The Tamesis
First, it’s important to remember strength, as retinaldehyde is ten times more potent and effective than retinol. Dr. King recommends that her patients use this general strength guide:
- 0.025-0.05% Retina: Best for beginners or sensitive skin
- 0.05-0.1%： Best for intermediate tretinoin users
- 0.1%+: Best for experienced users
Package: Additionally, “retinal is light-sensitive, oxygen-sensitive, and not as stable as retinol,” King said. “So, look for encapsulation—such as liposomes, polymer systems, sustained-release technologies, microencapsulation—as this can increase stability and reduce irritation.”
Opaque packaging: Since retina degrades rapidly in the presence of air and light, Dr. King recommends looking for opaque bottles, preferably an airless pump, and not using clear droppers.
Soothing ingredients: Finally, Dr. Kim recommends looking for retinal formulas that combine active ingredients with barrier-supporting ingredients, including ceramides, cholesterol, fatty acids, panthenol, niacinamide, centella asiatica, ectoine, and glycerin.
