PRO Retinaldehyde Treatment

The ideal client for this treatment is someone in their late 20s through early 60s who is seeing fine lines, wrinkles, loss of firmness, enlarged or clogged pores, rough or bumpy texture, excess oily, and/or post-blemish marks and is even suitable for those with blemish-prone skin.

The main differences between Paula’s Choice retinoid products are their texture, key ingredients and targeted concerns. The CLINICAL Pro Retinaldehyde Treatment is a fast-absorbing light lotion that is formulated with retinaldehyde (retinal) to address multiple signs of ageing, as well as rough, bumpy texture and blemish/pore-related concerns. It is considered a professional strength, yet gentle, option. If you have had increased sensitisation from using the CLINICAL 1% Retinol Treatment in the past, you may want to consider trying the CLINICAL PRO Retinaldehyde Treatment to see how your skin responds to this formula.

Yes, our innovative retinoid formula utilises calcium microparticles (hydroxyapatite), which act as a protective shell for the retinaldehyde, preventing degradation from light and air. This controlled release mechanism maintains stable retinaldehyde levels in the skin, limiting irritation and optimising benefits.

The bright yellow colour comes from retinal (vitamin A) in its purest form. This golden hue reflects the high concentration of retinaldehyde in the formula. It also helps guide precise application, especially around delicate areas such as the eyes.

You may notice a slight yellow tint on your skin upon application—this is completely normal and fades quickly as the product absorbs. It won’t stain your skin or fabrics.

To avoid any potential transfer—especially to light-coloured bedding—apply earlier in the evening and allow the product to fully absorb before your skin touches fabric. These simple steps help ensure you get the full benefits of the treatment without leaving a trace.

For those with concerns like lines, wrinkles, rough texture, blemishes and pore congestion, the CLINICAL PRO Retinaldehyde Treatment is an effective choice, although it may not be the best option for retinoid beginners. Given its potency, start with once or twice-weekly application, gradually increasing frequency to avoid irritation. Consider a patch test beforehand to gauge skin sensitivity.

Yes, however, before doing so, consult your healthcare provider and follow their advice. They may advise you to apply your prescription product at a separate time of day from this treatment until you see how your skin responds to the retinoid blend our formula contains. If you find this combination causes undesirable side effects, discontinue use and inform your healthcare provider..

Yes, this formula may be suitable for sensitive skin . While retinaldehyde is considered a high-strength retinoid, it is generally tolerated well. In addition, we’ve added soothing ingredients like pomegranate peel extract, jojoba seed oil and mushroom extract to help minimise potential discomfort and/or irritation. Always remember to begin slowly, limiting initial use to once or twice weekly, then gradually increasing frequency. Patch test for very sensitive skin. Be cautious of overuse, which can lead to dryness, sensitivity and breakouts. You can also opt for a lower strength retinoid and consistent moisturising to mitigate these effects.

Even though the systemic absorption of topically applied over-the-counter retinoids is low, we recommend that you avoid prescription retinoids (Renova™, Retin-A™, Differin™, Tazorac™ and generic tretinoin) and over-the-counter products with retinol and its derivatives due to their relation to prescription retinoids. Consider switching to an anti-ageing product that does not contain retinol or its derivatives (retinyl retinoate, retinaldehyde, retinyl linoleate, retinyl propionate or hydroxypinacolone retinoate). For additional ingredient questions during pregnancy, be sure to consult with your doctor and follow their recommendations and read our Expert Advice Article to learn more about skin care products that are safe to use during pregnancy.

While the CLINICAL PRO Retinaldehyde Treatment is designed for mid-to-late 20s and beyond, it can benefit teens with blemishes or uneven skin. However, it's important to introduce the product slowly (2-3x per week), monitor skin’s response and use sunscreen daily. Other effective options for teens include our 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant, 10% Azelaic Acid Booster and our CLEAR line for acne.

Yes, you can layer this retinoid with your favourite eye cream. Apply it around the orbital bone, avoiding the eyelid. Be careful not to apply too close to the lash line. You can also use it to treat mouthlines but avoid direct contact with the lips. Those with retinoid sensitivity should adjust usage.

Yes, you can use the CLINICAL Pro Retinaldehyde Treatment with a nighttime moisturiser. Using a moisturiser or the Moisture Renewal Oil Booster can help minimise potential irritation and dryness caused by retinoids. Applying a moisturiser after the retinoid treatment can help to replenish moisture and maintain skin hydration, which is particularly important when using retinoids, as they can sometimes cause dryness and irritation. You can apply your retinoid treatment first then apply your nighttime moisturiser.

While you can use retinoids with other ingredients and skin care products, we recommend avoiding simultaneous use with the CLEAR Daily Skin-Clearing Treatments, containing benzoyl peroxide, as this ingredient can diminish the retinaldehyde's efficacy. Outside of this recommendation, you can use this retinaldehyde treatment with other skin care ingredients such as AHA, BHA, vitamin C, niacinamide and more. Be sure to consult your prescribing physician or health care provider if you’re currently using a prescription topical or oral retinoid product.

You can use the CLINICAL Pro Retinaldehyde Treatment daily, but we recommend avoiding simultaneous use with the CLEAR Daily Skin-Clearing Treatments, containing benzoyl peroxide, as this ingredient can diminish the retinaldehyde's efficacy. We recommend using one formula during your AM routine and the other formula during your PM routine. Layering the CLINICAL Pro Retinaldehyde Treatment over CLEAR BHA exfoliants is fine. At night, you can apply CLEAR Oil-Free Moisturizer as the last step in your routine, and during the day, finish with CLEAR SPF 15.

Our CLINICAL Pro Retinaldehyde Treatment contains retinaldehyde, the closest ingredient to prescription-strength retinoic acid obtainable without a prescription. Unlike most prescription retinoids, our treatment includes carefully selected supporting ingredients such as pomegranate peel extract, jojoba seed oil and mushroom extract that help soothe, moisturise and gently address multiple signs of ageing while also helping to reduce signs of blemishes.

While Paula's Choice products are fragrance-free, each product can have a unique scent due to its ingredients. The scent of the CLINICAL PRO Retinaldehyde Treatment that some may notice is from the combination of ingredients it contains. It dissipates quickly after application. The perception of smell can vary greatly between individuals, so what one person notices, another may not notice at all. Many customers find that they quickly get used to the unique scents of Paula's Choice products and that the benefits outweigh any potential drawbacks. Learn more about fragrance-free skin care.

Since retinoids are a potent class of skin care ingredients, there are certain circumstances where one should avoid using these ingredients in their skin care routine. They include: 1) If you are pregnant or breastfeeding and your healthcare provider recommends against using these ingredients. 2) If you have certain medical skin conditions and your healthcare provider recommends against using these ingredients. 3) If your skin has become sunburned and/or if you have any open wounds or cuts. 4)Prior to cosmetic corrective procedures involving lights or lasers, as well as for a certain period prior to and after high-strength acid peels (consult your practitioner).

When you see the term “dermatologist tested” in relation to Paula’s Choice products, it signifies that one or more board-certified dermatologists have been involved in clinical testing. This added scrutiny provides an extra level of reassurance, particularly for those with sensitive skin. Paula’s Choice products undergo a rigorous testing process that includes both Repeat Insult Patch Test (RIPT) and Safety-In-Use (SIU). These tests ensure our products are compatible with your skin under real-world conditions. This is a non-negotiable part of our commitment to safety and quality. It is important to remember that “dermatologist tested” is a reassurance, not a guarantee. Skin responses can be as unique as the individuals themselves. For products packed with bioactive ingredients like high concentrations of vitamin C, retinol or retinoids, we always recommend starting slow, especially if you have sensitive skin.