Not all retinoids are created equal—especially when it comes to sensitive skin. If you've experienced dryness, redness, or irritation with retinol, you're not alone. But that doesn't mean you should skip vitamin A. The key lies in choosing the right molecule, in the right form.
1. How Retinoids Work: The Science Behind Effectiveness and Irritation
Retinoids are a family of vitamin A derivatives widely used in dermatology for:
- Stimulate cell renewal
- Promote collagen synthesis
- Improve skin texture and radiance
- Reduce the signs of premature aging
But not all retinoids work the same way. Their potency and irritation potential depend on the number of enzymatic conversions required to transform them into retinoic acid—the only bioactive form recognized by skin cells.
Conversion chain:
Retinyl esters → Retinol → Retinal (Retinaldehyde) → Retinoic acid
The higher the number of conversions, the slower and more unpredictable the activity - which influences efficiency.
Retinol is more irritating partly because of its low conversion efficiency: only ~10% reaches the active form (retinoic acid), while the rest accumulates on the surface, triggering dryness and inflammation.
Conversely, retinal is biologically closer to retinoic acid, better absorbed, and less likely to cause irritation. Encapsulated, its action becomes even more controlled, making it particularly suitable for sensitive or weakened skin.
Why isn't everyone using retinal? Because it's an unstable molecule and expensive to formulate. Its stabilization and skin compatibility require advanced encapsulation systems, which few brands have.
2. Why Encapsulated Retinal is the Best Retinoid for Sensitive Skin
Encapsulation transforms retinal into a retinoid that is both effective and well-tolerated – especially for sensitive skin.
At Skin Diligent , we use a proprietary plant-based encapsulation system derived from Protium heptaphyllum , a resinous Amazonian tree with soothing and protective properties. This natural resin forms a stable shield around the retinal molecule, protecting it from light and oxidation, while allowing controlled diffusion into the skin.
This botanical encapsulation acts as a smart delivery vehicle: it ensures a gradual release of retinal, reduces surface irritation, and maintains bioactivity. The result: a consistent, bioavailable dose, with real results—and less skin reactivity.
In summary, encapsulated retinal:
- Gradually released into the deeper layers of the skin
- Remains stable (no oxidation or degradation)
- Minimizes surface irritation
- Provides 11x greater effectiveness than retinol
3. Why it matters: Sensitive, mature, or reactive skin needs a smarter retinoid
Over time, the skin's ability to regenerate and defend itself diminishes - a process influenced by intrinsic aging, hormonal fluctuations, inflammation and environmental stresses.
Encapsulated retinal has a high efficacy/low irritation profile, particularly useful in these settings:
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Mature skin : Collagen decreases, the skin barrier thins. Retinal promotes firming with less risk of inflammation, making it a suitable option for perimenopausal and postmenopausal skin.
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Fragile or post-inflammatory skin (rosacea, eczema, post-acne): the epidermis is often damaged. Encapsulated retinal, thanks to its gradual release and lipid affinity, stimulates repair without aggravating inflammation (skin test recommended on a small area of skin to start).
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Hyper-reactive or allergy-prone skin : more prone to tingling and inflammation. Encapsulated retinal, free from aggressive vectors, reduces the risk of reactions.
4. How to use encapsulated retinal safely
Sensitive skin needs structure. Example routine:
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Weeks 1–2 : Apply 3–4 drops to clean, slightly damp skin every other night. Night only. Ideally, combine with Exosome Advanced Night Cream to increase tolerance and boost results.
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Weeks 3–4 : Increase to one application every night if tolerated.
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Always apply sunscreen in the morning.
5. Compatible active ingredients: what to combine with retinal
Safe to combine:
- Niacinamide: strengthens the barrier, reduces redness
- Hyaluronic acid: hydrates and plumps
- Exosomes & peptides: boost skin repair
To avoid:
- High concentration glycolic/lactic acids
- Pure Ascorbic Acid (Pure Vitamin C). → Skin Diligent's Vitamin C Serum-in-Oil is compatible and safe because it is a rare lipid form of vitamin C, non-irritating.
- Benzoyl peroxide
6. CEL™ Retinal Serum: precision for sensitive skin
CEL™ Retinal Serum combines encapsulated retinal and CEL™ Complex , a blend of pro-longevity actives designed to strengthen cellular tolerance and resilience.
While retinal regenerates the skin, CEL™ works in parallel to reduce oxidative stress, support mitochondrial function and preserve cellular youthfulness.
Formulation standards:
- Fragrance-free
- Alcohol-free
- Free from endocrine disruptors
- Dermatologically tested on sensitive skin
7. Conclusion: The right retinoid for sensitive skin
In modern dermatology, efficacy is no longer enough. For sensitive, mature, or weakened skin, intelligent encapsulation systems are essential.
At Skin Diligent , our CEL™ Retinal Serum has been designed to combine precision, performance and safety .
✔ Scientifically validated
✔ High efficiency, low irritation
✔ Suitable for sensitive skin
8. FAQ - Retinoids and sensitive skin
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Can I use retinal with rosacea or eczema?
Yes, encapsulated retinal is generally well tolerated even on reactive skin (rosacea, eczema, perioral dermatitis). Always start slowly and combine with a barrier repair cream (e.g. Exosome Advanced Night Cream ). -
Is tretinoin stronger than retinal?
Yes, but also much more irritating. Retinal offers almost the same effectiveness with much better tolerance. -
How long does it take to see results?
Improved skin texture and radiance in 4–6 weeks. Full results (wrinkles, pores, pigmentation) visible in 12 weeks of regular use. -
Can I combine it with other active ingredients?
Yes, favor active ingredients that strengthen the barrier. Avoid strong acids and benzoyl peroxide on the same night. -
Is it safe during pregnancy?
No, like all retinoids, retinal is contraindicated during pregnancy. -
Is CEL™ Retinal Serum vegan and cruelty-free?
Yes, it is vegan, not tested on animals, free of endocrine disruptors, fragrance-free and alcohol-free.