Retinol, Retinal, Retinoid: What the Vitamin A Words Mean
The family name for vitamin A ingredients. Retinol and retinal are over the counter members; tretinoin is prescription.
On the label
Retinol, retinal (retinaldehyde), retinyl palmitate, granactive retinoid. Each is a different strength and speed.
What it does not mean
It does not mean instant. Retinoids are a months long habit with a rough first few weeks, and they need sunscreen.