Which A-Game retinal suits you?
Click your experience with retinal and you'll instantly see the right strength.
A-Game 5
The lowest strength and the best starting point. Your skin gets used to retinal with the smallest chance of irritation.
View A-Game 5
A-Game 10
Double the dose of the 5. If the 5 suits you and your skin can handle more, this is the logical next step.
View A-Game 10
A-Game 20
The strongest of the three, four times the dose of the 5. Only for those who have used retinal for a while and tolerate it well.
View A-Game 20The short answer
Start with A-Game 5 (0.05%) if you're new to retinal. Move up to A-Game 10 (0.1%) if you tolerate the 5 well and want more results. Only choose A-Game 20 (0.2%) if you're already experienced with retinal. Use all three in the evening, build up slowly, and pair them with sunscreen during the day.
What is retinal, really?
Retinal (retinaldehyde) is a form of vitamin A. It's one step closer to the active form than retinol, so it works faster on fine lines, a smoother texture and a more even skin tone. Working faster also means it can be more irritating, so building up is important. The A-Game range from Geek & Gorgeous contains panthenol, which helps calm the skin.
The three strengths compared
| Product | Retinal | Who it's for | Building up |
|---|---|---|---|
| A-Game 5 | 0.05% | Retinal beginners | Start 1x per week |
| A-Game 10 | 0.1% | Used to the 5, wants more | Start 2x per week |
| A-Game 20 | 0.2% | Experienced retinal users | Keep building up slowly |
How do you build up retinal?
Start once or twice a week, in the evening on cleansed, dry skin. If your skin tolerates it well, slowly expand to every other evening and then more often. If you get dryness or flaking, take a step back. Always use sunscreen during the day, because retinal makes your skin more sensitive to the sun.
What do you combine it with?
It's best to keep retinal and strong exfoliants (AHA or BHA) out of the same routine, especially at the start. Use vitamin C preferably in the morning and retinal in the evening. A calming, hydrating cream on top helps against dryness.
Frequently asked questions
Can I start with A-Game 20 if I want fast results?
Better not. 0.2% is the strongest and carries the biggest risk of irritation. Your skin adjusts faster and more comfortably if you start with the 5 or 10 and build up from there.
Use it in the morning or the evening?
In the evening. Retinal is sensitive to light and makes your skin more sensitive to the sun, so during the day you finish with SPF.
Retinal or retinol, what's the difference?
Retinal is one step closer to the active form of vitamin A than retinol, so it works faster. That can also make it slightly more irritating, so building up stays important.
Is retinal allowed during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
Vitamin A products like retinal are usually not recommended during that period. Check with your GP or midwife and consider a milder active instead.
This guide is general advice and not medical advice. If you're unsure about an active ingredient, consult a professional.