Is retinol considered toxic?

Author: Donato Brekke I  |  Last update: Tuesday, November 4, 2025

Preformed vitamin A encompasses metabolically active compounds such as retinol, retinal, retinoic acid, and retinyl esters. Although essential for overall health, excessive consumption of preformed vitamin A can lead to acute and chronic toxicity.

Is retinol toxic to the body?

Developmental and reproductive toxicity: The California EPA's Proposition 65 list identifies all-trans retinoic acid as a developmental toxicant. It also identifies retinol/retinyl esters as developmental toxicants, but only when daily dosages exceed 10,000 international units.

Why is retinol being banned in Europe?

The EU is restricting retinol concentrations in products to 0.3% or below, primarily due to concerns that the combined intake from various sources could exceed recommended limits and pose health risks. This is essentially a ban on concentrations of retinol over 0.3%.

Is retinol harmful long term?

Because a 1% increase in cholesterol concentrations has been reported to be associated with a 2% increase in coronary artery disease risk, long-term ingestion of 7576 RE vitamin A/d should be considered with caution. However, further studies are needed to confirm this finding.

Why is retinol controversial?

But, it does have its drawbacks. Retinol might cause your skin to peel and become flaky, dry, and irritated. You might even breakout.

TRETINOIN - THE GREATEST LIE EVER TOLD!

Why is retinol not recommended?

Retinol might not be a fit for those with overly sensitive or hypersensitive skin, those who have food intolerances or high allergic reactions, and young skin, she says. “Caution is necessary when using any vitamin A derivatives and should only be used after advice from your derm or skin care specialist,” Joss says.

What do Asians use instead of retinol?

Bakuchiol extract comes from the Babchi plant, known for its purple blossoms and its use in Chinese and Indian medicine. The extract can be found in daily moisturizers, serums and creams. “Bakuchiol is often used as a gentler alternative to retinol.

Does retinol make you age slower?

Retinoids are a group of drugs derived from Vitamin A. Since the 1970s, doctors have used retinoids to treat acne, psoriasis, and some cancers. Dermatologists also realized that retinoids have anti-aging properties. You can apply these medications to the skin to improve skin tone and reduce the signs of aging.

What is the best retinol alternative?

We break down our list into serums, eye creams and moisturizers so you can find the retinol alternative that best fits into your skin care routine.
  • Herbivore Bakuchiol Serum. ...
  • Naturium Azelaic Acid Serum. ...
  • Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Resurfacing Serum. ...
  • Kora Organics Plant Stem Cell Retinol Alternative Serum.

Does topical retinol affect hormones?

When retinol is used, it interacts with the hormone thyroxine and transthyretin. Thyroxine is produced in the thyroid gland and secreted into the bloodstream.

Why are people against retinol?

Because retinoids can be very irritating to the skin if not used properly. The higher the strength, the more skin irritation (redness and peeling), the lower the strength, the less skin irritation.

What are the new rules for retinol?

What are the new retinol legislations? The new rules which will be rolled out over 36 months and starting at the end of 2024 state that there will be a 0.3% retinol limit for skincare and face products and a 0.05% limit for bodycare going forward.

What percentage of retinol is in CeraVe?

This CeraVe serum retinol percentage is 0.3% encapsulated retinol..."

Is retinol bad for your liver?

Too much vitamin A is toxic and can cause liver failure, even death. Symptoms of vitamin A toxicity include: Headache. Fatigue.

Is applying retinol everyday bad?

Retinol and other retinoids work best if you use them daily. But when you first start out, you should begin using retinol every 1 or 2 days. This helps your skin get used to it, and avoid irritation. After a few weeks, slowly work your way up to using it every night.

Is vitamin C serum better than retinol?

If you want to target wrinkles, uneven texture, or acne, retinol is your best bet. If you're looking for brighter skin and protection from environmental damage, vitamin C is the way to go.

What is better than retinol for aging skin?

Bakuchiol

With the rise and popularity of clean skincare, Bakuchiol has become a go to for many of my patients looking for a retinol alternative. It functions similarly to retinol by stimulating collagen production and promoting cell turnover but without the associated irritation.

What is a natural alternative to retinol?

Often called nature's retinol, bakuchiol is the most well-known of the natural retinol alternatives. Extracted from the seeds of the babchi plant, bakuchiol (pronounced 'back-oo-chiol' after the Sanskrit name for the babchi plant) is one of the hottest ingredients in the natural beauty industry today.

What is the best anti-aging serum?

Best anti-aging serum overall

Medik8's Crystal Retinal Serum's hero ingredient is retinaldehyde, which fights wrinkles and fine lines quicker than other commonly used retinols, according to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Marisa Garshick.

Why does my skin look older after retinol?

Going overboard on the potent ingredient (known to cause irritation and dryness at high concentrations) can dry out your skin and make your wrinkles look more noticeable, says Rebecca Kazin, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at the Washington Institute of Dermatologic Laser Surgery in Washington, D.C. Avoid this side ...

What are the disadvantages of retinol on face?

What are the side effects of retinol?
  • Dry, irritated skin.
  • Itching or burning.
  • Redness, peeling, flaky or scaly skin.
  • Sunburn.

What is the best moisturizer for aging skin?

SkinCeuticals' Triple Lipid Restore is our top pick because it absorbs well and promises deep hydration while providing skin a youthful glow. Glow Recipe Plum Plump Hyaluronic Cream is a close second because it can moisturize and plump skin intensely. Aging is a beautiful thing, but change isn't always easy.

How do Koreans not have wrinkles?

Korean ladies use facial massage to promote circulation and bring oxygen and nutrients to the skin's surface. It's an amazing way to boost skin's radiance and combat fine lines and wrinkles. Start with a dab of your favorite facial oil or moisturizer. You can add a bit of your favorite serum for an extra boost.

What retinol does Jennifer Aniston use?

At night, Aniston treats her skin with a dose of retinol, specifically the Shani Darden Retinol Reform Treatment Serum ($90).

What are the downsides of bakuchiol?

While bakuchiol is considered a gentler alternative to retinoids, says Dr. Garshick, “there is still a risk of sensitivity, including redness, dryness or stinging of the skin, especially with initial use.” That means that until your skin becomes accustomed to bakuchiol, you may still notice some irritation.

Previous article
How do you stop hair follicles from getting inflamed?
Next article
Can you dye over ginger hair?