PickedSkincare
Comparison

The 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.

Two pale-yellow cream swirls on terracotta-pink plaster with chamomile flowers
Illustration (AI-generated; no real products shown).
By PickedSkincare Editorial TeamLast updated Prices checked: November 2026

Checked against brand ingredient lists on and against dermatology sources (American Academy of Dermatology, FDA, peer-reviewed studies). How we research · Editorial policy · 7 sources

Disclosure: PickedSkincare is reader-supported. “Check price” links may become affiliate links, and we may earn a commission if you buy through them, at no extra cost to you. Commission never decides a pick, and we tell you when the cheaper bottle is the better buy. How we make money.

How this page was made: we compared what each brand publishes (actives, strengths, full ingredient lists, directions and prices) and checked the claims against dermatology guidance and published studies, all linked at the bottom. We haven’t tested these products on our own skin, we don’t publish star ratings, and a commission never decides a pick. Our methodology.

Not medical advice. This page compares cosmetic products. If you have a skin condition, use prescription treatment, or are pregnant or breastfeeding, ask a dermatologist or your doctor before starting something new.

Short answer

pick Naturium Retinaldehyde 0.10% ($32) if this is your first retinal and you want the gentler step, ideally after its 0.05% version. Pick The Ordinary Retinal 0.2% ($14.90, 15 ml) only if you have used retinal or 1% retinol comfortably for months and want the higher stated strength.

Last updated Ingredient lists checked 2026-11-11Prices checked November 2026

Check The Ordinary Retinal 0.2% Emulsion price (opens in a new tab)Check Naturium Retinaldehyde Cream Serum 0.10% price (opens in a new tab)

The numbers side by side

The Ordinary Retinal 0.2% Emulsion vs Naturium Retinaldehyde Cream Serum 0.10%: brand-listed details (prices checked November 2026)
The Ordinary Retinal 0.2% EmulsionNaturium Retinaldehyde Cream Serum 0.10%
Price (brand site)$14.90 for 15 ml$32.00
Retinal (retinaldehyde)0.2% (stated)0.10% (stated), “sustained-release”
Lower step from the same brandPoints beginners to Granactive Retinoid 2% or Retinol 0.2%Retinaldehyde 0.05%; Retinol Complex for beginners
Brand’s user level“Recommended for experienced users of retinoids”For “more experienced” retinol users, after the 0.05%
BaseWater-based emulsion with hydroxyapatiteWater-based cream-serum

Retinal (retinaldehyde) is one conversion step closer to the active form of vitamin A than retinol, so the percentages are small. Both brands state theirs, which lets you compare directly. We read the brand pages and the retinaldehyde research; we haven’t tried either serum.

The Ordinary Retinal 0.2% Emulsion
Naturium Retinaldehyde Cream Serum 0.10%

How do they differ, line by line?

Brand-listed details, checked November 11, 2026 (The Ordinary and Naturium product pages)
The Ordinary Retinal 0.2% EmulsionNaturium Retinaldehyde Cream Serum 0.10%
Price (brand site)$14.90 for 15 ml$32.00
Retinal (retinaldehyde)0.2% (stated)0.10% (stated), “sustained-release”
Lower step from the same brandPoints beginners to Granactive Retinoid 2% or Retinol 0.2%Retinaldehyde 0.05%; Retinol Complex for beginners
Brand’s user level“Recommended for experienced users of retinoids”For “more experienced” retinol users, after the 0.05%
BaseWater-based emulsion with hydroxyapatiteWater-based cream-serum
Notable extrasHydroxyapatite, ergothioneine, bisabolol, ginger root extractYeast extracts, pomegranate seed extract, tocopherol
Brand directionsPM use only; sunscreen strongly advisedPM; reduce frequency if redness; sunscreen by day; patch test
ColorBright yellow; can tint skin and light fabricsNot noted

What does each do well, and where does it fall short?

The Ordinary Retinal 0.2% Emulsion: pros

  • Higher stated strength for experienced users
  • Lower price per bottle
  • Clear warning about color transfer

The Ordinary Retinal 0.2% Emulsion: cons

  • Only 15 ml
  • Brand reserves it for experienced retinoid users
  • Can tint pillowcases if not fully absorbed

Naturium Retinaldehyde Cream Serum 0.10%: pros

  • Half the stated strength, with a 0.05% step below it
  • Brand lists it as fragrance free
  • Cream-serum texture

Naturium Retinaldehyde Cream Serum 0.10%: cons

  • $32 per bottle
  • Long ingredient list with several botanical extracts
  • Size not stated on the page we checked

Which one fits your skin?

Naturium is the sensible first retinal; The Ordinary is the stronger, cheaper bottle for people who have already been there. Saurat[3] et al. (1994) found 0.05% and 0.1% retinaldehyde well tolerated on the face, which lines up with Naturium’s 0.05% to 0.10% ladder. We found no published study of 0.2% retinal in a product like The Ordinary’s.

Pick The Ordinary Retinal 0.2% Emulsion if…

  • you have used retinal or 1% retinol for months without irritation
  • you want the higher stated strength
  • you are fine with a 15 ml bottle and yellow tint
Check The Ordinary Retinal 0.2% Emulsion price (opens in a new tab)

Pick Naturium Retinaldehyde Cream Serum 0.10% if…

  • this is your first retinal
  • your skin is on the sensitive side but tolerates retinol
  • you prefer a cream-serum texture
Check Naturium Retinaldehyde Cream Serum 0.10% price (opens in a new tab)
Comparison card. The Ordinary Retinal 0.2% Emulsion: $14.90; key actives Retinal (retinaldehyde) 0.2% (brand-stated). Naturium Retinaldehyde Cream Serum 0.10%: $32.00; key actives Retinaldehyde 0.10% (brand-stated, “sustained-release”).
Side-by-side card built from each brand’s product page (checked November 11, 2026).
Chart of brand-stated ingredient percentages on a log scale. The Ordinary Retinal 0.2% Emulsion: Retinal 0.2%; Naturium Retinaldehyde Cream Serum 0.10%: Retinaldehyde 0.1%.
Brand-stated percentages only. Different ingredients aren’t equal per percent, so compare like with like.

What’s in each bottle?

Copied from each brand’s own product page (or the sunscreen’s Drug Facts) on November 11, 2026. Brands reformulate, so the carton in your hand is the final word.

The Ordinary Retinal 0.2% Emulsion

Key actives
Retinal (retinaldehyde) 0.2% (brand-stated)
Base
Water-based emulsion
Brand price
$14.90 · 15 ml
Brand notes
Brand calls it a “very high strength” retinoid, recommended for experienced retinoid users; newcomers are pointed to Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion or Retinol 0.2%. The yellow color can tint skin and light fabrics.
Full ingredient list

Aqua (Water), Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Propanediol, Pentylene Glycol, Hydroxyapatite, Retinal, Cetylhydroxyproline Palmitamide, 4-t-Butylcyclohexanol, Hydroxyphenyl Propamidobenzoic Acid, Ergothioneine, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Bisabolol, Brassica Campestris Sterols, Zingiber Officinale Root Extract, Butylene Glycol, Isohexadecane, Hexyldecanol, Maltodextrin, Caesalpinia Spinosa Gum, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Stearic Acid, Isoceteth-20, Polysorbate 60, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Tocopherol, Lactic Acid, Sodium Lactate, Sodium Hydroxide, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin.

The Ordinary product page · Check price on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

Naturium Retinaldehyde Cream Serum 0.10%

Key actives
Retinaldehyde 0.10% (brand-stated, “sustained-release”)
Base
Water-based cream-serum
Brand price
$32.00
Full ingredient list

Aqua (Water), Glycerin, Propanediol, Triheptanoin, C13-15 Alkane, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Carbomer, Faex (Yeast) Extract, Apricot Kernel Oil Polyglyceryl-6 Esters, Soy Amino Acids, Punica Granatum Seed Extract, Cetyl Diglyceryl Tris (Trimethylsiloxy) Silylethyl Dimethicone, Hydrolyzed Yeast Extract, Olivine Extract, Dilinoleic Acid/Butanediol Copolymer, Cellulose, Phenoxyethanol, Sorbitan Oleate, Sodium Metabisulfite, Retinal, Guanosine, Uracil, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, C9-12 Alkane, Caprylyl Glycol, Polyglyceryl-10 Dipalmitate, Dipropylene Glycol, Sodium Hydroxide, Glyceryl Polyacrylate, Tocopherol, PVM/MA Copolymer, Adenosine Phosphate, Castor Oil/IPDI Copolymer, Potassium Sorbate, Hexadecene, Sodium Benzoate, T-Butyl Alcohol.

Naturium product page · Check price on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

What does the retinaldehyde research show?

  • Saurat[3] et al. (1994): 0.05%, 0.1% and 0.5% retinaldehyde produced dose-dependent changes in the outer skin over 1 to 3 months; 0.05% and 0.1% were well tolerated on the face, while a 1% preparation was tolerated by up to 70% of people.
  • Duell et al. (1997): under occlusion, 0.01% retinaldehyde triggered the same retinoid-response enzyme that needed 0.025% retinol.
  • Mukherjee[5] et al. (2006): retinaldehyde and retinol are considerably less irritating than prescription tretinoin and tazarotene.

Which one suits your skin type?

  • Experienced, not sensitive: The Ordinary 0.2%.
  • Experienced but reactive: Naturium 0.05%, then 0.10%.
  • New to vitamin A: neither yet. See retinol for beginners.
Decision diagram: Which retinoid should you start with? Used a retinoid before without irritation? No → Sensitive or easily red skin? No → Low-strength retinol (about 0.2–0.3%), every other night. Used a retinoid before without irritation? No → Sensitive or easily red skin? Yes → Gentlest start: a retinoid ester (Granactive) or encapsulated retinol, every other night. Used a retinoid before without irritation? Yes → Using it nightly for a few months with no flaking? No → Stay at your current strength and frequency. Used a retinoid before without irritation? Yes → Using it nightly for a few months with no flaking? Yes → Step up: retinol 0.5–1%, or retinal 0.05–0.1%. Pregnant or trying to conceive? Skip retinoids (AAD). Use at night; sunscreen every morning.
Which retinoid should you start with? A simplified path drawn from the guidance and sources on our retinoid pages; it isn’t a diagnosis.
Routine order diagram. Morning: 1. Cleanse, 2. Treatment serum, 3. Moisturizer, 4. Sunscreen, SPF 30+. Night: 1. Cleanse, 2. Treatment (The Ordinary Retinal 0.2% Emulsion, Naturium Retinaldehyde Cream Serum 0.10%), 3. Moisturizer.
Routine order following AAD guidance; highlighted steps are where this page’s products go.

Who should skip it?

  • Retinoid beginners: Both brands point beginners to gentler products first, and the AAD[6][7] advises starting with the lowest strength.
  • Pregnant or breastfeeding: The AAD[6][7] says retinoids should not be used during pregnancy; The Ordinary lists pregnancy and breastfeeding under its cautions.
  • Very red or rosacea-prone skin: The AAD[6][7] advises avoiding retinoids if you have a lot of redness or inflammation.

How can you spend less?

The Ordinary is cheaper per bottle at $14.90, but it is the stronger product. If budget is the priority and you are still building tolerance, The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane ($9.30) is the step before any retinal.

What should you know before you start?

  • Patch test first. The American Academy of Dermatology suggests applying a new product to a quarter-sized area twice a day for 7 to 10 days and stopping if you react. AAD: how to test skin care products.
  • Add one new product at a time, and give it time: the AAD says many anti-aging products take 6 weeks to 3 months to show results. AAD: get the most from anti-aging products.
  • Retinoids: the AAD says to apply them at night, wear sunscreen daily, start with the lowest strength every other night, and that retinoids should not be used during pregnancy. AAD: retinoid or retinol?

What do people ask most?

Is 0.2% retinal twice as strong as 0.1% retinal?
Twice the stated amount of the same ingredient, yes, but formulas differ: Naturium calls its version “sustained-release”, which is meant to release retinal gradually. No head-to-head study exists.
Why does The Ordinary Retinal stain fabric?
Retinal is naturally yellow. The Ordinary says letting it absorb fully before touching light fabrics reduces transfer, and it washes out.
Can I go from retinol straight to 0.2% retinal?
The Ordinary recommends its 0.2% retinal for experienced retinoid users. A gentler path is Naturium’s 0.05% then 0.10%.
Should I use retinal every night?
Naturium says to reduce frequency if redness occurs. The AAD[6][7] suggests starting every other night with any retinoid.

Where this comes from

We opened and read every source below for this page. Ingredient lists, strengths, directions and prices come from each brand’s own product page; health and usage guidance comes from the American Academy of Dermatology, the FDA, the National Eczema Association and peer-reviewed studies (via PubMed). Prices checked: November 2026; confirm on the seller’s site before you buy.

  1. The Ordinary (brand page): The Ordinary Retinal 0.2% Emulsion (theordinary.com)
  2. Naturium (brand page): Naturium Retinaldehyde Cream Serum 0.10% (naturium.com)
  3. Saurat et al. 1994, Journal of Investigative Dermatology: Topical retinaldehyde on human skin (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
  4. Duell et al. 1997, Journal of Investigative Dermatology: Unoccluded retinol penetrates human skin (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
  5. Mukherjee et al. 2006, Clinical Interventions in Aging: Retinoids in the treatment of skin aging (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
  6. AAD: Retinoid or retinol? (aad.org)
  7. AAD: How to test skin care products (aad.org)
guide

Retinol vs retinal: which one should you start with?

Short answer: start with a low-strength retinol if you have never used a retinoid; move to retinal once your skin handles retinol without flaking. Retinal sits one conversion step closer to retinoic acid, so a smaller percentage does more.

best of

The best first retinol for your skin type

Your first retinoid should be low strength, used every other night, and match your skin type. Here are four starting points, from an $8.10 stated-strength retinol to single-dose capsules, and who should skip each.

comparison

The 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.

comparison

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.

comparison

CeraVe 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.