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Retinol: Concentration in a given product
Hi, all.
It seems that, at a maximum, a brand will disclose the % of retinol contained in a product. For example, a 1% retinol face oil, such as this one.
https://www.goodmolecules.com/products/1-retinol-night-oil
From what I understand, a more important measure of a retinol product’s strength is stated in terms of IU. As an example, for a different product, the manufacturer told me theirs is 0.5% (not mentioned on the label), providing 1500IU. Does anyone know if this conversion rate is “universally true” or does it vary by product? For example, do I assume that all 1% retinol products contain 3000IU of retinol?
Thank you.
goodmolecules.com
About Good Molecules 1% Retinol Night Oil Help smooth, firm, and refine the look of skin for a more youthful appearance with Good Molecules 1% Retinol Night Oil. Powered by 1% potent retinol in a base of nourishing plum oil, … Continue reading
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2 Replies
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Hello, so the IU is specific to the compound in question. So the retinol IU only applies to retinol, if a product contains a different Vitamin A derivative or a different version of retinol (ex Beta-retinol, retinyl acetate) it will have a different IU. So it would follow the actual ingredient, not products.
I do not believe IU is exactly what you are looking for however. IU is a measure of the required amount to have a biological effect (i.e. 3 mcg = 1 IU of retinol) it is a specific measurement that is measured for food and supplements, I don’t believe it would be measured for skin effect. This is basically the reason that a company using retinol won’t put an IU, but just the %, compared to a Vitamin A supplement that may put it on there as its more applicable (or the updated “…mcg RAE”). If it helps you think about it more clearly, then by all means, it is just a conversion to a different unit, but I think it is an unnecessary conversion to make in your head.
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Basically, I am making indirect reference to the study below, which looks at strength based on IU, rather than % concentration, but — yes — I was speaking only of retinol and not other similar derivatives.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36574043/
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Retinol is widely used for topical application for antiaging. However, the efficacy and effect rate of different concentrations of retinol have been rarely analyzed. Therefore, in this study, the efficacy and rate of effect of retinol concentrations from 1500 to … Continue reading
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