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Vitamins and nutraceutical actives

Retinol

Also known as all-trans-Retinol, Agoncal, trans-retinol

CAS 68-26-8Formula C20H30OMolar mass 286.46 g/molEC 200-683-7
GHS signal word: Danger. Pictograms: Harmful or irritant, Serious health hazard 119 suppliers listed Drug substance
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Retinol chemical structure, C20H30O, CAS 68-26-8
2D chemical structure

Key facts

What buyers check first

All properties
Appearance
Solvated crystals from polar solvents, such as methanol or ethyl formate
Melting point
62 to 64
Boiling point
137 to 138
Solubility
Practically insoluble in water or glycerol, soluble in absolute alcohol, methanol, chlor…
HS code
293621
Category
Vitamins and nutraceutical actives
Illustrative photo, closed blue fibre drums on a pallet in a warehouse
Typical packagingIllustrative packaging image, not the actual product

What is Retinol?

Plain description, key identifiers and synonyms

All-trans-retinol is a retinol in which all four exocyclic double bonds have E- (trans-) geometry. It has a role as a mouse metabolite, a plant metabolite and a human metabolite. It is a vitamin A and a retinol.

Retinol is a fat-soluble vitamin A alcohol used in skincare for skin cell renewal.

Identifiers

Registry numbers, names and line notations, tap to copy

IUPAC name
(2E,4E,6E,8E)-3,7-dimethyl-9-(2,6,6-trimethylcyclohexen-1-yl)nona-2,4,6,8-tetraen-1-ol
CAS number
68-26-8 CAS number cross-checkedOther or deprecated CAS: 11103-57-4, 69686-69-7
EC numbers
200-683-7, 234-328-2
Molecular formula
C20H30O
UNII
G2SH0XKK91
MDL number
MFCD00001552
INCI name
RETINOL
InChIKey
FPIPGXGPPPQFEQ-OVSJKPMPSA-N
InChI
InChI=1S/C20H30O/c1-16(8-6-9-17(2)13-15-21)11-12-19-18(3)10-7-14-20(19,4)5/h6,8-9,11-13,21H,7,10,14-15H2,1-5H3/b9-6+,12-11+,16-8+,17-13+
Canonical SMILES
CC(C=CC1=C(C)CCCC1(C)C)=CC=CC(C)=CCO
Isomeric SMILES
CC1=C(C(CCC1)(C)C)/C=C/C(=C/C=C/C(=C/CO)/C)/C

Synonyms

  • all-trans-Retinol
  • Agoncal
  • trans-retinol
  • Veroftal
  • Bentavit A
  • Homagenets Aoral
  • Sehkraft A
  • Testavol S
  • all-trans-Vitamin A
  • All-trans retinol
  • Super A
  • Axerophtholum
  • Wachstumsvitamin
  • Vitaminum A
  • Vitamine A
  • Retinolo
  • Retinolum
  • Retinol, all trans-
  • (2E,4E,6E,8E)-3,7-dimethyl-9-(2,6,6-trimethylcyclohex-1-en-1-yl)nona-2,4,6,8-tetraen-1-ol
  • Ro-a-vit
  • (2E,4E,6E,8E)-3,7-dimethyl-9-(2,6,6-trimethylcyclohexen-1-yl)nona-2,4,6,8-tetraen-1-ol
  • Antixerophthalmisches Vitamin
  • (all-E)-3,7-Dimethyl-9-(2,6,6-trimethyl-1-cyclohexen-1-yl)-2,4,6,8-nonatetraen-1-ol
  • 3,7-Dimethyl-9-(2,6,6-trimethyl-1-cyclohexen-1-yl)-2,4,6,8-nonatetraen-1-ol, (all-E)-
  • 3,7-dimethyl-9-(2,6,6-trimethyl-1-cyclohexenyl)-nona-2,4,6,8-tetraen-1-ol
Show all 39 synonyms
  • (2E,4E,6E,8E)-3,7-dimethyl-9-(2,6,6-trimethyl-1-cyclohexenyl)nona-2,4,6,8-tetraen-1-ol
  • All Trans Retinol
  • Nepalm
  • RerinolCream
  • Recovery Cream
  • Surfree Firming
  • Firming Cream
  • Highy-Stable
  • Neck Firming
  • Pure Retinol
  • Anti-aging cream
  • Bean Moisturizing
  • Vitamin A 1
  • CVC Retinol collagen

Physical and chemical properties

Measured values and descriptors computed from the structure

Physical and chemical properties

Measured values, check the supplier specification for your grade

Appearance
Solvated crystals from polar solvents, such as methanol or ethyl formateexp.
Melting point
62 to 64exp.
Boiling point
137 to 138exp.
Solubility
Practically insoluble in water or glycerol, soluble in absolute alcohol, methanol, chloroform, ether, fats and oilsexp.
Vapour pressure
7.5 × 10⁻⁸ mm Hg at 25 °C /Estimated/exp.

Values vary by grade. Ask suppliers for the COA or TDS of the batch you buy.

Computed descriptors

Calculated from the structure, useful for screening and formulation

Molecular weight
286.46 g/molcalc.
Exact mass
286.2297 Dacalc.
LogP (octanol/water)
5.51calc.
Topological polar surface area
20.23 Ųcalc.
Hydrogen bond donors
1calc.
Hydrogen bond acceptors
1calc.
Rotatable bonds
5calc.
Heavy atoms
21calc.
Rings
1calc.
Aromatic rings
0calc.
Fraction sp3 carbons
0.5calc.
Formal charge
0calc.
Stereocentres
0calc.
Lipinski rule of five
Passes (1 violation)calc.

Calculated for screening. Confirm critical figures with the supplier.

Murcko scaffold

The ring system that remains when every side chain is removed

Murcko scaffold of this chemical, C1=CCCCC1

C1=CCCCC1

1 ring, 6 atoms, the Cyclohexene ring system.

5,167 other chemicals share this scaffold

Safety and hazards

GHS classification summary, not a safety data sheet

GHS signal word
Danger
GHS07: Harmful or irritant
Harmful or irritant
GHS08: Serious health hazard
Serious health hazard

Hazard statements

  • H302Harmful if swallowed.
  • H317May cause an allergic skin reaction.
  • H319Causes serious eye irritation.
  • H360May damage fertility or the unborn child.
  • H413May cause long lasting harmful effects to aquatic life.
Precautionary statements (19)
  • P203Obtain, read and follow all safety instructions before use.
  • P261Avoid breathing dust, fume, gas, mist, vapours or spray.
  • P264Wash skin thoroughly after handling.
  • P264 + P265Wash skin thoroughly after handling. Do not touch eyes.
  • P270Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product.
  • P272Contaminated work clothing should not be allowed out of the workplace.
  • P273Avoid release to the environment.
  • P280Wear protective gloves, protective clothing, eye protection and face protection.
  • P301 + P317If swallowed: Get medical help.
  • P302 + P352If on skin: Wash with plenty of water.
  • P305 + P351 + P338If in eyes: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.
  • P318If exposed or concerned, get medical advice.
  • P321Specific treatment (see supplemental first aid instructions on the label).
  • P330Rinse mouth.
  • P333 + P317If skin irritation or rash occurs: Get medical help.
  • P337 + P317If eye irritation persists: Get medical help.
  • P362 + P364Take off contaminated clothing. And wash it before reuse.
  • P405Store locked up.
  • P501Dispose of contents and container in accordance with local regulations.

GHS classification summary, not a safety data sheet (SDS). Classifications can differ by supplier, grade and concentration. Always check the supplier's SDS.

Full safety data and first aid

Retinol suppliers

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All 119 suppliers
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Where suppliers are based

119 suppliers in 26 countries

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Retinol price

Indicative price range per kg from live supplier offers

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Uses and applications

What the substance is used for, by industry and function

Vitamin (antixerophthalmic).

Veterinary medication:.

Use classes: Cosmetics.

Cosmetic ingredient, INCI name RETINOL(skin conditioning - miscellaneous)

Roles

  • animal metabolite
  • eukaryotic metabolite
  • human metabolite
  • mammalian metabolite
  • metabolite
  • mouse metabolite
  • plant metabolite

Functional uses

  • Flavouring and nutrient
  • Softener and conditioner

Cosmetic functions

  • Skin conditioning - miscellaneous

Pharmacology

Vitamin a is a Vitamin A.

How it is made

Vitamin A is isolated by liquid-liquid extraction, molecular distillation, and HPLC. Commercial isolation of retinol from natural raw materials starts with fish oils and is conducted in six steps: (1) accumulation of crude vitamin A by the Solexol countercurrent extraction process, (2) short-path distillation of the retinyl esters (200 °C, 400 Pa), (3) ester saponification (KOH, 60 -70 °C, 30 minutes, N2), (4) extraction of retinol with ether, (5) short-path distillation of retinol (120 °C, 400 Pa), and (6) final purification by crystallization from ethyl formate (-35 °C. With the development of efficient processes for the synthesis of vitamin A on a commercial scale, isolation from natural raw materials has lost importance.

Reaction of beta-ionone and a propargyl halide

Regulatory status

Inventories, regulations and trade controls that list this substance

Health and food

  • EU cosmetic ingredient inventory
  • EU Cosmetics Regulation Annex III, restricted in cosmetics
    Name: Retinol, Retinyl Acetate, Retinyl Palmitate, Ref no: 376, Annex ref: III/376
  • Active ingredient in FDA approved drug labels

United States

  • TSCA inventory (USA)
    Status: Active in US commerce

HS code and trade data

Customs classification and reported world trade statistics

Global trade

World import and export statistics for the HS code Retinol is traded under.

HS 2936.21Indicative HS code

Vitamins A and their derivatives

World exports in 2024
$621M
+16.4% vs 2023, imports $528M
2019 to 2024
Top exporters
  1. China26.7%
  2. United States25.5%
  3. Switzerland * partner reported21.4%
Top importers
  1. United States16.7%
  2. Germany8.7%
  3. Netherlands5.0%

* Partner reported figures, a lower bound.

Reported customs values in USD, not prices.Full trade data

The HS code shown for Retinol is indicative (it was assigned by structure rules). Confirm the classification with your customs broker before shipping.

Frequently asked questions

Quick answers about Retinol, based on the data on this page

What is Retinol?

All-trans-retinol is a retinol in which all four exocyclic double bonds have E- (trans-) geometry. It has a role as a mouse metabolite, a plant metabolite and a human metabolite. It is a vitamin A and a retinol.

What is the CAS number of Retinol?

The CAS registry number of Retinol is 68-26-8. Other or deprecated CAS numbers: 11103-57-4, 69686-69-7.

What is the molecular formula and weight of Retinol?

The molecular formula of Retinol is C20H30O and its molar mass is 286.46 g/mol.

What is Retinol used for?

Vitamin (antixerophthalmic). Veterinary medication:. Use classes: Cosmetics.

Is Retinol hazardous?

Retinol carries the GHS signal word "Danger". Main hazards: harmful if swallowed, may cause an allergic skin reaction, causes serious eye irritation. This summary is not an SDS, always read the supplier safety data sheet.

What is the HS code of Retinol?

Retinol is usually classified under HS code 293621 (Vitamins A and their derivatives). This is indicative, confirm it with your customs broker before shipping.

Where can I buy Retinol?

CompoundList lists 119 suppliers of Retinol in China, United States, Germany, United Kingdom and 22 more. Send one free request to get and compare quotes. Your contact details stay private until you accept a quote.

Where can I buy Retinol in India?

4 suppliers in India list Retinol on CompoundList. Filter the suppliers list by country and send a request to compare prices, grades and delivery times.

What is the price of Retinol?

Suppliers quote Retinol on request because prices depend on grade, purity, quantity and destination. A free request on CompoundList gets you several quotes to compare.

Guides for buyers

Practical guides that help when you source, ship or handle Retinol

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Data last updated 7 Oct 2026. Details may have changed, please confirm them with the supplier. Report an error on this page
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