Retinol
Vitamin A1-alcohol, or retinol, is a restorative ingredient. Retinol is a precursor of its active form, retinoic acid. Retinol must be converted by skin enzymes into its biologically active form, retinoic acid. Because it must first be converted, retinol is less potent than a topical retinoic acid. It’s incredibly popular in OTC and skin care formulations due its regenerative properties, like retinoids.
Benefits: Through exfoliation, retinol unclogs pores, reduces photodamage, and pumps up the volume on the production of collagen, which plumps skin.
Skin Types: People with very dry, sensitive, or redness-prone skin have to be extra careful when applying retinol topically. It’s also not recommended for use during pregnancy.
