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Retinyl Palmitate
AKA “VITAMIN A PALMITATE, Retinol palmitate, Retinol, hexadecanoate, all-trans-Retinyl palmitate, Arovit, Optovit-A, Retinyl hexadecanoate”
Synthetic
Ingredient Facts
Retinyl palmitate
AKA: VITAMIN A PALMITATE, Retinol palmitate, Retinol, Hexadecanoate, All-trans-Retinyl palmitate, Arovit, Optovit-A, Retinyl hexadecanoate
Synthetic · Antioxidant · EWG: 4
Varies With Manufacturer
Antioxidant
Skin Conditioner
Retinoid
Synthetic
Clean
Vitamin A derivative that helps smooth and soften skin while supporting its natural renewal process. Works to improve skin texture and appearance over time.
Formula
C36H60O2
Mol. Weight
524.90
CAS #
79-81-2
Form
Liquid
See origin →
Functions
Skin Conditioning
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
Antioxidant
Fights free radicals — the unstable molecules from UV, pollution, and stress that break down collagen and cause premature aging.
Supports cell turnover
Smooths skin texture
Traditional Use
Retinyl palmitate is a stable, long-chain ester form of retinol (vitamin A) developed in the mid-20th century. Created to overcome retinol's instability and penetration challenges, making vitamin A more practical for cosmetic formulations beginning in the 1980s-1990s.
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
Wrinkles
Melanin-Rich Skin
Suitable
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Caution
EWG
4
CIR
Safe w/Qualifications
Pregnancy
Caution
CIR Safety Findings
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Phototoxicity Concern
Regulatory Status
USA✔ permitted
EU⚠ restricted
JAPAN⚠ restricted
CANADA⚠ restricted
Verified Feb 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR
Retinyl Palmitate — Duck Heart Ghost