RETINOIC ACID- ▸ Pharmaceutical: Active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) for topical drug formulations
- ▸ Research: Retinoid reference material for laboratory and analytical use
- ▸ Fine chemicals: Vitamin A acid (retinoid) raw material
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.
Request SDS →⚠ WARNING: This product can expose you to Tretinoin, which is known to the State of California to cause birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
Tretinoin (CAS 302-79-4, C20H28O2) is all-trans retinoic acid, a carboxylic-acid derivative of vitamin A. It is supplied as an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) and as a retinoid raw material for topical formulations and research.
Regulatory & registration requirements
- TSCA (US):
- REACH (EU): Not determined from public registry
- EC number: 206-129-0
Source: EPA TSCA Inventory (July 2025 release) · ECHA CHEM — retrieved 2026-07-12
Regulatory restriction status
Tretinoin (Retinoic Acid) (CAS 302-79-4) appears on the regulatory list(s) below. This is public regulatory information about the substance — not a statement about any specific supplier’s material, and not a safety claim. Confirm the current status for your jurisdiction and intended use.
- California Proposition 65: listed for reproductive toxicity, listed 1 Jan 1989. A California Proposition 65 warning applies (see the warning above).
Sources: ECHA Candidate List / Annex XIV / Annex XVII (echa.europa.eu); U.S. EPA TSCA; UN Stockholm Convention / EU POPs Regulation; California OEHHA Proposition 65 list. Retrieved 2026-07-13.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is tretinoin (retinoic acid)?
Tretinoin (CAS 302-79-4, C20H28O2) is all-trans retinoic acid, a carboxylic-acid derivative of vitamin A. It is supplied as an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) and retinoid raw material for topical formulations and research. We supply it to qualified manufacturers and laboratories only.
What is the difference between tretinoin and retinol as raw materials?
They are distinct compounds: tretinoin is all-trans retinoic acid (the carboxylic-acid form of vitamin A, CAS 302-79-4), whereas retinol is the alcohol form (CAS 68-26-8). Tretinoin is handled as a pharmaceutical-grade API; specify which retinoid you require when requesting a quote.
What grade is tretinoin supplied as?
Tretinoin is supplied as an API / fine-chemical retinoid raw material and as a reference material for laboratory use. Specification and grade documentation accompany each lot. Sale is restricted to qualified pharmaceutical manufacturers and research institutions.
What is the HS code for tretinoin?
Tretinoin classifies under HS 2936.21 (vitamins A and their derivatives). Confirm the destination-country tariff line with your broker, as API imports may carry additional regulatory documentation requirements. We supply commercial documentation to support clearance.
What documentation and handling apply to bulk tretinoin?
Each lot ships with a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) and Safety Data Sheet (SDS); retinoids are light- and oxygen-sensitive, so storage and handling per the SDS are required. As an API, sale is limited to qualified buyers. Request a quote with your intended use, target volume, and documentation needs.
What is the REACH and TSCA regulatory status of Tretinoin (Retinoic Acid)?
Tretinoin (Retinoic Acid) (CAS 302-79-4) is listed as Active on the U.S. EPA TSCA Inventory; its REACH registration status is not determined from the public ECHA registry.