Everything You Need To Know About Retinaldehyde

THE SCIENCE BEHIND IT…
OVERALL CLINICAL DATA ON SPECIFIC INGREDIENT(S) & HOW THEY FUNCTION:

The family of Retinoids

Retinoids are natural and synthetic derivatives of Vitamin A. The retinoid family includes retinol and its natural derivatives retinaldehyde (RAL), retinoic acid and retinyl esters, as well as a large number of synthetic derivatives.¹ Retinoids play a key role in the biology of vision and are known to regulate cell growth increasing cell renewal and helping increase collagen production for firmer and smoother skin texture. In the skin, retinol undergoes two sequential oxidative conversions to the biologically active form of Vitamin A, retinoic acid. Retinol is first oxidized to an aldehyde, aka retinaldehyde, which is then further oxidized to a carboxylic acid, retinoic acid. This natural conversion path makes retinaldehyde the closest active form of retinoid that is available without prescription. Retinaldehyde can be called retinal or all-trans-retinal (because the four double bonds are in trans configuration). Retinaldehyde can be characterized as a milder retinoid in comparison to tretinoin (retin - A) which is a potent formula of prescription-based retinoic acid that can be irritating to the skin.

Benefits of Retinaldehyde

Vitamin A is an important element of the epidermis. Vitamin A deficiency could be due to oxidative stress, UV exposure or natural aging. Retinaldehyde is credited to increasing epidermal thickness and preventing Vitamin A deficiency. Retinaldehyde (RAL), used in cosmetic products, can provide similar skin benefits as retinoic acid such as a reduction in skin blemishes, improvement in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and increased skin radiance.² A study in 1996 showed that topical RAL showed both differentiating and proliferative activities qualitatively similar to those produced by all-trans-retinoic acid.³ Topical retinoic acid, which shows results faster than retinaldehyde, can cause irritation to the skin so the immediate precursors such as retinol, retinaldehyde and beta-carotene can better alternatives in skincare applications with reduced irritation.

Retinaldehyde in skincare

Retinaldehyde is the strongest form of over the counter retinoids. It is suitable for sensitive skin and could be a great addition to the skincare regime. Our Retinaldehyde Cream Serum 0.05% is a lightweight gel cream that easily glides onto the skin. It is formulated with retinaldehyde in a unique sustained-release delivery system that enhances stability while providing maximum efficacy and minimal irritation. Retinoids are polyunsaturated compounds, having a number of double bonds, which make them prone to degradation in the presence of oxygen, UV, and visible light. Our encapsulated delivery system protects this highly potent and unstable molecule and minimizes oxidative instability, while also helping to play a major role in skin tolerance. Retinaldehyde is naturally yellow in color, contributing to the serum’s bright hue. The formula also contains a fermented oligopeptide that provides non-acidic exfoliation helping to loosen dead skin cells on the surface, revealing smoother, radiant and younger-looking skin. Together the retinaldehyde and fermented oligopeptide help fade dark spots and brighten the skin. Our formula also contains a niosomal delivery system of pomegranate seed oil, yeast extract, and ribonucleotides to revitalize skin and boost hydration. The pomegranate seed oil is rich in punicic acid, which is a bioactive compound that can help improve skin tone and elasticity. The serum also contains olivine extract as well, a mineral extract of peridot stone, rich in magnesium, known to re-energize fatigued and stressed skin.

DISCLAIMER:

Lab Journals are intended to help educate on specific ingredients and skin care topics. Our articles are written to be informative and informational.
Please note any Naturium products with referenced ingredients are formulated for Cosmetic Use Only and NOT intended as replacements for physician pharmaceutical product recommendations.