Which Retinal is Right for You?

Last updated: November 2026

Retinal (short for Retinaldehyde) is a derivative of Vitamin A. Retinoic Acid and Retinol are also popular Vitamin A derivatives commonly found in skincare. There are many benefits to using Vitamin A as part of your regimen from tackling blemishes and signs of aging to restoring hydration and overall skin health, but how do you know which Vitamin A is the best one for your skin? Watch this short video from Dr. Ben Johnson  to learn more.

Quick answer: Choose a retinal serum by your skin goal. Calm (0.03% retinal) is the gentlest, for early signs of aging and sensitive skin. Clarify (0.04%) is made for blemish-prone skin. Correct (0.06%) is the strongest, for more visible signs of aging.

Retinal vs. Retinol: Why Osmosis Uses Retinal

We use Retinaldehyde instead of its Vitamin A counterparts because:

1. Retinal’s composition is more bioavailable, meaning it absorbs faster and more thoroughly, making it clinically-proven to work 11 times faster than Retinol.
2. Retinal visibly firms and smooths skin, yet it’s gentler than Retinol.
3. Retinal is not sun-sensitizing and doesn’t increase your risk of UVA/UVB damage or hyperpigmentation (like Retinol), so it can be included in your daytime skincare program.
4. If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, check with your healthcare provider before using any vitamin A product.

Extra Credit: The Retinaldehyde used in all Osmosis skincare is encapsulated in a patented liposomal delivery system. This increases product penetration into deeper layers of the skin (dermis), so you’ll see results much faster. Read more about Osmosis skin science.

Which Osmosis Retinal Serum Is Right for You?

Calm (0.03%): For Early Signs of Aging and Sensitive Skin

With 0.03% retinaldehyde, Calm Gentle Retinal Serum uses liposome-delivered nutrients and antioxidants that gently bring your skin to life along with targeted nutrients that calm and restore a youthful complexion without irritation. Gentle Retinal Serum suits sensitive, redness-prone skin and works as an age-defying serum for visibly firmer-looking skin.

Clarify (0.04%): For Blemish-Prone Skin

Clear the look of blemishes on blemish-prone skin with this potent Vitamin A skin serum featuring 0.04% retinaldehyde. This serum helps balance oil production, calm the look of redness, and support skin recovery. Clarify Clearing Retinal Serum also minimizes the appearance of blemish-related scars.  This skincare serum can also be used as a spot treatment for blemishes.

Correct (0.06%): For Visible Signs of Aging

Designed with an enhanced delivery system, Correct Preventative Retinal Serum age-defying serum contains 9 collagen-supporting ingredients and 7 potent antioxidants to visibly firm and smooth skin. Also used for visibly tighter-looking skin, this skin serum, with 0.06% retinaldehyde, creates the optimal environment for cell renewal while helping to restore the barrier.

Not sure which one fits your skin? Take the Skin Quiz for a personalized recommendation.

What type of Vitamin A are you using in your skincare routine? Tell us your favorites and why in the comments below. 👇