- HOME >
- SKINCARE ADVICE >
- SKINCARE INGREDIENTS >
- RETINOL VS RETINOID: WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE
RETINOL VS RETINOID: WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE?
Reviewed By Dr Phil Singh
Update date: 2 Sep 2026
When it comes to retinol and retinoid, many of us can get confused when trying to differentiate the two. Are retinol and retinoid the same? Both of these terms for anti-ageing ingredients are very similar— retinol is one of the specific types of retinoid, which is the umbrella term for vitamin A derivatives used in skincare and medicine.
Retinoid tends to describe the more powerful prescription products, whilst retinol generally refers to over-the-counter (OTC) skincare formulas. These formulas are gentler on the skin and formulated for everyday use.
This guide will answer your questions to help you understand the differences between retinol VS retinoid, how to introduce retinol to your skin and which retinol products to add to your daily skincare routine.
THE RETINOID FAMILY: WHERE DOES RETINOL FIT?
Not all retinoids are created equal. They exist on a spectrum of potency, ranging from the gentlest forms to the most potent.
|
FORM |
TYPE |
POTENCY |
AVAILABLE |
|
Retinyl Esters (e.g. retinyl palmitate) |
Retinoid |
Lowest |
OTC |
|
Retinol |
Retinoid |
Low–Medium |
OTC |
|
Retinaldehyde (Retinal) |
Retinoid |
Medium |
OTC |
|
Tretinoin (Retinoic Acid) |
Retinoid |
High |
Prescription only |
Each form needs to be converted into retinoic acid before the skin can use it. The more conversion steps required, the gentler — but slower — the results. Understanding where your product sits on this spectrum helps set realistic expectations.
As Dr Philip SIngh explains “Many of my patients assume they need a prescription retinoid to see real results — but the reality is that a well-formulated OTC retinol that is tolerated by their skin and therefore able to be used consistently, can deliver meaningful improvements of various aspects including skin texture and fine lines over time."
RETINOL OR RETINOID ?
Retinol is a vitamin A derivative and type of retinoid used mainly in skincare products due to its lower concentration of retinoic acid. Retinol products differ from prescription retinoids on a molecular level, as they are less intense and therefore gentler on skin.
Retinols tend to be included in ingredient lists under names like retinyl palmitate, retinyl linoleate or retinyl acetate. It takes more steps for these forms to be converted to retinoic acid, meaning the product is gentler on the skin than prescription retinoids. Retinol is often combined with other ingredients to hydrate and brighten the skin.
Retinoids, however, refers to other vitamin A derivatives that either need no conversion into retinoic acid—the most potent form of vitamin A, or those that can directly impact the retinoic acid receptors.
What about Retinaldehyde?
Retinaldehyde (also called retinal) is worth knowing about. Sitting between retinol and prescription tretinoin in potency, it requires only one conversion step to become retinoic acid — making it faster-acting than retinol but still available over the counter. It's an increasingly popular option for those who want stronger results without a prescription.
All of these above ingredients can help to increase cell division on the surface of your skin which helps thicken its top layer, along with a range of other chemical effects and benefits.
ARE RETINOL AND VITAMIN A THE SAME ?
Wondering if retinol is vitamin A? Retinol comes from retinoids, which form part of the vitamin A family. For retinol to be absorbed into the skin, it needs to be broken down into retinoic acid.
This conversion process is moved along by naturally occurring proteins in our body called enzymes. Once converted to retinoic acid which can then interact with retinoid receptors, the retinol can begin working to help stimulate collagen, increase cell renewal and improve skin.
ARE RETINOL AND TRETINOIN THE SAME
Retinol and tretinoin are similar ingredients but have a few key differences. Tretinoin, like retinol, is a retinoid. However, tretinoin is a concentration of pure retinoic acid, which means tretinoin can be more easily absorbed by skin to have more immediate results, and due to this potency it requires a prescription.
Tretinoin can lead to redness and peeling for sensitive skin types if not managed, whilst retinol can have fewer side effects.
HOW TO INTRODUCE RETINOL TO SKIN
When you feel it’s time to introduce retinol to your skin and reap its benefits, the key is to start slowly and gradually. Retinol for beginners should be in a lower-concentration product to start, before building up the potency and frequency gradually over time.
Retinol should always be applied at night as it can increase your skin’s sensitivity to sunlight. Your skin will need to adjust to the retinol, so begin with using it twice a week in the evenings. Gradually move from every second night, to every night day as your skin tolerance adjusts.
A little goes a long way when using retinol, so use a pea-sized amount to cover your entire face. Dryness and flakiness (purging) may occur in the first few days, and if this bothers you, space out your applications. As your skin adjusts to retinol, these effects will decrease.
RETINOL SKINCARE ROUTINE
As mentioned, retinol is not an overnight solution to your skin concerns. It typically takes up to 12 weeks to see visible results, meaning you’ll want to introduce retinol into your daily skincare routine over time.
When applying products, it is recommended to always start in the order of lightest to heaviest. Retinols are best applied to dry skin after cleansing in the evening. Always use in conjunction with a high SPF the following morning for strict UV protection.
RETINOL SERUMS
Using a night-time retinol serum is a suitable first step for those with oily, sensitive, ageing or breakout-prone skin.
Our Retinol B3 Serum is an anti-ageing serum formulated with retinol and vitamin B3 to help visibly improve the look of fine lines, wrinkles and dark spots. This serum helps to keep skin soft and supple by supporting the skin’s moisture barrier, allowing for improved hydration.
To apply, fill the dropper with serum and apply 3-4 drops in the evening on the face and neck. Follow with a moisturiser or night cream.
RETINOL GELS
Applying retinol in gel form can help minimise the potential for clogged pores. Applying a retinol gel at night allows the formula to be fully absorbed by your skin for maximum efficacy.
Our Redermic Retinol Anti-Ageing Gel Treatment is an ultra-fluid gel cream formulated for sensitive skin. It helps to visibly reduce wrinkles, smooth skin, address irregular skin tone and help to minimise premature age spots. Apply to the face and neck after cleansing, avoiding the eye contour.
RETINOL CREAMS
Retinol moisturisers and creams can be applied to cleansed dry skin or after using a serum. Using a cream can assist with minimising dryness and other possible side effects of adding retinol into your routine.
Our Redermic R Anti-Ageing Eye Cream is an anti-ageing eye cream that contains pure and slow-release retinol to visibly smooth skin around the eye area. It’s formulated to help improve signs of photo-ageing, fatigue, wrinkles and dark circles. Apply in the evening to clean dry skin. Gently pat the eye cream into the skin, beginning from the inner corner of the eye and working outwards. Avoid the eyelids
Related Retinol Articles
RETINOL VS RETINOID: WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE?
Reviewed By Dr Phil Singh
Update date: 2 Sep 2026
When it comes to retinol and retinoid, many of us can get confused when trying to differentiate the two. Are retinol and retinoid the same? Both of these terms for anti-ageing ingredients are very similar— retinol is one of the specific types of retinoid, which is the umbrella term for vitamin A derivatives used in skincare and medicine.
Retinoid tends to describe the more powerful prescription products, whilst retinol generally refers to over-the-counter (OTC) skincare formulas. These formulas are gentler on the skin and formulated for everyday use.
This guide will answer your questions to help you understand the differences between retinol VS retinoid, how to introduce retinol to your skin and which retinol products to add to your daily skincare routine.
THE RETINOID FAMILY: WHERE DOES RETINOL FIT?
Not all retinoids are created equal. They exist on a spectrum of potency, ranging from the gentlest forms to the most potent.
|
FORM |
TYPE |
POTENCY |
AVAILABLE |
|
Retinyl Esters (e.g. retinyl palmitate) |
Retinoid |
Lowest |
OTC |
|
Retinol |
Retinoid |
Low–Medium |
OTC |
|
Retinaldehyde (Retinal) |
Retinoid |
Medium |
OTC |
|
Tretinoin (Retinoic Acid) |
Retinoid |
High |
Prescription only |
Each form needs to be converted into retinoic acid before the skin can use it. The more conversion steps required, the gentler — but slower — the results. Understanding where your product sits on this spectrum helps set realistic expectations.
As Dr Philip SIngh explains “Many of my patients assume they need a prescription retinoid to see real results — but the reality is that a well-formulated OTC retinol that is tolerated by their skin and therefore able to be used consistently, can deliver meaningful improvements of various aspects including skin texture and fine lines over time."
RETINOL OR RETINOID ?
Retinol is a vitamin A derivative and type of retinoid used mainly in skincare products due to its lower concentration of retinoic acid. Retinol products differ from prescription retinoids on a molecular level, as they are less intense and therefore gentler on skin.
Retinols tend to be included in ingredient lists under names like retinyl palmitate, retinyl linoleate or retinyl acetate. It takes more steps for these forms to be converted to retinoic acid, meaning the product is gentler on the skin than prescription retinoids. Retinol is often combined with other ingredients to hydrate and brighten the skin.
Retinoids, however, refers to other vitamin A derivatives that either need no conversion into retinoic acid—the most potent form of vitamin A, or those that can directly impact the retinoic acid receptors.
What about Retinaldehyde?
Retinaldehyde (also called retinal) is worth knowing about. Sitting between retinol and prescription tretinoin in potency, it requires only one conversion step to become retinoic acid — making it faster-acting than retinol but still available over the counter. It's an increasingly popular option for those who want stronger results without a prescription.
All of these above ingredients can help to increase cell division on the surface of your skin which helps thicken its top layer, along with a range of other chemical effects and benefits.
ARE RETINOL AND VITAMIN A THE SAME ?
Wondering if retinol is vitamin A? Retinol comes from retinoids, which form part of the vitamin A family. For retinol to be absorbed into the skin, it needs to be broken down into retinoic acid.
This conversion process is moved along by naturally occurring proteins in our body called enzymes. Once converted to retinoic acid which can then interact with retinoid receptors, the retinol can begin working to help stimulate collagen, increase cell renewal and improve skin.
ARE RETINOL AND TRETINOIN THE SAME
Retinol and tretinoin are similar ingredients but have a few key differences. Tretinoin, like retinol, is a retinoid. However, tretinoin is a concentration of pure retinoic acid, which means tretinoin can be more easily absorbed by skin to have more immediate results, and due to this potency it requires a prescription.
Tretinoin can lead to redness and peeling for sensitive skin types if not managed, whilst retinol can have fewer side effects.
HOW TO INTRODUCE RETINOL TO SKIN
When you feel it’s time to introduce retinol to your skin and reap its benefits, the key is to start slowly and gradually. Retinol for beginners should be in a lower-concentration product to start, before building up the potency and frequency gradually over time.
Retinol should always be applied at night as it can increase your skin’s sensitivity to sunlight. Your skin will need to adjust to the retinol, so begin with using it twice a week in the evenings. Gradually move from every second night, to every night day as your skin tolerance adjusts.
A little goes a long way when using retinol, so use a pea-sized amount to cover your entire face. Dryness and flakiness (purging) may occur in the first few days, and if this bothers you, space out your applications. As your skin adjusts to retinol, these effects will decrease.
RETINOL SKINCARE ROUTINE
As mentioned, retinol is not an overnight solution to your skin concerns. It typically takes up to 12 weeks to see visible results, meaning you’ll want to introduce retinol into your daily skincare routine over time.
When applying products, it is recommended to always start in the order of lightest to heaviest. Retinols are best applied to dry skin after cleansing in the evening. Always use in conjunction with a high SPF the following morning for strict UV protection.
RETINOL SERUMS
Using a night-time retinol serum is a suitable first step for those with oily, sensitive, ageing or breakout-prone skin.
Our Retinol B3 Serum is an anti-ageing serum formulated with retinol and vitamin B3 to help visibly improve the look of fine lines, wrinkles and dark spots. This serum helps to keep skin soft and supple by supporting the skin’s moisture barrier, allowing for improved hydration.
To apply, fill the dropper with serum and apply 3-4 drops in the evening on the face and neck. Follow with a moisturiser or night cream.
RETINOL GELS
Applying retinol in gel form can help minimise the potential for clogged pores. Applying a retinol gel at night allows the formula to be fully absorbed by your skin for maximum efficacy.
Our Redermic Retinol Anti-Ageing Gel Treatment is an ultra-fluid gel cream formulated for sensitive skin. It helps to visibly reduce wrinkles, smooth skin, address irregular skin tone and help to minimise premature age spots. Apply to the face and neck after cleansing, avoiding the eye contour.
RETINOL CREAMS
Retinol moisturisers and creams can be applied to cleansed dry skin or after using a serum. Using a cream can assist with minimising dryness and other possible side effects of adding retinol into your routine.
Our Redermic R Anti-Ageing Eye Cream is an anti-ageing eye cream that contains pure and slow-release retinol to visibly smooth skin around the eye area. It’s formulated to help improve signs of photo-ageing, fatigue, wrinkles and dark circles. Apply in the evening to clean dry skin. Gently pat the eye cream into the skin, beginning from the inner corner of the eye and working outwards. Avoid the eyelids
Related Retinol Articles
Stay In Touch
