Retinol is an active ingredient increasingly found in skincare products. It is effective in combating loss of firmness and unclogging pores, making it highly favored for the care of mature skin as well as oily (+) and acne-prone skin. Discover the various galenic forms in which it can be incorporated, as well as our products containing this active ingredient to fight against aging.
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In which products can we find retinol?
Summary
- A brief overview of Retinol
- Products containing retinol in the cosmetic market
- Our retinol skincare treatments
- Sources
Published November 18, 2021,
updated on February 21, 2024,
by
Maylis, Chemical Engineer
—
6 min read
A brief overview of Retinol.
Theretinol, retinoic acid, and retinal are the three available forms of vitamin A. These molecules belong to the family of retinoids of the first generation.
When applied topically, retinol is metabolized into retinoic acid, its active form, through an enzymatic system naturally present in the epidermis. Retinol helps to smooth and refine the skin texture, enhance the complexion's radiance, and diminish deep wrinkles as well as expression lines. It stimulates the production of collagen and elastin for smoother and more elastic skin. Moreover, it is recognized for its antioxidant properties that prevent premature aging of skin cells. It also has an effect on the skin's melanin production, helping to reduce the appearance of pigmentation spots that can appear with age.
Take note! Retinoids, even when applied topically, are contraindicated for pregnant women or those planning a pregnancy. Even though the absorption of retinoids into the bloodstream is low when used topically, there may be a risk of fetal malformation.
Products containing retinol in the cosmetic market.
Retinol is a component in many facial care products, including night creams, serums, masks, and even some creams designed for the eye contour, due to its brightening effects on dark circles and bags under the eyes.
Several scientific studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of retinol against signs of aging starting from 0.01%. The European Cosmetic Regulation allows its incorporation in leave-on products at a maximum concentration of 0.3%. Be careful, overdosing this active ingredient could prove at best useless, at worst dangerous. Indeed, at high concentrations, it can cause significant skin irritations.
It's worth noting that retinol is found in a few select hair care products such as serums to stimulate growth or cleanse the scalp, as well as in shampoos. Thanks to its keratolytic action, retinol eliminates dead cells present on the scalp and promotes cellular renewal. It also minimizes the action of the sebaceous glands and thus the production of sebum for a purified scalp. Moreover, studies have demonstrated its effectiveness on hair growth. This action is further amplified when retinol is combined with another active ingredient, minoxidil. Offering promising results, this duo could even present itself as a potential treatment against alopecia.
Our retinol skincare treatments.
At Typology, we have developed five treatments containing this multifunctional active ingredient.
Formulated with 0.3% retinol, the wrinkle and fine line serum prevents skin sagging by stimulating the synthesis of collagen and elastin. As retinol is photosensitive, it is preferably applied in the evening, on clean and dry face, before your night cream. Its use is not recommended for sensitive and atopic skin.
The firming face cream has a lower concentration of retinol (0.2%) than the serum. We still recommend applying it preferably in the evening and not using it if you have sensitive skin. It contains another tightening active ingredient, tsubaki oil. It fights the appearance of wrinkles and makes the skin more plump.
The neck and décolleté serum contains 0.2% retinol and borage oil, known for its firming properties. This targeted treatment helps to firm the skin of the neck and décolleté. It is particularly suited for treating the first signs of skin sagging. We advise against its use on sensitive and reactive skin. It should be applied in the evening, to avoid any skin reaction with sun exposure.
The Firming Tonic Lotion contains 0.1% retinol and Damask rose extract. It is applied after skin cleansing, to rebalance the skin's pH and delay the appearance of wrinkles. It is composed of 99% natural origin ingredients.
Thewrinkle and blemish serum combines the densifying action of retinol (0.3%) with the anti-bacterial action of bakuchiol (1%) to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and correct blemishes. Synthesized by endemic Australian plants, the plant polypeptides it contains are capable of working in synergy with retinol topromote the synthesis of type I collagen. They thus help to reduce the depth of wrinkles and densify the skin. These peptides also contribute to maintaining a thick epidermis, which plays its role as a shield against the external environment.
Sources:
QUAN T. & al. Molecular basis of retinol anti-ageing properties in naturally aged human skin in vivo. International Journal of Cosmetic Science (2017).
MONTE-ALTO-COSTA A. & al. Topical retinol attenuates stress-induced ageing signs in human skin ex vivo, throughEGFR activation viaEGF, but notERK andAP-1 activation, Experimental Dermatology (2019).
OPINION ON Vitamin A (Retinol, Retinyl Acetate, Retinyl Palmitate), Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety SCCS, (2016).
KYU HAN K. & al. The additive effects of minoxidil and retinol on human hair growth in vitro. Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin (2007).
TOSTI A. & al. The role of vitamins and minerals in hair loss: a review. Dermatology and Therapy (2019).
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