Retinol (Vitamin A1)
Vitamins
Nutritional Enhancers
Antioxidants
68-26-8
C₂₀H₃₀O
$4.81 ~ $7.21
Food
Free sample from 100g(NF)
One unit of:20kg/carton
One unit of:20kg/carton
20kg/carton
Product Info
What is Retinol (Vitamin A1)?
Retinol (Vitamin A1) is the alcohol form of essential fat-soluble Vitamin A, primarily used in nutritional supplements and cosmetic products for supporting vision, immune function, and skin health.
How is Retinol (Vitamin A1) made?
| Step No. | Production Stage | Key Action | Control Point & Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Intermediate Synthesis (β-ionone) | Synthesize the key building block, β-ionone, typically from citral and acetone via an aldol condensation reaction. | Control the reaction temperature and catalyst concentration. The purity of β-ionone is critical as it directly impacts the final yield and quality of the retinol. |
| 2 | Carbon Chain Elongation | Extend the carbon side chain of β-ionone using a series of chemical reactions, such as the Grignard or Wittig reaction, to build the characteristic polyene structure. | Ensure anhydrous (water-free) conditions, especially for Grignard reactions. Precise stoichiometric control of reagents is essential to form the correct molecular backbone. |
| 3 | Final Structure Formation & Reduction | Complete the C20 carbon skeleton and then selectively reduce a terminal functional group (like an aldehyde) to the primary alcohol, forming all-trans-retinol. | The choice and amount of the reducing agent (e.g., NaBH4) must be carefully controlled to prevent over-reduction of the double bonds in the chain. |
| 4 | Esterification for Stability | Convert the relatively unstable retinol alcohol into a more stable ester form, such as Retinyl Acetate or Retinyl Palmitate, by reacting it with an appropriate acid anhydride or acyl chloride. | Control reaction pH and ensure complete removal of acidic by-products. This step is crucial for the product's shelf life and resistance to oxidation. |
| 5 | Purification | Purify the retinyl ester through multi-step processes like solvent crystallization or column chromatography to remove unreacted materials, isomers, and by-products. | Monitor the solvent purity and temperature profile during crystallization. The goal is to achieve a very high purity (e.g., >99%) required for food or pharmaceutical applications. |
| 6 | Formulation & Stabilization | Dissolve the purified retinyl ester crystals into a suitable carrier oil (e.g., vegetable oil) and add antioxidants like mixed tocopherols (Vitamin E). | Ensure homogenous mixing and accurate dosage of both the retinyl ester and the antioxidant. The antioxidant is vital to protect the final product from degradation by light and air. |
| 7 | Quality Control & Packaging | Conduct final analysis using HPLC to verify potency (IU/g) and purity. Perform tests for heavy metals and microbiological contamination. Package the final product. | The product must be packaged in airtight, opaque containers under an inert gas blanket (e.g., nitrogen) to prevent oxidation and light-induced degradation before it reaches the customer. |
Technical Specifications
| CAS Number | 68-26-8 |
| Chemical Formula | C₂₀H₃₀O |
| Solubility | Soluble in ethanol, chloroform, ether and fats; insoluble in water |
| Storage Conditions | Store in dark, sealed container at 2–8 °C or cool, ventilated dry place |
| Shelf Life | 24 Months |
Applications & Usage
Common Applications:
Food fortification
dietary supplements
cosmetics
pharmaceuticals
feed additive
Mechanism of action:
| Parameter | Retinol (Vitamin A1) |
|---|---|
| Functional Category | Nutrient Fortificant; Antioxidant; Colorant |
| Key Ingredients | Retinol (all-trans-retinol) or its stabilized ester forms (e.g., Retinyl Palmitate, Retinyl Acetate) |
| Mechanism of Action | As a nutrient, it is a precursor to retinal (vital for the visual cycle) and retinoic acid, which regulates gene expression for cell growth, immune function, and epithelial integrity. As an antioxidant, its conjugated double bond system quenches singlet oxygen and scavenges peroxyl radicals, terminating chain reactions that degrade lipids. |
| Application Effect in Product | Increases the nutritional value of fortified foods like milk, margarine, cereals, and infant formula to prevent deficiency. Protects fats and oils from oxidative rancidity, extending shelf life and preserving flavor. Can impart a yellow-orange hue to products like butter and cheese. |
Comparison:
| Product Name | Category/Type | Key Features | Strengths (vs peers) | Weaknesses (vs peers) | Best Use Cases | Why Choose |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Retinol (Vitamin A1) | Over-the-Counter Retinoid | Vitamin A derivative; requires two conversion steps in the skin to become active retinoic acid. | Widely available and researched; good entry point for beginners due to moderate potency and lower initial irritation. | Less potent and slower-acting than prescription retinoids and retinal due to the conversion process. | General anti-aging for fine lines and texture, mild hyperpigmentation, first-time retinoid users. | A reliable, well-studied starting point for anti-aging with a balanced risk of irritation. |
| Tretinoin (Retinoic Acid) | Prescription Retinoid | The active form of Vitamin A; requires no conversion in the skin. Considered the gold standard. | Most potent and effective retinoid with the fastest, most clinically-proven results for both acne and aging. | Requires a prescription; high potential for irritation, peeling, and redness, especially initially. | Moderate to severe photoaging and wrinkles, persistent acne, experienced retinoid users seeking maximum efficacy. | For the highest level of proven efficacy when OTC products are insufficient and irritation can be managed. |
| Adapalene | Synthetic Retinoid | Third-generation retinoid that selectively targets specific retinoic acid receptors; very stable. OTC at 0.1% strength. | Excellent efficacy for acne with a better tolerability profile than tretinoin. More photostable. | Has less extensive research supporting its anti-aging benefits compared to tretinoin or retinol. | Primarily for acne treatment (comedonal and inflammatory), especially for those with sensitive or oily skin. | A highly effective, targeted, and accessible option specifically for managing acne with lower irritation. |
| Retinal (Retinaldehyde) | Over-the-Counter Retinoid | An intermediate form that requires only one conversion step to become active retinoic acid. | Acts significantly faster and is more potent than retinol. Gentler than tretinoin. Has antibacterial properties. | Less common and often more expensive than retinol. Higher potential for irritation than retinol. | Users who have tolerated retinol well and want stronger, faster results without a prescription. | A direct step-up in performance from retinol for more noticeable results in anti-aging and acne. |
| Bakuchiol | Plant-Based Retinoid Alternative | A phenolic compound from the Psoralea corylifolia plant; not a true retinoid but functions on similar pathways. | Very low irritation potential; suitable for sensitive skin. Can be used during the day. Generally considered pregnancy-safe. | Lacks the extensive, long-term data of true retinoids. Efficacy may not match prescription-strength options. | Sensitive skin, users who cannot tolerate any retinoids, those seeking a "natural" alternative, or during pregnancy. | For retinol-like benefits (collagen stimulation, anti-oxidation) without the associated irritation and side effects. |
| Granactive Retinoid (HPR) | Retinoic Acid Ester | Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate; a cosmetic ester of retinoic acid that can bind directly to retinoid receptors. | Marketed as offering similar efficacy to retinol with substantially less irritation. Highly stable. | Newer technology with less independent, long-term research compared to traditional retinoids. | Beginners with very sensitive skin or users who found even low-strength retinol too irritating. | To access retinoid benefits with a potentially minimal risk of irritation, ideal for reactive skin types. |
Technical Documents
Available Documentation
COA, Tech Spec, MSDS available
Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
Available with shipment
Certificate of Analysis (COA)
Quality assurance documentation
Technical Data Sheet
Detailed technical specifications