INCI: Retinol · CAS: 68-26-8
Retinol
Vitamin A derivative used for anti-aging and acne treatment.
About Retinol
Retinol is the cosmetic-grade form of vitamin A, a lipophilic molecule used topically to promote skin renewal and improve the appearance of photoaged skin. It supports epidermal turnover, helps reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles, and can visibly refine skin texture and tone. Because retinol is oxidation- and light-sensitive, commercial grades are typically stabilized or encapsulated to enhance shelf life and reduce irritation. It is widely incorporated into anti-aging, clarifying, and evening skincare treatments.
Function: skin conditioning, anti-aging, smoothing, brightening, antioxidant
Recommended Usage
Skin care: 0.05–1.0% depending on stabilization and skin tolerance; typical OTC leave-on use 0.1–0.5% for face. Formulate under inert atmosphere, low light, and incorporate antioxidants; adjust pH to ~5–6 for emulsions.
Hair care: 0.05–0.3% in scalp-care or anti-aging hair tonics; use stabilized systems to minimize oxidation and discoloration.
Regulatory Status
- EU (max Common industry practice ≤0.3% retinol in face leave-on; check current Annex III/VI updates and national notifications.): Regulated as vitamin A compounds; SCCS/Safety Gate measures restrict maximum levels in certain product categories. Many brands limit face leave-ons to ≤0.3% retinol equivalent; label precautions advised for sensitive skin and pregnancy.
- US (max No explicit federal max for cosmetics; typical market levels 0.1–1.0% depending on product type.): Allowed in cosmetics; no specific federal maximum for OTC cosmetics, but stability/irritancy and safety substantiation are required. Drug rules apply if therapeutic claims are made.
- ASEAN (max Not specifically capped region-wide; follow local authority guidance and align with EU-style limits as best practice.): Permitted with safety substantiation; follow ASEAN Cosmetic Directive labeling and stability requirements for vitamin A derivatives.
Suppliers & Distributors
- BASF SE (Manufacturer)
- dsm-firmenich (DSM Nutritional Products) (Manufacturer)
- Evonik Operations GmbH (Manufacturer)
- Univar Solutions (Distributor)
- Brenntag (Distributor)
- IMCD (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 conditioning, anti-aging, smoothing, brightening, antioxidant.
What percentage of Retinol is typically used in cosmetics?
Typical use levels for Retinol (Retinol) in cosmetic formulations: In skin care: 0.05–1.0% depending on stabilization and skin tolerance; typical OTC leave-on use 0.1–0.5% for face. Formulate under inert atmosphere, low light, and incorporate antioxidants; adjust pH to ~5–6 for emulsions.. In hair care: 0.05–0.3% in scalp-care or anti-aging hair tonics; use stabilized systems to minimize oxidation and discoloration.. 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 Common industry practice ≤0.3% retinol in face leave-on; check current Annex III/VI updates and national notifications.); US (max No explicit federal max for cosmetics; typical market levels 0.1–1.0% depending on product type.); ASEAN (max Not specifically capped region-wide; follow local authority guidance and align with EU-style limits as best practice.). 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 SE, dsm-firmenich (DSM Nutritional Products), Evonik Operations GmbH, Croda International Plc (via Solus Biotech). Sign in to Chemdex to see full contact details, SDS / TDS documents, and regional offices for every supplier.