What it is
Retinyl acetate is the acetate ester of retinol, a member of the vitamin A family of retinoids. In skin care it acts as a conditioning agent and antioxidant and serves as a comparatively stable, less irritating carrier of vitamin A activity. Once on the skin it can be converted toward retinol.
Safety & warnings
Retinoid esters such as retinyl acetate are typically milder than retinol or retinoic acid but can still cause dryness, redness, or sensitivity in some users, particularly at higher levels. As with other retinoids, products may carry guidance about sun sensitivity and are not generally recommended during pregnancy without professional advice. It is not a fragrance allergen.
Origin & sourcing
Synthetic; produced by esterifying retinol with acetic acid.
Questions everyone asks
Is retinyl acetate the same as retinol?
No, it is an ester of retinol that is more stable and can be converted toward retinol on the skin.
Why is retinyl acetate added to a sunscreen?
It is included as a vitamin A skin-conditioning and antioxidant ingredient, not for UV protection.