# RETINOL (retinol) — Global Cosmetic Regulatory & Formulation Monograph

- **Canonical URL**: https://www.inciname.com/en/ingredients/retinol
- **Standard INCI**: `RETINOL`
- **KR MFDS Standard Name**: `레티놀`
- **CAS No.**: `68-26-8`
- **EC / EINECS No.**: `200-683-7`
- **Origin**: `vitamin`
- **Functions**: 피부컨디셔닝제
- **Molecular Formula / MW**: `C20H30O` (286.45 g/mol)

## 1. 7-Track Official Regulatory Label Names
| Track | Official Label Nomenclature |
| :--- | :--- |
| KR (MFDS Standard) | 레티놀 |
| KR (Former Names) | — |
| EU (CosIng 1223/2009) | RETINOL |
| US (PCPC / MoCRA INCI) | RETINOL |
| US (FDA OTC Monograph) | — |
| CN (NMPA IECIC) | 视黄醇 |
| JP (JCIA / MHLW QD) | レチノール (QD: ビタミンＡ油) |

## 2. Layer 1 — Global 6-Region Statutory Summary
- **KR (MFDS)**: `noted`
- **EU (1223/2009)**: `restricted`
- **US (FDA/MoCRA)**: `allowed`
- **CN (NMPA IECIC)**: `noted` (Entry: `6162`)
- **JP (MHLW)**: `allowed`
- **ASEAN (ACD)**: `restricted`

- **EU** [limited]: ≤ 0.3% —  (Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 Annex III — via CosIng (EU Commission))
- **EU** [restricted]: ≤ 0.3% (RE) — EU Regulation (EU) 2024/996 (Annex III): Max 0.05% Retinol Equivalent (RE) in body lotions; Max 0.3% RE in other leave-on and rinse-off products. Mandatory warning: 'Contains Vitamin A. Consider your daily intake before use.' (Commission Regulation (EU) 2024/996)
- **ASEAN** [restricted]: ≤ 0.3% (RE) — ASEAN Cosmetic Directive (ACD) Annex III aligned with EU Retinoid limits. (ASEAN Cosmetic Directive Annex III)
- **KR** [noted]: 0.075~0.075% (2,500 IU/g) — MFDS Functional Cosmetics Notice Annex 4: 2,500 IU/g (~0.075%) for anti-wrinkle claim. (기능성화장품 심사에 관한 규정 [별표4])
- **KR** [noted]: — —  (기능성화장품 심사에 관한 규정 [별표4] 3. 피부의 주름개선에 도움을 주는 제품의 성분 및 함량)
- **CN** [noted]: — —  (化妆品安全技术规范(2015년판) — 전수 검색)
- **JP** [allowed]: — —  (化粧品に配合可能な医薬品の成分について(薬食審査発第0524001号) 별첨 「承認化粧品成分の範囲」)
- **US** [allowed]: — —  (21 CFR Part 700 — Cosmetic Products; General)

## 3. Layer 2 — Toxicological & Historical Safe Use Concentrations
- **cn_iecic_max** (leave_on): ≤ 1% — NMPA IECIC (2025) Entry 06045 (2025)
- **cn_iecic_max** (rinse_off): ≤ 0.5% — NMPA IECIC (2025) Entry 06045 (2025)

## 4. Layer 3 — Formulation Quartiles & Compatibility
- **Optimal pH Window**: 5.8 – 7
- **Max Process Temp**: ≤ 40°C
- **Synergy Pairings**: TOCOPHEROL, BHT, BAKUCHIOL, CERAMIDE NP, BISABOLOL, SQUALANE
- **Incompatibilities**: EXTREMELY LABILE to oxygen, UV light, heat (>40°C), trace metals, and acidic pH (<5.0) due to 5 conjugated double bonds! Must formulate at neutral pH 6.0~7.0 under nitrogen blanket with BHT/Tocopherol/EDTA/Sodium Metabisulfite and package in opaque aluminum airless containers; Do not combine in the same low-pH formula with AHA/BHA or pure L-Ascorbic Acid

## 5. Academic Monograph
■ [1. Chemical Identity & International Labeling Nomenclature]
  - INCI Name: RETINOL | CAS No.: 68-26-8 | EC No.: 200-683-7
  - Origin: VITAMIN | Functions: Skin Conditioning
  - Physicochemical Profile: Formula C20H30O | MW 286.45 g/mol | LogP 5.68 | Ionic Nature: non-ionic | PubChem CID 445354
  - Official Regional Label Names: US [RETINOL] · EU [RETINOL] · CN [视黄醇] · JP [レチノール] · JP Quasi-Drug [ビタミンＡ油]
■ [2. Dermatological Mechanism of Action & Functional Role]
  - Primary lipophilic Vitamin A alcohol that undergoes sequential enzymatic oxidation in keratinocytes to Retinaldehyde and all-trans Retinoic Acid, binding nuclear RAR/RXR heterodimers. Suppresses UV-induced AP-1 and matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-1, MMP-3, MMP-9) while upregulating Type I/III procollagen, tropoelastin, and epidermal glycosaminoglycan synthesis.
■ [3. Global 6-Jurisdiction Regulatory Status & Safety Limits (Layer 1 & Layer 2)]
  - Regional Summary: KR: NOTED | EU: RESTRICTED | US: ALLOWED | CN: NOTED | JP: ALLOWED | ASEAN: RESTRICTED (CN IECIC (2025) Entry No. 6162 (视黄醇))
  - [EU / COMPOSITION / limited] (Max 0.3%): 
  - [KR / OFFICIAL / noted]: 
  - [US / COMPOSITION / allowed]: 
  - [CN / COMPOSITION / noted]: 
  - Official Safety & Historical Use Concentration (Layer 2): CN_IECIC_2025 (cn_iecic_max, leave_on): Max 1.0% / CN_IECIC_2025 (cn_iecic_max, rinse_off): Max 0.5%
■ [4. Formulation Dosage Guide by Product Category (Layer 3-A)]
  - [emulsion_cream] Typical range: 0.03 ~ 0.3% (Median 0.1%, Ref: EU Regulation 2024/996 (SCCS/1639/21), MFDS Annex 4 & CIR Retinol Assessment) — Gold-standard RAR/RXR retinoid for anti-wrinkle & dermal collagen synthesis (EU max 0.3% face / 0.05% body)
  - [aqueous_serum] Typical range: 0.03 ~ 0.3% (Median 0.1%, Ref: SCCS/1639/21 Scientific Opinion on Vitamin A) — Encapsulated retinol anti-aging serum active
■ [5. Formulation Engineering, Stability & Incompatibility Matrix (Layer 3-B)]
  - Addition Phase: Final Cool-down Phase (< 40°C under yellow light & nitrogen purging)
  - Optimal pH Range: pH 5.8 ~ 7.0 | Max Process Temp: Max 40°C | Electrolyte Tolerance: MEDIUM
  - Incompatibility / Caution: EXTREMELY LABILE to oxygen, UV light, heat (>40°C), trace metals, and acidic pH (<5.0) due to 5 conjugated double bonds! Must formulate at neutral pH 6.0~7.0 under nitrogen blanket with BHT/Tocopherol/EDTA/Sodium Metabisulfite and package in opaque aluminum airless containers
  - Incompatibility / Caution: Do not combine in the same low-pH formula with AHA/BHA or pure L-Ascorbic Acid
  - Synergy Pairings: TOCOPHEROL, BHT, BAKUCHIOL, CERAMIDE NP, BISABOLOL, SQUALANE | Reference Trade Names: Retinol 50C / 10S (BASF), RetiSTAR® (BASF), Rovisome® Retinol
■ [6. Peer-Reviewed Literature & Official Compendia Evidence]
  - PMID 38002296 (2023, Biomolecules): Human Skin Aging and the Anti-Aging Properties of Retinol
  - PMID 29947134 (2019, Br J Dermatol): Prospective, randomized, double-blind assessment of topical bakuchiol and retinol for facial photoageing
  - PMID 17515510 (2007, Arch Dermatol): Improvement of naturally aged skin with vitamin A (retinol)

## 6. Linked PubMed Literature
- [PMID: 38002296] Human Skin Aging and the Anti-Aging Properties of Retinol — *Biomolecules* (2023)
- [PMID: 29947134] Prospective, randomized, double-blind assessment of topical bakuchiol and retinol for facial photoageing — *Br J Dermatol* (2019)
- [PMID: 17515510] Improvement of naturally aged skin with vitamin A (retinol) — *Arch Dermatol* (2007)
- [PMID: 40586182] Novel Cyclized Hexapeptide-9 Outperforms Retinol Against Skin Aging: A Randomized, Double-Blinded, Active- and Vehicle-Controlled Clinical Trial — *J Cosmet Dermatol* (2025)
- [PMID: 29604311] Encapsulation and controlled release of retinol from silicone particles for topical delivery — *J Control Release* (2018)
- [PMID: 42246630] Retinol-Loaded Mannosylerythritol Lipid Nanoliposome for Enhanced Human Skin Penetration. — *Skin Res Technol* (2026)
- [PMID: 42235053] A Novel Retinoid and Salicylic Acid Topical Treatment for Moderate-Severe Acne. — *J Drugs Dermatol* (2026)
- [PMID: 42206438] Effectiveness and safety of topical L-ascorbic acid 15% serum compared to retinol 0.1% serum for skin aging: a double-blind randomized controlled trial study — *Dermatol Reports* (2026)
- [PMID: 42090902] Epalrestat repurposing for psoriasis: Targeting AKR1B10 to modulate the metabolic-immune axis via restoring retinol metabolism and suppressing IL-17 signaling — *Int Immunopharmacol* (2026)
- [PMID: 42025657] Tailored dual release of retinol and salicylic acid from salicylate-based poly(anhydride-ester) microspheres with tunable degradation profiles — *Int J Pharm* (2026)
- [PMID: 41981221] TPGS Modified Phospholipid-free and Cholesterol-free Ethosomes Enhance Chemical Stability and Transdermal Permeation Of Retinol — *AAPS PharmSciTech* (2026)
- [PMID: 35816071] SUPPLEMENT ARTICLE: Retinol: The Ideal Retinoid for Cosmetic Solutions — *J Drugs Dermatol* (2022)
- [PMID: 17353400] Topical retinol improves fine lines and elasticity in naturally aged skin without significant irritation — *Archives of Dermatology* (2007)
- [PMID: 31616234] Clinical, cosmetic and investigational dermatology: vitamin A and skin health — *Advances in Dermatology and Allergology* (2019)
- [PMID: 18046911] Retinoids in the treatment of skin aging: an overview of clinical efficacy and safety — *Clinical Interventions in Aging* (2006)
- [PMID: ] PubChem Compound Summary: Retinol — *PubChem Compound Database* (2026)
- [PMID: 42094960] Kumkumadi Taila improves facial skin pigmentation, erythema, and elasticity: an instrument-based exploratory proof-of-concept study with phytochemical profiling for primary skin care — *Front Med (Lausanne)* (2026)
- [PMID: 42012583] Controlling Staphylococcus aureus skin infections by targeting biofilm and virulence properties using FDA-approved antiseptics and skin care products — *Folia Microbiol (Praha)* (2026)