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 in the skin, it’s converted into retinoic acid, which can work on multiple levels to improve skin. —Deanna Pai, Vogue, 4 July 2024

Under the umbrella of retinoids, Retin-A, also known as tretinoin, is a retinoic acid product that treats the effects of photoaging and acne, and it must be prescribed by your doctor, according to Healthline. —Caroline C. Boyle, USA TODAY, 20 Apr. 2024

Marini further explains that our skin has receptor sites like alpha, beta, gamma to recognize and connect with a retinoic acid. —Larry Stansbury, Essence, 16 Apr. 2024

The cue comes from something that is probably in your daily multivitamin–retinoic acid, or vitamin A. —Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 22 Feb. 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