Retinoid Vs Retinol: What’s The Difference?

Retinols and retinoids are frequently used interchangeably. But you will be surprised to know that they are not the same. Although both these ingredients have similar benefits like combating stubborn acne scars, pigmentation, and visible signs of ageing, they are different in so many ways. Here are the differences between retinol and retinoid that will help you make the right choice for your skin. 

What Is A Retinoid?

Retinoid is a class of vitamin A derivatives. Tretinoin and tazorotene are some common retinoids. Retinoids are commonly found in skincare products for women, especially those that tackle visible signs of ageing. 

What Is Retinol?

Retinol is also a vitamin A derivative and is a type of retinoid. Retinol benefits skin by reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. 

Difference Between Retinol And Retinoid

Here are the retinol and retinoid differences that you should know. 

Retinoid Vs Retinol: What Do They Have In Common?

There might be a few differences between retinol and retinoid, but they are similar in many ways. Here are the commonalities between retinol and retinoid. 

Vitamin A Derivatives

Both these ingredients are vitamin A derivatives that help improve overall skin health.  

Anti-Ageing Benefits

Both retinol and retinoids help promote collagen production and tackle visible signs of ageing. They help repair your skin and improve skin texture. 

Fights Acne & Scars

Retinol and retinoids help combat acne and fade stubborn scars. It has the power to diminish pigmentation and uneven skin tone. 

How To Add Retinol Or Retinoids Into Your Skincare Routine?

Wondering how to add retinol and retinoids to your beauty routine? We have got you covered. 

1. Understand Your Skin Type

It’s very important to know your skin type and concerns before you go ahead and start using retinols and retinoids. Those with sensitive skin should avoid these ingredients as they may irritate the skin and cause redness. These ingredients are good for those who have stubborn acne scars or want to tackle visible signs of ageing.

2. Check The Concentration

While purchasing a product, opt for one that contains an ideal concentration of retinol or retinoid. A product with 1 to 2.5% of retinol is ideal for your skin. 

3. Do A Patch Test

Before using a new product directly on your face, it’s crucial to do a patch test. This will ensure that the product suits your skin and doesn’t cause any inflammation. 

St.Botanica Recommends Best Retinol Products for Skincare

We bring to you some really amazing products enriched with the goodness of retinol.

 

Retinol Anti Ageing Night Cream

St.Botanica Retinol Advanced Anti Ageing Night Cream is considered among one of the amazing night creams for glowing skin formulated with the goodness of retinol, Moroccan argan oil, vitamin E, jojoba oil, hyaluronic acid, and licorice. This cream helps promote collagen production and repairs your skin as you sleep. It helps you attain a youthful glow with regular use. 

 

Retinol Anti Ageing Day Cream SPF 25

St.Botanica Retinol Advanced Anti Ageing Day Cream SPF 25 is created with ingredients like retinol, moroccan argan oil, cucumber extract, honey, pomegranate extract, and licorice. This day cream not only moisturises your skin but also protects it from sun damage. It deeply nourishes your skin and fights visible signs of ageing. 

 

Retinol 2.5% Face Serum

St.Botanica Retinol 2.5% + Vitamin E & Hyaluronic Acid Face Serum is a lightweight anti-ageing serum that improves skin texture and promotes collagen production. This face serum for women contains ingredients like retinol, squalane, aloe vera, vitamin E, hyaluronic acid, jojoba oil, and pro-vitamin B5. It moisturises and softens your skin.  

Which Products Can’t Be Used With Retinoids?

Here are some products and ingredients that you should avoid while using retinol and retinoids.

• Avoid toners, astringent ingredients, and harsh face cleansers. 

• Don’t use harsh exfoliators that contain AHAs and BHAs. 

• Steer clear of products that contain benzoyl hydroxide, salicylic acid, and vitamin C.

Retinoid Or Retinol: Final Verdict

Now that you know the differences between retinol and retinoid, you can make the right choice. You can include these anti-ageing ingredients in your nighttime skincare routine steps or in your day care regimen with the help of these face creams and serums that contain retinol. 

FAQs On Retinol & Retinoid Difference

Is retinol the same as retinoid?

They are not exactly the same. Retinoid is a broad category of vitamin A derivates. While retinol is a type of retinoid. 

Which is better: vitamin C or retinoid?

Both are great for your skin but target different skin concerns. Vitamin C helps hydrate your skin and brightens your complexion, while a retinoid has anti-ageing benefits. It helps tackle fine lines and wrinkles. 

Which is better: niacinamide or retinol?

Niacinamide is milder than retinol. It hydrates your skin and soothe redness. Although there are many retinol benefits for skin, it’s major benefit being tackling visible signs of ageing. 

What to avoid when using retinol?

When using retinol avoid using ingredients like AHA/BHAs, benzoyl peroxide, and vitamin C. While using retinol, avoid products and ingredients that dry out your skin or irritate it. 

Which form of retinol is best?

You can use a retinol serum for face benefits, night cream, or day cream, depending on your skin concerns.

Should beginners use retinol or retinoid?

As a beginner you should opt for retinol as it’s gentler than a retinoid and can be purchased without a prescription. 

Related Stories

Anti Ageing Ingredients : You can easily incorporate anti-ageing ingredients into your skincare regimen to ensure a youthful glow. Here are some amazing anti-ageing ingredients that will nourish your skin. 

Goji Berry Benefits for Skin : Goji berry is enriched with antioxidants. It helps repair your skin and brighten your complexion. Here are all the benefits of goji berry that you need to know.

Niacinamide Serum Benefits: Niacinamide is one of the magical skincare ingredients to prevent premature ageing, smoothen texture and keep your skin hydrated. Read on to explore the multiple benefits of using niacinamide as a face serum.

Top 10 Serum For Oily Skin In India: We end your search for the best serum for oily skin. Checkout the curated list of top oily skin serums in India tried and tested by our beauty editors. 

How To Use Retinol For Acne: Retinol is known for its anti-ageing benefits. But do you know that it is also used to treat acne? Here are some of the interesting ways to apply retinol to say good-bye to acne & pimples.

Salicylic Acid Skin Benefits: Salicylic acid is one of the skin exfoliants to  control secretion in the skin, curb acne and promote a glowing skin appearance. Here more about this gem of an ingredient.
 

How to Get Rid of Wrinkles: If you’re worried about early signs of ageing like fine lines and wrinkles, we have jotted down some of the best skincare rituals to avert premature skin-ageing. Read on this article to know more.