In the ever-evolving world of beauty, two ingredients have endured the trends and stood the test of time for their almost supernatural efficacy: retinol and retinal. But what’s the difference between these skincare stalwarts? Or are they distinguishable only by a single letter?

Though retinol and retinal are both derivatives of vitamin A and captivate skincare enthusiasts for their potent anti-ageing properties, don't let their names fool you – there’s more than a slight distinction between the two. In this article, we’ll be uncovering what sets them apart and why we've enhanced our Youth Potion Enriched Retinal Complex with the latter.Image credit: @rachelhuckertropicskincare used within their routine every night for 3 weeks.

What’s the Difference Between Retinol and Retinal?

Retinol and retinal play pivotal roles in skincare, yet they differ in their action and effects. For vitamin A to work, it must first convert to retinoic acid on the skin via a two-step process (retinol > retinal > retinoic acid). The fewer conversions required, the more impressive and immediate the results, and it’s this that marks the most significant difference between the two actives.

Retinol undergoes a more gradual process, having to convert twice to retinoic acid. This allows it to gently encourage cellular turnover and collagen production, making it generally well-tolerated on most skin types, especially sensitive skin, and a favoured choice for long-term skin rejuvenation.

Retinal, on the other hand, has to convert just once to retinoic acid, making it an all-out powerhouse for speedy, visible results. That’s why we’ve infused it into our most advanced formula to date, Youth Potion. By employing this revolutionary delivery system, we’ve crafted a product that promises unparalleled performance and powerful results up to 11x faster than retinol.

“This is the NICEST product I have ever put on my skin. I absolutely love it. I find one pump is more than enough for me and it just feels so lovely to use, it goes on smoothly and feels velvety and luxurious. I don’t want to live without it.” – Colette, Outspoken Beauty community panel tester, aged 50s.

A Retinal With Zero Irritation

Retinal’s increased potency can sometimes lead to higher sensitivity, making choosing the right one for your skin essential. This is where Youth Potion really shines. For a total skin transformation on a time crunch, without sensitising side effects, this intelligent innovation harnesses ultra-gentle, plant-derived advanced marine retinal: the world’s first certified natural retinal. So, while it may be our most powerful breakthrough ever – 100% of users experienced improved elasticity, with 26% more lifted skin on average – it left the same 100% of users with zero irritation.

“I saw a change in my skin texture and a reduction in redness after just two uses! I have used other retinal products in the past and none of them have come close to the impressive results I have seen using Youth Potion. My product of the year by a very long way!” – Hannah, Outspoken Beauty community panel tester, aged 50s.

Over 10 Youth-Enhancing Actives

Like all great things, Youth Potion is more than just the sum of its parts. What makes it so uniquely effective isn’t just its use of retinal, but our bespoke blend of over ten plant actives, antioxidants and multivitamins. We’ve cold-processed the most potent ingredients to preserve their integrity, and separated them into two phases for maximum efficacy: an enriched oil on top and a supercharged serum underneath.

Oil soluble ingredients, like youth-boosting vitamin C, bakuchiol and Coenzyme Q10, in our oil phase absorb slowly into the skin, offering long-lasting revitalising effects. Whereas water soluble phytonutrients, hyaluronic acid and plant peptides in the serum phase deliver fast results, penetrating skin rapidly for an instantly plumper, dewier complexion.

But the magic doesn’t stop there, because we want both the long-term and instant benefits of the retinal, we’ve infused it into both phases, to bring you fast results that last over time. Think of Youth Potion as a two-in-one serum-oil, with a double dose of anti-ageing retinal! It’s no wonder 95% of users reported smoother, more youthful-looking skin and a visible reduction in wrinkle depth.

In Youth Potion, we sought to launch a product that truly transformed your complexion, offering fast, lasting results without compromising your barrier and sensitising skin. The unique dual-phase retinal-enriched formula ensures both immediate and sustained benefits, offering an effective solution for those seeking real results and skin that stands the test of time too.

Stats taken from an independent clinical study of Youth Potion. Average results after 8 weeks.