If you’re looking for a glow-up in your skincare routine, you’ve probably heard of retinol—but have you met retinal? These two powerhouse vitamin A derivatives may sound similar, but retinal works faster, delivers more visible results, and is an ideal choice for sensitive, breakout-prone skin.

Even better? Although it’s closer to the active form retinoic acid, retinal is proven to have the same low irritation potential as retinol. That means you can enjoy a more potent product without compromising your skin’s comfort. Let’s break down the key differences of retinol vs. retinal, and introduce you to your new skincare essential: the LAPCOS Retinal Resurfacing Mask.

Retinoid, Retinol, Retinal—What’s the Deal?

Retinoid: A broad term for any vitamin A derivative that works on and within the skin. Retinol and retinal are both types of retinoids.

Retinol: The most well-known vitamin A derivative. Retinol is fantastic for smoothing skin and fighting fine lines but requires multiple conversion steps before the skin can use it, making it slower to show results.

Retinal: Also known as retinaldehyde, retinal is one step closer to pure retinoic acid—the active form your skin actually needs. This means it works faster than traditional retinol while being gentler on the skin. Despite its increased potency, clinical studies show that retinal has the same low irritation potential as retinol, making it a game-changer for those seeking quicker results without added sensitivity.

Retinol vs. Retinal—Which One Should You Use?

If your primary skincare concerns are fine lines and an uneven skin tone, retinol is a great choice, offering steady, long-term improvements in skin texture and radiance. However, if you’re looking for faster results with added benefits and less irritation, retinal is the way to go. 
Retinal not only helps with fine lines and wrinkles but also targets discoloration, rough texture, and acne scarring. It’s particularly beneficial for those with breakout-prone skin, as it helps balance oil production and prevent clogged pores—all while delivering noticeable results in a shorter time frame. Plus, thanks to its proven low irritation potential, you can enjoy a stronger, more effective treatment without added dryness or discomfort.

Meet Your New Glow-to: The LAPCOS Retinal Resurfacing Mask

For a next-level skin transformation, our Retinal Resurfacing Mask is more than just a regular mask; it’s a corrective clinical breakthrough. This unique treatment goes beyond simply resurfacing the skin; with our 100 iU/g liposome retinal, you can work smarter and not harder to achieve results. Retinal’s small molecular structure allows it to gently yet effectively accelerate skin cell turnover, softening fine lines and visibly refining pore size. This offers faster results with minimal irritation, even for those with sensitive skin.

The mask blends the best of science and nature. As the firming PT cell sheet mask gently adheres to your skin, it actively works to reverse the signs of aging, plumping and rejuvenating your complexion with a blend of calming botanicals.

✨ Western Dandelion: Helps calm and soothe skin
✨ Blue Agave: Delivers deep hydration for a lasting glow
✨ Soybean Extract: Supports skin barrier health & locks in moisture

This unique combination ensures that while the retinal works to refine skin texture, its calming ingredients keep irritation at bay—so you get all the benefits without the drawbacks.

In short, you’d be forgiven for thinking retinol and retinal are the same ingredient. But, what a difference a letter can make! They sound almost identical, and they both have highly effective anti-aging and skin-boosting properties. However, their molecular differences make them unique, and they behave differently when they interact with the skin. That’s why we’ve demystified the science behind these two powerful ingredients to give you a clear picture of what they offer, so you can make informed choices to suit your skin’s unique needs.

Whether you choose the slower but steady results of retinol or the faster, more potent effects of retinal, both can be powerful additions to your skincare routine. The LAPCOS Retinal Resurfacing Mask offers an ideal solution, delivering visible results with minimal irritation for glowing, rejuvenated skin!