Retinol

Also known as: Retinol (Vitamin A)

INCI: Retinol | Function: Anti-aging, Cell Communicating | Type: Retinoid (Vitamin A derivative)

What Is Retinol?

Retinol is the purest over-the-counter form of Vitamin A, converted by skin enzymes into retinoic acid (the active form). It is the gold standard anti-aging ingredient, clinically proven to reduce fine lines, improve skin texture, increase collagen production, and accelerate cell turnover.

Key Skin Benefits

Pros

Cons

Specifications

PropertyValue
Usage AreasFace, Eye, Body
Product TypeLeave-On
SourceSynthetic
Natural LevelSynthetic (nature-identical)

Safety Ratings

MetricRating
Skin Sensitivity4/5 (high during retinization)
Comedogenic Rating0/5
EWG Score8/10

Regional Regulatory Limits

RegionLeave-on %Rinse-off %Status
EU (CosIng)Max 0.3% (face), 0.05% (body)Not applicableRestricted (2024) — max 0.3% face
US (CIR/FDA)Up to 1% OTCNot applicableAllowed — CIR safe up to 1%
Japan (MHLW)Max 0.3%Not applicableAllowed — max 0.3%
ASEANMax 0.3% (follows EU 2024)Not applicableRestricted — follows EU
China (NMPA)Max 0.3%Not applicableAllowed — max 0.3%

Typical Usage % by Product Type

Product TypeTypical %
Anti-aging serum (beginner)0.1 - 0.3%
Anti-aging serum (advanced)0.5 - 1%
Eye cream0.05 - 0.1%

References

  1. Mukherjee S et al. (2006) — Retinoids review. PMID: 17147561
  2. Zasada M & Budzisz E (2019) — Retinoids in skin aging. PMID: 31542704
  3. EU SCCS (2016) — Opinion on Vitamin A (retinol).
  4. EWG Skin Deep — Score 8/10
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