Retinal Renew 0.1% Retinaldehyde Gel — Reddit Reviews
by Prequel
Updated September 24, 2026
0.1% retinal with ectoin for gradual glow; surprisingly cushy, not harsh.
What the community says
A retinaldehyde gel built for people stepping up from retinol or backing off tretinoin. It’s the sort of formula r/30PlusSkinCare likes for necks and dry, reactive skin, but the retinoid can still demand a slow build.
What this means for you
What people love
- 0.1% retinal with ectoin and soothing extras
- Reports of no irritation, even when tretinoin failed
- Moisturizing gel texture that layers cleanly
Watch out for
- Still a retinoid — start slow or your barrier will complain
- Too much for some necks at first
- More for glow than fast acne clearing
Product details
Where to buy
Real Reddit threads — 26 mentions across 21 threads
Prequel Retinal Renew 0.1% Retinaldehyde Gel on Reddit, in one place — 21 threads from r/AsianBeauty, r/40plusskincare and 5 more, summarized.
“Prequel retinal (which i let absorb on my dry skin for 10-15 mins)”
Positive
“Prequel retinal”
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
“I was able to introduce her to a new retinaldehyde that she fell in love with - Prequel.”
Positive
“Neither can I... Every time I try it ends in disaster.”
Positive
“a new retinaldehyde that she fell in love with - Prequel”
Positive
