The new retinol cream is next to the sink. You will find a percentage on the package, a weekly plan online – and several products on the shelf that are also supposed to make a difference. The first sensible step therefore happens before application: read the application of your specific cream and ensure a clear evening.

This is about this introduction. Our comparison of active ingredients explains what differentiates retinol and retinal from each other. To use it, you need above all a clear idea of ​​which product you are using and how your skin reacts to it.

Before the tube is opened

Start in a phase in which your previous care is working comfortably. Significant redness, inflamed areas or skin that reacts burningly to simple care are not a good starting point for a new retinol trial. Let such complaints be addressed first.

Do not use retinoid care including retinol during pregnancy. If you want to have children or are breastfeeding, clarify your specific care with a doctor before starting. If you are already using prescribed skin medications, additional active ingredient products should also be included in this discussion.

Provide the exact product name and instructions for use. A retinol oil, a cream and a retinal serum do not automatically get the same space or the same amount. Even a smaller percentage is not in itself a promise of compatibility.

A concrete example: COSRX The Retinol 0.1 Cream

According to the manufacturer, the COSRX The Retinol 0.1 Cream contains 0.1 percent retinol. COSRX describes a small amount in the evening to get used to it, initially on selected areas and in the cream step after cleansing.

The manufacturer also states that the application is initially limited and emphasizes that the acclimatization phase can be extended depending on the individual. A more frequent or larger application is therefore not mandatory after a certain week.

Follow the instructions in your current package. If the instructions are unclear, ask before you start instead of combining information about different variants to create your own plan. For example, instructions for the 0.5 Oil are not included in the 0.1 Cream.

How to prepare for a calm retinol evening

Complete the cleansing

Remove make-up and sunscreen with your usual, well-tolerated cleanser. Gently pat the skin. Skip heavy rubbing and an additional exfoliation step that evening; you just want to get to know the new product first.

A toner or serum is not a requirement for using retinol. If you use a moisturizing step that is already well tolerated and the product instructions specify it, it can stay. You don’t need to buy anything new.

Apply the retinol care in a targeted manner

Use the small amount and area intended for your product. Do not apply retinol to injured or already irritated skin and keep it away from eyes and mucous membranes. More product in one place does not make the first attempt a better start.

Do not stir the retinol care into a cream jar in advance. This would make the quantity and distribution difficult to understand. Store the product according to the instructions on the package and note the date when opening if a limited use time is specified.

Appropriately complement moisturizing care

A well-tolerated moisturizing care can accompany you when you get started. As an example, the COSRX The Ceramide Skin Barrier Moisturizer contains, among other things, glycerin, squalane, cholesterol and ceramides. It is a separate cream without retinol in the published ingredients list.

If you’re new to it too, introduce moisturizer alone first. Only then can a new retinol cream be meaningfully assessed. You don’t have to start the two products together or mix them together.

Care breaks are part of the observation

A simple calendar entry is enough: product, area of ​​application and skin feeling the next day. This way you can see more easily whether the same application remains pleasant or whether dryness is building up. The frequency should arise from this and from the product instructions.

A missed application will not be made up with twice the amount. The rest of the evenings, use your usual moisturizer. Our overview of the morning and evening routine will help you keep the rest small.

Persistent burning, severe redness or painful scaling are reasons to take a break. They don’t prove to have a particularly good effect. If symptoms are clear or persistent, have the skin assessed dermatologically.

What to keep out of the experiment for now

Don’t start with a strong peel, another retinoid and a new vitamin C treatment at the same time. Even if certain combinations are fundamentally possible, this will make your first attempt harder to judge.

An already familiar product, on the other hand, does not have to be sorted out just because of its ingredient name. Our article on niacinamide and retinol shows how a combination can be specifically tested.

During the day, consistent sun protection is essential: appropriate sunscreen on uncovered skin, supplemented by shade and protective clothing. If your current routine doesn’t have a reliable place for this, set it up first.

Using Retinal correctly: seven frequently asked questions

Many questions about getting started also arise with Retinal. So that you don’t have to jump between several almost identical instructions, you can find them together here. The comparison of active ingredients remains in the separate article about retinol and retinal.

1. Is Retinal automatically better for getting started?

No. The complete formulation and your skin reaction are crucial. The Celimax The Vita-A Retinal Shot Tightening Booster contains Retinal as well as Hydrolyzed Sponge. We therefore do not generally recommend it as a particularly mild treatment for sensitive skin.

2. How often do I use a retinal product?

Follow the instructions for your specific pack and start cautiously. Celimax describes a limited start in the evening and an adjustment in case of irritation. More frequent use is not a goal that you have to achieve according to a fixed weekly schedule.

3. How much retinal should be on the skin?

The product instructions take precedence. Not every product is intended for the same quantity or the same area. Celimax gives a small initial amount for selected areas. A general “pea size for the whole face” cannot be derived from this for all retinal products. Avoid eyes, mucous membranes and irritated areas.

4. What goes with a retinal evening?

Keep the introduction clear: your familiar cleanser, the retinal product according to the instructions and a moisturizer that is already well tolerated. Do not start another peel or a second retinoid at the same time. A cream containing Centella is not automatically retinoid-free; check the ingredients list there too.

5. Does retinal have to tingle for it to work?

No. A noticeable stimulus is not proof of effectiveness. If there is burning, significant redness or flaking, stop using the new product. Severe, recurring or persistent symptoms should be clarified dermatologically. If you have swelling or blisters, don’t just test it again on your own.

6. When will I see results?

This cannot be predicted for your skin and any product. Studies on a specific formulation do not set a general deadline. Changes in lighting, humidity and make-up can further influence the impression. Stick to a tolerable use; More quantity or more frequent application does not ensure a better result.

7. What applies to sun protection and special phases of life?

During the day, sun protection and conscious use of the sun are essential. Do not use retinoid care during pregnancy. If you want to have children, are breastfeeding or are undergoing medical skin treatment, please clarify the specific product with your caring professional beforehand. Thu helps via Ask Thu with cosmetic product questions; medical decisions remain in practice.

Celimax: Instructions and ingredients of the Retinal Shot Tightening Booster . Product information checked on September 17, 2026; note the current packaging.

What we know for sure

• Retinol can be irritating; a slow introduction and moisturizing are useful.
• The COSRX 0.1 Cream has its own manufacturer’s instructions. This does not mean there is a one-size-fits-all plan for all retinol products.
• Frequency and application area are not increased based on the calendar alone.
• Retinoids are not used during pregnancy; Special phases of life and prescribed treatments should be discussed by a doctor.

Sources

• COSRX: The Retinol 0.1 Cream – Application and formulation
• American Academy of Dermatology: Retinoids and Retinol
• American Academy of Dermatology: Skin care during pregnancy

Do not start retinol and retinal in parallel

Both belong to the retinoid family. Two new retinoid products in the same week make the response more difficult to assess. If you are interested in retinal, the article How to use retinal correctly shows you your own evening routine.

If retinol continues to irritate despite careful use, you do not need to continue using it. If you don’t tolerate retinol, we sort alternatives according to your care goals. For your specific cosmetic product combination you can ask Thu .