Natural Retinol and Retinal in Skincare

Vitamin A derivatives, such as retinal and retinol are commonly used to help skin appear more refined and balanced, supporting a smoother surface while gradually softening the look of uneven tone and visible imperfections over time.

And, while they share the same pathway on the skin, their differences in structure influence how quickly and effectively they work.

How retinol and retinal work on the skin

To understand how they perform, it helps to look at what happens once they are applied to the skin.

Conversion into retinoic acid

Both ingredients must convert into retinoic acid to become active on the skin. Retinol undergoes two steps, first into retinal, then into retinoic acid. Retinal requires only one step to reach this active form (1).

Research confirms that retinaldehyde is converted to retinoic acid in one step in human keratinocytes (2).

Stability in formulation

Retinol is more widely used and easier to stabilise, whereas retinal is considered the more unstable of the two, and requires careful formulation to remain effective.

Antibacterial activity

Retinal offers direct antibacterial properties, making it particularly relevant for blemish-prone skin (3).

Natural retinal/ retinol sources and how they appear in skincare

Considering that retinol and retinal are part of the wider vitamin A family, their origins help explain how they behave on the skin. Therefore, looking at where they come from brings a clearer understanding of how they are used in skincare.

Animal-derived vitamin A

Both retinol and retinal may originate from vitamin A found in animal-based sources such as liver, fish oils and dairy. Within the body and raw materials, retinol can be converted into retinal as part of this natural pathway (4).

Plant-derived precursors of vitamin A

Plant ingredients do not contain retinol or retinal directly, that’s because they provide carotenoids such as beta-carotene, found in ingredients like carrots, sweet potatoes, leafy greens and apricots, which the body converts into vitamin A, and then into retinal. Although these compounds do exist naturally, skincare typically uses stabilised or synthesised forms for efficiency. In this way, retinal used in formulations is often produced by controlled conversion from retinol to ensure proper consistency and effectiveness.

Benefits of natural retinol/ retinal used in skincare

Retinal’s faster conversion supports quicker visible results and offers antibacterial support for blemish-prone skin. Meanwhile, retinol is often selected because it provides a more gradual approach and is easier to incorporate into stable formulations.

Safety and precautions of natural retinol/ retinal

Retinol and retinal (as vitamin A derivatives) are powerful anti-ageing and acne-fighting ingredients, but their strength requires careful use to prevent irritation, dryness, and sensitivity, often referred to as retinoid dermatitis or the “retinol uglies”. When used correctly, by starting low, going slow, and using sun protection, they are usually safe and effective for long-term use (5).

How is natural retinol/ retinal used in skincare?

Both types are usually used in skincare formulations to deliver vitamin A activity through conversion into retinoic acid within the skin.

Bakuchiol is also often called a natural alternative to retinol, but it is not a vitamin A derivative.

Takeaways

One: Retinal works faster and is closer to the active form. Two: Retinol is slower but easier to formulate. Three: Both originate from vitamin A and its precursors.