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Firming & Aging

Vitamin A (Retinol)

AntioxidantFirmness / AgingExfoliation / Pores
INCI: Retinol (Vitamin A)
In short · TL;DR
Category
Firming & Aging
Effect
Turnover promotion, collagen synthesis, wrinkle improvement
Concentration
Typical 0.01–0.1%. The EU limit is 0.3% RE (0.05% RE in body lotion), with the label statement "Contains Vitamin A" required.
Effect
Turnover promotion, collagen synthesis, wrinkle improvement
Mechanism
Converts to retinal → retinoic acid → Binds to RAR/RXR nuclear receptors
Typical concentration
Typical 0.01–0.1%. The EU limit is 0.3% RE (0.05% RE in body lotion), with the label statement "Contains Vitamin A" required.
Onset
In Kafi 2007, 0.4% lotion applied to the arms of 36 people (mean age 87) up to 3 times a week for 24 weeks improved fine wrinkles. Timeframes on the face at 0.01–0.1%, and for texture, are not confirmed by primary sources.
Cautions
Night use only. Contraindicated during pregnancy. Increased irritation when combined with AHA/BHA
Evidence & references
Kafi 2007 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17515510/ / EU 2024/996 (Annex III 376) (checked 2026-10-20)
Journal

Related Journal

10
Skin-Concern SolutionsFor Those Who Can't Feel Their Aging Skin Recovering -- The "Foundation" Your Skin NeedsCare Guides by ConcernWrinkle and sagging care — how to protect collagen and elastinCare Guides by ConcernPore and acne care — the 3 factors of sebum, keratinization, and inflammationSkincare FundamentalsThe Correct Skincare Order — Why This Sequence MattersThe Complete Peptide GuideThe science of multi-peptide formulations -- synergy and antagonismThe Complete Vitamin C GuideVitamin C x other ingredients -- synergies and contraindicationsAn Honest Word on IngredientsThe Truth About "Collagen-Infused" — Does Topical Application Really Work?Anti-Aging vs LongevityThe limits of anti-aging—why "erasing" care doesn’t lastAnti-Aging vs LongevityMost anti-aging ingredients are "symptomatic treatment"—the difference from fundamental careAnti-Aging vs LongevityWhy "fighting back" fails—from the perspective of cellular senescence and SASP
This page is reference information and does not guarantee efficacy. Figures vary by test conditions (in vitro / manufacturer / concentration). It does not indicate pharmaceutical efficacy.
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