Free retinol is highly effective but degrades quickly when exposed to light and oxygen, requiring airless or opaque packaging and careful pH control. Encapsulated retinol is wrapped in a lipid or polymer shell that releases the active on skin contact, offering greater stability during manufacturing and shelf life — typically 18–24 months vs. 12–18 months for free retinol. A cosmetic chemist on AJ Cosmo Labs can recommend the right form for your formula.
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