retinoic acid

noun

ret·​i·​no·​ic acid ˌre-tə-ˈnō-ik- 

: either of two isomers of an acid C₂₀H₂₈O₂ derived from vitamin A and used in the treatment of acne:

a

: tretinoin

b

: isotretinoin

Examples of retinoic acid in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Once the skin absorbs any of these products, it is broken down into its usable form of retinoic acid. —William Truswell, Verywell Health, 30 Oct. 2024

Regular retinol must go through two conversion steps, transforming into retinal before turning into retinoic acid. —Emily Orofino, Allure, 29 Oct. 2024

Because of its lower concentration of retinoic acid, retinol doesn’t require a prescription, and is a popular choice for line-smoothing moisturizers such as Philosophy’s new cream. —Jackie Fields, People.com, 1 Oct. 2024

Clinically tested on sensitive skin, the product is formulated with soothing bisabolol and oat, as well as a retinol complex that’s infused with the anti-aging, retinoic acid ester HPR. —Jenny Berg, Vogue, 4 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1960, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

retinoic acid

noun

ret·​i·​no·​ic acid ˌret-ᵊn-ˌō-ik- 

: either of two isomers of an acid C₂₀H₂₈O₂ derived from vitamin A and used especially in the treatment of acne:

a

or all-trans-retinoic acid : tretinoin

b

or 13-cis-retinoic acid : isotretinoin