What's the Difference Between Retinoid and Retinol?

Wendy Wisner
·7 min read
<p>Mariya Borisova / Getty Images</p>

Mariya Borisova / Getty Images

Medically reviewed by Brendan Camp, MD

Retinoids are a group of vitamin-A based products used to treat various skin conditions. Retinoids include numerous vitamin A products, and retinol is one form that retinoids can take.

In general, retinoids are available as stronger, prescription-based skin care products used to treat acne. On the other hand, retinol is an ingredient in weaker, over-the-counter (OTC) skin care products that focus on skin tone, fine lines and wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation.

Related: How To Improve Your Skin Texture, According to Dermatologists

What Are Retinoids?

Retinoids are a kind of medication derived from vitamin A. In 1971, the FDA approved a retinoid called tretinoin to treat acne and acne scarring. Since then, retinoids continue to be used to treat conditions like acne, aging skin, psoriasis, and even some forms of cancer.

There are six main types of retinoids:

  • Tretinoin

  • Adapalene

  • Tazarotene

  • Alitretinoin

  • Bexarotene

  • Retinol

Retinoids started as an acne medication, and is still used widely for unclogging cores, preventing acne, and healing acne scars. But it also has other powerful qualities when applied to the skin.

Retinoids can help with:

  • Mild or severe acne

  • Acne scars

  • Aging skin

  • Skin tone

  • Fine lines

  • Wrinkles

  • Skin rejuvenation

  • Uneven skin tone

  • Skin texture

  • Hyperpigmentation

Is It Right for You?

Since there are several different kinds of retinoids, each with different uses, it’s important to discuss options with a dermatologist.

Here’s what to know about the various prescription retinoid medications and their uses:

  • Tretinoin is used to treat acne, fine lines and wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and keratosis pilaris

  • Adapalene is used to treat acne

  • Tazarotene is used to treat acne and psoriasis

  • Alitretinoin is used to treat Kaposi’s sarcoma, a condition where cancer is found in the soft tissues of the digestive tract

  • Bexarotene is used to treat cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, a type of cancer

How to Use It

Retinoids come in various forms, including gels, creams, and liquid. You will get specific instructions from your healthcare provider for how to use the product you’ve been prescribed. In general, topical retinoids are applied about once per day. You will likely be instructed to wash your face with a mild cleanser, and then gently apply the retinoid to your skin.

Related: Retinoids: Types, Benefits, How To Use

What Are Retinols?

Retinols are in the retinoid family, and are one of several forms that retinoids can take. Like retinoids in general, they are vitamin A-derived products that have powerful restorative effects when applied to the skin. Retinols are found in many OTC cosmetic skin products and while their potency varies from one product to another, they are usually less potent than retinoid medications.

Is It Right for You?

Because retinol is generally weaker than other types of retinoids, they are less likely to cause unpleasant side effects like dry skin or skin irritation. At the same time, because they are weaker and not formulated and prescribed by healthcare providers to target specific medical conditions, they may not be as effective for you, depending on what type of skin conditions you are dealing with.

Generally, retinol is best for mild skin concerns and for cosmetic purposes. According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD), retinol is commonly used for:

How to Use It

It’s important to understand that OTC retinol products are not regulated in the same way that prescription retinoid medications are. Moreover, there is not one agreed upon concentration for retinol to be effective. Retinol concentration in a product can range from as low as 0.0015% to up to 1.0%.

Choosing a retinol product can be confusing, because there are so many on the market. The AAD recommends starting with the lowest formulation available, and seeing if it’s effective, without unwanted side effects. You should also consider discussing retinol options with a healthcare provider, preferably a dermatologist.

Related: The Best Retinols That Work Without Causing Irritation, Tested and Reviewed

How to Choose Which to Use

If you are trying to decide whether to use retinoids or retinol, your best bet is to start with a dermatologist. They can help you understand if a prescription-strength retinoid is best for you—and if so, which medication. They can also help you select a store-bought retinol product based on the skin condition you are trying to manage and their knowledge of available products.

According to the AAD, people who are prone to dry skin or have skin allergies may not want to use retinoids. Similarly, someone who has developed a rash, allergic reaction, or skin inflammation after using a retinoid should choose another option. Sometimes a retinol product is a good alternative in these cases.

Additionally, darker skin individuals should pay close attention to their reactions to retinoids and retinols, as sometimes it can be more difficult to see the inflammation or other damage caused by these products. People of color may be more prone to dark spots or hyperpigmentation. If this is the case, you may need to stop taking a retinoid prescription and switch to a weaker OTC retinol. Again, this should be done under doctor supervision.

As per AAD, retinoids (including retinol) should usually be avoided in individuals:

  • Whose acne is associated with hormonal changes or imbalances

  • Who are pregnant

  • Have severe acne scarring

Selecting a Product

Prescription-based retinoids are something you and your healthcare provider will discuss. Your provider will help you find the right medication to meet your needs and to address the skin condition you are dealing with.

Selecting a retinol product can be a bit trickier. In most cases, it’s recommended to start with a product with a low concentration of retinol and see how you react. If your skin doesn’t get irritated and you get the results you are looking for, you can stick to this strength. If not, you can try stronger products, paying attention to both your results and how well your skin tolerates the product.

Keep in mind, too, that different retinol products on the market will likely have other ingredients in them that may or may not be safe or helpful for you. Again, this is why it’s best to discuss any retinol or retinoid product you are using with your healthcare provider.

Related:

Risks and Precautions

Using retinoids and retinol can cause side effects, especially when not used with care. Adverse reactions can occur with short-term use, after long-term use using a higher than recommended dose, or using a product with a high retinoid or retinol concentration.

Here are some of the possible negative effects of retinoid or retinol use:

  • Inflammation and redness

  • Extreme dryness

  • Scaly skin

  • Itching

  • Skin becoming extra sensitive to the sun

  • Hyperpigmentation and discoloration

  • A flare-up of acne when first used

  • Skin swelling

  • Dermatitis

  • Stinging or blistered skin

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should talk to your healthcare provider. There aren’t many studies on the use of retinoids or retinol during pregnancy or breastfeeding. As such, most providers recommend against their use, especially for cosmetic purposes. In some cases, they may be recommended for other skin conditions after a cost-benefit analysis.

The AAD shares the following tips for people using retinoids or retinols:

  • Start with the lowest intensity retinoid

  • Use the product every other night

  • Start slowing and use more as time goes on

  • Follow up with a moisturizer

  • Use the product at night

  • Always use sun protection during the day using retinol products, as retinoids and retinol can make your skin more sensitive to sun damage

When to Contact a Healthcare Provider

People vary in how they react to retinoids and retinols and what side effects they may experience. That’s why it’s important to stay in touch with your healthcare provider if you are trying a retinol or retinoid for the first time.

If you notice any of the following, you should get in touch with your provider:

  • Dry skin that doesn’t get better

  • Discolored skin

  • Skin irritation, such as rash, redness, swelling, stinging, blistering, or itchiness

Related: The Best Ways To Get Rid of Fine Lines in Your 20s, 30s, 40s, and 50s

A Quick Review

Retinoids are vitamin-A based skincare products, and retinol is a type of retinoid. Retinoids are prescription strength skincare products used to treat conditions like acne. Retinols can be found in over-the-counter cosmetic products advertised for skin rejuvenation and anti-aging. Both retinoids and retinol can cause dryness and irritation if used in excess.

Because retinols are generally weaker than retinoids, they may be more well tolerated. If you have questions about which product is right for you, please reach out to a dermatologist or other healthcare provider.

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