Retinoid ·
Retinyl Retinoate
What is it?
A hybrid, synthetic retinoid ester (combining retinyl ester and retinoic acid ester chemistry), designed to reduce the irritation of retinoic acid and improve the stability of retinol.
What does it do?
According to PubMed, a 2011 double-blind, randomized controlled trial in 11 Korean women found 0.06% retinyl retinoate cream, applied for 12 weeks, significantly improved facial wrinkle depth and area, outperforming a 0.075% retinol cream by 22% on visual wrinkle improvement (DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0846.2011.00512.x). A separate 2011 clinical study using a biodegradable-polymer microsphere formulation of retinyl retinoate found statistically significant facial wrinkle improvement after just 4 weeks in 20 volunteers, with the microsphere delivery outperforming plain retinyl retinoate cream (DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0846.2011.00533.x).
Sources
This page provides general skincare information and is not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Ingredient interactions and evidence summaries reflect published, cited sources — not a personal assessment of your skin. For medical skin conditions, rashes, pregnancy/lactation questions or persistent concerns, please consult a licensed dermatologist or HPCSA-registered practitioner.