An ester of retinol (vitamin A), regulated in Annex III.
What it is
Retinyl acetate is the ester of retinol (vitamin A) and acetic acid. CosIng lists it as a skin-conditioning agent. In the EU it is covered by an entry in Annex III (substances subject to restrictions) for retinol and its esters, which also requires a statement on the label.
Where it is used
Found in creams, serums, body lotions and other skin care products.
Limits of interpretation
The INCI list shows which ingredients are present, not how much of each. Above 1%, ingredients are listed in descending order of weight; below 1% the order is free.
See the EU regulation section for the applicable limits and label requirements; according to the Annex III entry, the limits are expressed as retinol equivalent and differ for body lotions and other products.
Functions
- Skin conditioning – miscellaneous
- Enhancing the appearance of dry and/or damaged skin by reducing flaking and restoring suppleness.
EU regulation
- Product type
- (a) Body lotion (b) other leave-on and rinse-off products
- Maximum concentration
- (a) 0,05 % Retinol Equivalent (RE) (b) 0,3 % RE
- Conditions and warnings
- For any cosmetic product containing Retinol, Retinyl Acetate or Retinyl Palmitate the following, labelling is obligatory: ‘Contains Vitamin A. Consider your daily intake before use’.
- As of
- 3 November 2026 · (EU) 2024/996
Scientific opinions (SCCS)
- Revision of the scientific Opinion (SCCS/1576/16) on Vitamin A (Retinol, Retinyl Acetate, Retinyl Palmitate)
- Vitamin A (Retinol, Retinyl Acetate, Retinyl Palmitate)
Opinions of the EU Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety that mention this ingredient. They assess specific uses and concentrations; read the opinion for its scope.