Before you spend your money on a Retinal product, there are a few things you need to understand – because not all Retinal formulas are created equal, and the differences matter more than you think.

Retinal is one of the most powerful anti-ageing ingredients in skincare, but only when it’s formulated properly. Here’s what actually determines whether a Retinal product will give you results or just irritation.

1. The Right Retinal Concentration Matters

Retinal is already around 11 times more potent than Retinol, so higher isn’t always better.

• Beginners: Look for 0.05%–0.1% Retinal
• Experienced users: 0.15% Retinal is ideal for more intensive anti-ageing care
  
  

Anything lower than this often won’t deliver visible results, while jumping too high too fast can lead to redness, flaking, and barrier damage. The key is starting at the right strength and letting your skin build tolerance over time.

2. Delivery Technology Is Non-Negotiable

This is where many Retinal products fail.

Retinal is extremely unstable – it breaks down easily when exposed to light, air, or heat. That means without proper stabilisation, the product can lose potency long before it ever reaches your skin.

High-quality Retinal formulas use encapsulation or time-release delivery systems. These technologies:

• Protect Retinal from degrading
• Release it gradually into the skin
• Improve absorption while reducing irritation
  
  

If a Retinal product doesn’t clearly mention encapsulation, stabilisation, or controlled delivery, it’s unlikely to stay effective for long.

3. Barrier Support Is Just as Important as the Retinal Itself

The best Retinal products don’t just focus on results – they protect your skin while delivering them.

Look for formulas with barrier-supporting ingredients like:

• Ceramides
• Polyglutamic acid
• Squalane
  
  

These ingredients create what’s often called a “lipid sandwich” – cushioning your skin, reducing transepidermal water loss, and helping prevent the dryness and peeling retinal is known for. Many cheaper formulas skip this step, which is why irritation is so common.

A Retinal Brand That Actually Gets It Right

If you’re looking for a high-quality Retinal formula that balances performance with skin health, Dr. DIFFERENT is an excellent choice.

It’s a Korean derma brand specialising in barrier-first, high-tech Retinal formulations, backed by clinical testing. Their night treatment creams come in three strengths so you can progress safely:

• 0.05% for beginners
• 0.1% for intermediate users
• 0.15% for advanced anti-ageing treatments
  
  

Each formula uses advanced delivery systems and skin-supporting ingredients to maximise results without compromising your barrier.

You can find the Dr. DIFFERENT range at Skin Cupid – if you’re investing in Retinal, this is exactly how it should be done.