Retinol
⚠ EU RestrictedIdentification
CAS Number 68-26-8
EINECS / EC 200-683-7
CosIng Ref 37479
Chemical Name (2E,4E,6E,8E)-3,7-dimethyl-9-(2,6,6-trimethylcyclohexen-1-yl)nona-2,4,6,8-tetraen-1-ol
IUPAC Name —
Formula C20H30O
Mol. Weight 286.5 g/mol
InChIKey FPIPGXGPPPQFEQ-OVSJKPMPSA-N
Function & Classification
Primary Function Skin Conditioning
Secondary Functions Antioxidant, Keratolytic
Origin Synthetic
Category Vitamins & Antioxidants
Manufacturer BASF SE
EU Regulatory Status
Max Leave-on 0.3%
Restrictions Max 0.3% for face/hands (leave-on); 0.05% for body lotions. Not for children products. Not for sun protection products.
Conditions of Use Face: max 0.3% leave-on / 0.3% rinse-off. Body lotions: max 0.05%. Not in products for children <3 years. Not in sunscreen. Retinol equivalents across full formula counted.
Mandatory Warning Contains Vitamin A. Pregnant women are advised to seek medical advice before using this product.
SCCS Opinion View SCCS opinion →
Safety Profile
4 / 10
Comedogenic Rating: 1/5
Low risk — should be fine for most skin types
Skin Type Compatibility
Acne-Prone ✓ Safe
Fungal Acne Safe ✓ Safe
Toxicology Profile
NOAEL 2.5 mg/kg bw/day (oral, rat, reproductive tox) SCCS/1576/16
Sensitization Non-sensitizer
Genotoxicity Non-genotoxic
Phototoxicity Non-phototoxic
Dermal Absorption 2%
LD₅₀ Oral 2000 mg/kg (rat)
LD₅₀ Dermal >2000 mg/kg (rat)
Skin Irritation (Draize) 1.5 / 4.0
Eye Irritation (Draize) 1.8 / 4.0
Source SCCS Opinion ↗
Formulation Guidelines
Solubility sparingly soluble
Benefits Anti-aging; cell renewal; wrinkle reduction
Suppliers & Documents
BASF SE 🇩🇪 Germany
Documents