First things first: the words “Vitamin A”, “Retinoid” and “Retinol” are often used interchangeably—but it’s important to understand the difference. “Retinoid is the name for all Vitamin A derivatives—of which, Retinol is one. Retinol is the most commonly used Retinoid in skincare, and is one of the many Vitamin A derivatives in the Retinoid family,” says Lauren Burton, National Education Manager at RATIONALE.

So, with many Vitamin A derivatives available, how do you choose the right actives for your skin? 

Enter: The RATIONALE Research Team. Directed by RATIONALE Founder and Cosmetic Chemist, Richard Parker, our Team has spent three decades researching, testing and decoding Retinoids for you. The result? #6 The Renewal Collection. 

The Collection features Formulations with either our signature Retinoid Complex—for those with Resilient Skin—or our innovative Botanical Retinoid Analogue Complex, for those with sensitivity to Vitamin A. The result is skincare that eclipses its contemporaries, revealing a picture of renewed, rejuvenated skin come morning. 

These two regenerative Formulations boast our signature Retinoid Complex. Prescribed to those with a tolerance to Vitamin A, the unique accord of Active Ingredients support skin renewal by optimising cell regeneration and stimulating collagen synthesis. 

Imbuing the same level of complexion rejuvenation, this innovative Formulation harnesses a revolutionary botanical known as Bakuchiol within its proprietary Botanical Retinoid Analogue Complex. Formulated for those who do not easily tolerate topical Vitamin A—including those who are pregnant or breastfeeding—this GelCrème Formulation targets signs of hyperpigmentation and environmental damage, while refining texture and firmness.