Product Overview:
Retinaldehyde (RAL), also known as vitamin A aldehyde, is the natural metabolic intermediate between retinol and retinoic acid. It shares the biological activity of retinoic acid but with significantly better skin tolerability. RAL is converted to retinoic acid within the epidermis in a controlled, cell‑dependent manner – excess RAL is safely stored as retinyl esters, avoiding the “overload” irritation caused by direct application of retinoic acid.
However, retinaldehyde is notoriously unstable – it degrades rapidly when exposed to light, air, and heat. ULA‑L1014 solves this using advanced liposome encapsulation technology. The retinaldehyde is protected within phospholipid bilayers, which also enhance skin penetration and provide sustained release.
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| ⚡ Superior anti‑aging | Stimulates collagen, increases epidermal thickness, repairs UV‑induced elastin & collagen damage |
| 🧴 High efficacy | 0.1% encapsulated RAL reduced crow’s feet by 23.7% in 8 weeks (vs. 10.3% for retinol) |
| 💧 Deep hydration | Increased skin hydration by 53.97% (vs. 35.78% for retinol) |
| 📈 Elasticity boost | Improved skin elasticity by 20.34% (vs. 11.86% for retinol) |
| 🧼 Acne control | 4 weeks: closed comedones ↓24%, open comedones ↓27%, sebum ↓23.6%, desquamation ↓19.1% |
| 🌿 Gentle & tolerable | Better tolerated than retinoic acid; suitable for sensitive areas |
| 🔒 Stable & bioavailable | Liposome encapsulation prevents degradation, ensures sustained delivery |
| Parameter | Improvement with Encapsulated RAL | Improvement with Retinol |
|---|---|---|
| Crow’s feet depth (8 weeks) | 23.7% reduction | 10.3% reduction |
| Skin hydration (8 weeks) | 53.97% increase | 35.78% increase |
| Skin elasticity (8 weeks) | 20.34% increase | 11.86% increase |
| Closed comedones (4 weeks) | 24.0% reduction | - |
| Open comedones (4 weeks) | 27.1% reduction | - |
| Sebum production (4 weeks) | 23.6% reduction | - |
Additional Skin Benefits:
Repairs UVA‑induced elastic fiber and collagen damage
Improves photoaging symptoms (roughness, fine lines, pigmentation)
Direct antibacterial effect against Cutibacterium acnes
Enhances skin immunity and self‑repair capacity
Reduces redness and sensitivity over time
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Product code | NK‑L1014 |
| Active content | 5% encapsulated retinaldehyde |
| INCI | Butylene Glycol, Tocopherol, Polyglyceryl‑10 Oleate, Phospholipids, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Retinal, Water |
| Appearance | Light yellow to yellow clear viscous liquid |
| Odor | Slight characteristic |
| pH (2% aq.) | 4.0 – 7.0 |
| Solubility | Dispersible in water (forms clear to slightly hazy solution) |
| Microbial limits | <200 cfu/mL; no pathogens |
| Heavy metals | Pb ≤10 ppm, As ≤2 ppm, Hg ≤1 ppm, Cd ≤5 ppm |
Formulation Guidelines:
Recommended dosage: 1 – 5% (equivalent to 0.05% – 0.25% pure retinaldehyde).
pH range: 3.0 – 6.5 (optimal).
Addition method: Add at room temperature during the cool‑down phase (<40°C).
Packaging: Use opaque/airless packaging to protect from light. For daytime products, add UV absorbers.
Compatibility: Avoid strong acids (vitamin C, AHAs, BHAs) and abrasive exfoliants in the same formula to prevent irritation.
Skin adaptation: Advise consumers to start with lower frequency (e.g., every other night) and gradually increase. Always recommend sunscreen during the day.
Applications:
Anti‑aging serums & creams, night repair treatments, acne control gels, photoaging correction, brightening formulas, and skin barrier repair products.
Packaging & Storage:
Packaging: 1 kg, 5 kg, or as requested.
Storage: Store below 25°C, protected from light and air. Keep container tightly closed.
Shelf life: 12 months unopened.