Retinol

Retinol is a form of vitamin A and the most evidence-backed anti-aging ingredient in skincare. It accelerates cell turnover, stimulates collagen production, and visibly reduces wrinkles, fine lines, and uneven texture. Retinol is a precursor to retinoic acid, the active form that binds to skin cell receptors to trigger these changes.

Japanese brands like Shiseido and POLA have invested heavily in retinol research and developed proprietary formulations that deliver results with less irritation than traditional retinol products. Shiseido pioneered the use of pure retinol in quasi-drug formulations and holds the distinction of being the first brand to receive wrinkle improvement approval in Japan.

In 2017, pure retinol became the first quasi-drug active ingredient in Japan officially approved for wrinkle improvement claims. This approval required extensive clinical data proving its efficacy. POLA followed with its own retinol formulations. Japanese retinol products typically use encapsulation technology or careful formulation to minimize the irritation and instability issues that plague retinol.