Common Name(s): Retinyl glycolyl shikimate

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Provides stable retinol-type skin renewal activity with improved skin compatibility.

Why It's Used: Used as a stabilized retinol ester with potential enhanced delivery from the glycolyl shikimate carrier.

How It Works: Retinyl (vitamin a) ester provides pro-retinol activity converted to retinoic acid in skin; glycolyl shikimate ester modification improves stability and potentially skin affinity vs retinol palmitate.

Typically Found In: Anti-aging serums,retinol alternative formulas

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Active ingredient – anti-aging

Secondary Functions: Anti-aging active,skin conditioning agent

Application Areas:

Typical Concentration Range: 0.01%–1%

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: Conditional - feedstock declaration required

Halal Status: Unverified - feedstock declaration required (plant, animal and petrochemical routes all exist)

Source Notes: Synthetic retinol ester; glycolic and shikimic acid from plant fermentation. [audit 2026-07-29 rev2: origin-dependent: the same inci exists in plant, animal and petrochemical versions and the name does not discriminate. determination requires shariah-panel sign-off.]

SKIN COMPATIBILITY

Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low

Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 – non-comedogenic

Sensitivity Concerns: Less irritating than retinol; pregnancy precaution for all retinoids.

Safe for Sensitive Skin: Conditional – pregnancy

SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY

Safety Profile: Good safety profile. less irritating retinol ester form. ewg score: 1–2.

Works Well With: Vitamin c,niacinamide,other retinol esters

Avoid Combining With: Avoid with other retinoids; use spf when using retinoids

SCIENTIFIC NOTE

Retinol esters with multi-component ester groups are designed to improve stability and skin compatibility vs pure retinol while retaining vitamin a skin renewal activity.

Last Verified: 2026-03-28

Primary Sources: Cosing database,inci dictionary