Skin

Is Encapsulated Retinol the Gentle Alternative We've Been Waiting For?

Is encapsulation the key to managing the potent ingredient?

by Heather Cichowski | COMMENT

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Encapsulation Methods There are various ways retinol can be formulated, including different encapsulation methods. Retinol could be added to a formula under an inert gas or suspended in liquid form. It could also be encapsulated in microsponge polymers, cellulose/sugar-based beads or in silicone. Akridge points out that each encapsulation method comes with many studies showing the benefits of that particular encapsulation.

For example, Eve Lom uses liposome-encapsulated retinol in its Time Retreat Radiance Essence, $95, and Time Retreat Intensive Night Cream, $140, to gently but effectively deliver anti-aging benefits. The Sunday Riley A+ High-Dose Retinoid Serum, $85, has an advanced strength retinoid serum that is liposomal-encapsulated.

Similarly, Lee says that Glow Recipe's Avocado Melt Retinol Sleeping Mask, $49, and Avocado Melt Retinol Eye Sleeping Mask, $42, have time-released technology and encapsulated retinol. Per Chang, the retinol is housed in a polysaccharide shell that gently breaks down as it's absorbed into skin. The shell releases retinol within skin in smaller amounts versus traditional freeform retinol, which immediately releases the full bang upon contact with skin.

Image via @glowrecipe

SEE NEXT PAGE: Encapsulated Retinol Advantages

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