What’s the difference between Retinol and Retinoid?
Retinoids are a class of topical medications used for a variety of reasons including anti-aging, acne, discoloration, evening and smoothing of the skin and more. All retinoids behave like or are derived from vitamin A.
Retinol is just a specific type of retinoid. Over-the-counter (OTC) products usually contain retinol, which is a weaker form, while “retinoids” usually refers to stronger, prescription-level drugs.
Typically, in the case for mature skin with moderate to severe skin damage, retinoids are better than retinol. Whereas retinol can cause some degree of skin irritation while you must adjust the amount and frequency of applying over the first two to four weeks, retinoids have the same if not greater power - without the irritation.
Retinoid typically causes light peeling and redness in the first few weeks of use, but it thickens the skin long-term. Any retinoid regimen should be given up to 12 weeks to fully experience more radiant and vibrant skin, by applying an adequate serum or cream every other night.
For many who have tried a retinoid-based serum or cream, retinoid wins, and they will stay with the product.
What is the strongest over the counter retinoid?
Sokörpe Cosmeceuticals has one of the most potent topical OTC retinoid serums on the market. What other skincare companies market as ‘Advanced Retinoid 2%’ is Sokörpe’s Granactive Retinoid 2.5%.
Super ingredient Granactive Retinoid is hydroxypinacolone retinoate (also referred to as HPR – one of the newest forms of Vitamin A), a cosmetic grade ester of all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA).
This skin care active ingredient belongs to a class of chemical compounds termed retinoids, which are natural and synthetic derivatives of vitamin A capable of binding directly to retinoid receptors.
