Retinol & Retinal
Retinol and retinal compared by brand-listed strength, base and price, with AAD guidance on starting slowly, sun protection and pregnancy.
Every page here lists each product’s brand-stated actives and full ingredient list, and links the dermatology sources behind the advice. Not sure where to start? Match products to your skin.
Shortlists by skin type
Head-to-head: bottle vs bottle
The Ordinary Retinol 1% vs Paula’s Choice CLINICAL 1% Retinol
Both brands state 1% retinol. The Ordinary puts it in a short, water-free oil base for $9.90; Paula’s Choice puts it in a lotion with peptides, a vitamin C derivative and soothing extracts for $65 list. Neither is a starting strength.
ComparisonThe Ordinary Retinal 0.2% vs Naturium Retinaldehyde Cream Serum 0.10%
Both are for people who already tolerate retinol. The Ordinary’s is twice the stated strength at 0.2% and costs $14.90 for 15 ml; Naturium’s 0.10% is a “sustained-release” cream-serum at $32 and the brand sells a 0.05% step below it.
ComparisonThe Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion vs Retinol 0.2% in Squalane
These are the two products The Ordinary itself points beginners to. Granactive Retinoid 2% is a creamy emulsion built around a retinoid ester (hydroxypinacolone retinoate) plus some retinol; Retinol 0.2% is plain retinol in squalane and jojoba oil.
ComparisonCeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum vs RoC Retinol Correxion Capsules
Neither brand states how much retinol is inside. CeraVe surrounds encapsulated retinol with niacinamide, three ceramides and licorice-derived dipotassium glycyrrhizate; RoC seals retinol in an eight-ingredient silicone serum, one capsule per night.