Vitamin A has had a very long history and was used by the ancient Egyptians, ancient Greeks, and other older civilizations to fight night blindness. It took until the 1950s before Vitamin A and its derivatives were used for dermatology issues and to help clear up breakouts.
What is Retinyl Palmitate?
Contents

This product is sourced in a chemical reaction between retinol and palmitic acid. Palmitic acid is found in eggs, chickens, and beef and it contains some antioxidant properties
Retinyl Palmitate is supposed to be safe to use although some studies have seen some negative effects from its application. Unless you have an allergy, it is a safe product to use. Some people claim that it is even weaker and less effective than Retinol but only your use will prove that true.
It will add to the Vitamin A that builds up in your system over time.
What is Retinol?

Like the previous product, Retinol finds its source in Vitamin A and may be used to help create Retinyl Palmitate. This product can be effective against most minor skin issues that appear on your face including hyperpigmentation.
This over-the-counter medication should be affordable and used on a daily basis, but overuse may bring some side effects. Its slow work makes sure your skin conditions get the treatment they need without harming your skin.
Retinol should be affordable and can be used by all skin types without fear. Besides being found in medication retinol can be found in different foods we eat.
How Are They Different?

To be honest, the only real difference between these two medications is that Retinyl Palmitate is supposed to be weaker and less effective than Retinol. They both come from the same source and they both target the same facial skin issues.
With its weaker formula, the only people who can’t use Retinyl Palmitate are those who have allergies to it. Those people may be few and far in between. To get into any real differences, you have to examine the scientific compounds and molecular structure of both products.
How Are They Similar?

Because these products have the same sources, they work on the same issues. They help collagen production, skin cell regeneration and help you exfoliate your skin better. Then they both work on hyperpigmentation helping you clear away those aging spots.
While they can influence your acne issues, they are not primarily acne fighters. Their working time is slow and long making them hard to use when you need a quick fix. Also, they will work on fine lines and wrinkles, helping your skin stay smoother and younger-looking.
These two medications tackle the same issues giving you safer help when you do not have a prescription.
What’s Better About Retinyl Palmitate?

Since the two products are almost identical, the weaker formula in this medication will be safer to use especially for those with more sensitive skin. It does the same tasks as Retinol, so you are not missing out on any positive results when you turn to this product.
Then because it is milder, more people can use it than Retinol. That is about it for its superiority. Since it is a daughter product from Retinol, it is not going to be more powerful or better at doing its job.
What’s Better About Retinol?

While this product is a slow-acting formula it may be faster than Retinyl Palmitate. It is a more powerful and more effective retinoid but that does not change its slow progress when working on your skin issues.
You should get faster results but again, that is some time in coming as Retinol is one of the weakest retinoids on the market today. This medication is also safe to use, and its negative side effects may only come from overuse.
All skin types can use this medication and clear up minor facial issues.
Who Should Get Retinyl Palmitate?

People who have allergic reactions or experience side effects from stronger retinoids should turn to this product. It is a weaker formula that should be safe for almost all people to use.
Plus, it is perfect for those groups who do not suffer that much from acne or blemishes and only want to remove the lines in their faces.
Who Should Get Retinol?

Just about anyone who wants to treat their skin issues a little faster than Retinyl Palmitate can work. This product is for all skin types and if you are careful there should be no side effects.
Plus, those groups who only have minor facial issues should use this medication. it is supposed to work well as long as you can wait for those positive results.
Comparison Chart
Category | Retinol | Retinyl Palmitate |
Source | Vitamin A | Retinol & Palmitic acid |
Fast-acting | No | No |
Safe to use | Yes | Yes |
Skin types | All | All |
Skin Issues | All types | All types |
Cost | Reasonable & affordable | Probably cheaper than retinol |