
A nightly serum built around encapsulated retinal — the form of vitamin A that sits one single conversion away from what your skin actually uses.
Why retinal and not retinol
Your skin can't use retinol as it comes. It has to convert it twice: retinol → retinal → retinoic acid. Potency is lost at every step, which is why retinol asks for months of patience before anything shows.
Retinal skips the first conversion. One step instead of two — the same destination, reached far sooner, without pushing a high percentage to get there.
What that means for your skin
Visible change in weeks rather than months, and no sandpaper phase. Encapsulation releases the retinal slowly across the night, so your barrier keeps pace instead of playing catch-up.
The bottle
150 ml in an airless opaque pump. Retinal breaks down on contact with light and air — in a clear dropper bottle, half of what you paid for would be dead before you reached the bottom.
Lightweight and non-greasy. Layers under moisturiser without pilling. Fragrance-free. The pale gold colour is the retinal itself, not dye — a clear "retinal" serum should raise questions.
Not for you if you're pregnant, breastfeeding, or already using prescription tretinoin.
Every evening, from night one.
1. Cleanse and dry completely — damp skin drives retinal in faster than your barrier can handle.
2. One pump, pressed into cheeks, forehead and chin. Avoid eyelids.
3. Moisturiser on top. Always.
4. SPF every morning. Not optional.
No adjustment period. Low-dose encapsulated retinal releases slowly enough that your skin takes it nightly from the start — and nightly is what gets results. Consistency beats intensity with retinal, every time.
If your skin ever feels tight, skip a night and moisturise. Keep acids and vitamin C for the mornings.
Not for use during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or alongside prescription tretinoin.
What's doing the work:
Encapsulated retinal — one conversion from the active form of vitamin A. Smooths fine lines, evens tone, refines texture. The encapsulation releases it slowly overnight, which is why it works without the sting.
Niacinamide — the counterweight. Strengthens the barrier while the retinal pushes it, fades post-breakout marks, calms redness.
Ceramides + cholesterol — the mortar between your skin cells. Replaces what retinoids typically strip, so you get renewal without dryness.
Centella asiatica (cica) — the calming agent. Soothes reactive skin and takes the edge off the adjustment period.
Panthenol + hyaluronic acid — hydration that lasts through the night, so you wake up soft rather than tight.
What you'll notice
Smoother texture, fewer visible fine lines, more even tone, less visible pores, brighter skin. Most people see the first change in texture around week three, and tone around week six.
What's not in it
No fragrance. No essential oils. No drying alcohols. No parabens.
Processing
Orders are processed within 24–48 hours, Monday to Saturday.
Worldwide Delivery
Estimated delivery time: 4-7 business days.
Tracking
A tracking link will be emailed as soon as your order has been shipped.
Support
Need help with your order? Our customer care team is here to help at support@vitaliaina.com.
Collapsible content
What it is
What it is
A nightly serum built around encapsulated retinal — the form of vitamin A that sits one single conversion away from what your skin actually uses.
Why retinal and not retinol
Your skin can't use retinol as it comes. It has to convert it twice: retinol → retinal → retinoic acid. Potency is lost at every step, which is why retinol asks for months of patience before anything shows.
Retinal skips the first conversion. One step instead of two — the same destination, reached far sooner, without pushing a high percentage to get there.
What that means for your skin
Visible change in weeks rather than months, and no sandpaper phase. Encapsulation releases the retinal slowly across the night, so your barrier keeps pace instead of playing catch-up.
The bottle
150 ml in an airless opaque pump. Retinal breaks down on contact with light and air — in a clear dropper bottle, half of what you paid for would be dead before you reached the bottom.
Lightweight and non-greasy. Layers under moisturiser without pilling. Fragrance-free. The pale gold colour is the retinal itself, not dye — a clear "retinal" serum should raise questions.
Not for you if you're pregnant, breastfeeding, or already using prescription tretinoin.
How To Use
How To Use
Every evening, from night one.
1. Cleanse and dry completely — damp skin drives retinal in faster than your barrier can handle.
2. One pump, pressed into cheeks, forehead and chin. Avoid eyelids.
3. Moisturiser on top. Always.
4. SPF every morning. Not optional.
No adjustment period. Low-dose encapsulated retinal releases slowly enough that your skin takes it nightly from the start — and nightly is what gets results. Consistency beats intensity with retinal, every time.
If your skin ever feels tight, skip a night and moisturise. Keep acids and vitamin C for the mornings.
Not for use during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or alongside prescription tretinoin.
Key Ingredients & Skin Benefits
Key Ingredients & Skin Benefits
What's doing the work:
Encapsulated retinal — one conversion from the active form of vitamin A. Smooths fine lines, evens tone, refines texture. The encapsulation releases it slowly overnight, which is why it works without the sting.
Niacinamide — the counterweight. Strengthens the barrier while the retinal pushes it, fades post-breakout marks, calms redness.
Ceramides + cholesterol — the mortar between your skin cells. Replaces what retinoids typically strip, so you get renewal without dryness.
Centella asiatica (cica) — the calming agent. Soothes reactive skin and takes the edge off the adjustment period.
Panthenol + hyaluronic acid — hydration that lasts through the night, so you wake up soft rather than tight.
What you'll notice
Smoother texture, fewer visible fine lines, more even tone, less visible pores, brighter skin. Most people see the first change in texture around week three, and tone around week six.
What's not in it
No fragrance. No essential oils. No drying alcohols. No parabens.
Shipping & Delivery
Shipping & Delivery
Processing
Orders are processed within 24–48 hours, Monday to Saturday.
Worldwide Delivery
Estimated delivery time: 4-7 business days.
Tracking
A tracking link will be emailed as soon as your order has been shipped.
Support
Need help with your order? Our customer care team is here to help at support@vitaliaina.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is retinal?
What exactly is retinal?
Retinal (retinaldehyde) is a form of vitamin A — the same family as retinol, just one step further along. Your skin converts whatever vitamin A you apply into retinoic acid, the active form it can actually use. Retinol needs two conversions to get there; retinal needs only one. That single-step advantage is why it can work sooner, at a gentler strength.
Is retinal harsher than retinol?
Is retinal harsher than retinol?
No — and that surprises people. Because it's closer to the active form, it's effective at lower concentrations, so you get the benefit without pushing your skin as hard. Our formula pairs it with Centella Asiatica and niacinamide to keep skin calm and comfortable.
Will it work for sensitive skin?
Will it work for sensitive skin?
Most sensitive skin types get on well with it, thanks to the low-and-slow approach and the soothing Centella and niacinamide base. If your skin is very reactive, start every other evening for the first week, then build up to nightly. Always patch-test first.
Can I really use it on stretch marks?
Can I really use it on stretch marks?
Yes — that's what it's made for. It supports your skin's natural renewal to soften the look of marks and refine uneven texture over time. Newer, pinker or reddish marks tend to respond best; older silvery ones improve more gradually.
Will it work on old stretch marks?
Will it work on old stretch marks?
Retinal works on new and old marks. But for old marks, consistent use helps improve the texture and tone of the surrounding skin. If your marks are mainly white and years old, it's more important to use the serum consistently and for long enough to see results.
How long before I see results?
How long before I see results?
Skin renews on roughly a four-week cycle, so most people notice smoother, more even-looking skin from around week four to six, with continued improvement the longer you use it. Consistency beats intensity — nightly use is what makes the difference.
When should I use it in my routine?
When should I use it in my routine?
In the evening, on clean, dry skin, before your moisturiser. Vitamin A is best used at night, and always follow with SPF the next morning — retinal makes skin more sun-sensitive.
Can I use it with my other skincare?
Can I use it with my other skincare?
Yes, with a little care. It layers well with hydrating and soothing ingredients. Avoid using it in the same routine as strong exfoliating acids (AHAs/BHAs) or vitamin C to keep irritation at bay — alternate them across different evenings instead.
Can I use it while pregnant or breastfeeding?
Can I use it while pregnant or breastfeeding?
We'd advise against it. Vitamin A derivatives aren't generally recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding, so please check with your doctor or midwife before use, and pick it back up once you're ready.
Will it make my skin peel or purge?
Will it make my skin peel or purge?
No. This is a gentle, encapsulated retinal designed to renew without the flaking, peeling or purging that harsher retinoids can trigger. If you're new to vitamin A, easing in over the first couple of weeks keeps things comfortable.
Our team is available Monday to Friday, from 8am to 8pm, at support@vitaliaina.com.
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