Specialty Additives Available — Bulk Only

Retinaldehyde (Retinal, Vitamin A Aldehyde)

RAL
CAS 116-31-4 · Formula C20H28O · MW 284.4 g/mol

An oil-soluble retinoid raw material for skin-conditioning formulation. It is supplied as a cosmetic raw material used as a skin-conditioning ingredient in topical formulations.

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HS Code
2936.21
At a Glance
Material Family
Specialty Additives
Record Type
Pure compound
Functional Roles
RETINAL
SKIN CONDITIONING
Industries Served
Applications & Use Cases
  • Skin conditioning: Retinoid ingredient for leave-on facial formulations.
  • Cosmetic serums and creams: Oil-soluble ingredient for anhydrous and emulsion systems.
  • Vitamin A derivative: Retinoid building block for cosmetic formulation.
Physical Properties
Melting Point
63 °C
Safety & Handling
Full SDS available on request

A grade-specific Safety Data Sheet (SDS) — with the complete hazard classification, handling precautions, and transport information — is supplied with every shipment and available on request. Confirm all safety and regulatory details against the SDS for your specific grade.

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HS / Tariff Classification
Harmonized System (HS) Code — 6-digit international heading
2936 . 21
Chapter 29
Organic chemicals
Heading 29.36
Internationally harmonized (WCO HS)
Subheading 2936.21
6-digit international code — national tariff line adds further digits
Chemical Identity
CAS Number
116-31-4
Molecular Formula
C20H28O
Molecular Weight
284.4 g/mol
IUPAC Name
(2E,4E,6E,8E)-3,7-dimethyl-9-(2,6,6-trimethylcyclohexen-1-yl)nona-2,4,6,8-tetraenal
INCI Name
RETINAL
PubChem CID
InChI Key
NCYCYZXNIZJOKI-OVSJKPMPSA-N
Synonyms & Trade Names
all-trans-Retinal retinal trans-Retinal retinaldehyde vitamin A aldehyde retinene axerophthal all-E-Retinal E-Retinal Retinene 1 all-trans-Retinaldehyde Vitamin A1 aldehyde all-trans-Vitamin A aldehyde all-trans-Retinene Retinyl aldehyde Retinal, all-trans
Full Description

Retinaldehyde (CAS 116-31-4; C20H28O), the aldehyde form of vitamin A and a member of the retinoid family. It is supplied as a cosmetic raw material used as a skin-conditioning ingredient in topical formulations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is retinaldehyde?

Retinaldehyde, or RAL (CAS 116-31-4, C20H28O), is the aldehyde form of vitamin A and a member of the retinoid family. It is supplied as a cosmetic raw material used as a skin-conditioning ingredient in topical formulations.

How is retinaldehyde different from retinol?

They are distinct retinoids and different oxidation states of vitamin A: retinaldehyde is the aldehyde form (C20H28O, CAS 116-31-4) and retinol is the alcohol form (C20H30O). Both are oil-soluble cosmetic ingredients but are supplied under separate identities and specifications.

Is retinaldehyde oil-soluble?

Yes. Retinaldehyde is an oil-soluble retinoid used in anhydrous systems and in the oil phase of emulsion-based cosmetic serums and creams. Like other retinoids it is sensitive to light and oxidation, so formulators handle and store it accordingly per the technical data sheet.

What CAS number and HS code apply to retinaldehyde?

It is supplied under CAS 116-31-4 and classified under HS heading 2936.21 (vitamins A and their derivatives). Confirm the final import classification with your customs broker for the destination country.

What packaging, MOQ, and documentation are available for bulk retinaldehyde?

RawSource supplies retinaldehyde to cosmetic manufacturers with a CoA and SDS on request. Pricing varies with volume and market conditions, so submit a bulk RFQ with your target quantity for pack sizes, MOQ, lead time, and storage guidance.

Disclaimer. Information on this page — including properties, identifiers, hazard, transport (DOT/UN) and tariff (HS) classifications, and applications — is provided for general reference and is compiled from authoritative public sources (e.g. PubChem/ECHA, 49 CFR 172.101, the Harmonized Tariff Schedule). Values are typical and are not a guaranteed specification; the Certificate of Analysis (CoA) for the lot purchased governs. Products are sold for industrial and professional use only. Nothing here is a medical, health, or efficacy claim or advice. Always consult the current Safety Data Sheet (SDS) before handling, storage, transport or disposal, and confirm regulatory status, classification and suitability for your application and jurisdiction. Hazard, transport and tariff classifications must be verified for your specific shipment. RawSource makes no warranty, express or implied, and assumes no liability for use of this information. Trademarks. Third-party trademarks and brand names are the property of their respective owners; any reference is nominative — used only to identify a comparable product — and does not imply affiliation with, sponsorship by, or endorsement by the trademark owner.