Cosmetic Active Ingredients

All-Trans-Retinal

CAS No.116-31-4
GradeIndustrial / Pharmaceutical
Availability● In Stock

All-Trans-Retinal is a high-purity cosmetic active ingredient renowned for its anti-wrinkle, anti-aging, and anti-acne efficacy with reduced skin irritation compared to other vitamin A derivatives.

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Product Technical Details

Product Overview

All-Trans-Retinal, also known as retinal or vitamin A aldehyde, is a highly effective bioactive compound widely utilized in advanced skincare formulations. As a direct precursor to retinoic acid, it delivers potent dermatological benefits while exhibiting significantly lower irritation potential than traditional retinoids like tretinoin, making it ideal for sensitive skin types.

Specifications

Molecular Formula	C20H28O
Molecular Weight	284.44 g/mol
Exact Mass	284.214020
Melting Point	61–63 °C
Boiling Point	421.4 ± 14.0 °C at 760 mmHg
Density	0.9 ± 0.1 g/cm³
LogP	6.54
PSA	17.07
Appearance	Yellow solid powder
Assay (HPLC)	≥98.0%
Water Content	≤0.5%
Storage Condition	−20 °C, protected from light and oxygen

Industrial Applications

All-Trans-Retinal is primarily employed as a multifunctional active ingredient in premium cosmetic formulations targeting skin rejuvenation. Upon topical application, it is enzymatically converted into retinoic acid in the skin, stimulating collagen synthesis, accelerating cellular turnover, and regulating sebum production—thereby effectively reducing fine lines, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and acne lesions.

Key advantages include:

Enhanced tolerability compared to stronger retinoids, suitable for daily use on sensitive skin
Dual anti-aging and anti-acne functionality in a single molecule
Rapid conversion to bioactive retinoic acid without requiring multiple metabolic steps

Recommended usage concentration ranges from 0.05% to 0.15% in final formulations. Due to its photosensitivity and susceptibility to oxidation, All-Trans-Retinal must be incorporated into anhydrous oil phases below 60 °C and stabilized with antioxidants such as tocopherol or BHT. For improved handling and shelf-life, we offer pre-dissolved solutions in food-grade ethanol at customer-specified concentrations.

Packaged in nitrogen-flushed, light-resistant aluminum foil bags (1 kg per bag), the product remains stable for up to 24 months when stored unopened at −20 °C. Immediate use after opening is strongly advised to maintain potency and prevent degradation.