Quick answer

Key benefits: Anti-Aging, Anti-Acne, Pore Minimizer.

Retinyl Retinoate

Retinoids

Updated

Retinoic acid, retinyl ester

Purpose

A synthetic, “new generation” retinol with research showing its usefulness for restoring and improving signs of aging in skin.

Rating

BEST

Category

Antioxidant, Retinoids

INCI Purpose

SKIN CONDITIONING

Benefits

Anti-Aging — Boosts collagen and cell turnover to reduce fine lines and wrinkles
Anti-Acne — Targets breakouts by reducing bacteria and unclogging pores
Pore Minimizer — Tightens and refines the look of enlarged pores

Risks

Pregnancy Unsafe — Not recommended for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding

Alternative Names

At a Glance

Article

Retinyl retinoate is a synthetic, “new generation” retinol with research showing its usefulness for restoring and improving signs of aging in skin. Retinyl retinoate has been shown, in limited but promising research (most coming from the same team of Korea-based researchers), to be less sensitizing than retinoic acid (prescription-strength) and cosmetic retinol. Retinyl retinoate may be less sensitizing than pure retinol because of its slower conversion in skin to retinoic acid.

However, when it comes to sensitivity from retinol, there’s much that can be done using time-release delivery systems and ingredient additions to maximize its benefits to skin while minimizing, if not eliminating, its risk of sensitivity. Although there’s reason to consider retinyl retinoate if your skin seems intolerant of cosmetic retinol, it shouldn’t be construed as better or safer for skin than such alternatives.

See: Retinol

References