Discover transformative retinoids and rejuvenating actives starting with R — the gold standard in anti-aging skincare.
The Gold Standard Anti-Aging Ingredient
Vitamin A Derivative
Oil Soluble
Wrinkles, Texture, Acne
Night Serums, Anti-Aging Creams
Highly Researched (Gold Standard)
Synthetic
Retinol is a derivative of vitamin A and the most celebrated anti-aging ingredient in dermatology. Once absorbed into skin, it converts to retinoic acid, which binds to nuclear receptors to regulate gene expression. This powerful mechanism accelerates cell turnover, stimulates collagen production, unclogs pores, fades hyperpigmentation, and refines skin texture. Retinol addresses virtually every sign of aging while improving acne—making it the closest thing skincare has to a "miracle" ingredient.
Reduces fine lines and deep wrinkles
Boosts collagen and elastin production
Fades dark spots and hyperpigmentation
Unclogs pores and treats acne
Refines texture and minimizes pores
Reverses photodamage and sun spots
Retinol is the most extensively researched cosmetic ingredient, with over 700 peer-reviewed studies. Landmark research in New England Journal of Medicine and Archives of Dermatology demonstrates its ability to increase collagen by 80%, reduce wrinkles by 40-60%, and reverse photoaging at the molecular level. The FDA recognizes prescription retinoids (tretinoin) for treating wrinkles—over-the-counter retinol follows similar mechanisms with gentler results.
Retinol is formulated at 0.25-1% in over-the-counter products (prescription tretinoin ranges 0.025-0.1%). It's unstable and degrades with light, air, and water—requiring airless, opaque packaging. Time-release and encapsulated formulations reduce irritation. Retinol must convert to retinaldehyde then retinoic acid in skin, making it gentler but slower-acting than prescription forms. Pair with hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and ceramides to minimize irritation.
Did You Know?
Retinol was the first ingredient FDA-approved to treat wrinkles (as prescription tretinoin in 1995)—establishing its status as the gold standard in anti-aging.
Cosmetic retinol is synthetically produced through controlled chemical synthesis, ensuring pharmaceutical-grade purity and stability. Synthetic production is more sustainable and consistent than extracting from animal sources. It's vegan-friendly (when synthesized), cruelty-free, and biodegradable.
The Most Potent Prescription Retinoid
Prescription Retinoid
Oil Soluble
Severe Aging, Acne
Prescription Creams (Rx Only)
FDA-Approved (Gold Standard)
Synthetic
Retinoic acid (tretinoin) is the active form of vitamin A and the most potent retinoid available. Unlike retinol, it doesn't require conversion—it works immediately by binding directly to retinoic acid receptors (RARs) in skin cells. This triggers rapid cell turnover, collagen stimulation, and melanin regulation at maximum potency. FDA-approved for treating wrinkles and acne, tretinoin delivers dramatically faster results than over-the-counter retinoids but requires medical supervision due to increased irritation potential.
Dramatically reduces wrinkles and fine lines
Maximum collagen stimulation
Treats severe acne and cystic breakouts
Reverses photodamage and sun spots
Fades hyperpigmentation rapidly
Works faster than OTC retinoids
Tretinoin is the only topical treatment FDA-approved for treating wrinkles (since 1995). Groundbreaking studies by Dr. Albert Kligman demonstrated its ability to reverse photoaging at the cellular level. Clinical trials show 0.025-0.1% tretinoin reduces fine wrinkles by 50-80% and increases collagen synthesis by 80% within 6-12 months.
Tretinoin is available by prescription only at 0.025%, 0.05%, and 0.1% concentrations in cream, gel, and micro-gel formulations. Micro-encapsulated versions (like Retin-A Micro) reduce irritation. It's photosensitive and must be used at night. Often combined with other Rx ingredients like niacinamide, hydroquinone, or azelaic acid for enhanced results.
Did You Know?
Tretinoin was originally developed to treat acne in the 1960s—its anti-aging benefits were discovered serendipitously when patients noticed dramatic skin improvement.
Tretinoin is pharmaceutically synthesized through controlled chemical processes, ensuring pharmaceutical-grade purity. Synthetic production is sustainable and provides consistent therapeutic efficacy. It's vegan-friendly, cruelty-free, and biodegradable.
The Gentle-Yet-Powerful Retinoid
Vitamin A Derivative
Oil Soluble
Sensitive, Aging Skin
Premium Anti-Aging Serums
Clinically Proven
Synthetic
Retinaldehyde (retinal) is the direct precursor to retinoic acid, requiring only one enzymatic conversion step compared to retinol's two. This makes it approximately 10x more potent than retinol while remaining gentler than prescription tretinoin. It stimulates collagen, accelerates cell turnover, and offers antimicrobial benefits—making it effective for both anti-aging and acne. Its balanced efficacy-to-irritation ratio makes it ideal for retinoid-sensitive individuals seeking powerful results.
More effective than retinol, gentler than tretinoin
Reduces wrinkles and fine lines
Antimicrobial properties for acne
Boosts collagen production
Less irritation than other retinoids
Faster results than retinol
Research in Dermatology shows retinaldehyde at 0.05-0.1% produces anti-aging effects comparable to 0.05% tretinoin with significantly less irritation. Studies demonstrate it's 11x more effective than retinol at stimulating retinoic acid receptor activity. Its antimicrobial properties against C. acnes bacteria make it uniquely effective for adult acne.
The Red Wine Antioxidant
Polyphenol Antioxidant
Oil Soluble
Environmental Damage, Aging
Antioxidant Serums, Night Creams
Evidence-Based
Grapes, Japanese Knotweed
Resveratrol is a potent polyphenol antioxidant found in red wine, grapes, and berries. It protects skin by neutralizing free radicals from UV exposure, pollution, and oxidative stress while activating longevity genes (sirtuins) that slow cellular aging. Resveratrol also provides anti-inflammatory benefits, brightens skin tone, and supports collagen integrity—making it a powerful anti-aging and protective ingredient.
Powerful antioxidant protection
Activates longevity genes
Protects against UV and pollution
Reduces inflammation and redness
Brightens and evens skin tone
Supports collagen health
Studies show resveratrol activates SIRT1 (sirtuin 1), a longevity gene linked to cellular repair and lifespan extension. Research in Archives of Dermatological Research demonstrates it reduces UV-induced DNA damage by 40% and protects collagen from degradation. Its antioxidant capacity is 17x greater than idebenone.
Nature's Regenerative Oil
Botanical Oil
Oil Soluble
Scars, Dryness, Aging
Face Oils, Repair Serums
Traditional Use + Clinical
Rosa Canina Seeds
Rosehip oil is extracted from the seeds of wild rose bushes (Rosa canina) and contains high levels of essential fatty acids (linoleic and linolenic acid), vitamins A and C, and antioxidants. It deeply nourishes, regenerates damaged skin, and visibly reduces scars, hyperpigmentation, and fine lines. Its lightweight texture absorbs quickly without clogging pores, making it suitable even for acne-prone skin seeking hydration and repair.
Fades scars and stretch marks
Rich in vitamins A & C
Deeply hydrates without clogging pores
Reduces hyperpigmentation
Antioxidant protection
Supports skin regeneration
Clinical studies show rosehip oil significantly improves post-surgical scars, reduces hyperpigmentation, and enhances skin moisture. Research demonstrates its essential fatty acid content (77% polyunsaturated) supports barrier repair and reduces transepidermal water loss. Its natural vitamin A (trans-retinoic acid) provides gentle retinoid-like benefits.