---
title: "Retinol — Glossary | School of Dermatology"
url: https://schoolofdermatology.com/glossary/retinol
description: "Learn about retinol, the over-the-counter vitamin A derivative, how it compares to prescription retinoids, and how to incorporate it into your routine."
lang: en
---

Glossary

# Retinol

RET-in-all

## Definition

Retinol is the most popular and widely available over-the-counter form of vitamin A (retinoid) used in skincare. It is a gentler alternative to prescription tretinoin because it must undergo two conversion steps in the skin before becoming active retinoic acid: retinol converts to retinaldehyde, which then converts to retinoic acid. This multi-step process makes retinol less potent but also better tolerated than prescription retinoids. Retinol offers many of the same benefits — increased cell turnover, collagen stimulation, improved texture, reduced fine lines, and faded hyperpigmentation — though results typically take longer to appear (8-12 weeks versus 4-6 weeks for tretinoin). Effective concentrations range from 0.025% to 1%. Retinol is unstable when exposed to air and light, so look for products in opaque, airless packaging. Best applied at night, with sunscreen used during the day. Start with a low concentration 2-3 times per week and gradually increase.

## Related Terms

Retinoid: https://schoolofdermatology.com/glossary/retinoid
Tretinoin: https://schoolofdermatology.com/glossary/tretinoin
Collagen: https://schoolofdermatology.com/glossary/collagen
Hyperpigmentation: https://schoolofdermatology.com/glossary/hyperpigmentation

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