Retinoids (retinol, retinaldehyde, tretinoin)
Category: Active ingredient
Brief description: Retinoids are a class of compounds derived from vitamin A, known for their potent anti-aging and acne-fighting properties.
Benefits: Anti-aging, skin-smoothing, acne-fighting, collagen-boosting.
Skin type suitability/concerns: Suitable for most skin types, but can be irritating for sensitive or dry skin.
Target audience: Individuals looking to address signs of aging or acne.
Chemical composition: Derivatives of vitamin A, with varying levels of conversion required to retinoic acid, the active form in the skin.
Physical aspect: Typically found in various forms from liquids to creams in cosmetic products, often yellow or yellow-orange in color.
Compatibility: Sensitive to light and air, requiring specific packaging. Also, certain active ingredients like acids or vitamin C may not be suitable to use at the same time.
Concentration: Varies significantly depending on the specific retinoid and its strength. Retinol is typically used at concentrations of 0.01-1%.
Side effects/adverse reactions: Can cause irritation, dryness, and sensitivity to the sun. A period of adjustment is often needed.
Regulatory status: Over-the-counter retinoids are widely available, but stronger ones like tretinoin are prescription-only in many countries.
Sustainability/ethical considerations: Can be derived from both natural and synthetic sources. No significant sustainability or ethical concerns known.
Brief description: Retinoids are a class of compounds derived from vitamin A, known for their potent anti-aging and acne-fighting properties.
Benefits: Anti-aging, skin-smoothing, acne-fighting, collagen-boosting.
Skin type suitability/concerns: Suitable for most skin types, but can be irritating for sensitive or dry skin.
Target audience: Individuals looking to address signs of aging or acne.
Chemical composition: Derivatives of vitamin A, with varying levels of conversion required to retinoic acid, the active form in the skin.
Physical aspect: Typically found in various forms from liquids to creams in cosmetic products, often yellow or yellow-orange in color.
Compatibility: Sensitive to light and air, requiring specific packaging. Also, certain active ingredients like acids or vitamin C may not be suitable to use at the same time.
Concentration: Varies significantly depending on the specific retinoid and its strength. Retinol is typically used at concentrations of 0.01-1%.
Side effects/adverse reactions: Can cause irritation, dryness, and sensitivity to the sun. A period of adjustment is often needed.
Regulatory status: Over-the-counter retinoids are widely available, but stronger ones like tretinoin are prescription-only in many countries.
Sustainability/ethical considerations: Can be derived from both natural and synthetic sources. No significant sustainability or ethical concerns known.
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