Retinal (also called retinaldehyde, and listed as Retinal on ingredient lists) is a form of vitamin A that your skin can use almost straight away. It’s a close relative of retinol, but closer to the form your skin actually uses: that’s why, even at lower doses, it works 11 times faster than retinol and is gentler. You use it in the evening, on your face, for enlarged pores, uneven texture, loss of firmness and fine lines.
What retinal is, in simple terms
The vitamin A you put on your face isn’t ready to use. Your skin first has to “convert” it into its active form. Retinol, the kind in most everyday creams, has to be converted twice. Retinal, just once. A little is lost at every step, so the fewer steps there are, the more vitamin A actually gets where it needs to go.
It’s the same reason dermatologists have recommended retinoids for decades. Retinal is the version that visibly reduces fine lines and wrinkles in as little as 4 weeks, without a prescription.
What retinal does for your face
As we get older, skin renews itself more slowly. Old cells linger on the surface, pores clog and stretch, texture turns uneven and, underneath, the fibres that hold the face up start to slacken. Retinal gives your skin a wake-up call. Here’s what you’ll see, in order:
- Pores: they tighten and become less visible, especially on the cheeks.
- Texture: the skin becomes smooth and even. Foundation goes on smoothly and no longer settles into lines.
- Firmness: your jawline looks more defined and your face looks more lifted.
- Fine lines: little lines around the eyes and mouth soften.
As a bonus, skin tone becomes more even: dark spots and marks left by blemishes fade, and the skin reflects more light.
How long does it take to work?
Here’s an honest timeline for a well-formulated retinal product, used consistently and with the right routine:
- First week: skin feels softer to the touch.
- Two weeks: texture looks smoother, and skin starts to glow.
- Four weeks: fine lines and wrinkles are already visibly reduced, pores look smaller and skin tone looks more even.
- Two or three months: your face looks firmer. You’ll see it when you compare a photo taken today with one from before you started.
Retinal or retinol?
They’re two forms of the same vitamin A. Retinol helps, but retinal does much more because it’s almost ready to use. If you’ve used retinol for months without seeing results, or if it irritated your skin, retinal is the next step. For a full explanation, see Retinal or retinol? The difference explained in simple terms.
How much retinal should it contain?
Check the percentage on the label. Most retinals on the market sit between 0.05% and 0.1%; the strongest reach 0.2–0.24%. Dr.Luvion Retinal Booster contains pure 0.3% retinal. But a strong retinal shouldn’t work alone: it needs ingredients that protect your skin while it works. In Retinal Booster, those are niacinamide and panthenol, alongside a peptide complex, Matrixyl 3000, which works with the retinal to stimulate your skin’s natural collagen production.
How to use retinal
- Use it at night on clean, dry skin. Never in the morning.
- Start with 3–4 times a week; after 1–2 months, once your skin has adjusted, you can use it every day.
- Two or three rice-grain-sized dots per area, on your face and neck. Avoid the eye area.
- After a few minutes, apply your moisturiser.
- Always use sunscreen in the morning.
In the first few weeks your skin is getting used to it: it may feel tight or peel a little. That’s normal. If it really stings, take a few nights off, then start again. The night-by-night guide is in the Retinal Booster protocol.
Side effects and precautions
Like all retinoids, retinal makes your skin more sensitive to the sun. Sunscreen in the morning isn’t just a recommendation; it’s part of the treatment. Retinal isn’t recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. If you have an active rosacea flare or eczema, ask your dermatologist first. Don’t use exfoliating acids or pure vitamin C on the same night.
Frequently asked questions
Are retinal and retinaldehyde the same thing?
Yes. Retinal and retinaldehyde are two names for the same molecule.
Can you use retinal in summer?
Yes, at night, with sunscreen every morning. If you spend your days in the sun, start slowly or wait until the end of the season to introduce it.
Can you use retinal and niacinamide together?
Yes. In fact, niacinamide soothes and evens the skin while retinal works. They’re in the same formula in Retinal Booster.
What does “pure 0.3% retinal” mean?
It means that in Retinal Booster, retinal is an ingredient in its own right, at 0.3%: the percentage on the label refers to the retinal itself, not to a blend that contains it.
Where can you buy retinal?
From pharmacies, beauty retailers and online. Dr.Luvion Retinal Booster is only available from the official website, drluvion.com, with free shipping and our 90-Day Results or Money Back Guarantee.