Retinyl Palmitate
Retinyl Palmitate
Also known as: Vitamin A Palmitate · Retinol Palmitate
Anti-agingBrightening
“A gentler, slower-acting form of Vitamin A — good for retinoid beginners.”
What it does
Retinyl palmitate is an ester of retinol and palmitic acid. It must be converted to retinol and then to retinoic acid in the skin, making it weaker than retinol but also significantly less irritating. It provides mild anti-ageing and skin-renewing benefits and is a good starting point for retinoid-sensitive skin.
Benefits
- Stimulates collagen production over time
- Improves skin texture and tone with regular use
- Much gentler than retinol or prescription retinoids
- Good introductory retinoid for sensitive skin
How to layer
🌙 Evening routine
Cleanser
Toner
Serum
Moisturiser
Face Oil
After toning, before moisturiser
Good for
All skinSensitive skinNormal skinDry skin
Works well with
Avoid mixing with
Heads up
- ⚠Less potent than retinol — requires consistent long-term use for results
- ⚠Photosensitising — use at night and apply SPF in the morning
- ⚠Some controversy around photocarcinogenicity in high UV exposure (inconclusive)
How to use
Apply at night after cleansing. Start every other night and build up to daily use.
Typical concentration: 0.1–1% in leave-on formulations