There are significant differences! Prescription retinoids are a vitamin A derivative with decades of research confirming the product’s effectiveness. Beyond fewer and finer lines, they also: • Balance skin tone • Smooth texturing • Reduce acne Retinol by contrast is a “cosmeceutical” and does not require a prescription. Being 20 times less potent than prescription retinoids, retinol-based products do not come with the same level of clinical rigor when it comes to demonstrating collagen growth. Though retinol is routinely used to improve acne.