Retinoids and retinol are two of the most popular anti-aging ingredients on the market, but what's the difference? Retinoids are more potent than retinol and can be used for more severe concerns like wrinkles and sun damage, while retinol is better for more general concerns like aging and uneven skin tone.
The ordinary brand is one of the most trusted brands for retinoid vs. retinol products, and they've created a range of formulations that are perfect for your skincare needs. But Which one's better, Retinoid Vs Retinol the Ordinary? Keep reading to know which is suitable for your skin?
What Is a Retinoid?
Retinoids, vitamin A derivatives, are used to make retinoic acids in skincare. Levin explains that advanced retinoid is a generic umbrella term for prescription and over-the-counter products like retinol.
Retinoids are sold just about anywhere you can buy beauty products drugstores, pharmacies, grocery stores, and beauty boutiques and can cost as little as $5 or hundreds of bucks. These retinoids have been extensively studied and used for years as a skincare product.
Retinoids, antioxidants, have a stellar reputation as wrinkle-fighters. They promote collagen production growth under the skin, which in turn reduces wrinkles. TBH, however, smoothing wrinkles is only a tiny part of the many benefits that retinoids offer.
Ordinary Retinoids can improve skin texture and tone. They also increase cell turnover and lighten dark spots. Ordinary retinoids such as Retin-A Micro (tretinoin) can help treat acne by unclogging pores.3 Retinoids Fabior (tazarotene), which treat psoriasis by regulating skin cells' growth and calming inflammation, are also available.
Only prescriptions are allowed for the most potent retinoids. Differin (adapalene) is an exception. Differin is a powerful but well-tolerated acne treatment and the only prescription-strength Retinoid to be sold over the counter.
What is Retinol?
Retinol, a type of Retinoid, is used mainly in the-counter products and not prescription drugs. Retinol is highly effective, but it differs from prescription retinoids in molecular terms.
The big difference between retinol and Retinoid specifically, prescription retinoid is strength. Levin states that retinol has a lower level of active retinoic Acid.
Prescription retinoids contain a higher concentration of the active ingredient. Otc retinol products work more slowly and are less intense than prescription products.
Levin says that over-the-counter retinol comes in ester forms. You may have seen retinol listed on active ingredient labels as retinyl palmitate or retinyl-linoleate, retinaldehyde, and propionic Acid.
These ester forms must be converted to active retinoic acid ester more slowly. The product will be weaker if there are more conversions.
Otc retinol products often contain retinol mixed with other ingredients to brighten and hydrate the skin cells. These products may not be as gentle on the skin as prescription retinoids, but they might contain tiny amounts of active ingredients.
The Benefits of Retinol and Retinoids
Retinoids, also known as retinol, are a form of vitamin A. They are a popular active ingredient in anti-aging skincare products.
The results of extensive research on retinoids are in: They reduce wrinkles and fine lines and the appearance of wrinkles.
The appearance of dark spots, hyperpigmentation, uneven skin texture and dullness can be reduced by using Retinoids.
The skin also benefits from antioxidants thanks to retinoids. Retinoids are great for the acne-prone skin type, such as oily or acne-prone.
Potent retinoids can be purchased via prescription. However, there are many retinoid options available over-the-counter that provide excellent results. They take longer to work than prescription retinoids.
It is an excellent way to evaluate the strength of retinoids by looking at the steps required to convert them into an active form that the skin can use. From strongest to weakest:
- Retinoic Acid is the most vital type and active form of Retinoid. Only prescriptions are required to purchase tretinoin products like Retin-A.
- Before our skin can use it, we must convert retinaldehyde to retinoic acids. This converts the active Retinoid to a weaker form.
- Retinol must be converted into retinaldehyde, then retinoic acids before our skin can use them. This Retinoid is therefore not as strong and as effective as retinaldehyde.
- To be skin-friendly, three conversions are required for retinol esters, such as retinol Palmitate.
- Adapalene, a third-generation topical retinoid, was approved for sale over the counter under the name Differin to treat skin conditions like acne. It has also been proven to reduce the appearance of wrinkles. The study showed that adapalene 0.1% gel was as effective as tretinoin 0.025% gel but with moderate irritation.
Note: Retinol and retinoids may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Make sure you use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or greater when using retinol or other retinoids. Also, ensure that you wear it for at least seven days afterward.
Who Can't Use These Ingredients?
Levin says that most skin types can tolerate retinol/retinoid. You need to ensure that you choose the right retinol/retinoid product and that your skin is not irritated by it. These cleansers and moisturizers are our favorites.
Ciraldo recommends starting with an over-the-counter gel, serum, or lotion instead of a prescription-strength product if you're new to retinoids.
Ciraldo agrees with Levin: "If your skin's sensitivity level or dry, I recommend that you start with over-the-counter retinol or Differin gel. This is more tolerable than prescription retinoids. If you have oily skin or have tried retinoids in the past, then prescription-strength retinoids can be tolerated."
Talk to your dermatologist if you aren't sure which one is right for you. Avoid retinoids if you are pregnant or nursing, as they can cause congenital disabilities.
When & How to Use Them
Irritation is the most common side effect associated with retinoids. Irritation. Levin states that retinoids and retinol may irritate first.
This can lead to redness, minimize dryness, and flaking. It is important to remember that you should gradually ease into using a retinoid.
Levin recommends that you start your retinoid regime if you have fair skin. She suggests applying the product every other night.
She advises that if your skin doesn't become irritated after two weeks, you can increase the frequency to every other night for an additional two weeks. If your skin still tolerates the Retinoid after two weeks, you can continue to use it every night.
Are you of medium to dark skin tone? Ciraldo recommends that you only use your chosen Retinoid once per week. She says that if you have hyperpigmented skin, the redness and irritation could lead to post-inflammatory pigmentation. You also risk developing an ashy skin appearance, which reflects the dryness caused by the Retinoid.
You can apply the product twice a week if your skin is comfortable. Ciraldo says that you can increase the frequency to nightly after one month if all goes well. This is because the skin develops tolerance to retinoids through continued use.
Levin suggests that you include retinoids in your nighttime skincare regimen. (Sunlight degrades retinoic Acid). Ciraldo says that you can still use retinoid products, such as low-concentration or retinoic esters, during the day if your skin is protected from the sun.
When should retinoids apply to multi-step skincare routines? Ciraldo says it all boils down to the formulation. If you're using a retinoid cream, it should be applied under the moisturizer. A moisturizer should be applied after a serum or toner if it is a moisturizer.
If you're using a prescription-strength cream like tretinoin, apply it 20 minutes after you've washed your face and before any other products "to minimize irritation," according to Ciraldo.
What Products Can't Be Used With Retinoids?
Be sure to review your current skincare routine before adding retinoids to it. Some ingredients can make them less effective or more irritating.
Levin states that alpha hydroxy acids and benzoyl peroxide can activate certain retinoids, such as tretinoin. Layering products should be avoided and discussed with your dermatologist.
Ciraldo says, "I recommend reading active ingredient labels and avoiding products that contain witch hazel or ethyl alcohol; both of these can cause irritation and redness and exaggerate the reactions from the retinoid."
The Ordinary Retinol and Retinoids Products
We will now discuss the two types of retinoids The Ordinary offers. Every kind of Retinoid can have different side effects and efficacy.
Note: The Ordinary states that all six of the following retinoids must be refrigerated immediately after opening.
The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion
Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion contains two types of next-generation actives. Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion is a Grant Industries retinoid compound.
Granactive Retinoid, a combination of Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate(HPR), is, as previously mentioned. It can be dissolved down to 0.2% HPR or 1.8% solvent.
This product contains a second active form of retinol. This is a sustained-delivery, pure form of retinol. To improve delivery and performance, retinol has been encapsulated.
The Ordinary is generally very transparent about ingredient percentages, but they don't disclose the amount of encapsulated retinol in this product.
The Ordinary states HPR, an ester all-trans direct-retinoic acid, is better at reducing the signs of aging than retinol and retinyl palmitate.
This cream emulsion is The Ordinary's only water-based retinoid serum. It absorbs quickly and does not leave behind a sticky or greasy feel. It can be used under other skin products as well.
This Retinoid has a significant advantage: it causes little to no irritation. HPR isn't as well-studied as other forms, but it may be a good option for beginners because of its easy-to-use and non-irritating formula.
The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% in Squalane
Granactive Retinoid 2% in Squalane has 2% Granactive Retinoid within a squalane-based base. This stable waterless formula includes 2% Granactive Retinoid.
It is a retinoid compound that contains 0.2% HPR and 1.8% solvent. This activity addresses the signs of aging without the irritation associated with retinol or other retinoids.
Granactive Retinoid 2% in Squalane is not comparable to Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion. Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion will have slightly lower effectiveness.
The formula is very lightweight and won't irritate your skin. It should be used after water-based treatments and retinol serums, but not under heavier products.
Granactive Retinoid in Squalane may be worth a look if you have dry skin.
The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 5% in Squalane
The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 5 in Squalane is the last and most potent Granactive Retinoid. Granactive Retinoid 5% in this Retinoid is equivalent to.5% HPR, and 4.5% solvent.
The Retinoid is available in a lightweight squalane base. It's hydrating, moisturizing, and can be used even with low irritation retinoids.
This Retinoid provides excellent results and minimal irritation, which is a significant step up from Granactive Retinoids 2%.
The Ordinary Retinol 0.2% in Squalane
Ordinary Retinol 0.2% In Squalane is water-free and contains 0.2 percent retinol. It reduces the appearance of fine lines, photodamage, and other signs that you are aging.
The Ordinary warns that pure retinol may cause irritation, redness, or skin peeling around your sensitive skin, including your eyes and mouth, until your skin develops a tolerance. The Ordinary recommends using this 0.2% pure retinol formula if you prefer to use their Granactive Retinoids.
This pure retinol serum is the same as The Ordinary Granactive Retinoids in Squalane. The retinol serum is excellent starter retinol if you use Ordinary products. It has a low concentration of 0.2%.
The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane
The Ordinary Retinol 0.5 in squalane is a middle-of-the-road retinol product from The Ordinary. Like other retinol products, this formula can cause skin reddening, irritation, and even peeling until your skin is tolerant to it.
You can use Ordinary retinol products instead of Ordinary Granactive Retinoids products. If you're new to retinoids, you might start with Retinol 0.2% and, once your skin is more comfortable, increase to 0.5%.
The Ordinary Retinol 1% in Squalane
The Ordinary Retinol 11% in Squalane is The Ordinary's most robust retinol product. These retinol serums are one of The Ordinary's most potent retinoids, but you might experience irritation, redness, and peeling.
This may be an option for you if your skin can tolerate higher retinol levels. The squalane base can be worn light and comfortably. To minimize the dryness caused by retinol, be sure to use a moisturizing moisturizer such as a cream with vitamin c and hyaluronic acid.
Do you know which should use after peeling by the ordinary? if not yet, check out our guide right now:
The Ordinary Retinol Vs Retinoid: Conclusion
Retinol Vs Retinoid the Ordinary are two of the most popular anti-aging ingredients on the market today. At the same time, they both have similar effects, some critical differences between the two.
Retinoid is a more potent ingredient, while retinol is a weaker form. Retinoids can also irritate the skin, while retinol is less harsh. resTORbio hopes that our guide can help you know which is suitable for your skin.
