Retinyl Palmitate
Also known as: vitamin A palmitate, retinol palmitate, preformed vitamin A
A form of vitamin A (retinol ester) used in sunscreens, anti-aging creams, and moisturizers. While vitamin A is essential for skin health, retinyl palmitate becomes problematic when applied topically and exposed to sunlight, potentially accelerating UV-induced skin damage.
1 = low concern, 10 = avoid
Risk by Usage Frequency
How risk changes depending on how often you use products containing Retinyl Palmitate.
Low risk when used in nighttime products away from UV exposure.
Daily use in sunscreens or daytime products is concerning due to photocarcinogenesis risk.
Significant concern in sun-exposed products. Use only in nighttime skincare if desired.
Health Risks
When exposed to UV light, retinyl palmitate generates free radicals that may accelerate skin damage and tumor formation.
National Toxicology Program (NTP), 2012 — photocarcinogenesis study of retinyl palmitate
Can cause photosensitivity, increasing the risk of sunburn and sun damage.
High doses of vitamin A during pregnancy are teratogenic (can cause birth defects). Topical absorption adds to total vitamin A load.
Teratology, 1998 — vitamin A and birth defects
Global Regulatory Status
How retinyl palmitate is regulated in cosmetics and personal care products around the world.
33% of countries with data ban or restrict this ingredient
Details
Max 0.05% retinol equivalent in face/hand creams; 0.3% in other leave-on body products; banned in lip products and sprays at higher levels per Regulation 2024/996.
Details
Retinol derivatives limited to ~0.07% retinol equivalent.
Details
Retinol derivatives restricted with concentration limits.
Why Brands Use Retinyl Palmitate
Marketed as an anti-aging ingredient that promotes cell turnover and skin renewal. Also added to sunscreens as an antioxidant.
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products in our database
1
brands use it
3
product categories
Better alternatives exist. Brands choose retinyl palmitate because it's cheap and effective, but safer options like bakuchiol (retinol alternative), niacinamide (vitamin B3), vitamin C (ascorbic acid) deliver similar results without the health concerns.
Retinyl Palmitate in Product Categories
Click a category to see every product containing retinyl palmitate in that category, with full ingredient breakdowns.
Products Containing Retinyl Palmitate
These popular products list retinyl palmitate in their ingredient labels. Tap any card to see the full ingredient breakdown and safety analysis.
The Worst Offender vs Numbrrrz
Here's how the lowest-scoring product containing retinyl palmitate compares to Numbrrrz.
CoverGirl Exhibitionist Lipstick
CoverGirl
Numbrrrz
Organic Lip Balm
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Safe Alternatives
What Numbrrrz Uses Instead
Numbrrrz does not use retinyl palmitate in any product. Our lip balms use vitamin E (tocopherol) as a photostable antioxidant that does not generate free radicals under UV exposure.
