What is Granactive Retinoid?
Everything you need to know about Granactive Retinoid
Dr Emelda Ojukwu, MRCGP
Granactive Retinoid (also known by its chemical name hydroxypinacolone retinoate) is a next-generation retinoid which enhances cell turnover with anti-ageing benefits to help reduce fine lines and wrinkles with significantly less likelihood for irritation (1).
Hydroxypinocolone retinoate (HPR) is already in its active form and can bind directly to retinoid receptors on the skin without the need for oxidation. This makes it less irritating and the best option for sensitive skin. Granactive Retinoid is the new generation stable cosmetic ester of gold-standard retinoic acid.
Granactive Retinoid, or hydroxypinacolone retinoate, is one of the most bioavailable and most studied ingredients to help reverse the signs of ageing and photo-damage.
One of the key differences between different retinoids is the amount of steps it takes to convert them into the bioactive form. Most retinoids must undergo conversion in order for them to deliver their skin benefits. The right retinol product and choosing retinoids varies based on individual needs and skin tolerance.
To become a true retinoid pro, here’s every type of retinoid explained in full.
How Does Granactive Retinoid Work
Retinoids such as Granactive Retinoid are powerful compounds derived from vitamin A that are used extensively in topical creams, serums, and skincare products. Retinoids in skincare products are known to improve skin texture, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, as well as treat acne. Retinol, a retinoid which many people use, is one of many retinoids on the market and so this can become difficult to know which retinoid to use.
Why are retinoids popular and what do they do?
Retinoids work by increasing skin cell turnover, helping your skin shed dead cells more efficiently and revealing fresher, smoother-looking skin underneath. This can help improve uneven texture, fade dark spots and hyperpigmentation, and reduce the appearance of acne scars.
But one of the biggest reasons retinoids are so valuable is their ability to support collagen and elastin production. These proteins help keep skin firm, smooth and elastic. As we age, their natural production declines, contributing to fine lines, wrinkles and loss of firmness. Retinoids help to slow and counteract some of these visible signs of ageing.Studies indicate that vitamin A and its derivatives, such as retinol and retinoids, slow skin’s ageing process.(2) By enhancing collagen synthesis, retinoids give skin a more youthful appearance.
Do retinoids cause skin purging?
Retinoids increase skin cell turnover and exfoliation, helping to keep pores clear and regulate the skin’s natural shedding process. As this happens, trapped oil, dead skin cells and debris can be brought to the surface, which may temporarily cause new breakouts—often referred to as “skin purging.”
Not everyone experiences purging when using retinoids. If it does occur, it is usually temporary and should settle as your skin adjusts to the retinoid. However, persistent, severe or worsening breakouts may indicate irritation rather than purging.
Benefits of retinoids
Retinoids provide several benefits and depending upon the type and strength used, these include:
Targeting uneven skin texture
Increased collagen production
Short- and long-term anti-ageing benefits in terms of reduced wrinkles
Improved skin radiance
Improved appearance of skin prone to pigmentation
Which Granactive Retinoid should you choose?
Farmed Beauty Intensive Retinoid Drops is an oil serum that sinks into skin quickly providing all the benefits of retinoids mentioned above. Unlike other retinoid preparations and serums, our 5% Granactive Retinoid goes one step beyond by combining Bakuchiol, a powerful, well-researched compound that has similar effects to retinoids with multiple benefits for ageing skin. Additionally, this retinoid drops contains Squalane to hydrate skin.
Farmed Beauty Intensive Retinoid Drops is suitable for all skin types and for all age range starting from the age of 20. It is beneficial for oily, acne-prone skin and can help clear breakouts and it can be incorporated through the ages to provide a more even skin tone, and achieve a firmer, youthful appearance.
How to use retinoids
Although there are several factors that govern how your skin will react to a retinoid, there are some general guidelines that I would recommend on retinoid use including Granactive Retinoid.
Start slowly using Granactive Retinoid twice a week in the evening.
If there is no irritation or sensitivity after a couple of weeks, then increase the frequency gradually to daily evening usage.
Adjust frequency of usage as everyone’s skin is different and reacts differently at different times of the month.
Safety warning
Topical retinoids should not be used during pregnancy. High systemic levels of vitamin A and oral retinoids are proven to cause severe birth defects. While absorption through the skin is very low, doctors recommend complete avoidance as a strict precaution. Medical guidelines advise stopping use immediately upon a positive pregnancy test simply because definitive safety data for foetuses does not exist.(3)
References:
Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology Antiaging effects of retinoid hydroxypinacolone retinoate on skin models.
Postepy Dermatol Alergol. 2019 Aug; 36(4): 392–397. Retinoids: active molecules influencing skin structure formation in cosmetic and dermatological treatments. Malwina Zasad and Elżbieta Budzisz
Topical retinoid use in women of reproductive age and risk of major congenital malformations in exposed pregnancies: a Nordic cohort study. Br J Dermatol. 2026 Apr;194(4):640-647. doi: 10.1093/bjd/ljaf500. PMID: 41365815.