Ingredient
Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate (HPR)
INCI name: Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate
HPR
Retinoic Acid Hydroxypinacolone Ester
What it is
A retinoic-acid ester marketed as a next-generation alternative to retinol, able to bind skin retinoic-acid receptors more directly without needing the multi-step conversion retinol requires.
How it works
By binding retinoic-acid receptors, HPR helps normalize skin cell turnover and support collagen-related signaling; formulators favor it for being more chemically stable than retinol, though it still acts on the same receptor pathway as other retinoids.
What it does
Skin conditioning
Concerns to know
-
Potential irritant
May cause irritation for sensitive skin, particularly at higher concentrations.