Retinoic acid ester known under the brand Granactive Retinoid. Irritates the skin less than retinol but also has a noticeably smaller clinical base.
Topical application
BLimited evidence. One RCT or several controlled studies with limitations.
A newer retinoid that binds retinoic acid receptors directly. Manufacturer studies show results comparable to retinol, but large independent RCTs are still few.
Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate (HPR, Granactive Retinoid) is a retinoic acid ester. It does not require enzymatic conversion in the skin – binds directly to retinoid receptors (RAR-gamma). The brand name Granactive Retinoid by Grant Industries refers to 10% HPR in dimethyl isosorbide. Mechanism. Activates RAR without the intermediate metabolic steps of retinol (3 steps through retinaldehyde). In theory delivers faster effect with less irritation. Real clinical activity is below prescription tretinoin. Where applied. Anti-aging serums and creams, OTC retinol alternative for sensitive skin (1-5% commercial Granactive Retinoid, equivalent to 0.1-0.5% HPR). The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion, Paula's Choice 1% Retinol Booster. Evidence base. Clinical RCTs of topical HPR are few. Manufacturer Grant Industries cites 12-week studies in 30-50 women: texture, fine wrinkle, hyperpigmentation improvement at 2-5% HPR. Almost no direct head-to-head studies with retinol or tretinoin. The evidence base is markedly smaller than for retinol, let alone tretinoin. Safety. CIR confirmed safety. Irritation and peeling at the start in 10-20% of patients (less than retinol). Photosensitizes – mandatory SPF. Pregnancy and lactation – avoid (AVOID). Although topical absorption and clinical efficacy are lower than retinol, as a precaution AAD 2024, SEGO 2023, AEDV 2024 classify all topical retinoids (including HPR) as unwanted in pregnancy and lactation. Alternatives – bakuchiol, adenosine, peptides, niacinamide.
Irritation potential
MediumAllergen risk
LowPregnancy
AvoidSuitable for
Works well with
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid3-О-этил-аскорбиновая кислота
Granactive Retinoid (HPR) activates at neutral pH, so stable C forms pair well. With ethyl ascorbate, no irritation and no loss of activity for either molecule.
Ascorbyl TetraisopalmitateАскорбилтетраизопальмитат
HPR and THD ascorbate are both lipophilic and pH-neutral. Often formulated together in anhydrous anti-aging serums – convenient for retinoid adaptation.
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Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate is not recommended during pregnancy. Consider an alternative from the same category.
Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate suits: oily, dry, combination, normal. Use with caution in: sensitive.
Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate has moderate irritation potential. Sensitive skin may show a transient reaction that usually settles with adaptation.
Retinoic acid ester known under the brand Granactive Retinoid.
The INCI name is Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate. It may also appear as: HPR, Granactive Retinoid.
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Use with caution