Retinyl Palmitate

Retinyl Palmitate 1
molecular structure · PubChem CID 5280531
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
OriginDerived from plant oils containing vitamin A or synthesized from beta-carotene extracted from botanical sources. Created through esterification of retinol with palmitic acid, a saturated fatty acid.
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
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
Wrinkles
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Caution
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
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.
EWG
4
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Caution
CIR Safety Findings
Not Phototoxic
CIR Panel statement found no phototoxicity in the CIR safety assessment (CIR 547)
Not a Sensitizer
5 studies / 5 not sensitizing / plus 1 case report (CIR 160)
Eye Irritant in Testing
1 study / 1 irritating / reactions slight (CIR 160)
Mixed Skin Irritation Results
9 studies / 3 irritating / 2 mixed / 4 not irritating / reactions slight to moderate (CIR 160)
Concentration Guide
Leave-on0.0001–1.97%
Rinse-off0.00001–1%
0%50%100%
CIR reported use · 2013 survey
Regulatory Status
USA✔ permitted
EU⚠ restricted
JAPAN⚠ restricted
CANADA⚠ restricted
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR