Comparison of Three Types of Vitamin A

Based on the information provided, the three types of Vitamin A available for cosmetic use are Retinal (Retinaldehyde), Retinyl Acetate, and Retinyl Palmitate. Here is a comparison based on your criteria:

• Usage Limitations (Morning/Evening/Sunlight): All types of Vitamin A are not suitable for use when exposed to direct sunlight. They can be used under indoor lighting. It is generally recommended to use them when you won't be exposed to the sun, such as in the evening.
• Irritation: All types can cause skin irritation, depending on the concentration. Based on the provided ranking, Retinal (Retinaldehyde) is more irritating than Retinyl Acetate and Retinyl Palmitate. Retinyl Acetate and Retinyl Palmitate are the least irritating among the cosmetic forms.
• Ease of Mixing: Information on the ease of mixing for each specific type is not available in the provided text.
• Anti-wrinkle Efficacy: All types are medically recognized for their ability to help reduce wrinkles. Based on the provided ranking, Retinal (Retinaldehyde) is more effective than Retinyl Acetate and Retinyl Palmitate. Retinyl Acetate and Retinyl Palmitate are the least effective among the cosmetic forms.
• Other Benefits: Vitamin A can help thicken the skin (though it may initially cause thinning), brighten the skin (though it may initially cause redness and darkening), and reduce clogged pores (though acne may initially increase in the first month). These effects are generally associated with the Vitamin A group.
• Incompatible Substances: No specific substances are mentioned as incompatible. The main concern is the stability of Vitamin A, which is sensitive to heat, light, and air. Products containing Vitamin A should be stored in packaging that protects from light and air.
• Substances that Enhance Efficacy: Information on substances that enhance the efficacy of these specific Vitamin A types is not available in the provided text.
• Other Information:
  • Retinoic Acid is a stronger form but is only permitted for use in medicine, not cosmetics, in Thailand.
  • Avoid using Vitamin A products during pregnancy as a precaution.
  • It is recommended to start with a low concentration and use long-term to minimize potential side effects like irritation, thinning, redness, darkening, or initial increase in acne.

Ranking Summary (Irritation and Benefit for Cosmetic Forms):

1. Retinal (Retinaldehyde): Higher irritation, higher benefit
2. Retinyl Acetate and Retinyl Palmitate: Lower irritation, lower benefit

Information about RETINAT (Starfish Extract)

RETINAT is a Starfish Extract and is not a Vitamin A derivative. Based on the information provided, it has anti-wrinkle efficacy and does not cause skin irritation like Vitamin A. The manufacturer claims it is more effective than Retinol for wrinkles at 1.6%, but this claim is based on their own study and an independent comparison covering all aspects of Retinol's effects is not available.