Avène

Avène Retrinal Prequel.

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About this product

A gentle retinaldehyde serum designed to support anti-aging and skin renewal with a lower-irritation retinoid alternative.

Guru Score

82%

Yay

3 experts · Moderate agreement

What they liked

Gentle retinaldehyde formula
Comes in multiple formats
Thick, nourishing texture

What they flagged

Nothing. None of the experts who reviewed it raised a problem.

What the gurus are saying

Retinaldehyde strength earns consistent praise from dermatologists as a gentler retinoid option. The 0.1 concentration gets particular mention for being approachable even for those new to retinoids, and the line extends to an eye cream and a supporting moisturizer without added retinoids for those wanting a nourishing base. It reads as a solid anti-aging staple for people seeking effective but less irritating retinoid alternatives.

Synthesized from 3 expert reviews · most recent take August 2026

Best for

Sensitive skin Mature skin

Type

Drops & dropper

Where to buy

Ulta → Amazon → Google →

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What the gurus are saying.

Every take we've logged from this product's reviews across YouTube. Click any row to watch the moment they said it.

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Dr. Mamina

282k subs

✓Yay

"My favorite retinaldehydes include the Avène Retrinal Prequel and their retinaldehyde serums."

Dr. Jenny Liu

323k subs

✓Yay

"I've only used the 0.1 and it's really gentle. It also comes in an eye cream. Retrinal is one of the first products at least I was aware of that contains retinal. Retinal, as the name implies, is retinal. Retinal aldehyde, as you guys recall, retinol needs to be converted to retinal aldehyde, retinal aldehyde is then converted into retinoic acid which is essentially tretinoin. So even though this is one step closer than traditional retinol, it's not by any means more irritating."

The Budget Dermatologist

724k subs

✓Yay

"For the anti-aging must-haves, [...] the 0.1 Retro Now Intensive for your face cream is one I recommend."

Frequently asked.

What is Avène Retrinal Prequel?

A gentle retinaldehyde serum designed to support anti-aging and skin renewal with a lower-irritation retinoid alternative.

Is Avène Retrinal Prequel worth it?

Yes. All 3 gurus who reviewed it give it their stamp of approval, for a Guru Score of 82%.

What is Avène Retrinal Prequel's Guru Score?

Avène Retrinal Prequel holds a Guru Score of 82%. That is our read on how warmly the experts talk about it, based on the verdicts of 3 expert reviewers we have collected.