Retinol palmitate
[CAS# 79-81-2]

Identification

• Classification: API >> Vitamins and minerals >> Vitamin AD drugs
• Name: Retinol palmitate
• Synonyms: Vitamin A palmitate
• Molecular Formula: C₃₆H₆₀O₂
• Molecular Weight: 524.87
• CAS Registry Number: 79-81-2
• EC Number: 201-228-5
• SMILES: CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC(=O)OC/C=C(C)/C=C/C=C(C)/C=C/C1=C(CCCC1(C)C)C

Safety Data

• Hazard Symbols: GHS07;GHS08 Danger
• Risk Statements: H315-H360-H361-H372-H413
• Safety Statements: P203-P260-P264-P270-P273-P280-P302+P352-P318-P319-P321-P332+P317-P362+P364-P405-P501

Hazard Classification

Hazard	Class	Category Code	Hazard Statement
Chronic hazardous to the aquatic environment	Aquatic Chronic	4	H413
Reproductive toxicity	Repr.	1B	H360
Skin irritation	Skin Irrit.	2	H315
Reproductive toxicity	Repr.	1A	H360
Specific target organ toxicity - repeated exposure	STOT RE	1	H372
Reproductive toxicity	Repr.	2	H361
Chronic hazardous to the aquatic environment	Aquatic Chronic	3	H412
Chronic hazardous to the aquatic environment	Aquatic Chronic	3	H413
Reproductive toxicity	Repr.	1B	H360D
Reproductive toxicity	Lact.	-	H362

Discovery and Applications

Retinyl palmitate, also known as vitamin A palmitate, is an ester of retinol (vitamin A) and palmitic acid. Its discovery was closely tied to the widespread quest for vitamin A, a nutrient essential for vision, growth, and immune function. The first reports of retinol esterified with palmitate were in the 1950s, when researchers sought a more stable and versatile form of vitamin A for supplementation and therapeutic uses. Retinyl palmitate quickly became the form of choice due to its stability and effectiveness.

Retinyl palmitate is widely used in skin care products for its anti-aging and skin regenerative properties. It is a key ingredient in many topical treatments designed to reduce fine lines, wrinkles, and improve skin texture. Its ability to promote cell turnover and enhance collagen production makes it popular in anti-aging formulations.

As a dietary supplement, retinyl palmitate is used to provide vitamin A, which is essential for maintaining healthy vision, immune function, and skin health. It is included in multivitamins and vitamin A supplements to address deficiency and support overall health.

In the food industry, retinyl palmitate is used to fortify foods such as dairy products and cereals to prevent vitamin A deficiency. This fortification is particularly important in areas where dietary intake of vitamin A is inadequate to help combat related health issues such as night blindness and immune deficiencies.

Retinyl palmitate is used in pharmaceutical formulations to treat and prevent diseases associated with vitamin A deficiency. It is also used in certain dermatological treatments to improve skin health and control conditions such as acne.

In animal nutrition, retinyl palmitate is added to feed to ensure animals receive adequate vitamin A. This supplement supports growth, reproductive health, and overall well-being of livestock and pets.

References

1998. Comparison of the Postprandial Plasma Vitamin A Response in Young and Older Adults. The journals of gerontology. Series A, Biological sciences and medical sciences, 53(2).
DOI: 10.1093/gerona/53a.2.b133

1994. Uptake and storage of retinol and retinyl esters in bone marrow of children with acute myeloid leukemia treated with high-dose retinyl palmitate. European Journal of Haematology, 52(3).
DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0609.1994.tb01304.x

2005. The triacylglycerol synthesis enzyme DGAT1 also catalyzes the synthesis of diacylglycerols, waxes, and retinyl esters. Journal of Lipid Research, 46(7).
DOI: 10.1194/jlr.m500036-jlr200