Ingredient Focus: Retinaldehyde

by Vulette Haines August 21, 2024

When it comes to powerhouse skincare ingredients, Retinaldehyde stands out for its potent anti-ageing and skin-renewing properties. Found in our Rebalancing Vitamin A Night Cream and Anti-Ageing Night Cream, this form of Vitamin A is more effective than retinol yet gentle enough for daily use. Here’s why Retinaldehyde should be a staple in your skincare routine.

What Is Retinaldehyde?

Retinaldehyde is a powerful Vitamin A derivative, just one step away from retinoic acid, the active form that directly affects the skin. This makes Retinaldehyde more effective in promoting skin cell turnover, reducing wrinkles, and improving skin texture compared to retinol. Despite its potency, it remains gentle on the skin, making it suitable for daily use even for those with sensitive skin.

Benefits of Retinaldehyde

Speeds Up Cell Turnover: Promotes the shedding of dead skin cells, for smoother, more even-toned skin.
Stimulates Collagen Production: Boosts collagen synthesis, improving skin elasticity and reducing the appearance of fine lines.
Unclogs Pores: Clears pores and helps reduce acne by preventing blockages, making it beneficial for acne-prone skin.
Balances Oil Production: Regulates sebum, making it ideal for both dry and oily skin types.
Brightens Skin Tone: Helps to reduce pigmentation and reveals a brighter, more youthful complexion.

Retinaldehyde vs. Retinol: What’s the Difference?

While both Retinaldehyde and retinol are Vitamin A derivatives, Retinaldehyde is one step closer to retinoic acid, the form directly used by the skin. This makes Retinaldehyde more potent and faster-acting. Retinol, on the other hand, is a great option for those who are new to Vitamin A treatments or have very sensitive skin, as it’s a milder alternative. Both ingredients offer anti-ageing benefits, but Retinaldehyde is the choice for those seeking quicker results with less risk of irritation. However, most clinical studies on Vitamin A are done on retinol, which means there is more extensive research supporting its efficacy, and it remains the gold standard for many dermatologists and skincare professionals.

Keep reading: The Ultimate Guide to Using Retinol for Beautiful Skin

Where to find Retinaldehyde

Our Rebalancing Vitamin A Night Cream and Anti-Ageing Night Cream both harness the power of Retinaldehyde, combined with high-performance actives and soothing botanicals to ensure your skin remains balanced, calm, and youthful.

Anti-Ageing Night Cream: This luxurious cream combines Retinaldehyde with a mineral complex and Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5, targeting fine lines, wrinkles, and loss of elasticity while boosting skin regeneration overnight.
Rebalancing Vitamin A Night Cream: This formula combines Retinaldehyde with retinol and peptides for enhanced anti-ageing and acne-regulating benefits, alongside botanicals like Aloe Vera, Niacinamide, and Squalane to soothe and hydrate the skin.

Shop Rebalancing Night Cream

Shop Anti Ageing Night Cream

"I have been using this product for a few years now and absolutely love it. I have hormonal skin and find it hard to find a product that doesn't make me break out but still moisturise my skin. This Night Cream doesn't leave any residue and soaks right in." - Natalie C.

Shop all Night Creams

Who Should Use It?

Our Retinaldehyde-based creams are perfect for anyone looking to:

Combat signs of ageing like fine lines and wrinkles
Improve skin texture and tone
Reduce acne and unclog pores
Achieve a radiant complexion

Pair These Products With:

Gentle Cleanser: Start with a mild cleanser to prepare your skin. Our cream cleansers are perfect soothing face washes to ensure skin is clean and soothed.
Sunscreen: Always use a broad-spectrum SPF50+ during the day to protect your skin from UV damage, especially when using Retinaldehyde at night.
Hydration: Wear a nourishing, hydrating moisturiser during the day to keep skin in tip top condition. Our fave to pair with actives is the Deep Hydration Moisture Cream.

Tips for Best Results:

Start Slow: Begin with every third day application, gradually working up to nightly use.
Use Sparingly: A pea-sized amount is enough for the entire face.
Patch Test: Perform a patch test before full application.
Hydrate: Keep your skin well-hydrated to minimise potential dryness or irritation.

Final Word on Retinaldehyde

Retinaldehyde is a star ingredient in anti-ageing and skin renewal. Whether you’re looking to smooth wrinkles, brighten your complexion, or tackle breakouts, our Rebalancing Vitamin A Night Cream and Anti-Ageing Night Cream deliver these benefits and more.