COSMETIC LENS
All ingredients
Active Ingredients

Retinal

视黄醛

Also known as: Retinaldehyde

What it does

  • Anti-aging
  • Antibacterial
  • One step from retinoic acid

Effective concentration

Minimum 0.025% Optimal 0.05-0.1%

Stronger than retinol, gentler than tretinoin.

Evidence

Moderate evidence

One conversion step from retinoic acid. Also has direct antibacterial activity.

Skin types

Well suited for: Normal Oily Combination
Use with caution: Sensitive Dry

Better tolerated than tretinoin but stronger than retinol.

Helps with

Aging & Fine Lines Acne & Breakouts Fine Lines Wrinkles

Interactions

Use with care AHAs/BHAs

May increase irritation. Alternate use.

Irritation potential
Medium
Comedogenic rating
0 / 5
Pregnancy
Avoid during pregnancy

Retinoid—avoid during pregnancy.

Good to know

The 'middle ground' retinoid. More effective than retinol, better tolerated than tretinoin.

References

Compound data from PubChem (U.S. National Library of Medicine).

Further reading

Selected peer-reviewed reviews on this ingredient, indexed by Europe PMC. Provided as background, not proof of any specific claim.

Related ingredients

Retinol Tretinoin Bakuchiol Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4 Niacinamide Adapalene

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Educational information only — not medical advice. Always patch test and consult a dermatologist for skin concerns.