 0.05%, vehicle) with profilometric crow's-feet analysis at weeks 18 and 44: both retinoids significantly reduced wrinkles and roughness versus vehicle with comparable efficacy, while retinaldehyde was well tolerated and retinoic acid caused more irritation affecting compliance.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology · 2021 · rct
Randomized controlled trial: Head to head retinaldehyde vs retinol.
Dermatology · 1999 · in vitro
Retinaldehyde demonstrated direct bactericidal activity against P. acnes at concentrations used in topical formulations — a unique property not found in other retinoids.
Journal of Investigative Dermatology · 1994 · in vitro
In-vitro/mechanistic study: Landmark mechanism and tolerability baseline.
Dermatology · 1999 · review
Review: Clinical synthesis of retinaldehyde photoaging evidence.
In 107 products — most often serums (57), moisturizers (30), eye creams (15), from $3.00 to $304.11. Set up a profile to rank these for your skin. Click any product to learn more.
RODAN + FIELDS
Redefine Intensive Renewing Serum With Retinal
Serum
$100.00
Ideal for
RODAN + FIELDS
Redefine Intensive Renewing Serum With Retinal
Serum
$100.00
Ideal for
Redefine Intensive Renewing Serum With Retinal is a retinoid treatment by RODAN + FIELDS. Key ingredients include Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate.
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Set up your skin profileFARMACY
Serum
$62.0029.6ml · $2.10/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
FARMACY
Serum
$62.0029.6ml · $2.10/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
1% Vitamin A Retinol Serum is a retinoid treatment by FARMACY. Key ingredients include Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, 1,2-Hexanediol.
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Lancaster
Lancaster Golden Lift Sculpting Cream 50ml
Moisturizer
$107.9550ml · $2.16/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
Lancaster
Lancaster Golden Lift Sculpting Cream 50ml
Moisturizer
$107.9550ml · $2.16/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
Lancaster Golden Lift Sculpting Cream 50ml is a retinoid treatment by Lancaster. Key ingredients include Glycerin, Shea Butter, Cetyl Alcohol.
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Medik8
Medik8 Crystal Retinal 1 Serum 30ml
Serum
$57.1530ml · $1.91/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
Medik8
Medik8 Crystal Retinal 1 Serum 30ml
Serum
$57.1530ml · $1.91/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
Medik8 Crystal Retinal 1 Serum 30ml is a retinoid treatment by Medik8. Key ingredients include Water, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glycerin.
Complete your skin profile to see how well this product matches your skin
Set up your skin profilePEACH & LILY
Retinal For All Renewing Serum
Serum
$55.0029.9ml · $1.84/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
PEACH & LILY
Retinal For All Renewing Serum
Serum
$55.0029.9ml · $1.84/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
Retinal For All Renewing Serum is a retinoid treatment by PEACH & LILY. Key ingredients include Water, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cetearyl Alcohol.
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Set up your skin profileRODAN + FIELDS
Redefine Overnight Reparative + Moisturizing Lotion
Moisturizer
$85.0029.6ml · $2.87/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
RODAN + FIELDS
Redefine Overnight Reparative + Moisturizing Lotion
Moisturizer
$85.0029.6ml · $2.87/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
Redefine Overnight Reparative + Moisturizing Lotion is a retinoid treatment by RODAN + FIELDS. Key ingredients include Niacinamide, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Glycerin.
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Set up your skin profileUrsa Major
Serum
$76.0029.6ml · $2.57/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
Ursa Major
Serum
$76.0029.6ml · $2.57/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
Lunar Bloom Retinal Serum is a retinoid treatment by Ursa Major. Key ingredients include Propanediol, Squalane, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride.
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Medik8
Medik8 Crystal Retinal Ceramide Eye 10 15ml
Serum
$91.4415ml · $6.10/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
Medik8
Medik8 Crystal Retinal Ceramide Eye 10 15ml
Serum
$91.4415ml · $6.10/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
Medik8 Crystal Retinal Ceramide Eye 10 15ml is a retinoid treatment by Medik8. Key ingredients include Water, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Shea Butter.
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Set up your skin profilePhilosophy
Ultimate Miracle Worker Lift and Firm Face and Neck Serum
Serum
$90.0047.3ml · $1.90/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
Philosophy
Ultimate Miracle Worker Lift and Firm Face and Neck Serum
Serum
$90.0047.3ml · $1.90/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
Ultimate Miracle Worker Lift and Firm Face and Neck Serum is a retinoid treatment by Philosophy. Key ingredients include Glycerin, Niacinamide, Butylene Glycol.
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Beauty of Joseon
Beauty of Joseon Revive Eye Serum Ginseng + Retinal
Eye Cream – for Acne & breakouts, barrier_repair
$17.1530ml · $0.57/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
Beauty of Joseon
Beauty of Joseon Revive Eye Serum Ginseng + Retinal
Eye Cream – for Acne & breakouts, barrier_repair
$17.1530ml · $0.57/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
Beauty of Joseon Revive Eye Serum Ginseng + Retinal is a eye cream by Beauty of Joseon. Key ingredients include Water, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Glycerin.
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Set up your skin profileEducational information, not medical advice. Study findings summarise the cited research and may not reflect every formulation.