What is Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate?
Role not confirmed
We haven't written up what this ingredient does yet. The products below feature it as a key ingredient.
Anything to watch out for?
Some products' ingredient lists mark this ingredient as below. If a mark's reason fits your skin, it is the ingredient to weigh in those products.
- Pregnancy skincare guidance lists this ingredient as one to be careful with.
- Marked this way on 15 products.
Each mark comes from matching the product's full ingredient list against lists for fragrance, labeled fragrance allergens, drying alcohols, essential oils, fungal acne, pore clogging, and pregnancy caution.
Which products feature it?
12 of the 2320 products we've checked feature this as a key ingredient. Products that disclose a concentration or list it near the top of the ingredient list come first.
Showing 1 to 12.

GYEOL HAUS
Extreme Calming Tea Tree Oil
It's made for calmer, clearer-looking skin.
Key Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate (#8 on the ingredient list), Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil 2%, Bakuchiol
24 claims, summarized
- Only partly backed:
- calmer skin (amount unknown) · less visible pores · clearer-looking skin (amount unknown) · a smoother skin texture
See each claim
Claims, checked
Extreme Calming Tea Tree Oil was designed by adding 4th generation retinol (HPR), bakuchiol, and squalane to tea tree oil for reliable trouble soothing.
backed by evidenceTea tree oil has a powerful soothing effect.
plausible, not testedA daily soothing oil that can be used on the entire face every day.
plausible, not testedNot spot care, but full-face care is possible.
plausible, not testedTea tree leaf oil: Soothing sensitive skin, trouble prevention care
plausible, not testedA natural oil rich in 4-terpineol that shows high effectiveness in relieving sensitive skin caused by trouble
plausible, not testedA representative plant-derived ingredient with efficacy similar to retinol that acts gently on the skin and helps sebum control and pore improvement
plausible, not tested4th generation retinol: Promotes turnover
plausible, not testedHigh-function vitamin A with reduced irritation compared to conventional retinol
plausible, not testedAn ingredient with a structure similar to the human skin lipid squalene that has high skin affinity and helps absorption of high-function ingredients
plausible, not testedA non-sticky, fresh finish suited to a daily soothing routine
plausible, not testedDesigned with a pumping dispenser that minimizes air contact.
plausible, not testedGyeol House's Extreme Calming Tea Tree Oil goes beyond soothing trouble to manage sebum, pores, and dead skin cells.
partly backedSebum amount 51% reduction
partly backedPore distribution 50% reduction, pore area 21% reduction, pore depth 22% reduction
partly backedSkin roughness 11.45% improvement
partly backedSuitability evaluation test for acne-prone skin completed
partly backedAs the name suggests, extreme soothing.
overstatedGentle vitamin A usable every day
overstatedExtreme Calming Tea Tree Oil's efficacy and stability have been proven through clinical trials.
overstatedAll of this without irritation, gently.
no supporting source foundTrouble area redness 6.79% improvement
no supporting source foundStabilizes skin condition so that trouble does not recur.
no supporting source foundRather than being a one-off response, it proposes a daily routine that cares for trouble from multiple angles and changes the skin environment itself.
nothing specific to check
It's made for better barrier support and less visible pores.
Key Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate (#23 on the ingredient list), Ceramide, Ectoin
2 claims, summarized
- Only partly backed:
- less visible pores · firmer skin · better barrier support
See each claim
Claims, checked
Skin barrier&inner dryness improvement
plausible, not testedHPR 0.01% RETINOID Deomatinol®, Ectoin, Ceramide containing, pore elasticity, skin barrier improvement
partly backed
Key Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate (#24 on the ingredient list), Hydrolyzed Collagen, Camellia Japonica Flower Extract
3 claims, summarized
- Only partly backed:
- less visible dark spots
See each claim
Claims, checked
Maintains skin flexibility
plausible, not testedWhitening improvement (functional)
partly backedWhitening improvement (functional cosmetics)
partly backed
Key Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate (#27 on the ingredient list), Hydrolyzed Sponge, Niacinamide
It's registered in Korea as a functional cosmetic for brightening and wrinkle improvement.
Key Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate (#28 on the ingredient list), Retinol, Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate 56.88%
25 claims, summarized
- You can expect:
- less visible dark spots · softer-looking fine lines
- Only partly backed:
- firmer skin (amount unknown) · better hydration · less visible pores (amount unknown) · better barrier support (amount unknown)
- Don't count on:
- calmer skin
See each claim
Claims, checked
Dual functional for wrinkles & whitening.
backed by evidenceCares for butterfly zone pores, dull complexion, sagging skin lacking elasticity, and uneven texture.
plausible, not testedSqualane: Provides moisture and nutrition simultaneously to complete a firm skin finish.
plausible, not testedPrimary skin irritation test completed.
plausible, not testedDermatological test completed (skin irritation response SCORE 0.00).
plausible, not testedNon-comedogenic test completed on sensitive skin.
plausible, not testedA high-efficiency ampoule that simultaneously manages pore texture and inner glow through the synergy of potent Green Tea PDRN™ and Retinol.
partly backedAs a low-irritation formula with a sensitive skin irritation response of 0.00, it is a dual-functional cosmetic for wrinkle improvement and whitening that smooths rough skin texture and bestows an elastic glow.
partly backedConfirmed 2.33 times more powerful repair effect of Green Tea PDRN™ compared to commercial salmon PDRN reagent*(*Results of in-vitro test comparing the repair efficacy of Green Tea PDRN™ and salmon PDRN reagent)
partly backedVegan PDRN sourced from clean Jeju green tea fields, not extracted from animal-derived ingredients.
partly backedGreen Tea PDRN™ (lactobacillus ferment lysate derived from lactic acid bacteria obtained from Jeju green tea): Repair / Helps skin repair as vegan PDRN derived from skin-beneficial lactic acid bacteria from green tea.
partly backedTriple Retinol Complex™ (Pure Retinol 1,000 IU/g + Dual Retinoid 1,150 ppm): Elasticity, antioxidant, moisture / Helps promote skin turnover and smooth skin texture, densely fills elasticity in stretched and enlarged pore areas.
partly backedThrough the synergy of Retinol and PDRN, it densely cares for the number, area, depth, and volume of pores to complete a firm skin foundation. In particular, the effect of improving pore concerns was confirmed after 4 weeks, and you can expect the effect of filling the skin with elasticity from within when used.
partly backedGreen Tea PDRN™ contained in the Retinol PDRN Skin Booster Ampoule was confirmed to have a 2.33 times more powerful repair effect than commercial salmon PDRN reagent, as measured in the control group after 16 hours. This ingredient is a vegan PDRN extracted through microbial culture technology derived from Jeju green tea, and it plays a role in building a strong skin barrier.
partly backedThe Retinol PDRN Skin Booster Ampoule has been certified as a dual-functional cosmetic for wrinkle improvement and whitening as notified by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety. The retinol ingredient promotes the skin turnover cycle to create a smooth skin texture, and densely fills elasticity in the butterfly zone and nasolabial folds, helping to manage skin that shines both inside and out.
partly backedAfter 4 weeks of use, proved a 26.4% improvement in inner glow and a 39.8% reduction in pore area,
partly backedPore texture & inner glow, improves both outer and inner elasticity of pores to create smooth pore texture and skin that shines both inside and out!
overstatedA low-irritation daily retinol ampoule that recorded a sensitive skin irritation response of 0.00 and can be used daily without irritation.
overstatedYarrow Extract: Excellent for soothing the skin and anti-inflammatory effects, suitable for sensitive skin. Also rich in antioxidants, helps prevent aging.
overstatedThe Retinol PDRN Skin Booster Ampoule is a product that received a low-irritation rating with a sensitive skin irritation response of 0.00. Having completed primary skin irritation testing and non-comedogenic testing, it is a low-irritation, high-efficiency formula that can be used daily without burden even on sensitive skin.
overstatedWith 3.4 times stronger absorption, it densely fills elasticity from deep within the skin,
no supporting source foundWith a size 1/20,000th of a pore, it delivers absorption of a different dimension, densely reaching deep into the skin.
no supporting source foundGreen Tea Ceramide: Soothes skin and cares for the moisture barrier.
no supporting source foundPDRN: Technology: Liposome method / Strengthens the skin barrier and improves skin condition.
no supporting source foundA next-generation skin booster born from the meeting of Retinol and PDRN.
nothing specific to check
It's made for less visible pores and firmer skin.
Key Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate (#31 on the ingredient list), Retinol
18 claims, summarized
- Only partly backed:
- less visible pores (amount unknown) · firmer skin (amount unknown)
- Tests passed:
- hypoallergenic · dermatologist check · skin irritation
See each claim
Claims, checked
The easiest beginner retinol usable even during the day.
plausible, not testedNot a heavy, slow-absorbing retinol, but a formulation that is lightly absorbed and fills elasticity.
plausible, not testedFeatures: essential beginner retinol serum with irritation level 0.0 usable even during the day
partly backed7-day pore elasticity improvement, irritation level 0.0 prescription retinol serum
partly backedPore count improvement -21%, pore area improvement -18%, elasticity +12.5%
partly backedSkin texture improvement +14.2%, skin barrier recovery rate +94.8%
partly backedImproves even established wrinkles
partly backedMouth corner wrinkles -10.3%, forehead wrinkles -8.8%, eye area wrinkles -7.0%, nasolabial folds -8.5%.
partly backedDermatology test completed, sensitive skin primary irritation test completed, hypoallergenic test completed.
partly backedPowerful IOPE RETINOL RX™ LINE UP without irritating elements
overstatedPowerful improvement from inside pores, skin collagen +124% generation, In vitro test results
overstatedNano-unit skin-customized design prescription retinol,
no supporting source foundFor 28 years, No. 1⁵⁾ retinol, IOPE retinol
no supporting source found22 retinol-related awards, 15 globally registered patents
no supporting source foundSkin irritation element removal, powerful skin penetration rate, prescription retinol IOPE RETINOL RX™
no supporting source foundIn a form that fits the skin perfectly, down to nano-size molecular units, IOPE's exclusive design
no supporting source foundSkin texture seems smoother and softer 100%, skin feels like it has a healthy glow 96.6%
no supporting source foundUltra-dense elasticity welling up from within.
no supporting source found

Aestura
REDERM365 Retinoid Eye Serum
Key Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate (#35 on the ingredient list), Niacinamide, Adenosine
6 claims, summarized
- Don't count on:
- firmer skin · better barrier support
See each claim
Claims, checked
Retinoid·Peptide
backed by evidence: Blended with Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate (50 ppm), Acetyl Heptapeptide-4, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, and Acetyl Octapeptide-3.
backed by evidence: Contains Niacinamide, Adenosine, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Glucosyl Hesperidin, and Hydrolyzed Extensin.
backed by evidence: Contains Cholesterol, Hydrogenated Lecithin, and Hydroxypropyl Bispalmitamide MEA.
backed by evidenceRetinoid Derma Eye Serum that densely fills from the barrier to inner elasticity for sensitive eye areas that are thinner and more delicate.
overstatedStrengthens elasticity of sensitive eye area.
no supporting source found
It's registered in Korea as a functional cosmetic for wrinkle improvement.
Key Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate (#35 on the ingredient list), Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Niacinamide
31 claims, summarized
- You can expect:
- firmer skin · softer-looking fine lines
- Only partly backed:
- better hydration
- Tests passed:
- skin irritation
See each claim
Claims, checked
HPR 0.01% RETINOID
backed by evidenceA wrinkle-improving functional eye cream designed around low-irritation retinoid HPR for eye area elasticity care.
backed by evidenceEye area suitability test completed for delicate and sensitive skin
backed by evidenceOf the total 20 subjects, 20 answered that there were no symptoms.
backed by evidenceBy combining peptides and hyaluronic acid, it simultaneously cares for skin elasticity and hydration, comprehensively helping improve wrinkles in the eye area.
plausible, not testedAssists signal transduction needed for skin elasticity management
plausible, not testedIncreases moisture retention to stabilize skin condition
plausible, not testedThe taut formulation adheres elastically and is softly absorbed, a "moist texture"
plausible, not testedContains Dermatinol®, acetyl hexapeptide, niacinamide
partly backedBased on HPR's distinctive stable elasticity care, it is designed for comfortable use even on the eye area skin.
partly backedIntensively caring for eye wrinkles·elasticity·volume with 4th-generation retinoid HPR
partly backedHelps improve skin texture and wrinkles
partly backed+3.29% improvement
partly backedFeels like there is no skin irritation. 95.5%
partly backedEye elasticity is satisfactory 1 week after product application. 100%
partly backedHuman skin primary irritation test for sensitive skin completed
partly backedFor those who want retinol care without burden on sensitive eyes
partly backedOverwhelming efficacy and stability proven by data
overstated2-week lifting care,eye elasticity that is firmly pulled up
overstatedReduced irritation index compared to existing retinol
no supporting source foundHigh collagen production effect
no supporting source foundDelivers retinoic acid-level efficacy with low irritation
no supporting source foundHigh-concentration HPR application for 5 days increased type I procollagen (type I procollagen) production to a level similar to tretinoin (ATRA), a prescription ointment ingredient, and irritation was minimized.
no supporting source foundHPR binds directly to retinoid receptors without a conversion process, exhibiting signal transduction ability similar to tretinoin, and shows wrinkle-improving effects while causing less irritation.
no supporting source foundAn HPR-based serum showed anti-aging improvement effects comparable to laser treatment when used daily for 16 weeks, in improving wrinkles, skin texture, pigmentation, and loss of elasticity caused by photoaging.
no supporting source foundDesigned to alleviate the dryness and irritation burden that may occur when using retinol.
no supporting source found+3.1% eye area skin lifting
no supporting source foundIt feels like the eye corner area is lifted!
no supporting source foundEye area elasticity
nothing specific to checkSustained-use potential with daily use in mind
nothing specific to checkRetinol's efficacy even more UP!
nothing specific to check
Key Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate (#36 on the ingredient list), Hydrolyzed Collagen, Niacinamide

Primera
Vitatinol Bouncy Lift Serum
It's made for firmer skin and less visible pores.
Key Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate (#36 on the ingredient list), Retinol, Ascorbyl Glucoside
29 claims, summarized
- Only partly backed:
- firmer skin · less visible pores · a brighter skin tone
- Free of:
- the ingredients it lists
See each claim
Claims, checked
NEW Vitatynol serum does not use any fragrance at all.
backed by evidenceElasticity lifting X2.2 times more powerful than retinol*
partly backedPore/wrinkle improvement efficacy UP
partly backed2) Formation of a defense barrier against elasticity loss through antioxidation
partly backedThe more powerful NEW Vitatynol special-coated vitamin C capsule goes into the triple retinol serum!
partly backedTriple retinol : pure retinol+ HPR(low-irritation retinol) +sustained-release retinol
partly backedMid-face elasticity lifting 2.2% improved
partly backedPotential wrinkles before settling 42.6% improved
partly backedBrightening UP with vitamin C boosting!
partly backed4-week blemish & trace improvement
partly backedTo realize a more certain low-irritation feel, we even excluded the existing allergen free fragrance.
partly backedThe special-coated vitamin C capsule is made into a capsule in serum formula that can maintain the efficacy of fresh ingredients even in the retinol serum.
partly backedPerfectly complements retinol irritation, OK even for sensitive skin, zero irritation worries, dryness irritation No!
overstatedPowerful triple elasticity lifting, sagging pores, mid-face skin elasticity, potential wrinkles³⁾ perfectly improved
overstated400-hour antioxidant, even preventing elasticity loss
no supporting source foundCompleted by the synergy of vitamin C and retinol
no supporting source foundSagging Y-shaped pores, vertical pores 94.6% improved
no supporting source found+97.9% brighter skin
no supporting source foundUltra-fast absorption formula, into 15 layers of skin in just 3 seconds*
no supporting source foundOlive Young Awards Trend category Slow Aging 2 years in a row Winner!
no supporting source found1) No. 1 in serum category by Primera standard
no supporting source found2) No. 1 in Olive Young skincare real-time sales (May '24)
no supporting source foundThe total content of vitamin and retinol per bottle has been increased to about 2 times or more compared to the existing, including pure+derivatives.
no supporting source foundNEW Vitatynol serum is a product suitable for sensitive/acne-prone skin that has undergone sensitive skin test, hypoallergenic test, non-comedogenic test, and dermatology test.
no supporting source foundAll Primera products are launched after undergoing stability tests in various environments such as high-temperature exposure. Having proven the stability of ingredients compared to existing Vitatynol
no supporting source foundOnce with retinol, elasticity boosting
nothing specific to checkOnce more with vitamin C, double boosting
nothing specific to checkHigh efficacy x low irritation golden ratio that rather further soothes skin irritation
nothing specific to checkVitatynol evolved with special coating technology
nothing specific to check
It's registered in Korea as a functional cosmetic for brightening and wrinkle improvement.
Key Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate (#37 on the ingredient list), Retinol, Retinal
2 claims, summarized
- You can expect:
- less visible dark spots · softer-looking fine lines
See each claim
Claims, checked
Dual functional cosmetic for wrinkle improvement & whitening 2026008127
backed by evidenceA hydrogel mask containing the key ingredients of the Retinol Cica Pore Trace Ampoule, 3X Retinol Complex and 3X Cica™, adhering to the skin to care for firm and clean skin.
partly backed
Key Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate (#45 on the ingredient list), Niacinamide, Retinol
Often featured alongside it
Are the claims about it backed up?
We checked each claim that features this ingredient. Open the list below to see the result for each one.
See the results by claim
| Result | Claims |
|---|---|
| backed by evidence | 1 of 1 |
These are counts of claims, not products. One product can name the same ingredient in several claims, and we checked each one on its own.







