---
title: Retinaldehyde
entity_type: Ingredient
canonical_url: https://skinknowledgebase.com/ingredients/retinaldehyde
date_modified: 2026-05-18
date_reviewed: 2026-05-18
mcp_eligible: true
evidence_sources:
  - title: AAD — Retinoid or retinol?
    canonical_citation_url: https://skinknowledgebase.com/sources/aad-retinoid-or-retinol
    original_source_url: https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-secrets/anti-aging/retinoid-retinol
    source_type: dermatology_reference
  - title: DermNet NZ — Topical retinoids
    canonical_citation_url: https://skinknowledgebase.com/sources/dermnet-topical-retinoids
    original_source_url: https://dermnetnz.org/topics/topical-retinoids
    source_type: medical_reference
product_fact_sources:
  - title: Official Product Page — Medik8 Crystal Retinal
    canonical_citation_url: https://skinknowledgebase.com/sources/official-product-page-medik8-crystal-retinal
    original_source_url: https://us.medik8.com/products/crystal-retinal
    source_type: official_product_page
---

# Retinaldehyde

## Quick Summary

Retinaldehyde, also called retinal, is a vitamin A ingredient used in cosmetic skincare routines for visible texture, tone, and fine-line appearance.

## What It Is

Retinaldehyde is a vitamin A ingredient that sits in the broader retinoid family. Consumers often see it labeled as retinal or retinaldehyde on skincare pages. It is distinct from retinol and prescription retinoids, so it deserves its own ingredient page when a product’s search interest centers on retinal strength, routine tolerance, and nighttime vitamin A use. In Medik8 Crystal Retinal, the brand page presents retinal as the central active in a progressive strength ladder.

## Related Entities

- [AAD — Retinoid or retinol?](https://skinknowledgebase.com/sources/aad-retinoid-or-retinol)
- [DermNet NZ — Topical retinoids](https://skinknowledgebase.com/sources/dermnet-topical-retinoids)
- [Official Product Page — Medik8 Crystal Retinal](https://skinknowledgebase.com/sources/official-product-page-medik8-crystal-retinal)
- [Wrinkles](https://skinknowledgebase.com/concerns/wrinkles)
- [Fine Lines](https://skinknowledgebase.com/concerns/fine-lines)
- [Loss of Firmness](https://skinknowledgebase.com/concerns/loss-of-firmness)
- [Expression Lines](https://skinknowledgebase.com/concerns/expression-lines)
- [Medik8 Crystal Retinal](https://skinknowledgebase.com/products/medik8-crystal-retinal)
- [Retinoid Dermatitis](https://skinknowledgebase.com/side-effects/retinoid-dermatitis)