INCI: Retinal · CAS: 116-31-4
Retinal
Retinal (also known as retinaldehyde) is the aldehyde form of vitamin A and a direct precursor to retinoic acid in skin. It is considered more potent than retinol yet typically better tolerated than prescription tretinoin, offering improvements in fine lines, wrinkles, texture, a
About Retinal
Retinal (also known as retinaldehyde) is the aldehyde form of vitamin A and a direct precursor to retinoic acid in skin. It is considered more potent than retinol yet typically better tolerated than prescription tretinoin, offering improvements in fine lines, wrinkles, texture, and discoloration. Retinal also exhibits antibacterial activity relevant to acne-prone skin and supports epidermal renewal and collagen synthesis. Due to its instability to light, oxygen, and heat, it is commonly formulated in encapsulated or stabilized delivery systems.
Function: anti-aging, skin renewal, anti-wrinkle, anti-acne, brightening, collagen stimulation, antioxidant support
Recommended Usage
Skin care: 0.02–0.1% typical; up to 0.15% in advanced/encapsulated systems. Formulate under inert atmosphere, low light, with antioxidants; package in air-tight, opaque containers.
Hair care: 0.01–0.05% in scalp-care/anti-aging scalp serums; same stabilization/packaging precautions apply.
Regulatory Status
- EU (max Face/hand: up to 0.3% retinol equivalents; body: up to 0.05% retinol equivalents (aggregate of retinol, retinal, and retinyl esters).): Retinal is covered under the SCCS Opinion on Vitamin A (retinol/retinyl esters/retinal) cumulative limits; sum of vitamin A ingredients expressed as retinol equivalents applies. Not permitted in aerosol/spray creating inhalation exposure.
- US (max No explicit federal maximum; common market practice ≤0.1% retinal, ensuring product safety and photostability.): Not specifically listed with a numeric cap at federal level; must comply with general cosmetic safety, labeling, and stability. Follow state-level advisories and pregnancy warnings as applicable.
- ASEAN (max No explicit ASEAN max; align to EU-style aggregate vitamin A limits as a conservative benchmark.): Not on the Annex II (prohibited) or Annex III (restricted) lists specifically as of typical references; subject to general safety and labeling requirements. Follow local authority guidance on vitamin A totals.
Suppliers & Distributors
- Cosroma (Manufacturer)
- UL Prospector (Distributor)
- SpecialChem (Cosmetics) (Distributor)
Common questions about Retinal
What is Retinal?
Retinal (also known as retinaldehyde) is the aldehyde form of vitamin A and a direct precursor to retinoic acid in skin. It is considered more potent than retinol yet typically better tolerated than prescription tretinoin, offering improvements in fine lines, wrinkles, texture, a
What is the INCI name for Retinal?
The INCI name for Retinal is Retinal. INCI (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients) is the standardized naming system used on cosmetic product labels worldwide.
What is the CAS number for Retinal?
The CAS number for Retinal (Retinal) is 116-31-4. The CAS number is the unique chemical identifier assigned by the Chemical Abstracts Service.
What does Retinal do in cosmetic formulations?
In cosmetic formulations, Retinal (Retinal) functions as: anti-aging, skin renewal, anti-wrinkle, anti-acne, brightening, collagen stimulation, antioxidant support.
What percentage of Retinal is typically used in cosmetics?
Typical use levels for Retinal (Retinal) in cosmetic formulations: In skin care: 0.02–0.1% typical; up to 0.15% in advanced/encapsulated systems. Formulate under inert atmosphere, low light, with antioxidants; package in air-tight, opaque containers.. In hair care: 0.01–0.05% in scalp-care/anti-aging scalp serums; same stabilization/packaging precautions apply.. Always confirm against the supplier's technical data sheet and the regulatory limits for your target market.
Is Retinal allowed in cosmetics in major markets?
Retinal (Retinal) is regulated as follows in major markets: EU (max Face/hand: up to 0.3% retinol equivalents; body: up to 0.05% retinol equivalents (aggregate of retinol, retinal, and retinyl esters).); US (max No explicit federal maximum; common market practice ≤0.1% retinal, ensuring product safety and photostability.); ASEAN (max No explicit ASEAN max; align to EU-style aggregate vitamin A limits as a conservative benchmark.). See the Regulatory Status section above for the specific restrictions and conditions in each territory.
Who manufactures Retinal?
Retinal (Retinal) is manufactured by suppliers including Cosroma. Sign in to Chemdex to see full contact details, SDS / TDS documents, and regional offices for every supplier.