Vitamin A
Description
Vitamin A – Stable, gentle form for firmness and even texture
Retinyl Palmitate (Vitamin A-Palmitate) is the ester of vitamin A with palmitic acid, representing the most stable and well-tolerated form among the vitamin A derivatives used in cosmetics. Unlike retinol or retinoic acid, which act directly and intensely, retinyl palmitate is gradually converted by skin enzymes into the active form, providing a much gentler profile suitable even for sensitive skin or beginners in retinoid care.
It is a valued ingredient in general facial care formulations for its contribution to a smoother, more even, and firmer skin appearance, as well as for its antioxidant role.
Ellemental Vitamin A is standardized at 1.0 million IU/g, dissolved in sunflower oil, and stabilized with vitamin E for enhanced long-term stability.
Ingredients (INCI): Retinyl Palmitate, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Tocopherol
Technical Characteristics
- Appearance: Viscous yellowish oil; may partially crystallize at low temperatures without affecting its quality
- Solubility: Insoluble in water; soluble in oils and fats
- Quality: Standardized concentration of 1.0 million IU/g retinyl palmitate
- Dosage: According to current legal limits in the EU (see regulatory note below)
Regulatory note
Starting November 1, 2025, Retinol, Retinyl Acetate, and Retinyl Palmitate are listed in Annex III (restricted substances) of Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009, pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2024/996. The legal concentration limits in the finished product, expressed in retinol equivalent (RE), are: maximum 0.05% RE in body lotions and maximum 0.3% RE in other leave-on and rinse-off products (face, hands, etc.). Any finished product containing this ingredient must bear, according to the same regulation, the statement: „Contains Vitamin A. Consider your daily intake before use.” Existing products on the market must be brought into compliance by May 1, 2027.
Scientific Studies and Documentation
From specialized literature, it is known that retinyl palmitate does not act directly on skin cells, but is instead converted step-by-step by natural skin enzymes into more active forms of vitamin A. This two-step mechanism explains both the gentle profile of this ingredient and its subtle yet steady action compared to retinol or stronger derivatives.
Properties and Benefits
- Contributes to a smoother, more even, and firmer skin appearance
- Antioxidant properties
- Gentle profile, better tolerated than retinol or other more active vitamin A derivatives
- Suitable starting point for skin unaccustomed to retinoids
Applications
- General facial care serums and creams targeting skin texture smoothing
- Night care products
- Facial oils and nourishing balms
- Body products, creams, emulsions, oils
Formulation Guide
- Dosage in serums, creams, and oils for face and hands: maximum 1%
- Dosage in body lotions, oils, and creams: maximum 0.17%
- Add to the oil phase of the formulation
- Before use, it may require gentle heating for homogenization, as it can partially crystallize during storage
- Opaque and airtight packaging is recommended for the finished product due to the sensitivity of vitamin A to light, air, and moisture
- Optimal pH range for the finished product: 5.0-7.0
Usage Safety and Storage
- Profile: Well-tolerated ingredient in esterified form, gentler than retinol; prior patch testing on a small area of skin is still recommended, especially upon first use or for sensitive skin
- Precautions: External cosmetic use; do not ingest; as with other vitamin A derivatives, avoidance during pregnancy and breastfeeding is recommended as a standard precaution for this ingredient category; daily sun protection is recommended when the product is incorporated into a skincare routine
- Storage: Store in an airtight, light-protected container in a cool, dry place
Details
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