INCI: Retinol · CAS: 68-26-8
Retinol
Vitamin A derivative used for anti-aging and acne treatment.
About Retinol
Retinol (vitamin A alcohol) is a gold-standard cosmetic active that supports epidermal renewal, boosts collagen synthesis, and improves the appearance of fine lines, hyperpigmentation, and texture. It is a photosensitive, oxidation-prone molecule typically delivered in stabilized forms and encapsulations to enhance efficacy and reduce irritation. Cosmetic grades vary by solvent system and concentration (e.g., 10–50%), and require careful formulating with antioxidants and low-oxygen handling. Retinol is distinct from its esters (e.g., retinyl palmitate) and retinaldehyde and must be dosed conservatively to balance performance and tolerability.
Function: skin-renewing active, anti-wrinkle, anti-aging, smoothing, tone-evening, collagen support, keratolytic
Recommended Usage
Skin care: 0.01–0.3% typical in leave-on; up to 0.5–1.0% in advanced products with encapsulation and irritation mitigation; introduce gradually and use at night; protect from light/air and include antioxidants.
Hair care: 0.01–0.2% in scalp treatments/serums; focus on scalp renewal and flake reduction; avoid rinse-off due to limited residence time; stabilize similarly to skin care.
Regulatory Status
- EU (max Commonly implemented limits align with SCCS opinions; check latest Annex III proposals and national guidance for body lotions vs. other leave-ons.): Retinol is permitted in cosmetics with usage restrictions proposed/clarified for vitamin A compounds; current practice limits are product-type dependent. Labeling and safety assessment per EU Cosmetics Regulation; photosensitizing/irritation risk management required.
- US (max No explicit federal max; industry commonly ≤1.0% in leave-ons with encapsulation.): Cosmetic ingredient with no federal maximum concentration specified for OTC cosmetics at typical use levels; treat as strong active, support with safety substantiation and consumer warnings (night use, sunscreen).
- ASEAN (max No harmonized numeric limit published at ASEAN level; align with EU-style limits and local market guidance.): Allowed in cosmetics; follow ASEAN Cosmetic Directive safety assessment, stability, and labeling requirements; heed local authority guidance on vitamin A compounds and potential irritation.
Suppliers & Distributors
- BASF (Manufacturer)
- DSM-Firmenich (DSM Nutritional Products) (Manufacturer)
- Evonik (Manufacturer)
- Chemical Source (Distributor)
Common questions about Retinol
What is Retinol?
Vitamin A derivative used for anti-aging and acne treatment.
What is the INCI name for Retinol?
The INCI name for Retinol is Retinol. INCI (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients) is the standardized naming system used on cosmetic product labels worldwide.
What is the CAS number for Retinol?
The CAS number for Retinol (Retinol) is 68-26-8. The CAS number is the unique chemical identifier assigned by the Chemical Abstracts Service.
What does Retinol do in cosmetic formulations?
In cosmetic formulations, Retinol (Retinol) functions as: skin-renewing active, anti-wrinkle, anti-aging, smoothing, tone-evening, collagen support, keratolytic.
What percentage of Retinol is typically used in cosmetics?
Typical use levels for Retinol (Retinol) in cosmetic formulations: In skin care: 0.01–0.3% typical in leave-on; up to 0.5–1.0% in advanced products with encapsulation and irritation mitigation; introduce gradually and use at night; protect from light/air and include antioxidants.. In hair care: 0.01–0.2% in scalp treatments/serums; focus on scalp renewal and flake reduction; avoid rinse-off due to limited residence time; stabilize similarly to skin care.. Always confirm against the supplier's technical data sheet and the regulatory limits for your target market.
Is Retinol allowed in cosmetics in major markets?
Retinol (Retinol) is regulated as follows in major markets: EU (max Commonly implemented limits align with SCCS opinions; check latest Annex III proposals and national guidance for body lotions vs. other leave-ons.); US (max No explicit federal max; industry commonly ≤1.0% in leave-ons with encapsulation.); ASEAN (max No harmonized numeric limit published at ASEAN level; align with EU-style limits and local market guidance.). See the Regulatory Status section above for the specific restrictions and conditions in each territory.
Who manufactures Retinol?
Retinol (Retinol) is manufactured by suppliers including BASF, DSM-Firmenich (DSM Nutritional Products), Evonik, Sasol Germany GmbH. Sign in to Chemdex to see full contact details, SDS / TDS documents, and regional offices for every supplier.