SKIN SHOP
The most proven anti-ageing ingredient there is, at the strength your skin can actually tolerate.
BROWSE RETINOL & RETINAL
Vitamin A is the most researched anti-ageing ingredient in skincare. It speeds up cell turnover, supports collagen and, used consistently, softens lines, smooths texture and helps clear congestion. The trick isn't finding the strongest one. It's finding the strength your skin will tolerate every few nights, for months.
Retinol or retinal?
Both are vitamin A, and both have to convert in the skin before they work. Retinal is one step further along that path, so it acts faster than retinol at the same strength. Retinol is the classic form and suits anyone who prefers to build slowly. Neither is better; they're different starting points.
Starting, and building up
Start low. Use it two or three nights a week, on dry skin, after cleansing. Some dryness or flaking in the first few weeks is normal. Once your skin is comfortable, usually after a full tube, you can step up a strength. Most people never need the top of the ladder.
Daily SPF isn't optional with vitamin A, and a good moisturiser makes the first few weeks much easier.
If your skin is sensitive
Start at the lowest strength, or use a gentler alternative such as Medik8 Bakuchiol Peptides, which suits reactive skin and is a common choice for anyone who can't tolerate vitamin A.
Who shouldn't use it
Don't use retinol or retinal in pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Stop for about a week after peels, microneedling or laser, and before waxing the area.
Want something stronger?
Prescription retinoids such as tretinoin are stronger again, and need a prescriber. They're not sold on this page. If you'd like to be considered, start an online skin assessment and one of our GMC or NMC-registered prescribing practitioners will review it.
What we stock
Vitamin A from Medik8 and Obagi, including Medik8 Crystal Retinal in its progressive strengths, Crystal Retinal Ceramide Eye, Medik8 Bakuchiol Peptides, and Obagi Retinol 0.5 and 1.0.
All genuine, UK-sourced product from authorised distributors. Never grey market. Never unverified.
Not sure where to start?
Use the finder above, or build your full routine in two minutes.
RETINOL & RETINAL FAQs
What's the difference between retinol and retinal?
Both are vitamin A. Retinal is one conversion step closer to the form your skin uses, so it acts faster than retinol at a comparable strength. Retinol is the classic form and is often the gentler introduction.
Which strength should I start with?
The lowest. With Medik8 Crystal Retinal, that's Crystal Retinal 1 or 3. Step up only once your skin is comfortable, usually after finishing a tube.
How often should I use it?
Two or three nights a week to begin with, building towards nightly if your skin is happy. Consistency matters more than strength.
Is peeling normal?
Mild dryness or flaking in the first two to six weeks is common as skin adjusts. Persistent stinging, burning or raw patches are not. Cut back to fewer nights, and get in touch if it doesn't settle.
Can I use vitamin A in pregnancy?
No. Retinol, retinal and prescription retinoids should all be avoided in pregnancy and while breastfeeding. Bakuchiol is a common alternative.
Can I use it with vitamin C or acids?
Yes, at different times: vitamin C in the morning, vitamin A at night. Keep strong acids to nights you're not using vitamin A, at least at first.
How much is delivery?
Standard UK delivery is £4.99, or free on orders over £99. Express delivery is £9.99.