Different Types of Retinol, Explained

Retinol is rightly touted as the most effective ingredient in fighting skin aging, but did you know it was originally developed to treat acne? Chemists developed the first form of retinol in the 1930s, but found that it degraded easily when exposed to light and air. 

In the search for a more stable version, experts discovered the retinol we know and love today; yes, it not only helps with acne, but it also smoothes wrinkles and tightens skin for a brighter, more youthful complexion. young. 

Over the years, various forms of retinol have been developed: over-the-counter and prescription, both highly effective and gentle. Since navigating between different types of retinol can be complicated, we'll explain everything in detail below. 

Retinol Family Tree. Note: Retinol is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding individuals. For moms with aging skin, try ferulic acid. For acne, use niacinamide. 

Retinol, retinol and retinyl esters. Before we dive into the types of retinols, let’s first explain what exactly they are. Retinoids are a class of vitamin A derivatives. Retinol is a type of retinoid. 

There are many types of retinoids and retinols, which we will explain later. No matter which retinoid you choose, they need to be converted into retinoic acid in order to be effective. 

Retinoic acid binds to retinoid receptors in the skin, speeding up cell turnover to smooth fine lines, fade dull skin, and control acne. question? Pure retinoic acid may be too harsh for most skin types. 

Instead, scientists developed other forms of vitamin A that had to undergo several transformations before they were finally converted into retinoic acid and produced these skin-altering effects. The more conversions, the longer it lasts and the gentler it is on the skin. 

Keep this in mind as you explore the many types of retinoids below. Advantages of Retinol and Retinoids. Retinoic acid (retinoic acid). Remember: Retinoic acid is the purest form of retinol. 

Since no conversion is required, it works out of the box. This also means it can become rough, dry and irritated for most skin types. This is why a prescription called Retin-A or Retirides is required in the UK. 

Tazarotene. This is another prescription retinol with potential side effects. It doesn't activate as many receptors as retinoic acid, so it's a little less effective, especially for acne. 

Adapalene. Tazarotene and adapalene are often compared because they are similar. The main difference is that adapalene can be purchased over the counter, but it can still cause irritation. Therefore, if you have sensitive skin, please consult your doctor first. 

Granular Active Retinol (Hydroxypinacone Retinoate). This retinoid is one of the newer products and has many positive properties worth noting. Similar to retinoic acid, it requires no conversion and is very effective. 

However, granular retinoids are much less irritating than tretinoin and do not require a prescription. That's why we formulated it in Smooth Landing Advanced Retinol Eye Cream. 

Retinaldehyde (retinaldehyde). Now let’s look at the types of retinoids that need to be converted (aka less potent, less irritating) and can be purchased over the counter. Retinal (we know, the spelling is confusing) is just one conversion step of retinoic acid. 

Retinyl retinoate. Retinyl retinoate also requires conversion, but is somewhat unique. It is converted partly into retinoic acid and partly into retinol (see below). Retinol If you convert retinoic acid twice, you get retinol. It is the best-known type and is found in most retinol skin care products. Sometimes formulas use encapsulated retinol. 

This simply means that the retinol active ingredient is surrounded by a protective layer and only releases the retinol it contains after passing through the skin's surface, reducing the potential for irritation. Get the benefits of encapsulated retinol with our gentle retinol serum and retinol body lotion. Retinyl ester Retinol esters require three transformations to obtain retinoic acid. 

They are special because they require another molecule to function. As the name suggests, the effectiveness of esters depends on the availability of the chosen molecule. For example, retinyl palmitate is an ester of vitamin A and palmitic acid.

*Bakuchiol+AROPHIRA Technically, these ingredients are not retinoids because they do not contain vitamin A. Instead, they are derived from plants, but they earn a spot on this list because they provide retinol benefits for acne and aging skin. Arophira helps reduce sebum, clear clogged pores and prevent breakouts. 

Bakuchiol (our bakuchiol is CITES certified, meaning its use will not negatively impact the survival of the species) promotes elasticity and firmness while reducing fine lines and pigmentation. Of all the types of "retinols," these herbal alternatives are the mildest and perfect for first-time retinol users or those with sensitive skin.