Retinol, retinal, bakuchiol: how K-beauty's "anti-aging" options differ

Korean brands now sell everything from gentle retinol creams to retinal serums and plant-based "retinol alternatives." The names are confusingly close, so here's a quick map.

Retinol

• The best-known vitamin A derivative in cosmetics
• Converted by the skin in steps before it becomes active
• Often causes dryness or flaking at first, so people start slowly

Retinal (retinaldehyde)

• One conversion step closer to the active form than retinol
• Often described as faster-acting at a similar strength, and possibly more irritating for some
• Usually sold in lower percentages than retinol

Bakuchiol

• A plant-derived compound, not a retinoid
• Marketed as a gentler alternative; a small amount of research compares it with retinol, but the evidence base is much smaller
• Often chosen by people who can't tolerate retinoids

Shared basics

• Use at night and wear sunscreen by day
• Start a few nights a week and build up
• If you're pregnant, trying to conceive or breastfeeding, ask a doctor before using retinoids

Which one are you using, or thinking about, and why?

#Retinol #Retinal #Bakuchiol