RetrinAL 0.1 Intensive Cream
RetrinAL 0.1 Intensive Cream
Product Description
Product overview
A physician-strength anti-aging cream featuring 0.1% Retinaldehyde, clinically proven to be 11x faster-acting than retinol. This French pharmacy powerhouse visibly reduces deep wrinkles, firms skin, and brightens complexion with minimal irritation thanks to soothing Avène Thermal Spring Water.
11x Faster Than Retinol
Retinaldehyde is one conversion step away from retinoic acid, making it significantly more potent and faster-acting than regular retinol.
Texture & feel
SENSORY11x Faster Than Retinol
Retinaldehyde is one conversion step away from retinoic acid, making it significantly more potent and faster-acting than regular retinol.
Peptide Complex (Relastide®)
Patented pro-elastin peptides help firm and plump skin, restoring youthful elasticity and radiance.
Pre-Tocopheryl (Vitamin E)
Photostable form of Vitamin E provides powerful antioxidant protection against environmental damage and free radicals.
Thermal Spring Water
Avène's signature soothing ingredient, clinically proven in 150+ studies to calm, soften, and reduce skin sensitivity.
Safety & compatibility
SAFEContains Retinaldehyde, a vitamin A derivative. All topical retinoids should be avoided during pregnancy due to potential risks to fetal development.
Retinoids are not recommended while nursing due to limited safety data. Consult your healthcare provider before use.
Contains Evening Primrose Oil and other fatty acid-rich oils that can feed Malassezia yeast and trigger fungal acne flares.
Formulated and tested to minimize pore-clogging. Comedogenic rating of 1/5 makes it suitable for most skin types.
Retinoids increase photosensitivity. Daily SPF 30+ sunscreen is mandatory when using this product.
Formulated to minimize risk of allergic reactions. Free from fragrance, parabens, and common irritants.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSRetinaldehyde (Retinal) 0.1%Gold Standard
The star active ingredient - a powerful vitamin A derivative that converts directly to retinoic acid in just one step. More effective than retinol with better tolerability than tretinoin.
- Clinical Study: Achieved -58% reduction in visible wrinkles after 8 weeks of use
- Research: Studies show retinaldehyde provides similar anti-aging results to prescription retinoic acid with significantly less irritation
- Mechanism: Stimulates collagen production, accelerates cell turnover, and improves skin texture
Oleoyl Dipeptide-15 & Oleoyl Tetrapeptide-31 (Relastide®)Patented
Avène's proprietary pro-elastin peptide complex that signals skin to produce more elastin, helping restore firmness and bounce to aging skin.
- Benefit: Helps skin appear plumper, firmer, and more radiant
- Synergy: Works alongside retinaldehyde to enhance anti-aging results
Tocopheryl Glucoside (Pre-Tocopheryl)Proven
A photostable, water-soluble form of Vitamin E that provides sustained antioxidant protection without degrading when exposed to light.
- Function: Neutralizes free radicals and protects against environmental stressors
- Stability: Unlike regular Vitamin E, remains effective even with light exposure
Avène Thermal Spring WaterSignature
The foundation of all Avène products - naturally sourced spring water from the Cévennes Mountains in France after a 50-year journey through mineral-rich rock.
- Clinical Evidence: Backed by 150+ clinical studies showing soothing and calming properties
- Mineral Balance: Contains unique trace minerals and silicates that calm reactive skin
26 ingredients
Avène Thermal Spring Water (Aqua), Triethylhexanoin, Cyclopentasiloxane, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cyclohexasiloxane, Ceteareth-20, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Ceteareth-33, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Oil, Phenoxyethanol, Benzoic Acid, Disodium EDTA, Retinal, Tocopheryl Glucoside, Oleoyl Dipeptide-15, Mica, Sodium Hydroxide, Silica, BHT, Oleoyl Tetrapeptide-31, Tocopherol, Titanium Dioxide, Caramel, Red 33.
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEUse in PM routine only. Apply after water-based serums. Follow with moisturizer if needed for extra hydration. Always use SPF 30+ during the day.
How to use
HOW TO USECleanse Thoroughly
Start with clean, dry skin. Wait 10-20 minutes after cleansing to ensure skin is completely dry - wet skin increases absorption and potential irritation.
Apply Sparingly
Dispense 1-2 pumps (pea-sized amount) onto fingertips. Apply to face, neck, and décolleté, avoiding the eye area and corners of mouth.
Start Slow
For first-time retinoid users, begin with 2-3 times per week. Gradually increase frequency as skin builds tolerance over 4-6 weeks.
Buffer if Needed
Sensitive skin? Apply a lightweight moisturizer first, wait 10 minutes, then apply RetrinAL. This "buffering" method reduces irritation.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You want stronger results than retinol but can't tolerate prescription tretinoin
- You have visible signs of aging - deep wrinkles, loss of firmness, uneven texture
- Your skin has already adapted to 0.05% retinaldehyde and you're ready to level up
- You prefer fragrance-free, pharmacy-grade skincare
- You have normal to oily skin that tolerates active ingredients well
- You're committed to daily sunscreen use
Consider alternatives if:
- You're pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding
- You have fungal acne (malassezia folliculitis)
- You've never used retinoids before (start with 0.05% version)
- You have extremely dry, eczema-prone, or reactive skin
- You're unwilling to commit to daily sunscreen
- You're currently using other strong actives (high-dose AHA/BHA, benzoyl peroxide)
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESRetinaldehyde helps regulate oil production and refine pores. The silicone-rich formula absorbs well without adding greasiness.
May experience initial dryness and flaking. Layer with a rich moisturizer and consider buffering method. May need 0.05% version first.
Balances well across different zones. Apply more carefully on dry areas; oily T-zone tolerates it well.
Retinaldehyde is gentler than tretinoin, and Thermal Spring Water helps soothe. Start very slowly with buffering method.
Ideal target audience. Clinical studies show significant improvement in deep wrinkles and skin firmness.
Retinoids are excellent for acne. Non-comedogenic formula. However, NOT suitable for fungal acne due to fatty acid content.
Results timeline
MONTH 3+Adjustment Period
Skin may experience mild tingling, dryness, or slight peeling as it acclimates to retinaldehyde. This is normal and temporary.
70% experience this phaseInitial Improvements
Skin texture begins to smooth. Fine lines appear softened. Some users notice improved radiance and more even skin tone.
65% notice improvementVisible Results
Significant reduction in visible wrinkles. Clinical studies show -58% reduction in crow's feet and +54% improvement in skin texture.
85% see visible changesCumulative Benefits
Continued improvement in firmness and elasticity. Skin appears plumper and more youthful. Ongoing collagen stimulation provides lasting results.
92% see firmness improvementRatings by platform
1K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Significantly more effective than retinol with visible anti-aging results
- Better tolerated than prescription tretinoin
- Soothing Thermal Spring Water reduces irritation potential
- Fragrance-free and hypoallergenic formula
- Contains patented peptide complex not found elsewhere
- Clinically proven with published study results
- Elegant, non-greasy texture
- Dermatologist recommended
Criticized
- Premium price point (~$79 for 1 oz)
- Not suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Not fungal acne safe
- Can cause dryness and peeling during adjustment period
- Pump packaging wastes product
- Must be used with sunscreen (additional cost)
- May be too strong for retinoid beginners
- Short 6-month shelf life after opening
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPES
Higher concentration (0.2% vs 0.1%) at a fraction of the price. Smaller size (15ml). Lacks the peptide complex and thermal spring water but delivers strong retinaldehyde results.
Uses similar cyclodextrin-stabilized retinal delivery system. 0.1% concentration. 30ml size. Simpler formula but effective. European brand gaining cult following.
Same 0.1% concentration. Contains bakuchiol for additional anti-aging benefits. Larger 1.7oz size offers better value. US-based brand with easy accessibility.
Same 0.1% concentration with added vitamin C derivatives. More expensive but offers progressive strength ladder (1-20). Better for those who want to gradually increase strength.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDE
Storage & shelf life
6 MONTHS6 months after opening. Retinaldehyde degrades with exposure to air and light.
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Do not expose to temperatures above 104°F (40°C).
Airless pump in opaque container to protect retinaldehyde from light and air oxidation.
Yes, under 100ml TSA limit. Keep in carry-on to avoid temperature extremes in checked luggage.
Frequently asked questions
FAQNo. RetrinAL contains retinaldehyde, a vitamin A derivative (retinoid). All topical retinoids are not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding due to potential risks to fetal development. The product label explicitly states "Do not use if pregnant or breastfeeding." If you're planning to conceive, discontinue use at least 1 month before trying. Consult your healthcare provider for pregnancy-safe alternatives like bakuchiol or vitamin C.
No, this product is NOT safe for fungal acne. The formula contains Evening Primrose Oil (Oenothera Biennis Oil), which has fatty acids that feed Malassezia yeast and can trigger or worsen fungal acne flares. If you have malassezia folliculitis, look for retinoid alternatives that are oil-free and FA-safe, such as Differin (adapalene gel) or prescription tretinoin gel.
With Vitamin C: You can use vitamin C in the morning and RetrinAL at night - they actually complement each other for anti-aging benefits. With other retinoids: Do not layer retinol or tretinoin with RetrinAL - choose one retinoid per routine. With AHA/BHA: Be cautious. Using acids on the same night as retinaldehyde increases irritation risk. If you want both, use acids 2-3 nights per week and RetrinAL on alternate nights. Wait until your skin fully adjusts to retinaldehyde before introducing acids.
This product is best suited for normal, combination, and oily skin types, particularly those with mature skin showing visible signs of aging like deep wrinkles and loss of firmness. It works well for those who have already adapted to retinoids and want to step up from lower concentrations. Very dry or eczema-prone skin may experience excessive dryness and should start with the 0.05% version or buffer with moisturizer.
Initial improvements (smoother texture, increased radiance) typically appear within 2-4 weeks. Significant wrinkle reduction becomes visible around 6-8 weeks of consistent use - Avène's clinical studies showed 58% reduction in wrinkles after 8 weeks. Maximum benefits, including improved firmness and elasticity, develop over 3-6 months of regular use. Be patient and consistent - retinoids are a long-term investment in your skin.
Use in your PM routine only: Cleanser → Toner (optional) → Water-based serums → RetrinAL 0.1 → Moisturizer (if needed). Apply to clean, completely dry skin. Wait 10-20 minutes after cleansing as wet skin increases absorption and irritation risk. In your AM routine, skip retinoids entirely and focus on antioxidants (vitamin C) and sunscreen (SPF 30+ is mandatory when using retinoids).
This product is formulated to be non-comedogenic with a low comedogenic rating of 1/5. Avène states it "won't clog pores" and the formula is designed to minimize pore-blocking potential. Retinaldehyde itself actually helps unclog pores by increasing cell turnover. However, individual reactions vary - if you're extremely acne-prone, patch test first and monitor for any breakouts during the initial weeks.
The product has a PAO (Period After Opening) of 6 months. After this time, the retinaldehyde may have degraded and become less effective. The airless pump packaging helps protect the formula from air and light oxidation, extending its shelf life. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. The 30ml/1oz size is designed to be used within this timeframe with nightly application.
Verdict: Avène RetrinAL 0.1 Intensive Cream delivers on its promise as a physician-strength anti-aging treatment. With 0.1% retinaldehyde - 11x faster than retinol - plus patented peptides and soothing thermal spring water, it offers impressive wrinkle-reducing results with better tolerability than prescription retinoids. Clinical studies showing 58% wrinkle reduction in 8 weeks back up the claims. The fragrance-free, hypoallergenic formula suits most skin types, though it's not suitable for pregnancy, breastfeeding, or fungal acne sufferers. At $79 for 1oz, it's a premium investment, but the quality of ingredients and proven efficacy justify the cost for those serious about anti-aging. A top choice for retinoid veterans ready to level up their skincare game.
Product Overview
What are Quick Product Notes?
Quick product notes are a great way to check if a product is free from commonly avoided ingredients by skincare enthusiasts. These preferences come about for different reasons depending on the ingredient such as personal experiences, sensitivities, health preferences & etc.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product is not free from a common preference does not mean it's a bad product! You can make a personal decision whether or not you want to use a product that contains these ingredients or not - click the labels of the preference to read more about them.
Quick Product Notes
Paraben-Free
Paraben-Free
Understanding Parabens
Parabens are a large group of preservatives which are used to prevent bacteria growing in cosmetic formulations. There has been some healthy controversy surrounding them due to a few studies finding paraben presence in breast tumours and breast tissue. However, the majority of the scientific community have deemed these findings non-conclusive due to the limitations of these studies. There's still a lot of support for avoiding parabens following the better safe than sorry route. If you do we completely support you! If you are concerned about the health safety of parabens, then feel free to avoid them by looking out for the Paraben-Free icon. If not, don't worry about it - they do have had one of the longest safety records as preservatives!
Which Ingredients are classified as Paraben?
A product will be paraben-free if it does not contain any of the following parabens:
- Sodium Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Ethylparaben
- Sodium Butylparaben
- Propylparaben
- Isopropylparaben
- Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Propylparaben
- Butylparaben
- Ethylparaben
- Sodium Methylparaben
- Methylparaben
Sulfate-Free
Sulfate-Free
Understanding Sulfates
Sulfates are a large group of ingredients which act as cleansing agents in Cosmetics. They help loosen up the dirt and grime from your skin and hair to allow for water to wash it away with ease. However some sulfates are so good at their job, they can wash off your skin’s own natural oils that keep it moisturised and protected which can lead to dryness and irritation. Most people will find no issues with sulfate, however if you find your skin doesn't like sulfates then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the sulfate-free icon on Skincarisma.
Which ingredients are classified as sulfates?
We've taken the Sulfates which are considered more harsh for our Sulfate-Free status. A product will be Sulfate-Free if it does not contain any of the following Sulfates:
- TEA-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate
- Ammonium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
- PEG-15 Cocamine
- Sodium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Cocoyl Sarcosinate
- Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
- Dioctyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate
- Ammonium Xylenesulfonate
- Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate
- Sodium Xylenesulfonate
- Sodium Myreth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate
Alcohol-Free
Alcohol-Free
Understanding Simple Alcohols
Alcohol ingredients are widely used in cosmetics and come in different types. For the most part alcohols are not problematic at all. However one type of alcohols, simple alcohols can be quite drying to the skin because it evaporates very quickly. This can cause irritation which can also lead to other skin complications. These alcohols should never be used alone on your skin, but combined with other cosmetic ingredients, they are normally without issue. However, for some people with sensitive and easily irritable skin, avoiding products with these simple alcohols may be beneficial. If you find your skin doesn't like these simple alcohols, then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the Alcohol-Free icon.
Which Ingredients are classified as Alcohol?
A product will be alcohol-free if it does not contain any of the following alcohol ingredients:
- SD Alcohol
- Alcohol Denat
- Isopropyl Alcohol
- Alcohol
Silicone-Free
Silicone-Free
Understanding Silicones
If you've ever used a skincare, makeup or beauty product that's made your skin look and feel smoother tempoarily - it's likely contained Silicone. They are a popular class of ingredients found in cosmetics due to their smooth, soft, easy-to-spread and smooth properties that help creates an artificial layer/barrier on top of skin or hair (commonly found in conditioners).
For the same reasons they are popularly used, they are also commonly avoided. Anecdotally, many individuals have reported that Silicones cause/excerbate breakouts, irritation, cause a feeling of skin being unable to breathe, cause clumping of cosmetic products and find it difficult to wash off. As a result, those who find them problematic are avoiding them and increasingly, cosmetic companies are avoiding them as well.
If you have had bad experiences with Silicones in the past, or suspect they are problematic then look out for the tick on the Silicone-free label.
Disclaimer
The Silicone-free label only includes the most common Silicone ingredients that have indentified been reported by individuals that could potentially cause issues.
These include: Amodimethicone, Behenoxy Dimethicone, Bis-Aminopropyl Dimethicone, Cetearyl Methicone, Cetyl Dimethicone, Cyclomethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Dimethicone Copolyol, Dimethiconol, Methicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Stearoxy Dimethicone, Stearyl Dimethicone, Trimethylsilylamodimethicone.
Note, that this does not include all ingredients part of the Silicone class of ingredients.
EU Allergen-Free
EU Allergen-Free
Understanding the Identified Contact Allergens
The EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has identified and established 26 cosmetic ingredients that are likely contact allergens (potential to cause skin allergies) as demonstrated in clinical or epidemiological studies. The EU's SCCS have recommend cosmetic companies to disclose them on the labels if used and in cases where the concentration exceeds 0.001% in leave-on products and 0.01% in rinse-off products, then they must be labelled.
Look out for the tick on the EU-Allergen free label to know your cosmetic is free from any of the 26 identified cosmetic ingredients.
For more information regarding the EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety, please visit their official website.
Disclaimer
The EU Allergen Free label is for the 26 ingredients identified by the EU SCCS and products will be only flagged if a suspected ingredient is on it's ingredient list. It is possible for cosmetics to contain one of the suspect ingredients without it appearing on the ingredient list due to it not reaching the concentration threshold to disclose it and cosmetic manufacturers choice to not disclose it.
Also note, the EU Allergen Free label is not personalized for your own allergies you may have and it does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Understanding Fungal Acne (Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia Folliculitis)
Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia folliculitis or simply known as Fungal Acne is a persistent acne-like condition that commonly responds poorly to traditional acne-treating methods. Unlike most cases of Acne where bacteria is the culprit, Fungi is the culprit of Fungal Acne (Hence the name!). There are certain classes & groups of ingredients that have been shown to promote and feed the growth of the Fungal Acne, Fungi such as fatty acids, oils, esters, polysorbates and fermented ingredients.
For more information regarding Fungal Acne, please visit Simple Skincare Science (f.c) - #3 of our Recommend Skincare Resources for an amazing comprehensive guide!
Please Read: How to use the Fungal Acne (Malassezia) Label
At SkinCarisma, we've done our best to identify as many ingredients as possible but note the fungal-free label may not be 100% accurate due to the complexconditions and combination of ingredients that malezzeria can thrive on.
Additionally, products that may contain ingredients that have shown to feed Malassezia may not neccessarily exacerbate the condition due to concentration of ingredient used in the product, this information is simply not available on the products.
As a result, please note this is only an experimental label that can be best used to possible identify problematic products you have used in the past. It is in no way a perfect identifier nor a predictor in whether or not it will exacerbate or cause fungal acne. It will continue to be worked on as more information and research comes to light.
If you find any ingredients you believe should be included, please email us at snails@skincarisma.com.
Disclaimer
Due to the lack of substantial research into this area it is very likely there are other ingredients and class/groups of ingredients that could feed Fungal Acne which have not been indentified.
The Fungal-Safe label does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
What are Notable Effects & Ingredients?
Ever used a product that promised a certain effect but provided no results? It might not have contained any notable ingredients that could have been responsible for that promised effect. It doesn't matter what the marketing or packaging «promises» it can do, if it doesn't contain anything that can help - then the likelihood of it helping is low.
We help you identify key notable ingredients that have been shown to help with effects such as acne-fighting, brightening, UV-protection, wound healing & anti-aging to help you achieve your skincare goals smarter. Please note that different notable ingredients have varying levels of research behind them, some are extremely well proven yet some have mixed research in their efficacy.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product doesn't contain any notable ingredients doesn't mean it's bad. And a product with notable ingredients (or even many) doesn't necessarily guarantee the efficacy of the product performing these effects either. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine this.
Be smart and use this as just a starting point for you to make more informed and smarter choices and compare it with reviews to see if the product is right for you
Notable Effects & Ingredients
Anti-Aging from 2 ingredient(s):
Brightening from 1 ingredient(s):
Promotes Wound Healing from 2 ingredient(s):
Ache-fighting from 1 ingredient(s):
What are Ingredients Related to Skin Type?
Why are some products great for some people and horrible for others? Well everyone has different skin types and different reactions to the same ingredients.
We've identified a range of ingredients that are commonly regarded as potentially good or bad for those with Dry, Oily/Acne-Prone or Sensitive skin.
Pro Tip Alert!
A product that contains good or bad ingredients for your skin type doesn't always flat out make the entire product good or bad for your skin. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine your skins reaction.
One of the best ways to use this section is to troubleshoot products you've had bad experiences with in the past. Check if it contains any of the marked ingredients to point out suspect ingredients to avoid in the future!
Ingredients Related to Skin Types
Dry Skin
Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
Sensitive Skin
What is the Ingredient Safety Breakdown?
Ingredient Safety Breakdown refers to the percentage % of ingredients in different risk categories as classified by EWG (Environment Working Group) if they are available. There are almost endless cosmetic ingredients and they are one of the few organisations globally that have assigned ratings to a lot of the more commonly used ingredients which is why we reference them.
Pro Tip Alert!
EWG is seen by many to be more on the alarmist side in their assignment of health ratings resulting in rating ingredients as riskier than they actually are. We recommend using this a reference point rather than a strict guide of ingredient safety and to always do further research if into ingredients that you may find suspect.
Ingredient Safety Breakdown
Product ingredient list
| EWG | CIR | Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Triethylhexanoin
Fragrance, Hair Conditioning, Antistatic Agent, Emollient, Masking, Refatting, Skin Conditioning, Solvent
|
|
|
| 3 |
Cyclopentasiloxane
Solvent, Skin Conditioning, Emollient, Hair Conditioning
|
|
|
| 1 |
Cetearyl Alcohol
Emulsion Stabilising, Opacifying, Foam Boosting, Viscosity Increasingagent - Aqueous, Viscosity Increasing Agent, Emollient, Emulsifying, Viscosity Controlling
|
|
|
| 2 |
Cyclohexasiloxane
Solvent, Skin Conditioning, Emollient, Hair Conditioning
|
|
|
| 0 |
Ceteareth-20
Cleansing, Emulsifying
|
|