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

The star ingredient is retinaldehyde (often called retinal), a form of vitamin A that’s one quick conversion step away from retinoic acid. —Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 1 Oct. 2025

One of the main active derivatives of vitamin A, retinoic acid, impacts hair health and growth. —Laura Schober, Health, 25 Sep. 2025

Mice that received regular injections with retinoic acid managed to fully regenerate ear pinna tissues just like the rabbits did. —Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 26 June 2025

Importantly, the work found that retinoic acid helps tell the axolotl which type of limb to regrow. —Sara Hashemi, Smithsonian Magazine, 12 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1960, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for retinoic acid

• antacid
• placid

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