Retinal Renew 0.1% Retinaldehyde Gel — Reddit Reviews
by Prequel
Updated September 10, 2026
0.1% retinaldehyde offers mild anti-aging with less irritation than tretinoin; gentle glow.
What the community says
This 0.1% retinaldehyde gel is recommended for users who want retinoid benefits with reduced irritation compared to tretinoin. It suits sensitive and dry skin types, often praised for its glow and tolerability. Users still report needing patience on frequency ramp-up and layering.
What this means for you
What people love
- Gentler alternative to tretinoin with similar anti-aging effects
- Includes soothing ectoin to calm redness and irritation
- Affordable and effective retinal option available in two strengths
Watch out for
Product details
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Skin type data limited
Where to buy
Real Reddit threads — 13 mentions across 11 threads
Prequel Retinal Renew 0.1% Retinaldehyde Gel on Reddit, in one place — 11 threads from r/AsianBeauty, r/30PlusSkinCare and 4 more, summarized.
“Evening routine: Then I met you Cleansing balm, vanicream cleanser, 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
“5. Retinal or Retinol (I prefer Retinal)”
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
“I have had success with AlphaRet & Prequel Retinal Renew”
Positive
“now that my skin has tolerated retinoids well definitely considering trying again”
Positive
“I love her prequel products!”
Positive
“Highly recommend Prequel retinal renew .20 instead of tret.”
Positive
“Ugh. Thank you! Can I ask which retinol you use?”
Positive
“My cart is getting full lol thank you!”
Positive
“I also have retinaldehyde products (prequel sells one).”
Mentioned
“The retinol products dont seem to have as intense of a drying eye effect for me.”
Mentioned
“I’ve been considering trying retinal”
Mentioned
“I tried using tretinoin, but it turned out to be a nightmare.”
Positive
“I’m doing well on Prequel Retinal (every other night), and I plan to start adapalene once I run out to see how my skin reacts.”
Positive
“After that, I might give tretinoin another shot.”
Positive
