Tretinoin, a prescription-strength retinoid, is known for its potent effects on fine lines, wrinkles, and skin discoloration. On the other hand, retinol, available over-the-counter, is a gentler alternative that still promotes cell turnover and collagen production. Key Takeaways. AMPERNA® Tretinoin vs Retinol.Tretinoin and Retinol both fall under the Retinoid umbrella which are essentially compounds derived from Vitamin A. Tretinoin is a stronger prescription medication used mainly for severe acne, while retinol is a milder over-the-counter option... Retinol, unlike tretinoin, is an over-the-counter product that is available in many skincare products. As a less potent form of vitamin A, it undergoes conversion in the skin to retinoic acid, the active form that tretinoin already is. Tretinoin is 20 times stronger than retinol because its molecular form is more potent (Mukherjee). Tretinoin is pure retinoic acid and is more fast-acting because where retinol needs to be broken down by your skin cells, tretinoin as a pure acid does not. Both retinol and tretinoin are retinoids but behave differently. Think of it this way -- if retinol is a house cat, then tretinoin is a lion. They’re both technically cats, but one is far more powerful than the other. No—Tretinoin is neither. It’s the active form of vitamin A that Retinol and Retinal must convert into within the skin to become effective. Think of it as the destination, while Retinol and Retinal are stops along the way. Retinol is a popular over-the-counter (OTC) retinoid that's available in most drugstores. It's a mild form of vitamin A that needs to be converted to retinoic acid, the active form of vitamin A, by the skin cells. Retinol is less potent than tretinoin and can be less irritating to the skin, making it a... — Tretinoin - Unlike Retinol, Tretinoin doesn’t have to go through a conversion process to be active. So it gets to work on your skin IMMEDIATELY making it 20 TIMES more potent than retinol! Tretinoin also comes in a variety of different strengths. Tretinoin is generally considered 20x more potent than retinol. Because tretinoin is stronger, it’s only available with a doctor’s prescription. You can buy products containing the milder retinol in over-the-counter medications and many skin or beauty products. Summarizing the Main Differences Between Retinol and TretinoinRetinol is naturally derived from vitamin A, while tretinoin is a synthetic form.Tretinoin is significantly stronger than retinol. What is a Tretinoin Purge?How Long Does a Tretinoin Purge Last?Plant Mother’s Retinol Serum uses a cocktail of plant-derived antioxidants in addition to... 2.Is retinol gentler than tretinoin on the skin?Tretinoin is more concentrated than retinol, which may cause severe side effects such as redness and inflammation. Meanwhile, retinol is a milder vitamin A derivative that is more soothing, hydrating, and causes minimal purging. Add RetinolRetinol, a prescription-grade tretinoin, is a must-have skin care ingredient in your thirties. — Shelby Stewart and India Espy-Jones, Essence, . While prescription-grade retinol (known as tretinoin) may be more effective, this over-the-counter retinol can help fade... What isTretinoin? A313 and Tretinoin: How to choose ?In Summary. When it comes to choosing between "A313 vs Tretinoin," the answer isn't one-size-fits-all. Both products, with their retinol-based formulas, offer great benefits.