Retinol

Functions
Skin conditioning
CAS Number(s)
68-26-8
11103-57-4
EINECS number(s)
200-683-7
234-328-2
FDA UNII
G2SH0XKK91

Retinol is one of the forms of vitamin A (also called vitamin A1) that plays a critical role in maintaining essential functions in the body, such as:

  • Essential for vision
  • Necessary for the proper functioning of the immune system
  • Essential for tissue differentiation
  • Helps maintain cell membrane structure
  • It is needed to maintain, grow, and healthy teeth, nails, bones, hair, and skin.

 

Applied topical, it leaves multiple beneficial effects on the skin and is used in formulas for:

  • Anti-keratinizing action
  • Increase in skin elasticity
  • Thickening of the epidermis and dermis
  • Normalization of dry skin
  • Reversal of photodamage
  • Reduction of scaliness and normalization of the scalp when used in hair care products

 

However, retinol has a low of weak points because of instability in formulations:

  • Temperature: It is heat sensitive and should be added to the emulsion at 40C (104 F).
  • Oxygen: Sensitive to oxygen and, therefore, require the addition of other antioxidants, especially 0.1% Tocopherol and 0.1% Ascorbyl Palmitate.
  • Incompatible with BHT (yellowing) when exposed to light and elevated temperatures.
  • Solubility: It can be used only in oily systems, W/O emulsions, or O/W Microemulsions.
  • Heavy Metals: Sensitive Heavy Metals and the addition of chelating materials is necessary.
  • pH: Optimal pH is 6 with a range of 4.5 to 6.5.
  • Package: Exposure to light and oxygen should be avoided, and opaque and tight packaging is necessary.
  • Manufacturing Conditions: Preferred manufacturing conditions include reduced light exposure and moderate agitation (to eliminate aeration).

Manufacturers prefer to use more stable forms of vitamin A, like vitamin A Palmitate, instead of alcohol (retinol), for comparative stability.

 

Synonyms
Retinol [INN:BAN]
Vitaminum A
F.A.Q.

What are the benefits of Retinol?

Retinol activates fibroblasts which boosts collagen production, resulting in thickening of the epidermis and dermis, and decreasing wrinkles and fine lines.

UV light reduces the levels of Vitamin A in the skin and activates the collagenase, which hydrolyzes the collagen in the connective tissues. This process is called photodamage, results in dagging and wrinkled skin. Treatment with retinoids, particularly retinol, reverses the photodamage and photoaging processes.

Retinol is essential for the structure and function of mucous membranes. In a deficient vitamin A state, mucous production is reduced. It can also be considered a cancer preventative ingredient due to squamous metaplasia. In addition, retinol is helpful in the treatment of senile vaginitis.

After prolonged application of the retinol on photoaged human skin, it corrects Atrophy and Atypia, increases the granular layer with the prominent large granules, improves orderly cell differentiation, and enlarges intercellular spaces of the epidermis.

Related ingredients

Bakuchiol
Bakuchiol
Bakuchiol is a derivative from the psoralea corylifolia plant used in oriental medicine. The first natural alternative to retinol.
Beta-Carotene
Beta-Carotene
This carotenoid is found primarily in carrots and is used to give personal care products a yellow to orange-red color. The body converts beta-carotene into vitamin A.
Encapsulated Retinol
A stabilized form of Vitamin A, Encapsulated Retinol supports skin's natural immune system function to hydrate, diminish fine lines and wrinkles, and reveal a radiant glow.
Retinyl Palmitate
Retinyl Palmitate
Retinyl Palmitate is a stable form of vitamin A that acts as a skin normalizer, this nutrient helps remind the cells of what they "did" when they were young. In addition, it nourishes the skin when applied topically.
Retinyl Propionate
Retinyl Propionate
Retinyl Propionate is an ester of retinol and propionic acid, one of the stable forms of vitamin A.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A
Vitamin A in cosmetic preparations is intended for all skin types. Mature skin becomes supple and radiant, and wrinkles are reduced.
Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate
Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate
Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate is a pure ester form of Tretinoin (all-trans-Retinoic acid) that works similarly to Retin-A but without the irritation of Tretinoin.
Retinyl Acetate
Retinyl Acetate
Retinyl Acetate is a vitamin A ester with acetic acid, an active ingredient for skin and oral care applications. It is an oily yellow liquid at room temperature (it may contain some crystals of vitamin A acetate) with a mild odor.