Retinol is the chemical name of the essential micronutrient vitamin A which can be harmful to your health when it’s added to cosmetic products in certain forms. Two derivatives – retinoic acid and retinyl palmitate – should be avoided in cosmetics and personal care products while retinol itself should not be used at high doses. FOUND IN: Anti-aging creams and lotions, moisturizers, and foundation.Natural vitamin A and its derivatives have important roles in human reproduction and development and in maintaining good vision and healthy skin[1]. People must consume enough vitamin A from their diet to be healthy. All-trans retinol (retinol, vitamin A) is obtained in the diet from plant or animal sources.[2] Retinoic acid is the most active biological form of vitamin A and retinyl palmitate is the major storage form of vitamin A in the skin.[3] In cosmetics, natural and synthetic retinol and retinol derivatives are used as skin conditioners and anti-acne agents in a variety of moisturizers, lotions and anti-aging creams.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR ON THE LABEL: Retinol, vitamin A, retinyl acetate, retinyl palmitate, all-trans retinoic acid, tretinoin. HEALTH CONCERNS: Cancer (Possible), Developmental and reproductive toxicity. Cancer: Retinoic acid and retinyl palmitate, in combination with sunlight, may increase skin cancer risk. In August 2012 the National Toxicology Program of the US National Institutes of Health published a report, which examined the photocarcinogenic effects of retinoic acid and retinyl palmitate. The study applied creams containing retinyl palmitate or retinoic acid to mice who were then exposed to synthetic sunlight. It found that the inclusion of these compounds in the cream increased the number of tumors and decreased the time of tumor appearance compared to animals given just the carrier cream both with and without synthetic sunlight. It should be noted that a number of vitamin A/retinol derivatives have been suggested as cancer-preventative agents. Unlike other dietary phytochemicals proposed to be cancer-preventive due to detoxifying and antioxidant properties, retinol derivatives have been suggested as anticancer agents mainly for their effects on cellular differentiation and growth suppression.
However, despite some promising laboratory and early clinical evidence for retinol and its derivatives in cancer treatment and prevention, several more recent large-scale trials have so far failed to show therapeutic benefit. Developmental and reproductive toxicity: The California EPA’s Proposition 65 list identifies all-trans retinoic acid as a developmental toxicant. It also identifies retinol/retinyl esters as developmental toxicants, but only when daily dosages exceed 10,000 international units. The listing notes that retinol/retinyl esters are required and essential for maintenance of normal reproductive function and that the recommended daily level during pregnancy is 8,000 international units. REGULATIONS: All-trans retinoic acid (Tretinoin) is banned for use in cosmetics in the EU. HOW TO AVOID: Read labels and avoid products containing retinyl palmitate and all-trans retinoic acid (tretinoin). Also avoid products with high doses of retinol (when in daily dosages in excess of 10,000 IU, or 3,000 retinol equivalents).
[1] Clagett-Dame M, Knutson D. Vitamin A in reproduction and development. [2] Clagett-Dame M, Knutson D. Vitamin A in reproduction and development. [3] NTP report: “Photocarcinogenesis study of retinoic acid and retinyl palmitate” August 2012 http://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/ntp/htdocs/lt_rpts/tr568_508.pdf April 6, 2015 [/skindeep/ingredient/706889/RETINOL_%28VITAMIN_A%29/ April 6, 2015 [5] NTP report: “Photocarcinogenesis study of retinoic acid and retinyl palmitate” August 2012 http://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/ntp/htdocs/lt_rpts/tr568_508.pdf April 6, 2015 [6] Yim, C. Y., Mao, P. & Spinella, M. J. Headway and Hurdles in the Clinical Development of Dietary Phytochemicals for Cancer Therapy and Prevention: Lessons Learned from Vitamin A Derivatives. AAPS J 16, 281–288 (2014). [7] http://oehha.ca.gov/prop65/prop65_list/files/P65single03272015.pdf April 6, 2015Available online: http://ec.europa.eu/consumers/cosmetics/cosing/index.cfm?fuseaction=search.details_v2&id=28717 April 6, 2015
The information in this document will help you understand the latest ingredients in skin care products that may benefit your skin. Use this information to sort through various skin care products on the market. If you're still unsure which skin care products are right for you, ask your dermatologist or consult with a skin expert at your local salon or beauty counter. Over-the-counter skin care products containing alpha-hydroxy acids (glycolic, lactic, tartaric, and citric acids) have become increasingly popular in recent years. Creams and lotions with alpha-hydroxy acids may help with fine lines, irregular pigmentation and age spots, and may help shrink enlarged pores. Side effects of alpha-hydroxy acids include mild irritation and sun sensitivity. To avoid burning, sunscreen should be applied in the morning. To help avoid skin irritation, start with a product with a maximum concentration of 10-15% AHA. To allow your skin to get used to alpha-hydroxy acids, you should only initially apply the skin care product every other day, gradually working up to daily application.
Salicylic acid removes dead skin and can improve the texture and color of sun-damaged skin. It penetrates oil-laden hair follicle openings and, as a result, also helps with acne. There are many skin care products available that contain salicylic acid. Some are available over-the-counter and others need a doctor's prescription. Studies have shown that salicylic acid is less irritating than skin care products containing alpha-hydroxy acids, while providing similar improvement in skin texture and color. Skin care products containing hydroquinone are often called bleaching creams or lightening agents. These skin care products are used to lighten hyperpigmentation, such as age spots and dark spots related to pregnancy or hormone therapy (melasma or chloasma). Over-the-counter skin care products such as AMBI®Fade cream contain hydroquinone. Your doctor can also prescribe a cream with a higher concentration of hydroquinone if your skin doesn't respond to over-the-counter treatments.
If you are allergic to hydroquinones, you may benefit from use of products containing kojic acid instead. Kojic acid is also is a remedy for the treatment of pigment problems and age spots. Discovered in 1989, kojic acid works similarly to hydroquinone. Kojic acid is derived from a fungus, and studies have shown that it is effective as a lightening agent, slowing production of melanin (brown pigment). Retinol is derived from vitamin A and is found in many over-the-counter “anti-aging” skin care products. Tretinoin, which is the active ingredient in prescription Retin-A and Renova creams, is a stronger version of retinol. If your skin is too sensitive to use Retin-A, over-the-counter retinol is an excellent alternative. Here's why skin responds to skin care products with retinol: vitamin A has a molecular structure that's tiny enough to get into the lower layers of skin, where it finds collagen and elastin. Retinol is proven to improve mottled pigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles, skin texture, skin tone and color, and your skin's hydration levels.
Retinyl palmitate is another ingredient related to retinol, but is less potent. This is the only form of vitamin C that you should look for in your skin care products. There are many skin care products on the market today that boast vitamin C derivatives as an ingredient (magnesium ascorbyl phosphate or ascorbyl palmitate, for example), but L-ascorbic acid is the only useful form of vitamin C in skin care products. With age and sun exposure, collagen synthesis in the skin decreases, leading to wrinkles. Vitamin C is the only antioxidant proven to stimulate the synthesis of collagen, minimizing fine lines, scars, and wrinkles. Skin care products containing this substance are often used with vitamin C products to assist in effective penetration. Hyaluronic acid (also known as a glycosaminoglycan) is often touted for its ability to "reverse" or stop aging. In news reports, you might have heard of hyaluronic acid as the "key to the fountain of youth." This is because the substance occurs naturally (and quite abundantly) in humans and animals, and is found in young skin, other tissues, and joint fluid.
Hyaluronic acid is a component of the body's connective tissues, and is known to cushion and lubricate. As you age, however, the forces of nature destroy hyaluronic acid. Diet and smoking can also affect your body's level of hyaluronic acid over time. Skin care products with hyaluronic acid are most frequently used to treat wrinkled skin. Copper peptide is often referred to as the most effective skin regeneration product, even though it's only been on the market since 1997. Here's why: Studies have shown that copper peptide promotes collagen and elastin production, acts as an antioxidant, and promotes production of glycosaminoglycans (think hyaluronic acid, as an example). Studies have also shown that copper-dependent enzymes increase the benefits of the body's natural tissue-building processes. The substance helps to firm, smooth, and soften skin, doing it in less time than most other anti-aging skin care products. Clinical studies have found that copper peptides also remove damaged collagen and elastin from the skin and scar tissue because they activate the skin's system responsible for those functions.
You may have heard of alpha-lipoic acid as "the miracle in a jar" for its anti-aging effects. It's a newer, ultra-potent antioxidant that helps fight future skin damage and helps repair past damage. Alpha-lipoic acid has been referred to as a "universal antioxidant" because it's soluble in both water and oil, which permits its entrance to all parts of the cell. Due to this quality, it is believed that alpha-lipoic acid can provide the greatest protection against damaging free radicals when compared with other antioxidants. Alpha-lipoic acid diminishes fine lines, gives skin a healthy glow, and boosts levels of other antioxidants, such as vitamin C. If you've heard of fish referred to as brain food, you can thank DMAE. This substance is naturally produced in the brain, but DMAE is also present in anchovies, salmon, and sardines. DMAE boosts the production of acetylcholine, which is important for proper mental functions. DMAE in skin care products shows remarkable effects when applied topically to skin, resulting in the reduction of fine lines and wrinkles.