Is Retinyl Palmitate Vegan? What Is Retinyl Palmitate Made Of?

By Anett Rannamets. Updated: April 2023.
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Retinyl palmitate is a derivative of vitamin A. It is used as an anti-aging and acne-reducing ingredient. In skin care, retinyl palmitate is produced synthetically in the lab. Therefore, it is always vegan.

Retinyl palmitate is very similar to retinol. However, it has some differences. Let’s learn more about them.

What Is Retinyl Palmitate? What Is Retinyl Palmitate Made Of?

Retinyl palmitate is a precursor of retinol. The fat-soluble active ingredient is a derivative of vitamin A. And it is essential for the organism. 

Vitamin A actually encompasses several chemically related compounds, including retinal, retinol, retinoic acid, and retinyl palmitate. All these compounds are converted into each other in the body with the help of enzymes.

Retinyl palmitate is one of the fat-soluble compounds and it is actually very important for the body. It is important for vision, healthy cell growth, and skin renewal.

The body gets retinyl palmitate from milk, butter, eggs, animal liver, or fish. It also occurs in fatty plants. However, for industrial purposes, retinyl palmitate is produced in the lab synthetically.

Vitamin A was isolated from butterfat in In 1914. It was initially referred to as factor A. 60 years later, vitamin A established itself as an effective anti-wrinkle agent as well as a treatment for acne.

Retinyl palmitate is also known as vitamin A palmitate, and retinol palmitate.

Why Is Retinyl Palmitate Used In Skincare?

Retinyl palmitate is used in skincare because it has anti-aging, wrinkle-smoothing, and acne-reducing effects. It ensures normal cell growth, has antioxidant properties, and counteracts environmental damage.

The active ingredient is gentle but ensures cell metabolism and promotes skin renewal. The complexion becomes more refined as collagen synthesis revives. 

As it helps the skin produce more collagen and elastin, pigment spots, dark areas, or acne scars fade faster. Due to that feature, retinyl palmitate is used as an anti-aging ingredient as it helps to smooth out fine lines and wrinkles.

When the skin regenerates faster, it is also beneficial for inflammation. Retinyl palmitate helps the skin to be constantly renewed, so it reduces acne. The complexion becomes visibly smoother, firmer, and rejuvenated.

It has similar features as retinol. When it comes to skin smoothing, retinyl palmitate is a little less potent. However, it is gentle and much milder on the skin.

FAQ About Retinyl Palmitate

What is retinyl palmitate?

Retinyl palmitate is a precursor of retinol. The fat-soluble active ingredient is a derivative of vitamin A. And it is essential for the organism. 

Why is retinyl palmitate used in skincare?

Retinyl palmitate is used in skincare because it has anti-aging, wrinkle-smoothing, and acne-reducing effects. It ensures normal cell growth, has antioxidant properties, and counteracts environmental damage.

Is retinyl palmitate vegan?

Yes. Retinyl palmitate is vegan.

Summary

Retinyl palmitate is an ingredient that helps improve skin tone. It gives the skin extra elasticity, a smoother appearance, and reduces wrinkles and scars. 

The vitamin A derivative is very important for overall health and usually, we get it from fatty foods. However, in skincare, it is synthetic. So, it is good to know that retinyl palmitate in skin care products is always vegan.

See also: Best Vegan Skincare Products

Anett is a passionate journalist, writer, and magazine editor with almost 7 years of experience. Through engaging articles, she brings kinder and more environmentally-friendly choices closer to everybody.