{"title":"Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate","entity_type":"Ingredient","slug":"hydroxypinacolone-retinoate","canonical_url":"https://skinknowledgebase.com/ingredients/hydroxypinacolone-retinoate","dates":{"date_modified":"2026-05-18","date_reviewed":"2026-05-18"},"mcp_eligible":true,"evidence_sources":[{"title":"AAD — Retinoid or retinol?","canonical_citation_url":"https://skinknowledgebase.com/sources/aad-retinoid-or-retinol","original_source_url":"https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-secrets/anti-aging/retinoid-retinol","source_type":"dermatology_reference"},{"title":"DermNet NZ — Topical retinoids","canonical_citation_url":"https://skinknowledgebase.com/sources/dermnet-topical-retinoids","original_source_url":"https://dermnetnz.org/topics/topical-retinoids","source_type":"medical_reference"},{"title":"Ulta Product Page — The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion","canonical_citation_url":"https://skinknowledgebase.com/sources/ulta-product-page-the-ordinary-granactive-retinoid-2-emulsion","original_source_url":"https://www.ulta.com/p/granactive-retinoid-2-emulsion-wrinkles-uneven-texture-pimprod2007125","source_type":"retailer_product_page"}],"product_fact_sources":[{"title":"Official Product Page — The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion","canonical_citation_url":"https://skinknowledgebase.com/sources/official-product-page-the-ordinary-granactive-retinoid-2-emulsion","original_source_url":"https://theordinary.com/en-us/granactive-retinoid-2-emulsion-serum-100419.html","source_type":"official_product_page"}],"related_entities":[{"title":"AAD — Retinoid or retinol?","url":"https://skinknowledgebase.com/sources/aad-retinoid-or-retinol"},{"title":"DermNet NZ — Topical retinoids","url":"https://skinknowledgebase.com/sources/dermnet-topical-retinoids"},{"title":"Official Product Page — The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion","url":"https://skinknowledgebase.com/sources/official-product-page-the-ordinary-granactive-retinoid-2-emulsion"},{"title":"Ulta Product Page — The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion","url":"https://skinknowledgebase.com/sources/ulta-product-page-the-ordinary-granactive-retinoid-2-emulsion"},{"title":"Wrinkles","url":"https://skinknowledgebase.com/concerns/wrinkles"},{"title":"Fine Lines","url":"https://skinknowledgebase.com/concerns/fine-lines"},{"title":"Loss of Firmness","url":"https://skinknowledgebase.com/concerns/loss-of-firmness"},{"title":"Expression Lines","url":"https://skinknowledgebase.com/concerns/expression-lines"},{"title":"The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion","url":"https://skinknowledgebase.com/products/the-ordinary-granactive-retinoid-2-emulsion"},{"title":"Retinoid Dermatitis","url":"https://skinknowledgebase.com/side-effects/retinoid-dermatitis"}],"body_sections":[{"heading":"Quick Summary","paragraphs":["Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate is a retinoid-family cosmetic ingredient, often sold under the trade name Granactive Retinoid. It is positioned in skincare as a next-generation retinoid alternative used in routines for the visible appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and texture irregularities. It is not a prescription retinoid and should not be framed as a wrinkle eraser or a medical anti-aging treatment."]},{"heading":"What It Is","paragraphs":["Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate is a retinoic-acid ester, classified within the broader vitamin-A retinoid family. In cosmetic ingredient catalogues it is described as a next-generation retinoid technology used to position serums and emulsions for the visible look of aging without using a prescription retinoid.","It is the headline ingredient in The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion under the brand name Granactive Retinoid. Other formulas may use it alongside Retinol or as a stand-alone retinoid choice."]},{"heading":"Mechanism","paragraphs":["In cosmetic-appearance literature, retinoid-family ingredients are grouped around the look of smoother surface texture, more even tone, and a softer appearance of fine lines with consistent use over weeks to months. Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate is typically discussed as a retinoid alternative that is positioned for tolerance comfort. Specific efficacy claims belong with a clinician, not with cosmetic copy."]}],"side_effects":[{"title":"Retinoid Dermatitis","url":"https://skinknowledgebase.com/side-effects/retinoid-dermatitis"}]}