ActiveRelease Retinal™ Usage Questions

Here are the answers to your questions regarding the use of ActiveRelease Retinal™ at 1.7% in your formulation:

1. Sun Exposure During the Day: While ActiveRelease Retinal™ is designed with enhanced stability due to its encapsulation, making it more resistant to degradation from light and heat compared to traditional Retinal, retinoids in general can still increase skin sensitivity to the sun. The product description also advises against exposure to light and heat for storage. Therefore, it is generally recommended to use retinoid products, including ActiveRelease Retinal™, during your evening routine. If you choose to use it during the day, it is absolutely essential to follow up with a broad-spectrum sunscreen with adequate SPF to protect your skin from potential damage and reduce the risk of increased sensitivity.

2. Daily Use at 1.7%: The statement that Retinal should not be used every day is often related to its potential for causing skin irritation, especially when first starting or using higher concentrations. ActiveRelease Retinal™ features a sustained-release mechanism which helps to reduce irritation compared to non-encapsulated Retinal. The recommended usage rate for ActiveRelease Retinal™ is 1-5%, and your concentration of 1.7% is within this range. Whether you can use it daily depends on your individual skin's tolerance. It is advisable to start using it a few times a week and gradually increase frequency as your skin adjusts. Using Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide) in conjunction with Retinal is also suggested to help improve skin tolerance.

3. Optimal pH Range: According to the product description for ActiveRelease Retinal™, the formula should have a pH in the range of 3.5-6.5. The pH range you mentioned, 5.5-6.0, falls well within this recommended range and should be suitable for the ingredient to work effectively and maintain stability.