NanoActive™ r-Retinoate
A new-generation, high-performance vitamin A active
| 8×RETINOL POWERHigh efficacy at low concentration · High stability · Potential for high tolerabilityA new-generation hybrid retinoid | INCI Retinyl Retinoate |
PuriPharm Co. Ltd.
Source:Structure: PubChem CID 10303376. The 8× claim refers only to the low-concentration in vitro collagen synthesis experiment detailed in “8× Retinol-Level Collagen Performance.”
01 MOLECULAR DESIGN
The traditional vitamin A trade-off
Traditional vitamin A actives rarely combine activity, stability, and tolerability
| Retinoid | Core attribute | Key limitation |
|---|---|---|
| Retinoic Acid | High activity | Higher irritation potential and greater restrictions on use |
| Retinol | Gold standard | Sensitive to light, heat, oxygen, and other factors |
| Retinyl Esters | High stability | Usually lower biological activity |
High activity + High stability + High tolerability
What if one vitamin A molecule could offer all three?
Next: the hybrid retinoid architecture
Source:Kim H, Kim B, Kim H, et al. “Synthesis and in vitro biological activity of retinyl retinoate, a novel hybrid retinoid derivative.” Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry. 2008;16(12):6387–6393. DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2008.05.005.
01 MOLECULAR DESIGN
Hybrid Retinoid molecular architecture
One molecule combines the structural logic of two classic retinoids
RETINOL + RETINOIC ACID
Esterification forms RETINYL RETINOATE

| No. | Design logic |
|---|---|
| 01 | Block the Retinoic Acid carboxyl group |
| 02 | Preserve the key retinoid ring structure and polyene chain |
| 03 | Rebalance activity, stability, and tolerability |
Source:Kim H, Kim B, Kim H, et al. “Synthesis and in vitro biological activity of retinyl retinoate, a novel hybrid retinoid derivative.” Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry. 2008;16(12):6387–6393. DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2008.05.005. Structure: PubChem CID 10303376.
01 MOLECULAR DESIGN
NanoActive™ r-Retinoate · Product overview
Core molecular information and market positioning
| Item | Information |
|---|---|
| Product | NanoActive™ r-Retinoate |
| INCI name | Retinyl Retinoate |
| Category | Hybrid RetinoidVitamin A derivativeAnti-aging active |
| Molecular data | Formula C₄₀H₅₆O₂Molecular weight 568.87CAS 15498-86-9 |
| Absorption maximum | λmax 333 nm; Retinol 323 nm |
8× Retinol collagen performancePhotostable retinoidImproved thermal stabilityDirect retinoid bioactivityHyaluronan boostHigh efficacy at low concentrationSkin and scalp applicationsCompatible with nano-delivery
Source:PubChem CID 10303376; Kim H, Kim B, Kim H, et al. “Synthesis and in vitro biological activity of retinyl retinoate, a novel hybrid retinoid derivative.” Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry. 2008;16(12):6387–6393. DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2008.05.005. Appearance, active content, particle size, PDI, carrier composition, recommended use level, pH, addition temperature, and storage conditions must follow the latest PuriPharm TDS / SPEC / COA.
02 COLLAGEN PERFORMANCE
8× Retinol-level collagen performance
Approximately eight times the collagen synthesis response of Retinol at low concentration
| 8×Collagen biosynthesis at low concentration41.29% ÷ 4.94% ≈ 8.36× | Retinol+4.94%Retinyl Retinoate+41.29% |
Test concentration: 10⁻⁶% (w/v)
Lower concentration, more collagen
Source:*In an in vitro collagen synthesis experiment at 10⁻⁶% (w/v), Retinyl Retinoate increased collagen synthesis by 41.29%, versus 4.94% with Retinol, equivalent to approximately 8.36×. US7173062B2, “Method for the Improvement of Skin Wrinkles Using Retinyl Retinoate.” See also Kim H, Kim B, Kim H, et al. “Synthesis and in vitro biological activity of retinyl retinoate, a novel hybrid retinoid derivative.” Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry. 2008;16(12):6387–6393. DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2008.05.005.
02 COLLAGEN PERFORMANCE
Lower concentration, more collagen
Retinyl Retinoate shows strong collagen synthesis performance even at low concentrations
| Concentration | Retinoic Acid | Retinol | Retinyl Palmitate | Retinyl Retinoate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.1 μM | 1% | — | — | 1.5% |
| 1 μM | 14% | 10% | 2% | 14% |
| 10 μM | 52% | 42% | 14% | 48% |
High efficacy at low concentration
Outperforms Retinol in the low-concentration range and approaches Retinoic Acid at some concentrations
Metric: increase in collagen synthesis (%)
Source:Kim H, Kim B, Kim H, et al. “Synthesis and in vitro biological activity of retinyl retinoate, a novel hybrid retinoid derivative.” Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry. 2008;16(12):6387–6393. DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2008.05.005. Redrawn from Figure 6. Bar values are visual readings from the axes and preserve the trend reported in the article.
02 COLLAGEN PERFORMANCE
A retinoid with direct biological activity
The molecule can display retinoid activity without first undergoing complete hydrolysis
| Route | Sequence | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional Retinyl Ester | Retinyl Ester → Retinol → Retinal → Retinoic Acid → RAR | Requires multiple conversion steps before entering RAR signaling |
| Retinyl Retinoate | Retinyl Retinoate → observed biological effect | Direct retinoid activity |
HPLC evidence
After two days of incubation with normal human skin fibroblasts, HPLC detected no new peaks corresponding to Retinol or Retinoic Acid.
The authors therefore attributed the observed biological activity to the molecule itself rather than simple hydrolysis.
Not an ordinary retinyl ester
Source:Kim H, Kim B, Kim H, et al. “Synthesis and in vitro biological activity of retinyl retinoate, a novel hybrid retinoid derivative.” Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry. 2008;16(12):6387–6393. DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2008.05.005.
02 COLLAGEN PERFORMANCE
Promotes synthesis and limits degradation
Bidirectional collagen management through RAR, AP-1, and collagen signaling
| Photoaging cascade | Direction associated with NanoActive™ r-Retinoate |
|---|---|
| UV / environmental stress → c-Jun / AP-1 ↑ → collagenase / MMP ↑ → collagen degradation → wrinkles | Retinoid signaling / RAR → AP-1 / c-Jun ↓ |
| Collagen degradation | Promotes synthesis: Collagen Biosynthesis ↑ |
| Increased collagenase / MMP | Reduces degradation signals: Collagenase / MMP ↓ |
52%
Collagenase inhibition
Retinyl Retinoate > Retinol
Source:Kim H, Kim B, Kim H, et al. “Synthesis and in vitro biological activity of retinyl retinoate, a novel hybrid retinoid derivative.” Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry. 2008;16(12):6387–6393. DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2008.05.005. With RARα expression, collagenase expression was inhibited by approximately 33% with Retinol, 52% with Retinyl Retinoate, and 64% with Retinoic Acid; also supported by US7173062B2, “Method for the Improvement of Skin Wrinkles Using Retinyl Retinoate.”
03 STABILITY & TOLERABILITY
Designed for photostability
Retinoid performance that withstands light exposure
48 h
UVA photostability
The main structure retained markedly greater stability even after 48 hours of UVA exposure.
UVA: 356 nm; observations at 2, 12, 24, and 48 hours
| Compound | 0 h | 2 h | 12 h | 24 h | 48 h |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Retinyl Retinoate | Baseline | Stable | Stable | Stable | Only minor noise / no qualitative change |
| Retinol | Baseline | Clear degradation | No longer reliably identified qualitatively | No longer reliably identified qualitatively | No longer reliably identified qualitatively |
λmax: Retinol 323 nm; Retinyl Retinoate 333 nm
Source:Kim H, Kim B, Kim H, et al. “Synthesis and in vitro biological activity of retinyl retinoate, a novel hybrid retinoid derivative.” Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry. 2008;16(12):6387–6393. DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2008.05.005.; US7173062B2, “Method for the Improvement of Skin Wrinkles Using Retinyl Retinoate.” Photostability experiment: UVA 356 nm and qualitative ¹H NMR. “48 h” is the study duration, not a direct quantitative claim of percentage remaining.
03 STABILITY & TOLERABILITY
Stability beyond light exposure
Thermal stability was clearly better than Retinol after four weeks under accelerated conditions
| Four-week condition | Retinol remaining | Retinyl Retinoate remaining |
|---|---|---|
| Room temperature | 52.23% | 89.21% |
| 40°C | 34.51% | 68.23% |
| 4°C | 95.52% | 99.65% |
Improved thermal stabilityMore robust formulationsMore reliable retinoid performance
Source:US7173062B2, “Method for the Improvement of Skin Wrinkles Using Retinyl Retinoate.” Thermal stability experiment: HPLC quantification after four weeks at room temperature, 40°C, and 4°C.
03 STABILITY & TOLERABILITY
High performance with greater mildness
A wider cellular tolerance window and evidence from a human occlusive patch test
| In vitro MTT | IC₅₀ |
|---|---|
| +60%IC₅₀ versus RetinolLower cytotoxicity in this in vitro model | In vitro MTTIC₅₀Retinol25 μMRetinyl Retinoate40 μM |
| 24 h human occlusive patch test | Concentration | Irritation index; lower is better |
|---|---|---|
| Retinol | 0.075% | 2.5 |
| r-Retinoate | 0.075% | 1.3 |
| r-Retinoate | 0.30% | 1.3 |
| r-Retinoate | 0.55% | 1.3 |
High performance and low irritation in the same profile
Source:Kim H, Kim B, Kim H, et al. “Synthesis and in vitro biological activity of retinyl retinoate, a novel hybrid retinoid derivative.” Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry. 2008;16(12):6387–6393. DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2008.05.005. Normal human skin fibroblast MTT assay: IC₅₀ 40 μM versus 25 μM for Retinol. Human occlusive patch data: US7173062B2, “Method for the Improvement of Skin Wrinkles Using Retinyl Retinoate.”
04 BEYOND COLLAGEN
7.8× hyaluronan production
Extending from wrinkle care to hydration, plumpness, and barrier support
7.8×
Hyaluronan production
Primary human keratinocytes; 1 μM / 24 hRetinaldehyde ≈ 7.6× control
| Mechanistic path | Outcome |
|---|---|
| Retinyl Retinoate → HAS2 ↑ | Hyaluronan ↑ |
| Hyaluronan ↑ → CD44 interaction | Hydration · ECM support · Homeostasis |
Retinyl Retinoate upregulated HAS2 and increased CD44-related expression.
Source:Kim JE, Kim B, Kim H, et al. “Retinyl retinoate induces hyaluronan production and less irritation than other retinoids.” Journal of Dermatology. 2010;37(5):448–454. DOI: 10.1111/j.1346-8138.2010.00808.x. In primary human keratinocytes, Retinyl Retinoate at 1 μM for 24 h induced hyaluronan production to approximately 7.8 times the control level.
04 BEYOND COLLAGEN
High activity with less barrier disruption
Lower TEWL impact at the same 0.05% concentration
| Retinoid | Relative TEWL / barrier disruption ranking |
|---|---|
| Retinyl Retinoate | Lowest |
| Retinol | Low |
| Retinoic Acid | High |
| Retinaldehyde | High |
7.8× hyaluronan production + lower TEWL disruption
A better balance of efficacy and tolerability
Source:Kim JE, Kim B, Kim H, et al. “Retinyl retinoate induces hyaluronan production and less irritation than other retinoids.” Journal of Dermatology. 2010;37(5):448–454. DOI: 10.1111/j.1346-8138.2010.00808.x. Hairless-mouse TEWL model with 0.05% comparative application. The ranking redraws the irritation order reported in the article.
05 CLINICAL EVIDENCE
Human evidence with a Retinol comparator
Uncommon direct human comparison against Retinol
| 0.06%Retinyl RetinoateSignificantly better than 0.075% Retinol | 46Korean women · Periorbital wrinklesTwo randomized clinical studies |
| Study | Duration and completers | Intervention | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Study 1 | 12 weeks; 24 completed | 0.06% Retinyl Retinoate versus placebo | Twice daily |
| Study 2 | 8 weeks; 22 completed | 0.06% Retinyl Retinoate versus 0.075% Retinol | Twice daily |
Assessments: global photoaging score · photographs · skin replicas · Visiometer
Wrinkles improved significantly with Retinyl Retinoate versus placebo and Retinol.
Source:Kim H, Kim N, Jung S, et al. “Improvement in skin wrinkles from the use of photostable retinyl retinoate: a randomized controlled trial.” British Journal of Dermatology. 2010;162(3):497–502. DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2133.2009.09483.x. Skin-replica analysis showed significant improvement, particularly in mean roughness.
05 CLINICAL EVIDENCE
22% greater improvement in maximum roughness
A 12-week double-blind randomized comparison versus 0.075% Retinol
| Study design | Information |
|---|---|
| +22%R2 maximum roughnessImprovement rate versus Retinol | Study designInformationDesignProspective · Double-blind · Randomized · ControlledParticipants11 Korean women; 35–56 yearsDuration / frequency12 weeks; twice dailyComparison0.06% Retinyl Retinoate versus 0.075% RetinolAnalysisVisiometer R2; 12-week head-to-head comparison |
Validated dimensions: fine-line reduction, elasticity, visual wrinkle grade, skin roughness, and dermal distance / intensity.
Source:Kim H, Koh J, Baek J, et al. “Retinyl retinoate, a novel hybrid vitamin derivative, improves photoaged skin: a double-blind, randomized-controlled trial.” Skin Research and Technology. 2011;17(3):380–385. DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0846.2011.00512.x. At 12 weeks, the improvement rates for visual wrinkles and R2 maximum roughness were 22% higher than with Retinol.
05 CLINICAL EVIDENCE
Beyond anti-aging
Retinoid science for blemish-prone and oily skin
Protocol: 0.05% Retinyl Retinoate · 8 weeks · double-blind · vehicle-controlled · split-face; 15 women with mild-to-moderate acne.
| Eight-week outcome | Vehicle | Retinyl Retinoate |
|---|---|---|
| Total lesion count | −26.47% | −38.58% |
| Inflammatory lesions | −35.14% | −43.62% |
| Non-inflammatory lesions | −19.79% | −33.98% |
−27.18%
Forehead sebum
Baseline 104.86 μg/cm²; week 8: 76.36 μg/cm²
Blemish-prone skin careSebum balanceFollicular keratinization careClearer-looking skin
Source:Kim B, et al. “Retinyl Retinoate, a Retinoid Derivative Improves Acne Vulgaris in Double-blind, Vehicle-controlled Clinical Study.” Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine. 2013;10(5):260–265. DOI: 10.1007/s13770-012-1088-z. Percentages are reductions in lesion counts after eight weeks; the change in sebum was statistically significant.
06 DELIVERY PLATFORM
Molecule × nano-delivery
Unlocking the full potential of r-Retinoate
Retinyl Retinoate is highly lipophilic, so formulation must solve several engineering challenges:
01 Dispersibility02 Stability03 Drug loading04 Skin delivery05 Controlled release
RETINYL RETINOATE + Nano-delivery
A performance-optimized retinoid delivery system
| Published NLC feasibility evidence | Value |
|---|---|
| Particle size | 230–300 nm |
| PDI | No value listed in the source slide |
| PRECIROL-NLC encapsulation efficiency | 97.8% |
| COMPRITOL-NLC encapsulation efficiency | 93.8% |
These values describe a published NLC system and are not specifications for NanoActive™ r-Retinoate.
Source:Lee SG, Jeong JH, Kim SR, et al. “Topical formulation of retinyl retinoate employing nanostructured lipid carriers.” Journal of Pharmaceutical Investigation. 2012;42(5):243–250. DOI: 10.1007/s40005-012-0036-1. Particle size, PDI, encapsulation efficiency, and carrier parameters for NanoActive™ itself must follow authentic PuriPharm TDS / SPEC / COA documents.
06 DELIVERY PLATFORM
Encapsulation amplifies delivery performance
Independent research shows that advanced delivery can further enhance Retinyl Retinoate
| Form | Exposure / penetration | Delivery performance |
|---|---|---|
| Free RR | Conventional exposure; limited penetration | — |
| Encapsulated RR | Improved penetration | More efficient delivery; enhanced anti-wrinkle performance |
Encapsulation → Improved penetration → More efficient delivery → Enhanced anti-wrinkle performance
| +6.05%Visual wrinkle improvement | +8.03%R2 maximum roughness |
Source:Kim H, et al. “Novel anti-wrinkle effect of cosmeceutical product with new retinyl retinoate microsphere using biodegradable polymer.” Skin Research and Technology. 2012;18(1):70–76. DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0846.2011.00533.x. Outcomes compare a 3% PLA–retinyl retinoate (2%) microsphere cream with a 0.06% Retinyl Retinoate cream over four weeks. Published PLA microsphere evidence does not represent NanoActive™ technology.
07 APPLICATIONS
From face to scalp
Advanced retinoid science for scalp care
| SkinWrinkle careCollagen renewalHyaluronan boostFirmingRefined texturePhotoaging careBlemish-prone skinSebum balance | ScalpScalp renewalSebum balanceFollicular keratinization careScalp anti-agingPilosebaceous unit careHealthy follicular environment |
Retinoid signaling is present in hair follicles, sebaceous glands, and interfollicular epidermis, and participates in epithelial differentiation, sebaceous biology, and follicular keratinization.
Source:Mechanistic background: Everts HB, Sundberg JP, King LE Jr, Ong DE. “Immunolocalization of enzymes, binding proteins, and receptors sufficient for retinoic acid synthesis and signaling during the hair cycle.” Journal of Investigative Dermatology. 2007;127(7):1593–1604. DOI: 10.1038/sj.jid.5700753. Scalp positioning covers scalp health, anti-aging, oil control, and support for the follicular environment. No direct hair-growth claim should be made without product-specific clinical evidence.
07 APPLICATIONS
One retinoid, multiple performance dimensions
Eight efficacy dimensions create a complete premium active platform
| No. | Performance dimension |
|---|---|
| 01 | 8× Collagen Performance |
| 02 | Wrinkle Reduction |
| 03 | Photostability |
| 04 | Thermal Stability |
| 05 | Hyaluronan Boost |
| 06 | Better Tolerance |
| 07 | Blemish & Sebum Care |
| 08 | Scalp Renewal |
Source:The efficacy dimensions summarize the preceding evidence. Each quantitative claim retains its experimental model, comparator, concentration, and source in the corresponding section.
07 APPLICATIONS
Designed for the next generation of beauty innovation
Premium dual applications across skin and scalp
| Skin carePremium anti-aging serumLine-smoothing serumEye serum / eye creamNight repairDay-and-night retinoid productsPhotoaging careFirming and elasticity productsHydrating anti-aging productsBlemish-prone skin careOily-skin serum | Scalp and hair careScalp anti-aging essenceScalp anti-aging serumScalp renewal serumOily-scalp serumFollicular environment careLeave-on scalp carePremium scalp ampoule |
Formats: serum · cream · lotion · ampoule · eye care · scalp serum · leave-on care
Source:Application guidance is conceptual and based on published Retinyl Retinoate evidence. Recommended use level, pH, addition temperature, solubility, compatibility, storage conditions, and finished-product stability for NanoActive™ r-Retinoate must follow official PuriPharm TDS / SPEC / COA documents. No product-specific parameters are inferred here.
CLOSING
NanoActive™ r-Retinoate
Higher performance at a lower concentration. Redefining next-generation vitamin A anti-aging technology.
8× collagen performancePhotostabilityClinically evaluatedHyaluronan boostNano-delivery
A new-generation, high-performance vitamin A active
PuriPharm Co. Ltd.
Source:*“8× Retinol Power” is a marketing shorthand for an approximately 8.36-fold difference in low-concentration in vitro collagen synthesis performance: 41.29% versus 4.94% at 10⁻⁶% w/v. Source: US7173062B2. It does not mean 8× RAR activation, 8× human wrinkle reduction, 8× lower irritation, or 8× performance across all biological endpoints.