Vitamin A is the umbrella term for the retinoid family in skincare – retinol, retinaldehyde, retinyl esters and their relatives. It's the most researched group of cosmetic ingredients there is, chosen for the appearance of fine lines, uneven texture and dullness.
Which form you choose matters far more than the percentage on the bottle: esters are gentlest, retinol sits in the middle, and retinaldehyde works faster. If you're new to vitamin A skincare, start low and build slowly – and wear SPF daily. Our full guide to choosing and using it is below. For a gentler alternative, see bakuchiol.
