When it comes to well-aging ingredients, retinol is often the first one to come to mind. Long recognised as an effective Vitamin A derivative, it is widely used in skincare to promote cell renewal and reduce visible signs of skin aging, including fine lines, wrinkles and uneven texture.
What is less widely known is that retinol is only one member of the broader retinoid family. Retinal is another equally effective option. Both are Vitamin A derivatives that support skin renewal and collagen production, yet they differ in how quickly results become visible. While retinol is known for its gradual action and is often recommended for beginners, retinal works more efficiently, delivering results at a faster pace.
The recently launched haruharu wonder Rose PDRN Firming Serum is formulated with 0.1% retinal, a concentration intended to provide visible improvements while remaining gentle on the skin when used correctly.
Slightly different from the previously launched PDRN Rose Serum, this new product integrates retinal in its formula to promote a firming effect, while boosting overall skin elasticity. To better understand how it performs, it is useful to dive deeper in what retinal is and how it functions.
What is retinal?
To appreciate the efficiency of retinal, or retinaldehyde, we have to understand how our skin
actually uses Vitamin A. Our skin cells cannot use retinol or retinal directly, they must first convert these molecules into retinoic acid, also known as tretinoin.
The closer a molecule is to retinoic acid, the stronger it is perceived to be, and the faster it can communicate with our cells to speed up turnover and boost collagen production. Retinol requires two transformation steps to become retinoic acid, whereas retinal converts almost directly. This increased efficiency doesn’t just mean faster results, but it also means that lower concentrations of retinal can often outperform higher concentrations of retinol.
In the haruharu wonder Rose PDRN Firming Serum, the 0.1% retinal is the perfect concentration. It provides the high-performance renewal that seasoned skincare users crave, yet avoids the high irritation threshold often associated with strong retinoic acid.
At a concentration of 0.1%, retinal helps soften the appearance of wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and promote a smoother, more refined complexion, while remaining suitable for gradual introduction.
What makes retinal so unique?
While many discussions around retinal focus primarily on its wrinkle-reducing properties, this ingredient is a true multi-tasking powerhouse that targets several skin concerns at once.
As skin ages, its natural exfoliation process slows down, causing dead cells to linger on the surface and resulting in a dull, uneven texture. Retinal helps accelerate cellular turnover, encouraging the skin to shed these dead cells more efficiently and revealing a smoother, more radiant complexion.
At the same time, it plays a key role in supporting collagen synthesis and skin elasticity by helping to protect existing collagen while stimulating fibroblasts to produce new fibres. This dual action contributes to the visible firming effect associated with the Rose PDRN Serum.
Beyond its well-aging benefits, retinal also offers a lesser-known yet valuable antibacterial function. Unlike retinol, retinal has demonstrated direct antibacterial activity, making it particularly suitable for those who experience adult acne or occasional breakouts alongside concerns related to skin aging.
A balanced retinal formula
Because retinoids are often associated with dryness or irritation, particularly for sensitive skin, the Rose PDRN Firming Serum is built on a foundation of restorative synergy, combining retinal with ingredients selected to support skin repair and resilience.
Vegan PDRN derived from Damascus Rose, also known as Bulgarian Rose, plays a central role in the formula. It supports skin regeneration by improving elasticity and collagen
production, while also helping to calm the skin and reduce visible redness and irritation.
The five-peptide complex, on the other hand, supports the skin barrier by encouraging cell repair. Peptides are in fact molecules within the skin that stimulate processes linked to collagen synthesis and ongoing skin renewal. Adenosine completes the formulation, supporting collagen and elastin production and helping improve skin elasticity while minimising the appearance of wrinkles.
Together, these ingredients reinforce the skin while retinal promotes renewal, creating a formula that focuses on both visible results and long-term skin quality.
Who is it for?
Retinal is generally best suited to those who are already familiar with retinol and wish to progress to a more efficient Vitamin A derivative. People new to Vitamin A may prefer to begin with retinol or gentler alternatives before introducing retinal into their routine, as they might experience irritation.
That said, the relatively low retinal concentration of 0.1%, combined with the presence of well-aging and barrier-supporting ingredients, makes this serum a suitable option for those looking to introduce a firming treatment without irritating or compromising the skin. The formula remains gentle while maintaining its effectiveness.
As with most retinoids, it is best to introduce this serum gradually and use it only in the evening, as retinal can increase sensitivity to UV exposure. After cleansing and toning, an appropriate amount should be applied and gently spread from the centre of the face outward until fully absorbed. Sunscreen should always be applied the following morning.
Texture and finish
The serum has a velvety, creamy texture, supported by the patented Phyto-Velvet Network, which allows it to spread smoothly and absorb without stickiness.
This technology creates a creamy, velvety texture that glides across the skin. Upon application, you will notice a distinct bright yellow tint— but there’s no need to be concerned. This color is not an artificial dye; it reflects the natural, high-purity potency of this retinal. As the serum is massaged into the skin, the yellow tint disappears, indicating that the active ingredients have been delivered. The finish is non-sticky, making it perfect to use during your nighttime routine.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the Rose PDRN Firming Serum reflects a considered approach to well-aging skincare. By combining 0.1% retinal with vegan Rose PDRN, peptides and adenosine, it supports skin renewal while reinforcing firmness, elasticity and overall skin quality. With consistent evening use, it helps improve texture, radiance and visible signs of aging.
Introducing Retinal and the newly launched Rose PDRN Firming Serum
When it comes to well-aging ingredients, retinol is often the first one to come to mind. Long recognised as an effective Vitamin A derivative, it is widely used in skincare to promote cell renewal and reduce visible signs of skin aging, including fine lines, wrinkles and uneven texture.
What is less widely known is that retinol is only one member of the broader retinoid family. Retinal is another equally effective option. Both are Vitamin A derivatives that support skin renewal and collagen production, yet they differ in how quickly results become visible. While retinol is known for its gradual action and is often recommended for beginners, retinal works more efficiently, delivering results at a faster pace.
The recently launched haruharu wonder Rose PDRN Firming Serum is formulated with 0.1% retinal, a concentration intended to provide visible improvements while remaining gentle on the skin when used correctly.
Slightly different from the previously launched PDRN Rose Serum, this new product integrates retinal in its formula to promote a firming effect, while boosting overall skin elasticity. To better understand how it performs, it is useful to dive deeper in what retinal is and how it functions.
What is retinal?
To appreciate the efficiency of retinal, or retinaldehyde, we have to understand how our skin
actually uses Vitamin A. Our skin cells cannot use retinol or retinal directly, they must first convert these molecules into retinoic acid, also known as tretinoin.
The closer a molecule is to retinoic acid, the stronger it is perceived to be, and the faster it can communicate with our cells to speed up turnover and boost collagen production. Retinol requires two transformation steps to become retinoic acid, whereas retinal converts almost directly. This increased efficiency doesn’t just mean faster results, but it also means that lower concentrations of retinal can often outperform higher concentrations of retinol.
In the haruharu wonder Rose PDRN Firming Serum, the 0.1% retinal is the perfect concentration. It provides the high-performance renewal that seasoned skincare users crave, yet avoids the high irritation threshold often associated with strong retinoic acid.
At a concentration of 0.1%, retinal helps soften the appearance of wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and promote a smoother, more refined complexion, while remaining suitable for gradual introduction.
What makes retinal so unique?
While many discussions around retinal focus primarily on its wrinkle-reducing properties, this ingredient is a true multi-tasking powerhouse that targets several skin concerns at once.
As skin ages, its natural exfoliation process slows down, causing dead cells to linger on the surface and resulting in a dull, uneven texture. Retinal helps accelerate cellular turnover, encouraging the skin to shed these dead cells more efficiently and revealing a smoother, more radiant complexion.
At the same time, it plays a key role in supporting collagen synthesis and skin elasticity by helping to protect existing collagen while stimulating fibroblasts to produce new fibres. This dual action contributes to the visible firming effect associated with the Rose PDRN Serum.
Beyond its well-aging benefits, retinal also offers a lesser-known yet valuable antibacterial function. Unlike retinol, retinal has demonstrated direct antibacterial activity, making it particularly suitable for those who experience adult acne or occasional breakouts alongside concerns related to skin aging.
A balanced retinal formula
Because retinoids are often associated with dryness or irritation, particularly for sensitive skin, the Rose PDRN Firming Serum is built on a foundation of restorative synergy, combining retinal with ingredients selected to support skin repair and resilience.
Vegan PDRN derived from Damascus Rose, also known as Bulgarian Rose, plays a central role in the formula. It supports skin regeneration by improving elasticity and collagen
production, while also helping to calm the skin and reduce visible redness and irritation.
The five-peptide complex, on the other hand, supports the skin barrier by encouraging cell repair. Peptides are in fact molecules within the skin that stimulate processes linked to collagen synthesis and ongoing skin renewal. Adenosine completes the formulation, supporting collagen and elastin production and helping improve skin elasticity while minimising the appearance of wrinkles.
Together, these ingredients reinforce the skin while retinal promotes renewal, creating a formula that focuses on both visible results and long-term skin quality.
Who is it for?
Retinal is generally best suited to those who are already familiar with retinol and wish to progress to a more efficient Vitamin A derivative. People new to Vitamin A may prefer to begin with retinol or gentler alternatives before introducing retinal into their routine, as they might experience irritation.
That said, the relatively low retinal concentration of 0.1%, combined with the presence of well-aging and barrier-supporting ingredients, makes this serum a suitable option for those looking to introduce a firming treatment without irritating or compromising the skin. The formula remains gentle while maintaining its effectiveness.
As with most retinoids, it is best to introduce this serum gradually and use it only in the evening, as retinal can increase sensitivity to UV exposure. After cleansing and toning, an appropriate amount should be applied and gently spread from the centre of the face outward until fully absorbed. Sunscreen should always be applied the following morning.
Texture and finish
The serum has a velvety, creamy texture, supported by the patented Phyto-Velvet Network, which allows it to spread smoothly and absorb without stickiness.
This technology creates a creamy, velvety texture that glides across the skin. Upon application, you will notice a distinct bright yellow tint— but there’s no need to be concerned. This color is not an artificial dye; it reflects the natural, high-purity potency of this retinal. As the serum is massaged into the skin, the yellow tint disappears, indicating that the active ingredients have been delivered. The finish is non-sticky, making it perfect to use during your nighttime routine.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the Rose PDRN Firming Serum reflects a considered approach to well-aging skincare. By combining 0.1% retinal with vegan Rose PDRN, peptides and adenosine, it supports skin renewal while reinforcing firmness, elasticity and overall skin quality. With consistent evening use, it helps improve texture, radiance and visible signs of aging.