In our reference data, Retinyl Palmitate (Vitamin A) can feed Malassezia (fungal acne). It is commonly flagged for caution in pregnancy — confirm with your own doctor.
Retinyl palmitate is an ester of retinol (vitamin A) and palmitic acid used in skincare as a relatively mild, stable retinoid that converts to retinol and then retinoic acid in the skin. It is employed for antioxidant benefits and anti-aging effects, though it is less potent than retinol or prescription retinoids.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Skin irritation, redness, or dryness | Common | Generally milder than stronger retinoids but possible, especially at higher concentrations |
| Peeling or flaking | Uncommon | Reflects retinoid activity on skin turnover |
| Increased photosensitivity | Uncommon | Daytime sunscreen use is advised |
| Contact dermatitis or allergic reaction | Rare | Sensitivity to the ingredient or formulation |
| Concerns about photo-degradation byproducts | Rare | Some studies raised questions about UV exposure and free radical formation; evidence remains debated |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.
Peer-reviewed papers on this ingredient, via PubMed.