Retinol

Commonly known as: Retinol, Vitamin A.

I.N.C.I. list name: Retinol.

Extraction process: Synthesis from a gas, isoprene.

Source: Synthetic.

Botanical name: /

Family: /

Part of the plant extracted: /

Provenance, origin: Germany.

Chemical characteristics: Retinoid form; Hydrophobic molecule (not soluble in aqueous medium); Density: about 0.9 g/cm3; Miscible in fats; Molecular weight: 286.5 g/mol; pH: 5.5 - 8.0

Characteristics: Emulsion, colloidal solution, true aqueous solution.

Dosage required in cosmetic products: The SCCS (Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety) recommends a maximum percentage of 0.3% in a non-rinsed cosmetic formula and 0.05% in a body lotion. Minimum concentration: 0.01%.

Function: Skin care agent.

Properties: Antioxidant, lightening/depigmenting, anti-inflammatory, anti-seborrheic, antibacterial, astringent, regenerating, keratolytic.

Benefits: All skin types, especially mature skin, oily skin, acne-prone skin, skin with acne marks or pigmentation spots and skin with imperfections; All hair types, especially oily scalps with or without oily dandruff.

Details

Use

Face care (serums, lotions, night creams, masks, peelings, eye contours);
Body care (tightening serums, hand creams, body creams);
Hair care (serums).

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Preservation

Retinol is sensitive to oxygen, heat, light and heavy metals. It is unstable to acids and alkalis. Store in a cool, dry place, at a temperature not exceeding +15°C, and protected from light, humidity and high temperatures. Protect from temperatures below 0°C.

Contra-Indications and Precautions

Retinol is an active ingredient with a potential sensitizing effect, which may cause skin dryness, tingling, tightness, discomfort, desquamation, redness .... This is why it is not recommended for sensitive and reactive skin. Before using a retinol-based product, perform a skin tolerance test. Apply a few drops of the product in question to the hollow of the arm or on the wrist and wait a few seconds. If a significant skin reaction occurs, do not apply the product to the face.

As a precautionary measure, the use of retinoid-based cosmetics during pregnancy and breastfeeding is not recommended.

Retinol is a photosensitizing substance and should therefore be used preferably at night. Also remember to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen during the day and to avoid any exposure to the sun.

Find out more

Vitamin A plays a role in night vision, hence the name "retinol" which derives from the retina of the eye. In the past, the Egyptians used beef liver compresses containing retinol on the eyes of the blind to cure blindness. However, it was only in 1931 that Retinol was isolated for the first time from mackerel liver oil by a Swiss chemist, P. KARRER, and in 1943 it was used for the first time in dermatology in the treatment of acne, in particular by promoting cell renewal and by exfoliating the skin. This helps to unclog pores and regulate sebum production. In addition to having a positive effect on the surface of the skin, it also has a positive effect on the deeper layers of the skin. Later, retinol is considered one of the most effective compounds to compensate for the degradation of the skin's support fibers. It has the ability to stimulate collagen, hyaluronic acid, fibroblasts and elastin for smoother, firmer and more elastic skin. In addition, retinol is known for its antioxidant properties that prevent premature aging of skin cells. It also has an action on the production of melanin in the skin, allowing to reduce the appearance of brown spots that can appear with age.