Retinyl palmitate is the milder, more stable precursor to retinol.

When topically applied to the scalp, retinyl palmitate is capable of converting to retinol and afterwards reacts with scalp skin enzymes to form the more potently active component- retinoic acid.

Due to its potential to form retinoic acid, the benefits of retinyl palmitate also include the ability to exhibit anti-aging properties and antioxidant protection and counteract the appearance of dry, flaky skin.