What Is Retinol? Vitamin A Explained
Retinol has a reputation problem. It works for a lot of people, but “working” often comes with redness, peeling, and irritation for others. Here's what retinol actually is, and why we formulate the way we do.
What Retinol Does for Skin
Retinol is a form of Vitamin A. It supports skin cell turnover and collagen signalling, which is why it's one of the most well-studied ingredients for smoothing fine lines, improving texture, and supporting firmness over time. It's the active most people mean when they talk about “real” anti-ageing skincare.
Why We Use Retinyl Palmitate
Retinyl palmitate is a milder, slower-converting ester form of Vitamin A. Compared with stronger retinoid forms, it provides a gentler approach to introducing Vitamin A into a skincare routine.
That's particularly relevant for products designed for areas such as the eye area, where skin can be more delicate and easily irritated.
The goal isn't to use the strongest form possible. It's to find a Vitamin A formula you can use consistently and comfortably over time.
What It's Paired With
Retinyl palmitate rarely works alone in our formulas. In the Retinol Eye Cream, it's paired with Vitamin C to help brighten and support tone, hyaluronic acid to hydrate, and niacinamide to help even tone and support the skin barrier — so the formula addresses more than one concern at once, without adding irritation risk.
Where You'll Find It
Retinyl Palmitate is the active in both the Retinol Eye Cream with Vitamin C & Peptides (1%) and the Retinol & Peptide Night Repair Cream (1%).
Not suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Always wear SPF during the day when using retinol products.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I use retinol eye cream?
Most people start with two to three nights a week and build up gradually as skin adjusts, rather than using it nightly from the start.
Can I use retinol with Vitamin C?
Yes — our Retinol Eye Cream combines both in one formula. Using gentler, stable forms of each (rather than high-strength L-ascorbic acid alongside strong retinoids) is what makes this combination comfortable rather than irritating.
Is retinyl palmitate as effective as stronger retinol?
It converts more slowly, which means a gentler introduction to Vitamin A. For many people, especially around the eye area, that trade-off is worth it for a formula they can actually use consistently.
Is retinol safe during pregnancy?
No — our retinol products, including the Retinol Eye Cream and Retinol & Peptide Night Repair Cream, are not suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
The Bottom Line
Retinol works, but the strongest form isn't always the most usable one. Retinyl palmitate is our approach to a Vitamin A formula you can actually stick with. If your skin is currently reactive or irritated, our guide to skin barrier repair is a better place to start before introducing retinol.
