Ingredient Directory
Medium Concern Evaluator Flag

Retinol Acetate

Retinyl acetate; all-trans-retinol acetate

Safety Flags
CMR: Yes - Cat 2 (reproductive toxicity at high systemic dose)
Safety Notes

Retinol ester that converts to retinol in skin; teratogenic risk at high systemic doses; EU concentration limits apply per SCCS 2022; avoid in pregnancy.

Function & Common Use

Function

Skin-Conditioning Agent / Antioxidant / Anti-aging Agent

Category

Vitamins

Common In

Anti-aging serums, night creams, eye creams

Origin

Synthetic

Concentration Limits

India (CDSCO)

No specific limit; general safety provisions apply

EU Cosmetics Reg.

0.3% as retinol equivalent in face products; 0.05% in body lotions; 0.003% in hand products (SCCS 2022 opinion)

US FDA (21 CFR)

No specific 21 CFR cosmetic limit; OTC use at typical cosmetic concentrations

Korea (MFDS)

2500 IU/g (approx. 0.075% retinol equivalent) in functional cosmetics

Format restriction: EU: not in products intended for children under 3; not in body lotions/creams/oils if used over large body surface areas

Baby restriction: Yes

Pregnancy: Yes

IFRA: No

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Retinol Acetate safe to use in skincare?

Retinol Acetate has a Medium concern rating. Retinol ester that converts to retinol in skin; teratogenic risk at high systemic doses; EU concentration limits apply per SCCS 2022; avoid in pregnancy.

Is Retinol Acetate allowed in India?

Retinol Acetate is currently classified as "Permitted" under Indian cosmetics regulations. The maximum permitted concentration is No specific limit; general safety provisions apply.

What is Retinol Acetate used for in cosmetics?

Retinol Acetate functions as: Skin-Conditioning Agent / Antioxidant / Anti-aging Agent. It is commonly found in: Anti-aging serums, night creams, eye creams.

Can Retinol Acetate cause an allergic reaction?

Yes. Retinol Acetate has an allergen flag (No). If you have sensitive skin or known fragrance/contact allergies, patch-test products containing this ingredient before full use.

Is Retinol Acetate safe for babies?

Retinol Acetate has baby/child restrictions: Yes. Avoid using products containing this ingredient on infants unless specifically formulated and labelled for baby use.

TCS Assessment
Medium Concern
Data Confidence
High
Based on peer-reviewed safety data, regulatory status, and expert review by The Clean Sheet panel.

Regulatory Status

India (CDSCO)
Permitted
EU
Restricted
US FDA
Permitted
Korea (MFDS)
Restricted
Australia (TGA)
Cosmetic ingredient at low concentrations; higher concentrations require therapeutic goods listing
Canada (NHPID)
Restricted - concentration limits apply under Health Canada cosmetics regulations

EU Annex: Annex III (restricted)

Identifiers

CAS127-47-9
EC204-844-2

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