Tretinoin 2 g

What tretinoin is

Tretinoin, INCI Tretinoin, Retinoic acid, is all-trans retinoic acid, a compound from the retinoid class and the acid form of vitamin A. Its molecule, C20H28O2 with a molar mass of about 300.4 g/mol, combines a cyclohexene ring, a chain of conjugated double bonds and a terminal carboxylic acid group. The card gives trans-retinoic acid as a synonym.

This listing is 2 grams of powder, made in China according to the card, with a best-before date of 11.2028. The small pack suits laboratory work such as incoming quality checks, trial weighings and compatibility tests with bases and packaging. Larger quantities are available as tretinoin 50 g, and the product sits in the anti-aging and fine lines category.

Key properties

The card describes a yellow powder that is easily soluble in oil. It is practically insoluble in water. The conjugated double bond system gives the yellow colour and also makes the molecule sensitive to light, atmospheric oxygen and heat, which can cause isomerisation and oxidation. Every handling step should therefore limit exposure to light, air and high temperatures.

Applications

Tretinoin is supplied as a raw material for professional developers and laboratories that work with retinoids. The developer decides on the end use and concentration and checks compliance with the rules of their market. A 2 g pack is most often used at the R&D stage, so the process can be refined before a larger quantity is ordered.

How to handle the material

The card gives a use level of 0.01 to 0.1%, and it should not be exceeded. Its processing advice is to add tretinoin in the cool-down phase at 40 °C or below, gradually and away from direct light. Quantities this small need an analytical balance readable to 0.1 mg, so a stock solution of known strength is more accurate than direct weighing. Let the closed pack reach room temperature before opening it, so moisture does not condense on the cold powder.

Compatibility and processing notes

Because the card lists it as easily soluble in oil, tretinoin is usually added through the oil phase. Stable liquid oils and triglycerides with low oxidation tendency are suitable carriers, and antioxidants such as tocopherol help protect the polyene chain. According to the card, it should not be combined with alcohol-based solutions or used on the same day as an AHA peel. Store test samples in opaque containers with minimal headspace, such as airless packs.

Appearance and specifications

Yellow powder. INCI Tretinoin, Retinoic acid. Synonym trans-retinoic acid. Easily soluble in oil. Pack size 2 grams, packed in a shipping container. Country of production China.

Lab note: stock solution for testing

To make 30 g of 0.1% stock solution, weigh 0.030 g tretinoin on an analytical balance into an amber glass beaker. Add 29.82 g caprylic/capric triglyceride and 0.15 g tocopherol. Stir on a magnetic stirrer under subdued light at no more than 40 °C until fully dissolved, then transfer to an amber glass bottle.

Label the bottle with concentration, mass, preparation date and raw material lot number. Wear gloves, safety glasses and a mask so the powder does not become airborne, and never leave the open pack in the light.

Storage

The card says to keep it in a cool, dark place in a tightly closed container.

FAQ

Where is this tretinoin made?

The country of production on the card is China.

What does it dissolve in?

According to the card it is easily soluble in oil. It is practically insoluble in water.

At what temperature should it be added?

In the cool-down phase, at 40 °C or below.

How should it be stored?

In a cool, dark place in a tightly closed container.