Retinoic Acid

What is Retinoic Acid?

Retinoic acid is the no-nonsense commander of skin cell behavior—the active form that all retinoids must convert to before they can work their transformative magic. This prescription-only ingredient (known as tretinoin) communicates directly with skin cell receptors, ordering them to accelerate renewal, boost collagen, and reduce pigmentation. Think of it as the head chef in a restaurant personally giving orders rather than sending messages through various assistants. It's the skincare equivalent of a direct flight to your destination—more efficient but potentially more turbulent than routes with layovers. For those willing to tolerate initial redness and peeling in exchange for more dramatic and faster results, retinoic acid offers the most direct and evidence-backed approach to reversing multiple signs of aging, backed by decades of research and clinical experience.

Perfect For

Oily: Neutral effect on oily skin
Dry: Neutral effect on dry skin
Sensitive: Neutral effect on sensitive skin
Combination: Depends on specific formulation and application technique
Mature: Neutral effect on mature skin

Ingredient Interactions

Works well with: most ingredients

Avoid combining with: depends on specific formulation

Notes: Compatibility depends on product formulation, pH, and concentration

References

Strength: Variable - See literature

Mechanisms:
• Mechanism of action depends on specific ingredient composition