Vitamin A is one of the most powerful ingredients you can use for truly transformative skin results, but not all forms of Vitamin A are created equal. There are several different types used in skincare, and the form you choose can make a big difference in how quickly and effectively you see results.

The most common type found in products is retinol. While effective, it has to go through multiple conversion steps in the skin before it becomes retinoic acid (the active form your cells can actually use). This extra processing makes it slower to work and more likely to cause irritation, dryness, or flaking.

We use retinaldehyde (also known as retinal), a more advanced form of Vitamin A. It’s just one step away from retinoic acid, meaning it works faster and more efficiently than retinol. It’s also far gentler, and many people who can’t tolerate retinol find they have no trouble with retinaldehyde. And here’s the bonus: retinaldehyde also has natural antibacterial properties, making it especially beneficial for breakout-prone skin.

With retinaldehyde, you get all the skin-smoothing, anti-ageing, and brightening benefits of Vitamin A without the common irritation that can come with retinol.