To Retinol or Retinal, That is the Question

Both Retinol and Retinal are part of the Vitamin A family, known as Retinoids—skincare powerhouses renowned for their rejuvenating benefits. These compounds help to promote cell cell renewal, boost collagen, and help reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation and breakouts. No wonder they’re cornerstones of anti-ageing and acne treatments. But what’s the difference, and which one is right for you? Let’s dive in.

First Came Retinol

Retinol (with an "O") has long been a go-to in skincare, celebrated for its clinically proven ability to visibly fight the appearance of acne and diminish visible signs of ageing. Originally introduced in the 1970s as a prescription treatment for acne-prone skin (known as Tretinoin or Retin-A), it quickly became a favourite for reducing fine lines, wrinkles, and pigmentation issues by helping with skin cell renewal and collagen. Its impressive, long-term results earned it a permanent spot in anti-ageing routines everywhere.

...Now Comes Retinal

Retinal (short for Retinaldehyde) is the lesser-known yet arguably more efficient sibling of Retinol. As one metabolic step closer to Retinoic Acid—the active form of Vitamin A that works directly in the skin—Retinal can deliver faster results with potentially less irritation. Think of it as the next-gen Retinoid that bridges the gap between gentle over-the-counter options and stronger prescription treatments.

Both of Beauty Pie’s Super Retinol and Super Retinal formulas include microencapsulated forms of their active ingredients. Microencapsulation protects these potent ingredients in tiny, stable bubbles, allowing them to release gradually into the skin. This technology not only improves absorption and efficacy but also helps minimise irritation by delivering active ingredients steadily, rather than all at once.

What Retinal Can Do for You

Because Retinal is closer to Retinoic Acid in the conversion process, it works faster and more effectively than Retinol to help to promote skin cell turnover, boost collagen, and fade visible pigmentation. And while it’s powerful, it’s gentler than prescription Retinoids, making it a fantastic choice for sensitive or blemish-prone skin.

Retinal is also clinically proven to reduce fine lines, wrinkles, and breakouts. With regular use, you can expect smoother, brighter, and healthier-looking skin—truly an all-in-one ingredient.

In the crowded world of Retinal serums, Beauty Pie’s Super Retinal Serum stands out like a perfectly filtered selfie. Why? It doesn’t just deliver Retinoid results—it delivers better Retinoid results. With a 2% encapsulated Retinaldehyde Complex working hand-in-hand with a Pinaretinol Complex, it’s the ultimate tag team for tackling fine lines, uneven tone, and blemishes.

Add Niacinamide for brightness, Hyaluronic Acid for plumping hydration, and the gentle exfoliating powers of Lactic and Phytic Acids, all topped off with a Ceramide Blend to strengthen your skin barrier—and you’ve got yourself a high-performance powerhouse. Fresher, brighter, clearer skin? Check, check, and check. And it’s clinically proven to reduce the appearance of wrinkles by up to 31% in just 28 days. (Besides that, if you’re a member, it’s a bargain.)