The application of retinol in skin care products

1.Introduction of Retinol

Retinol, also known as Vitamin A, is the “star ingredient” in anti-aging cosmetics that helps us fight the signs of aging. As a member of the vitamin A family, it can be found in skin care products in various forms, including retinol, retinyl esters (e.g., retinyl palmitate), retinaldehyde, and others.
Retinol's “superpowers” include promoting skin cell regeneration, reducing the formation of fine lines and wrinkles, addressing uneven skin tone, and enhancing skin elasticity. Long-term use of retinol can dramatically improve the firmness and smoothness of the skin.
 
2.Applications of Retinol in Skin Care Products
 

Anti-wrinkle and skin firming

Retinol can promote the renewal and proliferation of skin cells, accelerate the natural shedding of skin surface cells, thus reducing fine lines and wrinkles. In addition, it increases the production of collagen and elastin in the skin, helping to improve skin firmness and elasticity.

 
Improve pigmentation

Vitamin A retinol helps to reduce uneven pigmentation and discoloration, and is very effective in improving uneven skin tone and fading age spots.

Promotes normalization of hair follicles and sebaceous glands
Vitamin A retinol helps to regulate the skin's oil secretion, which has a positive effect on reducing clogged pores and blackheads. It also reduces the occurrence of acne and skin inflammation.

Improves skin brightness
By promoting cell renewal, Retinol helps to remove dead skin cells from the epidermis, making the skin look smoother and more radiant.

Enhances Skin Barrier Function
Retinol strengthens the skin's natural barrier, helping to protect the skin from external environmental stressors such as pollution and UV damage.

 
3.Use retinol products with these points in mind

Gradually build up tolerance
When using retinol products for the first time, start with a low concentration and gradually increase the frequency of use to avoid skin irritation.

Night use
Since retinol makes the skin more sensitive to UV rays from the sun, it is recommended to use it at night.

Moisturizing and sun protection
Vitamin A retinol dries out the skin and moisturizing care should be intensified after use. Combining retinol with moisturizing ingredients such as Hyaluronic Acid and glycerin can significantly reduce the incidence of skin irritation. Also, since retinol may increase the skin's photosensitivity, be sure to apply sunscreen when using it during the day.

Pregnant and lactating women
Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid skin care products containing retinol or use them with caution under medical supervision.

Sensitive skin
Persons with sensitive skin should have a skin test before using skin care products containing retinol and use them under medical supervision.
 

4.Safety issues to be aware of in use

Studies have confirmed that the upper limit of daily systemic intake of vitamin A for the average adult is 5,000 IU per day.The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has assessed that in extreme cases, the exposure dose of vitamin A (including retinol, retinyl acetate, retinyl palmitate, etc.) in relevant adult cosmetic products can be up to 4,855 IU per day, which accounts for 97% of the upper limit of the daily intake. The European Union's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has suggested that excessive intake of vitamin A will cause skin safety problems and toxicity, and may even lead to infant malformations.In October 2022, the SCCS once again conducted a safety assessment of whether the exposure to vitamin A in cosmetic products exceeds the safe value, and issued a related safety assessment opinion (SCCS/1639/21), which suggests that 0.05% retinol equivalent is safe for use in body lotions; 0.3% retinol equivalent is also safe for use in other resident and shower cosmetics. If adequate or even excessive amounts of vitamin A are already available from food and food supplements, extra attention needs to be paid to the exposure dose of cosmetic ingredients to the body itself.

Conclusion

Retinol is widely used and effective in skin care products. When choosing a retinol product, you should read the product description carefully, choose a product that is suitable for your skin type, and pay attention to the concentration of retinol in the product.Sost biotech is a reliable supplier of vitamin A retinol,If you have purchasing needs please contact us at ericyang@xasost.com.