The Clinical Efficacy and Tolerability of a Novel Retinaldehyde Serum With Firming Peptides to Improve Skin Texture and Signs of Photoaging

Retinoids are derivatives of vitamin A prominently used in cosmeceuticals to reverse signs of photoaging. Retinaldehyde (retinal) is 10x more bioavailable than retinol and is gaining traction in the skincare industry for being the strongest over-the-counter retinoid. This study evaluated the efficacy and tolerability of a novel retinal formulation including peptides, ceramides, and lipids, designed to sustain the potency of the retinal and enhance delivery to reverse clinical signs of photoaging. This study was a trial of the test product (Retinal Night Advanced 0.1% Retinal Firming Treatment, Dr. Whitney Bowe Beauty, Greenwich, CT) in which 32 female subjects were enrolled. 47% of subjects had skin of color (Fitzpatrick Skin Type III-VI) and 57% had sensitive skin. Subjects applied the test product 3 nights weekly to the face, neck, and chest for 8 weeks. Fine lines of the face had 12% visible change by week 8 (P<0.0001). Fine lines on the chest showed progressive visible improvement of 11% at week 2 (P=0.0005) and 19% at week 8 (P<0.0001). There was a 19% improvement in visible hyperpigmentation of the face by the 8-week mark (P<0.0001). Visible texture of the face improved by 5% (P=0.0078) and pores improved by 20% at week 8 (P<0.0001). Patch testing revealed no signs of sensitization or irritation. This clinical study demonstrates that this retinal formulation is safe, well-tolerated, and effective in improving the appearance of fine lines, hyperpigmentation, texture, and pores.