Common Name(s): Retinyl hydroxypentanoatyl shikimate
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Provides stable retinol activity with improved skin delivery from the multi-ester modification.
Why It's Used: Used as a stability-enhanced retinol ester with improved skin affinity.
How It Works: Retinyl ester modification with hydroxypentanoyl and shikimic acid groups improves oxidative stability vs retinol; multi-component ester may improve skin penetration and hydrolysis kinetics.
Typically Found In: Anti-aging serums,stable retinol products
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Primary Category: Active ingredient – anti-aging
Secondary Functions: Anti-aging active,skin conditioning agent
Application Areas:
Facial Skincare
Body Care
Hair Care
Beard Care
Color Cosmetics (Makeup)
Dietary/Oral Supplements
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; hydroxypentanoic acid 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. ewg score: 1–2.
Works Well With: Vitamin c,niacinamide,other retinol esters
Avoid Combining With: Avoid with other retinoids; use spf
SCIENTIFIC NOTE
Multi-component retinol esters represent an advanced strategy for retinol stabilization; the complex ester groups protect the sensitive retinol alcohol group while providing skin-compatible hydrolysis release.
Last Verified: 2026-03-28
Primary Sources: Cosing database,inci dictionary