Retinal, retinol and bakuchiol, side by side

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All three are used for the same goals: smoother texture, softer fine lines and a more even surface. They get there at different speeds, with different side effects. Here is how they compare.

Side by side

Retinol

Retinol has to be converted twice in the skin before it becomes retinoic acid, the form that does the work. That makes it gentle but slow. Most retinol serums sit between 0.1% and 1%.

Retinal

Retinal (retinaldehyde) is one conversion step away from retinoic acid. In practice, 0.1% retinal behaves roughly like a medium-to-strong retinol, and it tends to show results sooner.

Our Retinal 0.1 Night Serum encapsulates it so it releases slowly through the night, with squalane and bisabolol to keep dryness down.

Bakuchiol

Bakuchiol is a plant extract that works on similar pathways more gently. It does not make skin more sensitive to the sun and is often chosen during pregnancy, when retinoids are off the table. You will find 1% in Night Recovery Cream.

Which one to choose

Whichever you pick: use it at night, wear SPF every morning and follow with a cream that supports the barrier, such as Barrier Cream.

Starting retinal for the first time? Follow our four-week plan to skip the peeling phase.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use bakuchiol and retinal together?

You can, but most people do not need both. Pick one and use it consistently.

Is retinal stronger than retinol?

It is one step closer to the active form, so a lower percentage can do more. That is why 0.1% retinal compares to a medium-to-strong retinol.

Do I need sunscreen with bakuchiol?

Bakuchiol does not increase sun sensitivity, but daily SPF is still part of any routine that targets lines and tone.