Retinyl Palmitate

Retinyl Palmitate molecular structure
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: VITAMIN A PALMITATE, 79-81-2, Retinol palmitate, Retinol, Hexadecanoate, All-trans-Retinyl palmitate, Arovit, Optovit-A, Retinyl hexadecanoate, Vitamin A Solubilized
Synthetic
Skin Conditioner
Retinoid
Not Clean
Retinyl Palmitate is a naturally-occurring phenyl analogue of retinol (vitamin A) with potential antineoplastic and chemopreventive activities. As the most common form of vitamin A taken for dietary supplementation, retinyl palmitate binds to and activates retinoid receptors, thereby inducing cell differentiation and decreasing cell proliferation. This agent also inhibits carcinogen-induced neoplastic transformation, induces apoptosis in some cancer cell types, and exhibits immunomodulatory properties. (NCI04)
Formula
C36H60O2
Mol. Weight
524.90
CAS #
79-81-2
Form
Liquid
State
Solid
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.
Miscellaneous
Antioxidant protection
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.
EWG
4
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Caution
CIR Safety Findings
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Phototoxicity Concern
Regulatory Status
USA✔ permitted
EU⚠ restricted
JAPAN⚠ restricted
CANADA⚠ restricted
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
Wrinkles
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Caution
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper →
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed1 review →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR