Ingredients | January 28 2025

Retinoids vs. Retinol: Which one is right for you?

Retinoids and retinol share very similar names – however, their effects vary. These two skincare staples are known for their aging benefits, with one offering a gentler approach and the other being more potent. Knowing how to use and apply retinoids and retinol, as well as understanding how they work, means you can avoid irritating your skin and instead help it look and feel its best.

Read on to learn the difference between retinol and retinoid as well as the roles they can play within your skincare routine.

What's the difference between retinol and retinoids?

Retinol is an over-the-counter (OTC) form of vitamin A, while retinoids are prescription-strength derivatives of vitamin A that are more potent. Put simply, the main difference between retinol and retinoids is their concentration.

Retinoids encompass a broader category that includes both OTC retinol and prescription-strength derivatives. While retinol is a type of retinoid, it is less potent than prescription formulations and is commonly found in OTC skincare products.

Potency: How strong are retinoids vs. retinol?

Prescription retinoids are much stronger than retinol. They contain a higher concentration of retinoic acid, which means they work much faster. However, they can sometimes cause irritation as a result. Retinoids are best for those with more advanced skin concerns such as deep wrinkles, persistent blemishes, or severe sun damage.

The molecular composition of retinol makes it milder than retinoids. As a result, it's less likely to irritate the skin and can be a good introduction to vitamin A skincare products when used correctly. The gentler nature of retinol means it takes more time to see noticeable results on the skin. It's often used by those in their late twenties or early thirties looking to prevent premature aging. Retinol is ideal for beginners or those with sensitive skin.

Benefits of retinoids vs. retinol

Incorporating retinoids or retinol into your skincare regimen offers numerous benefits for both skin health and appearance.

Retinoids

The potency of retinoids allows them to work quickly and effectively to boost collagen production, a key benefit for combating signs of aging.

Some dermatologists and doctors can also prescribe retinoids to those wanting to seek a more effective blemish treatment. They help minimize blemish breakouts by stopping dead skin cells from blocking pores. The appearance of dark spots, sun damage, and other pigmentation issues can also be reduced.

Retinol

As mentioned, retinol is a good option for those looking to reduce the appearance of aging on their skin over time. It can be used to help minimize fine lines and wrinkles without causing as much irritation. Many enjoy using retinol as it can help brighten the skin and improve texture with less risk of redness or peeling.

Does retinol help with blemish scars? Alongside their gentle anti-aging benefits, retinol can also be used as a mild blemish treatment, though not to the same extent as retinoids.

Side effects and tolerance

Knowledge is power when it comes to skincare. Everyone's skin is different, so it's important to understand how certain products can impact yours. Knowing how to apply retinoids or retinol correctly is essential, otherwise you risk triggering side effects. Additionally, you need to know how often to use specific retinoids or retinol for them to work effectively.

Retinoids can cause more intense side effects, such as redness, peeling, or dryness. Meanwhile, retinol is much more tolerable for most skin types but still needs to be used correctly. You can reduce risks of irritation by introducing products slowly, moisturizing heavily, and avoiding other harsh active ingredients.

When and how to use them in your routine

Retinoids, in particular, and retinol should be applied at night because of their potency and sensitivity to sunlight. Follow with a rich moisturizer and ensure you use SPF during the day to protect your skin. 

Stronger, prescribed retinoids will come with their own instructions, so always make sure you follow these. With OTC retinol specifically, start with a lower-concentration product and build up the potency slowly as your skin develops tolerance. Follow the instructions for application – typically, a pea-sized amount is all you need when applying retinol.

You'll need to allow your skin time to adjust. You might experience mild forms of dryness or irritation while your skin gets used to the changes. Having said this, if you experience harsh side effects, it may indicate that the product isn't the best match for your skin. Always speak to a dermatologist if you are unsure.

Products you should not mix with retinol or retinoids

The potency of retinoids and retinol requires caution when choosing products to pair with them.

You cannot mix retinoids or retinol with alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta hydroxy acids (BHAs). These ingredients also have exfoliating qualities, so combining them with retinol can lead to irritation and dryness. To incorporate these products into your beauty ritual, start by using them every other evening and gradually increase usage to allow your skin to build tolerance.

Finally, you should steer clear of vitamin C when using retinoids or retinol. This is because vitamin C is most effective in acidic pH conditions, whereas retinoids and retinol work best in more alkaline environments.

Find your skincare regimen with ZO

Now you've established the difference between retinol and retinoid, it's time to take the next step. At ZO Skin Health, we stock an extensive range of retinol products so, whether you're looking for anti-aging or brightening qualities, we'll have something that works for you.

If you're looking for the right retinol product for you, the specialists at ZO Skin Health can help. Find your nearest ZO® Authorized Physician using our handy tool. This means you can get specialist advice on the best ingredients for your skin concerns. Otherwise, our Regimen Finder will help you identify the best products for your skincare routine. Get in touch with our approachable ZO® Skin Health experts if you have any further queries.