retinyl hydroxyesters and retinyl oligo - hydroxyesters were prepared using a chemoenzymatic process from retinol and short chain esters of hydroxycarboxylic acids or short chain esters of hydroxycarboxylic acids . the presence of the hydroxyl group on the acid can result in a mixture of esters from various oligomers of the hydroxycarboxylic acid . the retinyl ester products are readily enzymatically hydrolyzed in vitro , which indicates that application to the skin should result in release of the anti - aging ingredient retinol along with the acid , which , if chosen appropriately , should also have desirable biological effects . this combination should be effective as an anti - aging skin care ingredient .