Herbology Vitamin A Palmitate 1.0 Liquid Retinoid

Herbology Vitamin A Palmitate 1.0 Liquid (Retinyl Palmitate) is a high purity, oil soluble cosmetic grade retinoid active, the palmitate ester of retinol (Vitamin A), standardized to 1.0 million IU per gram (1.0 MIU/g) activity, supplied as a clear to pale yellow viscous liquid for direct oil phase incorporation. Retinyl palmitate is the most widely used and most skin gentle form of Vitamin A in cosmetic formulations, produced by esterifying retinol with palmitic acid (a naturally occurring fatty acid found in skin sebum and many plant oils) to create a highly stable, oil soluble, and low irritation retinoid that is naturally present in human skin and is the primary storage form of Vitamin A in the body. This natural affinity for skin makes retinyl palmitate uniquely biocompatible and well tolerated across all skin types including sensitive skin.

Vitamin A Palmitate's retinoid activity in skin follows the same metabolic pathway as all cosmetic retinoids: skin retinyl esterases cleave the palmitate group to release free retinol, which is then oxidized sequentially to retinaldehyde and retinoic acid through the skin's natural retinoid metabolism cascade. Retinoic acid then activates retinoic acid receptors (RARs) and retinoid X receptors (RXRs), nuclear receptors that regulate gene expression for collagen synthesis, keratinocyte differentiation, and epidermal cell turnover. At cosmetic use levels, retinyl palmitate delivers meaningful retinoid activity with the lowest irritation profile of any retinoid form, making it the preferred choice for sensitive skin formulations, daily use products, and formulations targeting customers new to retinoid skin care. Its oil solubility makes it ideal for direct incorporation into the oil phase of emulsions, facial oils, and oil based serums. Compared to retinyl acetate (the powder form), retinyl palmitate has a larger molecular weight due to the longer palmitate chain, resulting in slightly slower skin penetration but superior skin compatibility and a more emollient skin feel.

• Most Skin Gentle Retinoid Form lowest irritation profile of any retinoid; naturally present in human skin as the primary Vitamin A storage form; ideal for sensitive skin and daily use
• RAR and RXR Nuclear Receptor Activity same retinoid receptor mechanism as all Vitamin A forms; collagen synthesis stimulation, cell turnover acceleration, and skin renewal
• Oil Soluble Direct Oil Phase Incorporation clear liquid; dissolves directly in oil phase of emulsions, facial oils, and oil based serums without pre-dispersion
• Palmitic Acid Ester Biocompatibility palmitate group is a naturally occurring skin fatty acid; superior skin compatibility and emollient skin feel vs acetate form
• Collagen Stimulation and Anti Aging retinoic acid receptor activation upregulates collagen I and III gene expression for firmer, more youthful skin
• 1.0 MIU/g Standardized Potency 1,000,000 IU per gram standardized activity for precise, consistent dosing in professional formulations

Formulation Guidelines

• Recommended use level: 0.01 to 0.3% active retinyl palmitate; start at lowest effective concentration for new users
• Phase: Oil phase; add directly to oil phase at below 40 degrees C; avoid high temperature processing to preserve retinoid activity
• pH range: Stable at pH 4.5 to 7.0; broader pH stability than retinyl acetate
• Light and oxygen sensitivity: Store in airtight, opaque packaging away from light; use antioxidants (Vitamin E, ferulic acid) in formulations to protect retinoid stability
• Compatible with: Niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, peptides, Vitamin E, ferulic acid, most emollients and carrier oils
• Vs Retinyl Acetate Powder: Use Palmitate Liquid for oil phase emulsions, facial oils, and sensitive skin formulations; use Acetate Powder for water dispersible and dry formulations
• Applications: Anti aging night creams, facial oils, skin renewal serums, eye creams, sensitive skin moisturizers, and daily use skin care formulations

Important

Vitamin A Palmitate is a potent cosmetic active. Always start at the lowest recommended concentration and increase gradually as skin tolerance builds. Avoid use during pregnancy. Use broad spectrum sunscreen during the day when using retinoid containing formulations as retinoids increase photosensitivity. Perform a patch test before first use in formulations. For professional and experienced DIY formulator use.