Retinol vs. Retinoids: Which Is Right for You?
Key takeaways:
Retinoids are a group of natural and synthetic compounds derived from vitamin A.
Retinol is one type of retinoid that’s found in many different over-the-counter skin care products.
Retinol-based skin care is often best for mild acne and signs of skin aging — including fine lines, wrinkles, uneven skin tone, and texture. Prescription retinoids are good for moderate to severe acne, acne scarring, and psoriasis.
The term “retinol” is practically synonymous with antiaging skin care. With so many beneficial effects on the skin, it’s easy to understand why so many people are eager to make this powerful skin care ingredient part of their daily routine.
But when it comes to retinoids, the number of products in the skin care aisle can be overwhelming. How do you know which retinoid is best for you and your skin concerns? Keep reading, and we’ll break down the differences between retinol and retinoids.
What are retinol and retinoids?
Retinoids are a group of vitamin A-based products that can be applied to your skin, or taken orally. Retinol is one specific type of retinoid. Some retinoids are available over the counter (OTC) while others require a prescription.
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Retinoids work to improve skin health by regulating cell growth, strengthening the outer layer of skin cells, reducing water loss, and protecting the skin from damage. They can be used to treat a variety of skin issues, including:
Fine lines and wrinkles
Uneven skin tone and texture
Skin inflammation
Some retinoids can even be used to help treat cancers like acute promyelocytic leukemia (tretinoin) and cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (bexarotene).
What’s the difference between retinol and retinoids?
Not all retinoids are the same. Retinol is the naturally occurring form of vitamin A. Here are some of the things that set retinol apart from other types of retinoids.
Availability
Retinol is available OTC in skin care products, vitamin supplements, and foods. It’s also found naturally in your body.
While some other topical retinoids are also available OTC, like adapalene 0.1% gel, stronger topical retinoids and oral retinoids are available by prescription only.
Looking for the right skin care routine? Our experts review the best skin care products for your skin type.
Thinking about using retinol? Explore the key ways in which retinol benefits your skin and complexion.
Acne-prone skin needs special care. Here’s how to choose the right skin care products if you’re prone to breakouts.
Formulations
Retinol is very stable and works well in a variety of skin care products including gels, creams, lotions, oils, and serums. You can also find retinol as an oral supplement and in certain foods.
Prescription retinoids can be taken orally in pill form (isotretinoin, alitretinoin, acitretin, or bexarotene) or applied topically as a gel or cream.
Side effects
Because retinol is less potent and gentler on your skin, the risk of side effects is much lower compared to prescription-strength retinoids.
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Which should you use: Retinol or retinoids?
When choosing between retinol and other retinoids for your skin, there are several factors to consider, such as:
How sensitive your skin is
The specific skin issue you’re trying to manage
The concentration of the product you’re using
How the product is formulated
In general, retinol-based skin care products are gentler on your skin. Retinol may be the best choice if you have sensitive skin or are using retinoids for the first time. Even though it’s gentle, retinol is still very effective at helping to minimize signs of skin aging and improving mild acne.
Some stronger retinoids may be an option even if you have sensitive skin. For example, Retin-A Micro is a tretinoin-based product that was developed to release retinoic acid more slowly after applying it. This can make it less irritating for sensitive skin.
Other retinoids are much stronger and may be a better option for more severe skin issues like moderate to severe acne, acne scarring, or psoriasis.
Here’s a closer look at common retinoids and what they’re used for.
| Type of retinoid | Skin issues |
|---|---|
| Retinol |
|
| Tretinoin |
|
| Retinal |
|
| Retinyl esters |
|
| Adapalene |
|
| Tazarotene |
|
How do you use retinol vs. retinoids?
Your dermatologist or healthcare team can help you choose between prescription retinoids and OTC retinols.
If you’re using an OTC product, here are some general tips for how to start incorporating a retinoid into your skin care routine:
Apply before bed to a clean, dry face.
Start slow. The likelihood of having side effects tends to be dose-dependent. This means that the more you use, or the stronger the product, the more significant the side effects. Start with a low-potency retinol and use it sparingly.
If you’re having problems with dry skin, use a moisturizer before the retinoid. Wash your face, apply moisturizer, wait 20 to 30 minutes and then apply your retinoid.
Don’t forget your sunscreen. Retinoids can make your skin more sensitive to the sun, so make sure to apply SPF protection before you head out for the day.
All retinoids (including retinols) work best when used regularly. Minimize side effects by working your way up to nightly use slowly. Start with the lowest strength and apply them only every other night or so, until your skin gets used to them.
What are the side effects of retinol vs. retinoids?
All retinoids (including retinol) can irritate the skin. Possible side effects of topical retinoids include:
Redness
Itching
Burning
Flaking
Sun sensitivity
Retinoids in pill form can harm a developing fetus. So you can’t take oral retinoids if you are pregnant. It’s not clear if topical retinoids can also harm a developing fetus. Experts recommend avoiding any retinoid-based skin care, including OTC retinols, when you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.
The bottom line
Retinoids are a group of compounds derived from vitamin A. Retinol is one specific, mild type of retinoid. It can be found in a variety of OTC skin care products designed to treat mild acne or signs of skin aging. Prescription-strength retinoids are stronger, and more likely to cause side effects like skin irritation and dryness. But they can be very useful for people with moderate to severe acne, acne scarring, and other skin conditions like psoriasis and sun-damaged skin.
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References
American Academy of Dermatology Association. (2021). Retinoid or retinol?
Ludmann, P. (2023). Dermatologist-recommended skin care for your 20s. American Academy of Dermatology Association.
Motamedi, M., et al. (2021). A clinician’s guide to topical retinoids. Journal of Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery.
Mukherjee, S., et al. (2006). Retinoids in the treatment of skin aging: An overview of clinical efficacy and safety. Clinical Interventions in Aging.
Zasada, M., et al. (2019). Retinoids: Active molecules influencing skin structure formation in cosmetic and dermatological treatments. Advances in Dermatology and Allergology.
