Retinal Renew 0.1% Retinaldehyde Gel — Reddit Reviews
by Prequel
Updated October 15, 2026
0.1% retinaldehyde smooths texture and brightens gradually; moisturizing, soothing formula.
What the community says
A 0.1% retinaldehyde gel for retinoid beginners seeking gradual smoothing and brightening, with ectoin, glycerin, and dimethicone making the formula unusually moisturizing. Start every third night; impatient users may find results slow, and sensitive necks still need caution.
What this means for you
What people love
Product details
Where to buy
What the science says vs. what Reddit says
Anti-Aging
Some evidence
Retinal: 5 studies tested it directly. See all 9 studies
On Reddit: Not for acne, one user says they’re using retinal only for anti-aging benefits. 4 mentions
What the studies found
- Most studies found retinal helped with signs of aging
- Studies found smoother skin and fewer wrinkles with retinal
- Some studies found firmer, thicker skin and better elasticity
- One study found stronger retinal improved skin tone, while both strengths improved texture and hydration
- The reported side effects were generally mild, and studies described it as safe
Studied at 0.05–0.1%this product: 0.1%
Research context, not treatment advice. Studies are about the ingredient, not necessarily this exact product.
Real Reddit threads — 30 mentions across 26 threads
Prequel Retinal Renew 0.1% Retinaldehyde Gel on Reddit, in one place — 26 threads from r/AsianBeauty, r/40plusskincare and 5 more, summarized.
“Prequel retinal”
Positive
“Prequel retinal (which i let absorb on my dry skin for 10-15 mins)”
Positive
“*two days a week I sub in Prequels milky peel for the retinal”
Positive
“Tretinoin/Retinaldehyde (Prequel .1%).”
Positive
“What I’m actually using:”
Positive
“I have tons of sun damage”
Positive
“You need spf and moisturizer in the daytime and either a retinal (Prequel has a good one)”
Mentioned
“For now start with those steps!”
Mentioned
“Spf is a must!!”
Mentioned
“A retinal serum ( Prequel seems to have good ones)”
Mentioned
“follow the instructions to build the use of it”
Mentioned
“do not just start using every night”
Mentioned
“Prequel Retinal comes in two strengths”
Mentioned
“and is formulated with ectoin, etc.”
Mentioned
“even a cosmetic retinal with soothing ingredients”
Mentioned
“or Prequel's retinal, for example.”
Mentioned
“You could try some gentler otc retinoids, like a gentle ROC retinol or Prequel's retinal”
Mentioned
“the otc products take a bit longer to work”
Mentioned
