Retinyl Palmitate
Retinyl palmitate is an ester of vitamin A used in moisturizers and some sunscreens for mild anti-aging and antioxidant support. Long-term panel reviews of the ingredient have generally found it safe as used, with irritation potential similar to other mild retinoids at typical cosmetic concentrations.
A widely circulated claim holds that retinyl palmitate in sunscreen speeds up skin cancer, based on a 2010-era interpretation of a National Toxicology Program mouse photocarcinogenicity study. FDA and the CIR expert panel reviewed that data and concluded it did not establish a cancer risk from retinyl palmitate in cosmetic or sunscreen use at normal exposure levels; the finding has not been replicated as a human hazard.
Products with Retinyl Palmitate
References
Cosmetic information for general education, not medical advice. A verdict is a reading of the published evidence, never a guarantee for your skin: any ingredient can irritate someone, so patch test new products and see a professional if you react. Concern is graded on cited evidence, never on hazard-score lists. See how we score.