Understanding The Australian Retinal Rules

written by: Kristen - Beauty Editorpublished on 22 Sep, 2026

Jump To Section

What Is Retinal?
What Has Happened to Retinal?
How Does The Retinal Restriction Impact Me?
What Are the Best Retinal Alternatives?

What Is Retinal?

Retinal is a derivative of Vitamin A used in topical anti-ageing and acne skincare products to help accelerate skin cell turnover and boost collagen. In essence, it helps to push healthy and more youthful skin cells to the surface. Retinal is a wonderful ingredient to repair and rejuvenate the skin thanks to its fast-acting nature. Ideal for use on blemish-prone, acne and prematurely ageing skin conditions, Retinal is renowned for reducing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, scarring, uneven skin texture and blemishes whilst promoting a more youthful skin appearance.

What Has Happened to Retinal?

You may have heard that the importation and manufacture of Retinal (Retinaldehyde) for use within cosmetics has been placed under restriction by the AICIS (Australian Industrial Chemicals Introduction Scheme), effective 27th June 2026. It is important to note that this is not a ban, recall or quality concern, but rather a decision to implement Australian government certification going forward for Retinal use in cosmetics. This may impact some of the skincare brands that you love. The good news is that the active ingredient Retinol, another popular Vitamin A derivative widely used in cosmetics, is exempt from these certification changes.

How Does The Retinal Restriction Impact Me?

In essence, the Retinal skincare products that you love remain safe and legal to use as directed. There is no need to panic! Please be assured that there is no recall, quality discrepancy or formulation defect, and Retinal products currently available for purchase in Australia are unaffected by this change. Whilst our brand partners navigate this new regulatory pathway to achieve government certification, there may be temporary pauses to product availability whilst new commercial shipments into Australia are placed on hold.

What Are the Best Retinal Alternatives?

Fortunately, the incredible skin benefits of Retinal use can be achieved by switching to a Retinol based skincare alternative. As a derivative of Vitamin A, Retinal and Retinol both effectively boost cell turnover, stimulate collagen, help fade hyperpigmentation, refine skin texture, clear pores and diminish breakout activity. This is great news for targeting fine lines & wrinkles, scarring, acne breakouts and balancing skin tone.

As always, follow directions for use, wear sunscreen daily, and avoid use if pregnant or breastfeeding. We advise you to seek medical advice should you be taking prescribed medication or have any concerns. A safe and natural alternative to Retinal and Retinol for consideration is Bakuchiol.

To expertly maintain and elevate your skincare results, we recommend the following best-selling products as alternatives during this transition period, should your favourite Retinal product temporarily become unavailable: