Retinyl Propionate

Retinyl propionate is a synthetic ester derivative of vitamin A, made from pure retinol and propionic acid, a type of carboxylic acid that’s considered a volatile fatty acid. This combination makes for a more stable retinoid that has a longer half-life, meaning it takes longer for the ingredient to be metabolized, allowing for a longer stretch of efficacy. This form of vitamin A has demonstrated all the same benefits of retinol, including visible reduction of fine lines and deep wrinkles, improvement of uneven skin tone, refining signs of enlarged pores, and fading the look of discolorations from sun exposure. Research has demonstrated that most people tend to tolerate retinyl propionate better than retinol; however, if your skin tolerates retinol it remains one of the gold standard anti-aging ingredients to consider. Part of the reason for this greater tolerance is that the conversion of retinyl propionate to retinoic acid happens differently and more slowly than it does for retinol. This has to do with how retinyl propionate interacts with specific receptor sites within skin’s uppermost layers. Usage levels of retinyl propionate in skin care range from 0.1–0.4%. It is often paired with niacinamide because this B vitamin enhances the stability and bioavailability of retinyl propionate.

Related ingredients: Retinol Vitamin A Ester