Retinol restriction In cosmetics this is already a reality. Starting in 2025, products containing this ingredient that will be available for sale in European Union They will have to comply with certain restrictions. In recent years, skin care fever has found its vein in this derivative. Vitamin A, which promises to improve skin texture, reduce wrinkles or fight acne, among many other benefits. It’s all true. In fact, it is one of the most scientifically supported cosmetic ingredients. However, we must not forget that an overdose of some vitamins can be harmful to health, and retinol is no exception.
For this reason, in October 2022 scientific committee of the European Union to decide whether using retinol could be dangerous. They concluded that it is a safe ingredient, but doses used in cosmetics should be limited. Over-the-counter products will have a limit on their retinol content. 0.05% for body lotions and 0.3% for face or hand productsregardless of whether they are washed or not.
In addition, all of these products must add a warning about the contents of the product on the label. vitamin A derivative. None of this means we should be afraid of retinol. Its advantages remain the same, and the doses to which it will be limited are completely safe. Even if we have used higher doses so far, we should not worry as side effects will be very rare. However, it is worth taking into account the reasons that prompted the European Union to take this decision and, if we deem it appropriate, to reduce our retinol intake now, rather than waiting for it to become mandatory.
The wonderful benefits of a new ingredient
Cosmetics have changed a lot in recent years. Previously, not many ingredients with interesting applications were known. Therefore, the appearance of retinol in products of this type has become a real boom. He did not arrive alone. Along with this, other substances such as vitamin C, hyaluronic acid or niacinamide.
However, retinol has found a very special place, especially in anti-aging treatments. These and other vitamin A derivatives such as retinylbind to skin cell receptors called retinoid receptors. When molecules with binding capacity in these receptors enter them like a key into a lock, a large number of processes associated with apoptosis and cell proliferation. That is, the death of damaged cells and the appearance of new healthy cells.
Retinol has a low molecular weight, so it can penetrate into deeper layers of skin. It acts both there and on the surface, promoting cell renewal through processes controlled by retinoid receptors. But it also controls oil production, so it can fight acne. On the other hand, as we get older, the skin cells that produce collagen become damaged, so we have less of this substance that helps our skin stay smooth. Retinol protects the cells that produce collagen, so it also smoothes the skin and prevents wrinkles. There is everything.
With all these advantages, the restriction of retinol is even more strange. But we must not forget that even water is harmful if we consume it in excess. Vitamin A derivatives are another example of how it all depends on the dose.
What is the reason for limiting retinol?
We have already seen that retinol is vitamin A derivative. It is found naturally in many foods, such as dairy products and some green and orange vegetables.
Like other vitamins, it is very essential and has many health benefits, but if you exceed certain doses, it can cause symptoms such as hair loss, dry skin, weak bones, nausea or headaches. Weakening bones are of particular concern, as fractures can easily occur. Moreover, since it is a vitamin fat-solubleis stored in fats and is not excreted in urine like vitamin C and other water-soluble vitamins.
We must remember that people who use retinol in cosmetics also obtain vitamin A from food or supplements. And this is exactly what worries EU scientists. According to their estimates, approximately 5% of the population There may be some risks if you don’t put restrictions on retinols because they consume large amounts of vitamin A.
In fact, it will be necessary not only to limit the concentration of retinol, but also to add a warning to the labeling about the presence of retinol and the need to control vitamin A in the diet if necessary.

Be careful if you are pregnant
The most serious consequences of excess vitamin A occur in pregnant women, as the fetus may develop malformations. Therefore, retinol products should not be used in this population. even in the lowest concentrations.
When will it come into effect?
The EU decision was announced in the summer of 2023, but it became official only in the summer of 2023. Despite this, the retinol restriction will take effect at 2025. In November of the same year, products exceeding the required doses will not be able to leave the plant. Then, in May 2027, they may not be available for sale at all. So companies have all this time to get their act together and change the doses of this substance.
It is more than proven that at 0.3% you can feel its effects. Why put our skin at risk of irritation or our health from too much vitamin A?
Source: Hiper Textual
