What the science says about Retinal
Peer-reviewed research on Retinal, summarised in plain language. Every study links to its record on PubMed so you can read it yourself.
Retinal for anti-aging
Some evidence for anti-aging- Most studies found it helped with signs of aging
- It often improved wrinkles, roughness, and skin texture
- Some studies found better skin hydration, firmness, elasticity, and thickness
- Some results were mixed, with no clear change in skin density or deeper skin thickness
- The studies described it as safe and well tolerated
9 studies
Comparing Tretinoin to Other Topical Therapies in the Treatment of Skin Photoaging: A Systematic Review.
American journal of clinical dermatology2024Systematic reviewNeutral
A large review mentioned retinaldehyde as a possible option for skin aging but gave no specific result for it.
Enhancing Facial Rejuvenation Outcomes With a Novel Retinaldehyde-Based Cream: A Comparative Randomized Intra-Individual Study.
Journal of cosmetic dermatology2025RCT66 participantsPositive
In a three-month study of 66 people, a cream with retinaldehyde and other ingredients improved wrinkles, firmness, fullness, texture, tone, glow, and smoothness compared with the control side.
The efficacy and safety of multilamellar vesicle containing retinaldehyde: A double-blinded, randomized, split-face controlled study.
Journal of cosmetic dermatology2021RCT23 participants0.05% and 0.1%Positive
In an 8-week study of 23 people with photoaged skin, retinal cream improved wrinkles, hydration, firmness, and facial shape more than retinol, but not skin density.
Efficacy and safety of retinaldehyde 0.1% and 0.05% creams used to treat photoaged skin: A randomized double-blind controlled trial.
Journal of cosmetic dermatology2018RCT40 participants0.1% and 0.05%Positive
In a 3-month study of 40 women, both creams improved skin texture and hydration, while only the stronger cream improved skin tone.
Antiaging efficacy of a retinaldehyde-based cream compared with glycolic acid peel sessions: A randomized controlled study.
Journal of cosmetic dermatology2018RCT0.1%Positive
In an 8-week study of 55 women, a retinal cream softened wrinkles and improved skin texture about as well as glycolic acid peels, with fewer side effects.
Clinical use of topical retinaldehyde on photoaged skin.
Dermatology (Basel, Switzerland)1999RCTPositive
Topical retinaldehyde improved signs of skin aging and was reported as safe and well tolerated.
Profilometric evaluation of photodamage after topical retinaldehyde and retinoic acid treatment.
Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology1998RCT125 participants0.05%Positive
In a 44-week study of 125 people with sun-damaged facial skin, retinal cream reduced wrinkles and roughness and was well tolerated.
A Single-Center, Open-Label Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Tolerability of Retinal Encapsulated in a Novel Biomimetic Exosome in the Treatment of Mild-To-Moderate Facial Photodamage.
Journal of cosmetic dermatology2026Clinical trial20 participantsPositive
In a 12-week study of 20 women, a daily retinal product improved facial lines, redness, skin tone, and texture, with no product-related side effects reported.
Efficacy of topical 0.05% retinaldehyde in skin aging by ultrasound and rheological techniques.
Dermatology (Basel, Switzerland)1999Clinical trial21 participants0.05%Mixed
Over a year, retinaldehyde cream increased skin thickness at the temple and skin elasticity, while changes in deeper skin thickness and stiffness were unclear.
Research context, not treatment advice. Studies are about the ingredient, not any one product.
How we grade research for anti-aging