Common Name(s): Retinyl methoxy peg-22 acetate,retinyl methoxy peg-22 acetate,pegylated retinoid,water-dispersible retinol
CAS Number: N/a
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Provides retinol bioactivity from a water-dispersible retinoid format, enabling anti-aging activity in lightweight toners and essences that cannot accommodate conventional lipophilic retinoids.
Why It's Used: Retinyl methoxy peg-22 acetate solves the formulation challenge of incorporating retinoids into aqueous products — the peg chain provides water miscibility without the solvent or surfactant loading of conventional retinol solubilisation.
How It Works: Peg chain hydrophilicity + retinol lipophilicity → amphiphilic self-assembly in water → micelle-mediated skin delivery → enzymatic peg cleavage → retinol release → rar activation.
Typically Found In: Anti-aging,toner,essence
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Primary Category: Active ingredient – cosmetic active
Secondary Functions: Skin conditioning
Application Areas:
Facial Skincare
Body Care
Hair Care
Beard Care
Color Cosmetics (Makeup)
Dietary/Oral Supplements
Typical Concentration Range: 0.01%–0.5%
SOURCING & ETHICS
Vegan Status: Conditional - feedstock declaration required
Halal Status: Unverified - feedstock declaration required (plant, animal and petrochemical routes all exist)
Source Notes: Commercially produced for cosmetic use. verify vegan/halal status with supplier. [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: Well-tolerated.
Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes
SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY
Safety Profile: Good safety profile at recommended concentrations. ewg score: 1–2.
Works Well With: Standard skincare actives
Avoid Combining With: No known significant incompatibilities
SCIENTIFIC NOTE
Peg-modified retinoids provide reduced photosensitisation risk versus free retinol due to encapsulation protecting the polyene chromophore.
Last Verified: 2026-03-22
Primary Sources: Cosing database,retinyl methoxy peg-22 acetate pegylated retinoid review