When it comes to Korean beauty, the combination of effective ingredients and gentle formulations is a big reason why K-beauty is trending globally. In this article, we explore three popular anti-aging ingredients: retinol, retinal, and bakuchiol. We look at the differences between them, who they are suitable for, and how they are used in Korean skin care.
Retinol: The skin's power ingredient
Retinol, a form of vitamin A, helps stimulate collagen production and increase cell renewal, which reduces wrinkles and evens skin tone. It is a powerful choice for those who want to work long-term on improving the skin's structure.
Who do we recommend retinol for?
Retinol is best for you with mature skin or acne-prone skin. It's also a good starting choice for those new to retinoids, as it's gentler than retinal and offers gradual results. Retinol is available as a cream, such as Cosrx The Retinol 0.1 Cream and Ondo Beauty 36.5 Retinol & Ginseng Youth-Preserving Treatment for the face and décolletage, but also as a serum. Anua Retinol 0.3% Niacin Renewing Serum is a gentle but effective retinol product that also contains niacinamide to brighten and even skin tone.
💡 Tip: Start slowly with a low concentration and apply retinol only in the evening. If you are new to retinol, start with the product 1-3 evenings a week and gradually increase as needed. Don't forget sun protection during the day!
Retinal: A faster option
Retinal is a stronger and faster form of vitamin A than retinol, which means you see results in less time. Despite this, retinal is still relatively gentle on the skin and is suitable for those who want effective anti-aging benefits without waiting too long.
Who do we recommend retinal for?
Retinal is best for those who have already used retinol and want to achieve faster results. Beauty of Joseon Revive Eye Serum Ginseng + Retinal is an ideal choice for those who want to reduce fine lines around the eyes with the help of retinal and nourishing ginseng. It is also possible to use the product on the whole face. 🌿
Retinol and retinal are both forms of vitamin A, but retinal is a more active form that converts to retinoic acid, the biologically active form that the skin uses. Retinol must first be converted to retinal and then to retinoic acid to be effective, whereas retinal can be directly converted to retinoic acid, making it more potent. Both compounds help improve skin texture and tone, but retinal often produces faster results.
Bakuchiol: The natural alternative
Bakuchiol is a plant-based alternative to retinol that offers similar anti-aging effects without causing irritation. This makes bakuchiol an excellent choice for you with sensitive skin or for those who want to use natural products. 🌱
Who do we recommend bakuchiol for?
If you have sensitive skin or prefer natural ingredients, bakuchiol is a perfect choice. It is also safe to use during the day as it does not increase the skin's sensitivity to the sun. Purito Bakuchiol Timeless Bloom Revitalizing Serum is a great option for those looking for a gentle anti-aging solution without irritation. If you want to try bakuchiol from time to time for an extra boost, we recommend Ondo Beauty 36.5 Squalane & Bakuchiol Sleeping Pack . Bakuchiol is also a top ingredient for sensitive eyes and is found in popular eye creams, such as SKIN1004 Centella Probio-Cica Bakuchiol Eye Cream .
Combines all three: Retinol, Retinal and Bakuchiol
If you're looking for a product that combines all three of these powerful ingredients, we recommend Some By Mi Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum . This serum blends retinol, retinal and bakuchiol to offer a balanced anti-aging solution that delivers both effectiveness and gentleness – perfect for those who want the best of all worlds. ✨
Which one is right for you?
The choice between retinol, retinal and bakuchiol depends on your skin needs. Retinol is a perfect option for beginners who want to start slowly, retinal suits the experienced user who wants faster results, and bakuchiol is a natural and gentle option for sensitive skin. Whatever you choose, don't forget to pair these powerful ingredients with moisturizers and sunscreen to protect skin and maximize results. 🌟
Tip! If you have sensitive and reactive skin but want to start with retinol, there is a method to reduce the risk of reaction. This is called the sandwich method, which means you apply a layer of moisturizer, then a thin layer of retinol, and then moisturizer again. This creates a protective barrier in the skin and reduces the risk of irritation.
Do you want to learn more about active ingredients and need help with what suits your skin type and your routine? Come into one of our stores and we will help you!
