There is a difference. They are both "retinoids" or vitamin A but retiNAL is higher grade than retiNOL as its its closer to being retinoic acid which is the purest forms.
The higher you go up the retinoid family the more effective it is but its also increase the risk of sensitivity and irritation
Both are Retinoids
Retinol requires 2 conversion steps before becoming Retinoic acid which binds to receptors on skin..also cause more irritation but affordable
Retinal or retinaldehyde requires 1 conversion step before becoming its active form and irritates skin less compared to retinol but it’s very expensive
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