Ingredient comparison

Retinyl Propionate vs Syn-Ake: which one is right for your skin?

Same comparison whichever way you searched it: Syn-Ake vs Retinyl Propionate.

Short answer: Honestly, either one works. Choose by your skin type and what your routine already has. If you are pregnant, Syn-Ake is the safer one to reach for.

Chemical structure of Retinyl Propionate (Retinyl Propionate)Retinyl PropionatePromising, not proven
Chemical structure of Syn-Ake (Dipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate)Syn-AkePromising, not proven
5
Efficacy
5
1
Hydration
0
0
Barrier
1
2
Brightening
0
1
Acne
0
4
Anti-aging
5
Retinyl Propionate versus Syn-Ake, compared
ComparedRetinyl PropionateSyn-Ake
PotencySimilarSimilar
Evidenceemerging evidenceemerging evidence
Irritation riskLowLow
Clogs poresLowLow
In pregnancyNot in pregnancyConsidered safe
On a labelworks best above 0.3%usually effective at 1-4%

So which should you pick?

Choose Syn-Ake if

  • you are pregnant or breastfeeding, since only Syn-Ake is considered safe

The honest bottom line: Honestly, either one works. Choose by your skin type and what your routine already has. If you are pregnant, Syn-Ake is the safer one to reach for.

Pregnancy: Only Syn-Ake is considered safe to use in pregnancy.

No known clash between these two. If you want both, you can layer them; introduce one at a time.

Check these two in the tool →Or decode a whole product label →

From our dataNeither has to be the answer: 49 other ingredients in our glossary share a family with these two.

Retinyl Propionate vs Syn-Ake, answered

Which is stronger, Retinyl Propionate or Syn-Ake?

They are close in strength: Retinyl Propionate and Syn-Ake score similarly on efficacy. Choose by skin type rather than power.

Is Retinyl Propionate or Syn-Ake better for sensitive skin?

Both carry a similar irritation risk (low). Patch test either one before using it daily.

Can you use Retinyl Propionate and Syn-Ake together?

There is no known clash between them. You can layer them if you like, just introduce one at a time.

General guidance, not medical advice. Read the full pages on Retinyl Propionate and Syn-Ake.