Ingredients Reviews: NEW The Ordinary Retinal 0.2% Emulsion

About The Ordinary Retinal 0.2% Emulsion

WHERE TO BUY: 

$14.90/15ml; The Ordinary

With a high 0.2% concentration of retinal, Retinal 0.2% Emulsion is a very high strength retinoid formula that rapidly firms and smooths skin, while noticeably reducing the appearance of dark spots. It helps refine skin texture, while targeting uneven tone and boosting luminosity for brighter, more even-looking skin.

The serum-textured formula is suitable for all skin types, and is recommended for experienced users of retinoids. If you are new to using retinoids, recommend exploring the Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion, or the Retinol 0.2% in Squalane, and progressing to higher strengths as your skin builds tolerance.

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Key Ingredients & Benefits

6% Mandelic Acid + 2% Lactic Acid Liquid Exfoliant is a complex of gentle alpha hydroxy acids that resurface & shed built-up layers of dead skin. This unique formula visibly rejuvenates skin's ability to renew and disrupts discoloration without causing post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation on deeper skin tones. This exfoliant has an optimal pH range of 3.0–4.0.

Exfoliates skin's surface, smooths texture, softens fine lines & brightens. Renewing ingredients like yarrow extract & a fermented antioxidant blend of cherry blossom, chocolate vine & bayberry support the skin's microbiome & barrier while working beneath skin's surface for healthier cell turnover and younger-looking skin over time.

Key Ingredients:

- 2% Retinal

Retinal (also known as retinaldehyde) is a well-studied retinoid that offers more efficient delivery of the most direct form of vitamin A molecules than retinol, thanks to being 1 conversion step closer to the bioactive form of vitamin A.

While there is no specific age to start using retinal, there is one thing to know about retinoid use. Some people find the two to be drying, and in some cases, a little irritating. For this reason, it tends to come in a base of some other ingredient that offers hydration and comfort. 

The bright yellow hue of the formula comes from the high concentration of retinal, which is naturally yellow. This may leave some residual colour on skin and light coloured fabrics, which can be minimised by allowing the product to fully absorb, and skin to dry before making contact with light-coloured fabrics. This residual colour can be removed by washing skin with water, and washing fabrics with your regular detergent according to their care instructions.

- Synthetic Oat Analogues

Retinal 0.2% Emulsion also contains synthetic oat analogues (specifically avenanthramide a key beneficial component found in oats). This ingredient is known to help target skin discomfort and dryness, which are common concerns associated with retinoid use.

How To Use:

Regardless of whether you use retinol or retinal you will see results. For that reason, it's a good idea to work your way up from the lowest concentration so your skin becomes accustomed to the anti-ageing ingredient. You must follow instructions on application, generally a very thin layer is usually advised so don't be tempted to add more. If the skin feels a little taut after it's applied wait 30 minutes and apply a hydrating serum to add some moisture.

Review

Very nice texture, smooths into skin easily, and is dry within a minute (i.e., it doesn't stay sticky or oily). Does leave a very light yellow tint at first, but it's not a big deal. You cannot beat this price point for a good retinol product! Most importantly, it is gentle and does not irritate your sensitive skin. Results from retinol take time and consistency, but this product is gentle and affordable enough for just about anyone.

The Comparison with Other Retinoid Products

Retinoid is an overarching term for a group of chemicals derived from vitamin A. Let’s review three different types of retinoids: retinol, Granactive Retinoid™, and retinaldehyde (also known as “retinal”).

Retinol is the most commonly used form of vitamin A in skincare, and one of the most well-studied. It is two conversion steps away from the most direct form of vitamin A.

Another form of retinoid is Granactive Retinoid (also known by its chemical name hydroxypinacolone retinoate). It is a next-generation, newer retinoid that provides similar benefits to those of other retinoids, without requiring conversion on skin.

Retinal is a well-studied ingredient that is one conversion step away from the most direct form of vitamin A. Of all three, this is the strongest and most potent.

One of the key differences between these retinoids is the amount of steps it takes to convert them into the bioactive form. Most retinoids must undergo conversion in order for them to deliver their skin benefits. The right retinol product and choosing retinoids varies based on individual needs and skin tolerance.

With five retinol serums already in its collection, The Ordinary has a skin solution for everyone from beginners to regular users of the ingredients that love its skin-smoothing effect. Honestly, it's the fastest route to glass skin that you can find and how the skin glows from retinol use cannot be matched by any other ingredient.

Those five buys start with the mild Retinol 0.2% in Squalane and the Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion to the Retinol 0.5% in Squalane, Retinol 1% in Squalane and Granactive 5% in Squalane which offer quicker and better results. This new Retinal 0.2% Emulsion is now the most advanced wrinkle-erasing option from The Ordinary, and it's still an affordable buy despite buying as powerful as it is.

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