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Prequel

Retinaldehyde.

Prequel Retinaldehyde
Ingredients

About this product

A retinaldehyde treatment designed as a gentler alternative to tretinoin, formulated to deliver anti-aging benefits with reduced intensity and irritation.

Best for

Type

IngredientsDrops & dropper

Guru Score

87%

Approved

3 experts · Moderate agreement
3Gurus
3Approved
0Mixed
0Skip

What the gurus are saying

This retinaldehyde earns praise for being markedly less intense than tretinoin while still delivering meaningful anti-aging results, making it a strong option for anyone who struggled on stronger retinoids. Dermatologists find it well tolerated overall, though some initial irritation can occur at first, so pairing it with a hydrating moisturizer (the brand's own Half and Half balm gets particular mention) is wise. The formula itself also works beautifully as a moisture layer on its own.
Synthesized from 3 expert reviews · most recent take June 2026
Every take, in full

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.

All takes Approved takes Critical takes Mixed takes Hide sponsored
Approved
"They suggest using the Half and Half as a moisture sandwich with their retinaldehyde, which I 10 out of 10 recommend. That has to be one of my favorite Prequel products and they have a lot of great gems. Retinaldehyde can be a little irritating in the beginning, although it's generally well tolerated, and I find the base of that retinaldehyde is amazing as a moisturizer, it's beautiful. That has to be one of the best products I have tried out this year, I'm not exaggerating. It's going to make an appearance in my best of series most likely towards the end of the year."
All 2 takes from Dr Dray
Dermatologist Reviews Prequel Pre-Gleanse Cleansing Oil
"I love Prequel. They have many fantastic products. Watch my video of their retinaldehyde because that is a really good product."
Dermatologist Reviews Prequel Half & Half Moisturizer
"They suggest using the Half and Half as a moisture sandwich with their retinaldehyde, which I 10 out of 10 recommend. That has to be one of my favorite Prequel products and they have a lot of great gems. Retinaldehyde can be a little irritating in the beginning, although it's generally well tolerated, and I find the base of that retinaldehyde is amazing as a moisturizer, it's beautiful. That has to be one of the best products I have tried out this year, I'm not exaggerating. It's going to make an appearance in my best of series most likely towards the end of the year."
Approved
"Their new retinaldehyde is a very gentle formula. I've had no problems using it."
Approved
"I dropped her down to the retinaldehyde from Prequel, which is a newer product, and it's less intense. And she's tolerating it now beautifully. She's so happy with how her skin is doing. I do this all the time for my patients. I will transition them from tretinoin down to retinol or retinaldehyde. It's the whole reason with Prequel I wanted to create a retinaldehyde product because I had so many patients struggling to tolerate their tretinoin either on their face or on their neck and chest. And I wanted them to have options where they could still be really successful and see great anti-aging benefits but not put their skin through it constantly with tretinoin."
Top Pick: gentle retinoid alternativeFounder's own brand
Common questions

Frequently asked.

What is Prequel Retinaldehyde?

A retinaldehyde treatment designed as a gentler alternative to tretinoin, formulated to deliver anti-aging benefits with reduced intensity and irritation.

Is Prequel Retinaldehyde worth it?

Yes. All 3 gurus who reviewed it give it their stamp of approval, for a Guru Score of 87%.

What is Prequel Retinaldehyde's Guru Score?

Prequel Retinaldehyde holds a Guru Score of 87%. That is our read on how warmly the experts talk about it, based on the verdicts of 3 independent expert reviewers we have collected. At least one expert has named it a Top Pick in its category.

Who is Prequel Retinaldehyde best for?

Prequel Retinaldehyde is generally suited to mature skin.

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