Retinol vs Retinoic Acid: Are They the Same?
Retinol vs retinoic acid: what's the buzz, and are they the same?
All retinoids are not equal, and the difference is not marketing. It is how many conversions the skin has to perform before the ingredient does anything at all.
Published 2022
Retinol is a common ingredient in the aesthetic and skin care world. What does it do? Why are there so many different variations? Retinoids are known for their anti-aging benefits when used in skincare and are derived from Vitamin A. How do you know what is the best? These are all valid questions and it can be hard to know the difference and right choice as a consumer. Essentially, it is important to know that all retinoids are not equal and do not have the same potency. Retinol, in our opinion, is the most widely known retinoid.
Did you know that retinol needs to be converted by the body twice to become retinoic acid?
As these conversions take place, the product becomes weaker and thus less effective. On the other hand, retinoic acid is the most potent form of retinoid and the only form of retinoid that is bioavailable to the skin. Retinoic acid does not need to be converted by the body, and starts working right away at the highest efficacy. Because of the potency of retinoic acid, we recommend easing these products into your skincare regimen, about 2–3 times per week to start, working up to nightly. Retinoids should only be used in your evening skincare regimen, as they can cause some irritation, and should not be used when in the sun. Now that you know the difference, I'm sure you are wondering, what is our favorite retinoid product? It's a no brainer for us: AlphaRet from SkinBetter Science. AlphaRet is formulated with retinoic acid, for maximum efficacy, and uses either glycolic or salicylic acids in conjunction to further help anti-aging or acne prone skin. It is our go-to product in our evening regimen.
Editor's note, September 2026
Still our answer, with one addition
Everything above is the post as it was published. This section was added when it was brought onto the new site, so what changed is visible rather than quietly rewritten.
AlphaRet is still the retinoid we reach for most, and SkinBetter Science is still dispensed here, so the recommendation above stands rather than needing a correction.
What has changed is that the studio now has its own line. Arkyn Skin Care carries a 1% encapsulated retinol on a treatment pad, and encapsulation is the reason a concentration that high is tolerable: it releases slowly rather than all at once. It sits alongside AlphaRet rather than replacing it, and which one suits you depends on how your skin has handled retinoids before.
The advice about frequency has not changed and is the part people most often ignore. Two or three nights a week to start, working up. Every retinoid casualty we see arrived by going nightly from day one.
Common questions
What people ask about this.
What is the difference between retinol and retinoic acid?
Retinol has to be converted twice by the skin before it becomes retinoic acid, which is the form skin can actually use. Each conversion loses potency. Retinoic acid skips both steps and works immediately at full strength, which is why it is more effective and also why it is more irritating.
Is a stronger retinoid always better?
No. The best retinoid is the strongest one your skin tolerates consistently, and consistency is the part that produces results. A potent product used twice before being abandoned does less than a gentler one used three nights a week for a year.
How often should I use it?
Two to three nights a week to begin, working up to nightly as your skin adapts. Evening only, always: retinoids increase light sensitivity and degrade in sun. If skin becomes tight, flaky or stings, drop back a night rather than pushing through.
Can I use a retinoid with exfoliating acids?
Not on the same night, as a rule. Both exfoliate, and stacking them is the most common way people damage their barrier. Alternate instead (retinoid on some nights, acids on others), and if the skin gets unhappy, reduce the frequency of both.
Can I use retinoids while pregnant or breastfeeding?
Retinoids are not used in pregnancy. That is the one to stop, and it is worth telling us at your appointment so the rest of your routine can be adjusted around it rather than guessed at from a list.
Which retinoid do you recommend?
AlphaRet from SkinBetter Science remains our most-reached-for, because it pairs retinoic acid with either glycolic or salicylic acid depending on whether the concern is ageing or acne. The studio's own line also carries a 1% encapsulated retinol pad. Which suits you depends on how your skin has handled retinoids before, which is a consultation question rather than a shelf one.
Start with a conversation.
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