Retinol, retinal or bakuchiol: which one to choose according to your skin type?

🧬 Introduction

If you're looking to prevent skin aging , smooth your skin texture, or boost radiance, you've probably heard of retinol .
But today, two other active ingredients are making headlines: retinal (or retinaldehyde) and bakuchiol , its plant-based alternative.
All three promise smoother, firmer, and brighter skin…but they aren't suitable for all skin types.

So, which one should you choose ? Here's a comprehensive guide to understanding the difference between these three powerful active ingredients—and finding the one that's right for you.

💛 Retinol: the star anti-aging active ingredient

🧪 What is it?

Retinol is a form of vitamin A. It acts directly on cell regeneration and stimulates collagen production.
It is the most studied anti-wrinkle active ingredient in the world and a benchmark in dermatological care.

🌸 Its benefits

• Stimulates the production of collagen and elastin

• Smoothes fine lines and wrinkles

• Improves skin texture and radiance

• Reduces pigment spots

⚠️ Its disadvantages

Retinol can be irritating , especially for sensitive skin: redness, peeling, tingling, etc.
This is why it is recommended to introduce it gradually into your routine.

💡 Ideal for: mature, dull or dark spot-prone skin.
🚫 Avoid if: your skin is reactive or very dry.

🧡 Retinal (retinaldehyde): gentler, just as effective

🧪 What is it?

Retinal is a more advanced form of retinol , which converts more quickly to retinoic acid (the active form used by the skin).
Result: it acts faster while being better tolerated .

🌸 Its benefits

• Fast anti-aging action (fewer conversion steps than retinol)

• Less irritating for sensitive skin

• Improves the texture and radiance of the complexion

• Reduces imperfections

💡 Ideal for: combination to sensitive skin wanting anti-aging action without irritation.

🚫 Avoid if: You are new to vitamin A — start with a milder derivative or bakuchiol first.

💜 Bakuchiol: the natural and gentle alternative

🌿 What is it?

Bakuchiol is a plant active ingredient extracted from the seeds of Psoralea corylifolia .
Often referred to as “ nature’s retinol ,” it offers similar effects to retinol, but without the irritation.

🌸 Its benefits

• Stimulates collagen production

• Improves firmness and radiance

• Reduces spots and mild acne

• Suitable even for pregnant women and those with sensitive skin

💡 Ideal for: sensitive, young or reactive skin.

🚫 Avoid if: you are looking for a very deep anti-aging action (bakuchiol acts more slowly than retinoid).

⚖️ Comparison table

💧 How to integrate these active ingredients into your routine

🌙 Evenings only

Retinoids (retinol, retinal) are photosensitizing , so apply only in the evening , followed by a moisturizer.

☀️ In the morning: sun protection required

SPF50+ protection is essential if you use a retinoid, to avoid irritation and pigmentation spots.

⚗️ MisoDerma Tip

Start with one application 2 times a week , then gradually increase to 3–4 times depending on your skin's tolerance.

🧴 Recommended products on MisoDerma

💧 The Retinol 0.5 Oil - COSRX

A gentle and effective anti-aging serum formulated with 0.5% pure retinol, to smooth skin without irritating it.

🌿 Revive Eye Serum: Ginseng + Retinal - Beauty Of Joseon

A natural anti-aging treatment with ginseng extract and retinal, specially formulated to revitalize the eye contour. eye.

🧡 Madagascar Centella Probio-Cica Bakuchiol Eye Cream - SKIN1004

An eye cream that combines pure Centella asiatica from Madagascar with Bakuchiol. It strengthens the skin barrier and improves skin elasticity.

💬 In summary

• Retinol : powerful but irritating → for mature and resistant skin

• Retinal : effective and better tolerated → for sensitive to combination skin

• Bakuchiol : natural and gentle → for beginners or reactive skin

Whatever your choice, the key remains progressiveness and consistency .

Discover the best retinol, retinal, and bakuchiol formulas on MisoDerma to reveal smoother, firmer, and more radiant skin. 🌙