The Best Retinal Serums For All Skin Types

This post will share the best Retinal serums for all skin types.

I got an email from Paula’s Choice yesterday announcing their latest release, a Retinal serum.

This immediately struck me as I realized that Retinal serums are becoming increasingly popular compared to a few years ago.

I remember searching for one when I was ready to upgrade from Retinol, and the choices available were few and far between.

Thankfully, there are increasing options, which I believe is a welcome development as it will prevent people from abusing Tretinoin.

Naturally, I thought I should put together a list of some of my favourites combined with the more accessible options on the market.

But first, what is Retinal?

Retinalahyde, also known as Retinal, is from the family of Retinoids, the gold/industry standard for topical anti-ageing.

Retinoic Acid, also known as Vitamin A, is responsible for cell turnover, which helps treat acne, hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, and fine lines.

As impressive as Retinoic Acid, aka Tretinoin, is, it is too strong to be used alone by the average person.

Hence why, you can only get it through a prescription.

Based on the studies showing how effective Retinoids are, further research has been done to formulate user-friendly derivates of Retinoic Acid to ensure most people can use it effectively with little to no side effects.

Fortunately, many brands have been successful, which has now encouraged the use of Retinoids to be more mainstream.

Here’s the current flowchart used by the industry:

Retinyl Ester >>>> Retinol >>>> Retinaldehyde >>>> Retinoic Acid

For the longest time, brands got away with passing off weak Retinyl Ester as an excellent treatment for wrinkles and fine lines.

Unfortunately, the two required conversion steps make Retinyl Ester less effective, which is why Retinols exploded.

Right now, an incredible number of Retinol serums are on the market, which is excellent for anyone starting their anti-aging journey.

But how about those who want more?

Despite its effectiveness, Retinol has one more conversion step, which could mean delayed, albeit slow, results.

Enter Retinal serums.

They are perfect and efficient without dealing with Tretinoin’s side effects.

It’s no wonder brands are currently jumping on it.

Here Are The Top 7 Retinal Serums Worth Trying

From the order based on the ones I’ve used;

Avene Triacneal Expert Emulsion

Supporting Ingredients: Glycolic Acid

This was my first introduction to the world of Retinaldehyde.

Although the formulation isn’t the best, the product was the most accessible and affordable option when I searched, so I couldn’t complain.

It helped fade my acne scars and improve texture, but there was nothing dramatic for ageing concerns.

Then again, that wasn’t really my concern when I was using the product; I just wanted something I could use alongside my brightening products to facilitate cell turnover.

With Glycolic Acid as the fifth ingredient, this is an excellent beginner-friendly serum for texture and pigmentation.

Geek & Gorgeous A-Game Retinal Serum

Supporting Ingredients: Allantoin, Panthenol, Japanese Honeysuckle 

For the longest time, the Geek & Gorgeous Retinal Serums were the most accessible and affordable in Europe, so much so that they became immensely popular for good reason.

Of course, I had to jump on the train to get my hands on them, which I did.

I got two bottles and used one on my face and the other on my body, and honestly, I understood the hype.

Compared to many Retinoids on the market, it is well-formulated in an airless pump bottle with soothing ingredients that mitigate potential irritations.

It also comes in two strengths: 0.005% and 0.1%.

You want to start with the lower strength before moving to the higher one, especially if you’re a beginner.

If you’re not and looking to take a break from prescription Retinoid, you can use the 0.1% immediately.

Medik8 Crystal Retinal

Supporting Ingredients: Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Squalane, Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin E, Japanese Honeysuckle

In the world of Retinals, there’s the Medik8 Crystal Retinals, and there are others.

It is easily the most popular Retinal Serum, but I didn’t reach out to it because I could not justify the price.

I was looking to switch to Tretinoin, which costs about ten times less and is more effective.

However, the product is apparently doing well enough to come in five strengths, ranging from sensitive (0.01%) to expert (0.24%).

I honestly do not blame the brand for exploiting the monopoly and targeting diverse sensitivities.

I can’t even fault them, so kudos to them.

If you’re looking to invest in a proper Retinal serum and don’t want to upgrade to Tretinoin, then Medik8 is for you.

The Ordinary Retinal 0.2% Emulsion

Supporting Ingredients: Ginger extract, Vitamin E, Lactic Acid.

As someone who has outgrown most of The Ordinary’s products, this Retinal serum came too late.

While I was seriously looking forward to trying it, I have a staple routine now that I am not looking forward to change.

Plus, I use prescription strength products now, so this serum is a little too weak for me.

Regardless, I appreciate The Ordinary for providing an affordable and accessible option for people struggling with Geek & Gorgeous and Medik8.

With The Ordinary’s global reach, more people could access Retinal serums as an option before diving into Tretinoin.

So, if you’re looking for a beginner-friendly serum or looking to upgrade from the rest of The Ordinary Retinol, this one is for you.

Youth To The People Retinal + Niacinamide Youth Serum

Supporting Ingredients: Niacinamide, Hyaluronic Acid, Squalane, Arginine, Ceramide, Cholesterol, Japanese Honeysuckle

I haven’t used many products from Youth To The People besides the Superfood Cleanser, which my skin loved before it started to react.

But I remember seeing this product in Sephora and nodding my head in acknowledgement, happy to see that Retinal serums are slowly but surely making their way into the market.

This one is packed with hydrating and nourishing ingredients, and if you’re an ingredient nerd like me, you would agree that it is the best formulation on this list.

So, if this brand is accessible, I suggest you try it.

Paula’s Choice Pro Retinaldehyde Dual-Retinoid Treatment

Supporting Ingredients: Vitamin E, Mushroom Extract, Oleyl Adapalenate.

Paula’s Choice is well known for its excellent formulations, so this isn’t any different.

I only wish this product had a lot more soothing ingredients.

Due to the affordability, I suggest you only try this if you really want to or if you already use Paula Choice products in your routine and they work for you.

It doesn’t make sense to gamble on a product if your skin doesn’t agree with it.

Better still, get a sample before taking the plunge,

If you had asked me about two years ago to try this serum, I would have jumped at it, but right now, I’ll pass.

Murad Retinal ReSculpt™ Overnight Treatment

Supporting Ingredients: Vitamin E, Oat Kernel Extract, Urea

Murad is a niche brand that does really well to target specific concerns.

Like Paula’s Choice, I recommend this product only if your skin is used to Murad’s products or you’re looking to try something for the brand.

If you fall into the latter category, I suggest you try the travel sizes before investing in the full size.

Compared to the rest of the serums on this list, this one is formulated with encapsulated retinal, which is claimed to be 2.5 times more effective than the free retinal due to the former’s delivery system.

Encapsulation ensures that potent ingredients are delivered deep into the skin’s surface, which allows for better effectiveness whilst also being gentle on the skin,

In Conclusion,

Regarding accessibility, these are some of the best Retinals serums I’ve found on the market.

To be honest, this isn’t the best compared to the numerous options with retinol, and I’m hoping this will change in the next couple of years.