This Ingredient Is More Potent Than Retinol — Should You Be Using It?

If you're looking to make significant changes to your skin, whether that be reducing fine lines or combating dark spots, retinol is one powerhouse ingredient—but finding the right retinol product for your skin type is no easy task.

For example, those with dry or sensitive skin may want to use gentler derivatives buffered with hydrating actives; on the flip side, acne-prone individuals may need a stronger, sometimes prescription-strength formula. 

Like other forms of retinol, retinaldehyde is a great ingredient to encourage healthy skin aging1 and may be effective for treating acne2 as well, especially when used alongside an exfoliating active, such as glycolic acid. (Just not on the same night! That's a recipe for irritation.) "As a retinoid, [retinaldehyde] helps to regulate skin cell turnover, preventing pores from becoming clogged, as well as improving overall skin tone and texture while boosting collagen production," Garshick adds. 

Of course, there are tons of OTC products out there—to streamline your search, we asked board-certified dermatologist Rebecca Marcus, M.D., how to spot a winning formula. "Formulas that contain skin barrier-boosting and hydrating ingredients, such as glycerin, ceramides, and hyaluronic acid, will help to make retinaldehyde more tolerable," she says, especially if your skin already runs a little sensitive. 

So, the best practice is to pair this powerful active with hydrating ingredients to simultaneously pamper your skin barrier. Our pick? The Youth to the People Retinal + Niacinimide Youth Serum, which combines niacinamide, essential ceramides, and adaptogens to buffer the potent active and provide even more antioxidant support. 

You'll want to apply your retinaldehyde serum at night to dry, clean skin (a general rule of thumb for any type of retinol). Use a pea-size amount to avoid irritation, and apply the product to both your face and your neck. 

Again, the most important thing to remember when applying any retinoid is to ease your way into it, as using the serum every night right off the bat is more likely to cause irritation. Most derms recommend starting with a once-a-week cadence, gradually increasing to everyday use as tolerated.

In addition, make sure you're limiting other active ingredients in your nighttime routine when using retinaldehyde. "Avoid mixing other acids, such as vitamin C or AHAs, in the same product or even in different products used at the same time," Marcus says.

Don't worry: You can still use your favorite exfoliating serums, just not on the same night. (Here's a derm-approved skin-cycling routine if you need help shuffling through your actives.) You don't have to ditch your vitamin C serum either—simply use it in the morning. 

If you've hit a wall with your OTC retinol products or find that your skin can't tolerate prescription-grade products, retinaldehyde is a great middle ground.

This ingredient can help increase cell turnover and prevent clogged pores, leading to smoother skin and fewer breakouts—but as with any vitamin A derivative, it's best to start slowly and increase your use of retinaldehyde as your skin tolerates it.