Is Retinyl palmitate Banned? EU vs US Status, Risks & Where It Hides
TL;DR: Retinyl palmitate is restricted in the EU but allowed in the US (endocrine disruptors).
INCI name Retinyl Palmitate. CAS 79-81-2.
Is Retinyl palmitate banned in the EU?
| EU status | Restricted |
|---|---|
| US status | Allowed |
| Risk level | medium |
| Where it shows up | anti-aging cream, sunscreen, lotion |
| CAS number | 79-81-2 |
What is Retinyl palmitate?
Retinyl palmitate is a vitamin A ester used in anti-aging skincare and sunscreen.
Why is Retinyl palmitate used in personal-care products?
It is used for its preservative, coloring, UV-filtering, lightening or texture-enhancing properties.
Is Retinyl palmitate dangerous? Documented risks
The EU caps vitamin A levels over concerns it may accelerate skin damage in sunlight; the US does not restrict it.
Products that may contain Retinyl palmitate
- anti-aging cream
- sunscreen
- lotion
How to avoid Retinyl palmitate: safer alternatives
Choose EU-compliant or 'free-from' formulations and read the INCI list. BannedPantry flags this ingredient and suggests safer swaps.
Frequently asked questions about Retinyl palmitate
Is Retinyl palmitate banned in the EU?
Retinyl palmitate is restricted under the EU Cosmetics Regulation (1223/2009), but it is allowed in US personal-care products.
Is Retinyl palmitate in US cosmetics?
Yes — Retinyl palmitate can still appear in US-sold cosmetics and personal-care products because US rules are far less restrictive than the EU's.
What products contain Retinyl palmitate?
Read the INCI ingredient list on the back of the package. Scan the barcode with BannedPantry to flag Retinyl palmitate automatically.
Are there safer alternatives to Retinyl palmitate?
Yes. Look for EU-compliant or 'free-from' formulations; BannedPantry suggests safer swaps when it detects Retinyl palmitate.
Scan any product's barcode and instantly see if it contains Retinyl palmitate or other ingredients banned overseas.
Scan a product free →Related endocrine disruptors
Avoiding banned beauty ingredients? Check your food, too.
Sources
- EU endocrine disruptor list I — EU ED Lists
- EU Cosmetics Regulation Annex II (prohibited substances) — EU Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009
- EU-banned cosmetics ingredients and US impact — RegASK
Our scores are never influenced by brands. Last updated 6/11/2026.