How tretinoin and retinol work
Your skin can only use vitamin A in one form: retinoic acid. Tretinoin is retinoic acid itself, so it gets to work as soon as it is applied.
Retinol has to go through two conversion steps in your skin, first to retinal and then to retinoic acid. Only a small amount survives the journey, which is why retinol is gentler but slower.
Tretinoin vs retinol at a glance
| Tretinoin | Retinol | |
|---|---|---|
| Form | Active form, works directly | Needs 2 conversion steps |
| Strength | Much stronger at a lower percentage | Milder |
| Speed | Visible results in 8 to 12 weeks for most | Usually slower |
| Irritation | More likely at first | Less likely |
| Research | Over 50 years of clinical research | Less clinical evidence |
Which should you choose?
Choose tretinoin if you want the most effective option for acne, dark marks or fine lines and are happy to build up slowly.
Retinol can suit people who want something very gentle and are happy with slower, subtler results.
How to switch from retinol to tretinoin
If your skin is used to retinol, you can usually start on tretinoin 0.025% every second night. Stop using retinol when you start, as there is no need to use both. Build up to nightly use once your skin feels comfortable.
Where does retinal fit in?
Retinal (retinaldehyde) sits in the middle. It needs one conversion step instead of two, so it is faster than retinol but still not as direct as tretinoin.
Answer three quick questions and we'll match you to 0.025%, 0.05% or 0.1%.
Frequently asked questions
Is tretinoin stronger than retinol?
Yes. Tretinoin is the active form of vitamin A, so it works directly, while retinol must be converted by the skin first. Tretinoin is considerably stronger.
Can I use tretinoin and retinol together?
There is no need. Using both increases irritation without adding benefit. Use tretinoin on its own.
Is tretinoin better than retinol for acne?
Tretinoin is generally more effective for acne because it works directly to keep pores clear and speed up cell turnover.
This guide is general information, not medical advice. Tretinoin is a medicine: read the product information and speak to a doctor or pharmacist if you have questions, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have a skin condition.