Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate (HPR) 10% Liquid

Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate (HPR) 10% Liquid — Next-Generation Retinoid for Cosmetic Formulations

Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate (HPR) is a retinoic acid ester — meaning it binds directly to retinoic acid receptors in the skin without requiring enzymatic conversion. Unlike retinol, which must be converted through multiple steps before becoming active, HPR is immediately bioavailable at the receptor level. The result: retinoid-level efficacy with significantly less irritation, making it one of the most formulator-friendly retinoids available today.

This 10% concentration in a carrier base gives you a potent, ready-to-dilute active for anti-aging serums, facial oils, and emulsions targeting fine lines, uneven texture, and hyperpigmentation.

Key Benefits

• Direct retinoic acid receptor agonist — HPR binds RARα, RARβ, and RARγ receptors directly, delivering retinoid activity without the conversion cascade required by retinol or retinyl esters
• Significantly lower irritation profile — clinical and formulator data consistently show HPR produces less erythema, peeling, and TEWL disruption than equivalent retinol concentrations
• Targets fine lines, texture & pigmentation — stimulates collagen synthesis, accelerates cell turnover, and inhibits MMP activity for visible anti-aging results
• Oil-soluble — incorporates cleanly into oil phases, anhydrous serums, and emulsions; does not require solubilizers in oil-based systems
• Photostable — more stable to light and air than retinol; still recommend amber/opaque packaging and antioxidant co-formulation as best practice

How to Use

• Incorporation: Add to the oil phase or cool-down phase (below 40°C / 104°F). Avoid prolonged heat exposure
• Recommended Usage Rate: 0.01–0.1% HPR (active) in finished formulations. At 10% concentration, use 0.1–1% of this ingredient to achieve 0.01–0.1% active HPR
• pH: Not pH-dependent (unlike AHAs); stable across a wide pH range
• Solubility: Oil-soluble; not water-soluble. Use in oil phase or with appropriate solubilizers for emulsions
• Packaging: Use opaque or amber packaging; store away from direct light and heat

Formulation Details

Suggested Formulas & Pairings

HPR works synergistically with:

• Niacinamide — pair with Niacinamide Vitamin B3 Powder in the water phase of an emulsion to support barrier function and reduce potential retinoid-related sensitivity; niacinamide and HPR are compatible and complementary
• Hyaluronic Acid — add Hyaluronic Acid Powder LMW to the water phase to counterbalance any dryness associated with retinoid use and boost hydration in the finished formula
• Squalane — dissolve HPR directly in Olive Squalane Oil for a clean, minimalist facial oil; squalane is an ideal carrier for HPR due to its skin-identical lipid profile and excellent stability
• Preservative — for emulsion systems, protect with Euxyl PE 9010 at 0.8–1% or Germall Plus at 0.1–0.5%

Example formula: A 0.05% HPR facial oil — dissolve 0.5% of this 10% HPR solution in Olive Squalane with 0.5% Vitamin E (tocopherol) as antioxidant. Dispense 2–3 drops nightly onto cleansed skin. Begin with 2–3x per week and increase frequency as tolerated.

All products sold are cosmetic grade. For external use only. Intended for cosmetic and personal care formulations. Not for use in drug or pharmaceutical products.