Retinoid (retinyl ester)
Retinyl Propionate
INCI: Retinyl Propionate·Studied at 0.1–0.3%·Limited evidence
A vitamin A ester that skin converts, by way of retinol, toward retinoic acid, used as a gentler retinoid (notably in Olay serums). It is milder than retinol and carries a lighter evidence base.
Studied for
- ·The appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
- ·The look of a smoother, more even surface
How it’s thought to work
Converted in skin, through retinol, toward retinoic acid, and studied for the appearance of smoother, firmer-looking skin; the extra conversion step makes it slower and gentler than retinol.
Layering note
Often kept apart from: direct L-ascorbic acid (vitamin C) in the same layer.