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retinal vs. retinol, the science of renewal revealed

We often seek ways to support our skin's natural ability to renew itself, a journey that aligns with our overall wellbeing. In this quest, vitamin A derivatives, particularly retinal, have emerged as valuable helpers. Our Renewal A Serum results from this exploration, designed to work in harmony with your skin's natural processes. Let's understand retinal’s benefits, how it differs from retinol, and its role in your skin's wellbeing.

firstly, why a serum?

Imagine your skin as a garden. To nourish it effectively, you need to reach the roots. This is where serums excel. Unlike creams that provide surface nourishment, serums, with their fine molecular structure, penetrate deeper. This allows ingredients like retinal to reach the layers where they can support cellular renewal. In our Renewal A Serum, this focused delivery is key to its effectiveness. 

what are retinoids?

Retinoids, a family of compounds derived from vitamin A, are valued for their role in supporting skin health and renewal. They gently guide skin cells towards a healthier process, encouraging a natural cycle of renewal. This can lead to a smoother skin texture, a reduction in the appearance of fine lines, and an overall sense of balance in the skin. Understanding the different forms of retinoids, from the gentler retinyl palmitate to retinoic acid, allows you to make informed choices so that your skincare supports your individual skin's needs and contributes to your overall wellbeing.

retinal vs. retinol and the path of conversion

The world of vitamin A can be complex. You've likely encountered retinol, but what about retinal? Both are retinoids, however, they differ significantly in how quickly and efficiently they become retinoic acid, the form our skin can actually utilise.

Think of retinoids as paths with different stages:

retinyl palmitate, the longest route:

  • Imagine this as the starting point, the furthest away from the destination. Retinyl palmitate is the mildest form of vitamin A used in skincare.

  • To become retinoic acid, it needs to go through three distinct conversion steps within the skin. First, it converts to retinol. Then retinol converts to retinaldehyde (retinal), and finally, retinaldehyde converts to retinoic acid.

  • Because of these multiple steps, it's the gentlest option but also the slowest and least potent.

retinol, the intermediate path:

  • Retinol is a more common ingredient, and it's a step closer to the destination.
  • It requires two conversion steps: retinol converts to retinaldehyde (retinal), and then retinaldehyde converts to retinoic acid.
  • This makes it more effective than retinyl palmitate, but it still takes time for the skin to process, and it can sometimes cause irritation. This irritation occurs because retinol increases skin cell turnover, temporarily disrupting the skin's barrier, making it more susceptible to dryness, redness, and peeling.

retinal (retinaldehyde), the most efficient route:

  • Retinal is much closer to the destination.
  • It only requires one conversion step: retinaldehyde converts directly to retinoic acid.
  • This means it works more quickly and efficiently than retinol, delivering benefits with potentially less irritation.
    This is the form that is used in our Renewal A Serum.

retinoic acid (tretinoin), the destination:

  • This is the final form, the destination itself. Retinoic acid is the active form of vitamin A that the skin can directly use.
  • It's the most potent, but also the most likely to cause irritation, and it's typically available by prescription.
  • Because it is so potent, it’s not used in over-the-counter products.

This difference in conversion highlights the efficiency of retinal. In our Renewal A Serum, we've chosen retinal for its direct approach, supporting skin renewal with care. By choosing retinal, your skin has a more direct path to the benefits of vitamin A.

what does retinal serum do?

Retinal supports your skin by:

  • Encouraging the reduction of fine lines
  • Supporting skin firmness and elasticity
  • Aiding in the brightening of skin tone
  • Contributing to skin hydration.

the partnership of retinal and matrixyl™ 3000

In our Renewal A Serum, retinal works together with Matrixyl™ 3000, a powerful mix of peptides. Retinal speeds up skin cell renewal, improving texture. Matrixyl™ 3000 contains matrikines, which are like messenger ingredients that tell your skin to produce more collagen and hyaluronic acid. Think of it this way: matrikines make your skin think it's lost collagen, kicking production into high gear, making your skin firmer and more hydrated.


This dual-action approach supports skin renewal on multiple fronts: retinal speeds up turnover in the epidermis (the top layer), while Matrixyl™ 3000 benefits the dermis (the deeper layer), improving elasticity and reducing wrinkles. This balanced partnership effectively addresses multiple aspects of skin wellbeing at both the epidermal and dermal levels.

introducing renewal a serum

To introduce retinal into your routine, consider a gradual approach:

  • Begin with once-weekly evening applications
  • Progress to twice-weekly, then three times, as your skin adapts
  • Always use sunscreen during the day to protect your skin, which can have increased sensitivity to the sun from retinal.

retinoid purge and understanding your skin's response

Your skin might experience temporary changes as it adapts. This is a natural part of the process. You might experience a temporary increase in breakouts or mild irritation, known as a ‘retinoid purge’. 

This occurs as retinal accelerates skin cell turnover, bringing underlying impurities to the surface. It's a sign that the product works and typically subsides within a few weeks. To minimise discomfort, maintain a gentle skincare routine, avoid picking at blemishes, and keep up with consistent hydration. If irritation continues, consult with a skincare professional.

who might find this serum beneficial?

Our Renewal A Serum addresses concerns such as:

  • Fine lines
  • Loss of skin firmness
  • Uneven skin tone
  • Dullness.

It’s designed for:

  • Normal to combination skin
  • Oily skin
  • Mildly sensitive skin.
who might find this serum beneficialwho might find this serum beneficial

renewal as a ritual for your skin

Our Renewal A Serum is created to support your skin's natural renewal as part of your daily-to-day rituals, effortlessly integrating into your nighttime routine after cleansing and before moisturising. 

To further boost your skincare journey, consider exploring our advanced facials and organic facials, designed to complement your at-home rituals. 

discover renewal a serum

Transforms your skin while you sleep, visibly reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, brightening your tone, and plumping your skin for a clearer, bouncier complexion.

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