Ingredient
Retinol
Low concern Strong evidence Active
EU concentration-restricted (recent)
Vitamin A derivative. Per EU Reg 2024/996 (effective Nov 2025), retinol is restricted to ≤0.3% in body lotions and ≤0.05% in face/hand products and lip products to limit total dietary + topical vitamin A exposure. Photosensitising; avoid during pregnancy.
On the plus side
Gold-standard ingredient for photoageing, fine lines, and acne. Decades of clinical evidence; works by upregulating cell turnover and collagen synthesis.
Sources
GlowOS describes what regulatory bodies and published research say about an ingredient — it does not tell you what to use or avoid, and none of this is medical advice. Concentration, formulation, and your own skin all matter. For skin conditions, see a dermatologist.
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