Ethyl lactyl retinoate for skin

AHA-RC or Ethyl lactyl retinoate is the first conjugate retinoid that can deliver both AHA (alpha-hydroxy acid) and RC (retinoid) to the skin on a hydrolysis-based time-released mechanism (they are gradually broken down and slowly get into the skin) that can not only improve efficacy but also reduce irritation.

• Reduce irritation:, dryness, stingness and erythema, and dyschromia: ethyl lactyl retinoate works just like retinol, but with less irritation making it suitable for all skin types. They break down slowly as they enter the skin, therefore reducing irritation.

• Can help with photoaging: It can also help people with moderate-to-severe photodamage like fine lines, wrinkles, and pigmentation.

• Can promote collagen in the skin: ethyl lactyl retinoate can produce collagen in the skin, thus reducing fine lines and wrinkles.

• Can help to treat acne: ethyl lactyl retinoate can help to treat acne such as inflammatory lesions (papules, pustules) and non-inflammatory lesions (open comedones, closed comedones).

• A study showed that 27 test subjects (8 week clinical trial) with mild to moderate acne was supposed to follow a twice daily acne serum (0.1% AHA-RC (ethyl lactyl retinoate), 2% salicylic acid, and 10.4% lactic acid) and a broad spectrum SPF 50+ sunscreen.

• The dermatologist looked into the total inflammatory lesions and non-inflammatory lesions. There was a significant reduction of inflammatory lesion and non-inflammtory lesions after 4 weeks, and it continued to 8 weeks with improvement.

• This showed that the combination of lactic acid, salicylic acid, and novel AHA-RC showed improvement in the skin.

Ethyl lactyl retinoate is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin and skin of colour.

Ethyl lactyl retinoate should be used only at night. You can use it after a cleanser, serum, and AHA/BHA/PHA. After applying the retinoid, finish it off with a moisturizer.

When choosing an ethyl lactly retinoate product, make sure it contains other ingredients like vitamin C, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and vitamin E.

Ethyl lactyl like other retinoids shouldn’t be used during pregnancy.

Ethyl lactyl retinoate just like any other retinoid can cause purging because it is an ingredient that can promote cell turnover.