Ingredient guide
Retinal (retinaldehyde)
retinal
In short
Retinal (retinaldehyde) (also known as retinaldehyde) is a skincare active generally associated with skin texture and smoothness, tone and pigmentation and firmness and elasticity. It is backed by a moderate body of published research. It is often chosen for combination and oily skin. MIRU describes it by what is visible on skin — never as a treatment or cure.
Reviewed against published evidence · editorially independent · no brand pays for placement
Works for
Texture · Tone · Firmness
Skin type
Combination · Oily
Best used
Evening
What it is
One conversion step closer to retinoic acid than retinol. Stronger.
When to use it
Evenings, like every retinoid — it is light-sensitive.
Start ~2 nights a week and build up slowly.
On the label
Usually 0.05–0.1% on labels
It is active at smaller numbers than retinol — the modest figure is not a weaker product.
Pairs well with
Give these space
Benzoyl peroxide oxidises retinol, making it ineffective.
Use benzoyl peroxide in AM and retinol in PM on different nights.
Both increase skin turnover — using together can over-sensitise.
Use AHA in the AM and retinol in the PM, or alternate nights.
Layering retinol and salicylic acid can overwhelm the skin barrier.
Use BHA in AM and retinol in PM, or on different nights.
Vitamin C works best at low pH; retinol works at higher pH — they compete.
Use Vitamin C in AM and retinol in PM.
The same rules the product checker and routine builder run — friendly scheduling, not prohibitions.
Where it sits
An evening treatment step — on dry skin after cleansing, with moisturiser to follow.
- Cleanse
- Tone
- Retinal
- Moisturise
Also found as
Related
Where to find it
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Search the Lens for retinal (retinaldehyde)Common questions
What does Retinal (retinaldehyde) do for skin?
Retinal (retinaldehyde) is associated in published research with skin texture and smoothness, tone and pigmentation and firmness and elasticity. One conversion step closer to retinoic acid than retinol. Stronger. MIRU frames ingredients by what is visible, not by medical claims.
When should I use Retinal (retinaldehyde)?
Retinal (retinaldehyde) is typically used in the evening. Introduce any new active on its own first and add one product at a time so you can see how your skin responds.
Is Retinal (retinaldehyde) suitable for my skin type?
Retinal (retinaldehyde) is often chosen for combination and oily skin. It can be used with care — if your skin is reactive, patch-test first and watch for any irritation.
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Personal guidance only · For clinical concerns, see a dermatologist.