# Comparative Evaluation of Topical Stabilized Retinaldehyde 0.1% vs. 0.05% on Skin Biophysical and Biomechanical Parameters

**Authors:** Anna Deda, Wiktoria Odrzywołek, Agata Lebiedowska, Anna Banyś, Małgorzata Bożek, Dagmara Kuca, Nina Wiśniewska, Dominika Wcisło‐Dziadecka, Sławomir Wilczyński

PMC · DOI: 10.1111/srt.70326 · Skin Research and Technology · 2026-02-23

## TL;DR

This study compares the effects of two concentrations of stabilized retinaldehyde on skin health, finding that the higher concentration improves skin texture and elasticity over 24 weeks.

## Contribution

The study provides empirical evidence on the efficacy of different stabilized retinaldehyde concentrations for skin rejuvenation.

## Key findings

- Higher concentration (0.1%) of RAL significantly improved dermal density and skin elasticity.
- RAL treatments reduced wrinkle parameters as measured by 3D imaging.
- Both concentrations were well-tolerated with minimal adverse effects.

## Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the biophysical and biomechanical effects of topical stabilized retinaldehyde (RAL) treatments on skin, using different concentrations of retinal (0.05% and 0.1%).

Employing a split‐face design and noninvasive methods such as high‐frequency ultrasonography, the Antera 3D camera, and the Cutometer, the effectiveness of these preparations was assessed among 56 women aged 30–58 years.

The application of topical stabilized RAL resulted in statistically significant improvements in skin parameters. High‐frequency ultrasonography revealed increased dermal density across all facial regions after 24 weeks, while Cutometer measurements showed enhanced skin elasticity and viscoelasticity. Antera 3D imaging demonstrated significant reductions in wrinkle parameters, particularly with the higher concentration (0.1%) of RAL. The treatments were generally well‐tolerated, with minimal adverse effects reported, highlighting their suitability for sensitive skin.

Results indicated significant improvements in skin texture and firmness, particularly with the higher 0.1% concentration of RAL over 24‐week period, making it a promising option for long‐term skin rejuvenation therapy.

## Linked entities

- **Chemicals:** retinaldehyde (PubChem CID 638015), retinal (PubChem CID 638015)

## Full-text entities

- **Genes:** RARA (retinoic acid receptor alpha) [NCBI Gene 5914] {aka NR1B1, RAR, RARalpha}, RXRA (retinoid X receptor alpha) [NCBI Gene 6256] {aka NR2B1, RXR-alpha, RXRalpha}, JUNB (JunB proto-oncogene, AP-1 transcription factor subunit) [NCBI Gene 3726] {aka AP-1}
- **Diseases:** Skin infections (MESH:D007239), cancer (MESH:D009369), actinic keratosis (MESH:D055623), erosions (MESH:D014077), dry skin (MESH:D015352), ptosis (MESH:C564553), hyperkeratosis (MESH:D017488), metastases of melanoma (MESH:D009362), seborrhea (MESH:D012628), Fitzpatrick skin types II and III (MESH:D012871), hyperpigmentation (MESH:D017495), acne (MESH:D000152), erythema (MESH:D004890), atopic dermatitis (MESH:D003876)
- **Chemicals:** Behenyl Alcohol (MESH:C529236), Aspartic Acid (MESH:D001224), Decyl Glucoside (MESH:C504907), Pentylene Glycol (MESH:C452500), Histidine (MESH:D006639), Cyclodextrin (MESH:D003505), Isoleucine (MESH:D007532), Cetyl Alcohol (MESH:C005031), Squalane (MESH:C019556), Phenylalanine (MESH:D010649), Serine (MESH:D012694), Tocopherol (MESH:D024505), Arginine (MESH:D001120), Oil (MESH:D009821), Alanine (MESH:D000409), Propanediol (MESH:D011409), Phosphatidylcholine (MESH:D010713), Asiaticoside (MESH:C004446), Coco Caprylate/Caprate (-), Proline (MESH:D011392), Butylene Glycol (MESH:C028491), RA (MESH:D014212), Glycosaminoglycans (MESH:D006025), Sodium (MESH:D012964), Glycerin (MESH:D005990), Asiatic Acid (MESH:C017032), Lysine (MESH:D008239), Cetearyl Alcohol (MESH:C419308), RAL (MESH:D012172), Madecassic Acid (MESH:C001669), Glutamic Acid (MESH:D018698), Glyceryl Stearate (MESH:C048159), Glycine (MESH:D005998), beta-ionone (MESH:C008157), Threonine (MESH:D013912), Sodium Hyaluronate (MESH:D006820), Leucine (MESH:D007930), Tripelargonin (MESH:C031461), Tyrosine (MESH:D014443), Aqua (MESH:D014867), Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride (MESH:C000709826), Niacinamide (MESH:D009536), Valine (MESH:D014633), Tranexamic Acid (MESH:D014148), Mannitol (MESH:D008353), lipid (MESH:D008055), Retinoids (MESH:D012176), piroxicam (MESH:D010894), Tocopheryl Acetate (MESH:D024502), retinol (MESH:D014801), melanin (MESH:D008543)
- **Species:** Imperata cylindrica (species) [taxon 80369], Rubus chamaemorus (species) [taxon 57936], Vitellaria paradoxa (karite-nu, species) [taxon 292385], Lonicera japonica (Japanese honeysuckle, species) [taxon 105884], Saccharomyces cerevisiae (baker's yeast, species) [taxon 4932], Lactobacillus (genus) [taxon 1578], Homo sapiens (human, species) [taxon 9606], Glycine max (soybean, species) [taxon 3847], Lonicera caprifolium (species) [taxon 439141], Prunus dulcis (almond, species) [taxon 3755], Macadamia ternifolia (species) [taxon 4330], Viscum (genus) [taxon 3971]

## Full text

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## Figures

16 figures with captions in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12928007/full.md

## References

22 references — full list in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12928007/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12928007