What is a synthetic version of vitamin A? A guide to retinoids and supplements

October 24, 2025 •

4 min read

Approximately 98 percent of dietary supplements contain synthetic nutrients, making it crucial to understand what is a synthetic version of vitamin A. These lab-made compounds, known as retinoids, are commonly found in fortified foods, supplements, and skin treatments, and have distinct differences from their natural, food-derived counterparts like beta-carotene.

Quick Summary

Synthetic versions of vitamin A, such as retinyl palmitate, retinyl acetate, and powerful retinoids like isotretinoin, are produced in laboratories for use in dietary supplements, fortified foods, and dermatological treatments. Unlike natural provitamin A (beta-carotene), high intake of these preformed synthetic forms carries risks including toxicity.

Key Points

Retinoids are Synthetic Vitamin A: Synthetic versions of vitamin A are collectively known as retinoids, encompassing both oral medications like isotretinoin and topical treatments such as tretinoin and adapalene.
Common Forms in Supplements: Retinyl palmitate and retinyl acetate are stable, synthetic esters of vitamin A frequently added to supplements and fortified foods to prevent deficiency.
High-Dose Risks: Unlike plant-based beta-carotene, high intake of preformed synthetic vitamin A can cause serious toxicity, known as hypervitaminosis A, leading to side effects like headaches, liver damage, and bone pain.
Skincare Powerhouses: Topical synthetic retinoids, like tretinoin, are highly effective for accelerating skin cell turnover, treating acne, and reducing signs of aging, but can cause irritation.
Critical Pregnancy Warning: The use of high-dose synthetic retinoids is strictly contraindicated during pregnancy due to the significant risk of causing severe birth defects.
Source Matters for Safety: Getting vitamin A from natural food sources like fruits and vegetables is safer, as the body controls the conversion of carotenoids and prevents toxicity.
Professional Guidance is Key: Due to the potency and risks, synthetic retinoid treatments and high-dose supplements should only be used under the supervision of a healthcare provider.

The Diverse World of Synthetic Vitamin A

Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin crucial for vision, immune function, reproduction, and cell growth. It exists in two main dietary forms: preformed vitamin A (retinol), found in animal products, and provitamin A carotenoids, found in plants. Synthetic versions are designed to mimic or replicate these natural compounds and are widely used across various industries, from food fortification to pharmaceuticals.

Many of the retinoids used today are manufactured synthetically in laboratories. The first kilograms of synthetic vitamin A were produced in 1948 by Hoffmann-La Roche. These synthetic compounds can be chemically identical or structurally similar to natural forms, though their bioavailability and potency can differ.

Common Synthetic Forms and Their Applications

Synthetic vitamin A comes in several key forms, each with specific applications:

Retinyl Palmitate and Retinyl Acetate: These are esterified forms of retinol commonly added to dietary supplements and fortified foods, such as milk, cereals, and margarine. They offer stability and are converted into active retinol by the body after ingestion.
Isotretinoin (Accutane, Claravis): A potent oral retinoid used to treat severe, nodular acne that hasn't responded to other therapies. Its use requires strict medical supervision due to significant side effects.
Topical Retinoids (Tretinoin, Adapalene, Tazarotene): These prescription or over-the-counter creams and gels are used topically to treat acne, psoriasis, and signs of photoaging like wrinkles and dark spots. Adapalene (Differin) is a notable third-generation retinoid available without a prescription.

Comparing Natural vs. Synthetic Vitamin A

While both natural and synthetic forms provide essential vitamin A activity, their sources, metabolism, and risks vary considerably.

Absorption and Conversion: Provitamin A carotenoids, like beta-carotene from plants, are converted into retinol by the body on an as-needed basis, a process regulated to prevent toxicity. In contrast, preformed vitamin A, whether natural (from animal sources) or synthetic (from supplements), is absorbed directly and stored in the liver.
Toxicity Risk: The body’s regulatory system prevents excess beta-carotene from converting to retinol, making toxicity from plant sources extremely unlikely. However, excessive intake of preformed vitamin A from supplements can lead to hypervitaminosis A.
Bioavailability and Co-factors: Natural vitamins often come bundled with synergistic co-factors and nutrients, which can enhance their absorption and effectiveness. Synthetic versions are isolated molecules, though many are well-absorbed and effective.
Cost and Accessibility: Synthetic vitamins are generally cheaper and easier to produce in large quantities, making them a cost-effective way to fortify foods and create supplements for public health initiatives.

Synthetic vs. Provitamin A: At a Glance


Feature	Synthetic Retinyl Palmitate (Oral)	Provitamin A (Beta-Carotene)
Source	Produced in a lab via chemical synthesis.	Found naturally in colorful plant foods like carrots, sweet potatoes, and leafy greens.
Conversion	Absorbed directly as preformed vitamin A and stored in the liver.	Converted to retinol by the body on an as-needed basis.
Toxicity	High doses can cause acute or chronic toxicity (hypervitaminosis A).	Not known to cause toxicity; excess can cause harmless yellowing of the skin (carotenodermia).
Uses	Fortification of foods, dietary supplements. High-dose medical applications.	General nutrition; antioxidant properties. Supplements carry risks for certain populations (e.g., smokers).
Risks	High-dose supplements and prescription retinoids pose significant risks, especially during pregnancy.	High-dose supplements have been linked to increased lung cancer risk in smokers and asbestos workers.

Benefits and Risks of Synthetic Retinoids

Benefits

Synthetic retinoids offer several targeted health benefits, especially in medical and cosmetic applications. Topical retinoids are highly effective for treating acne by increasing skin cell turnover and preventing clogged pores. They also stimulate collagen production, which helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles associated with aging. Oral retinoids, such as isotretinoin, provide a potent solution for severe cystic acne when other treatments fail. Furthermore, specific retinoid therapies are used for certain forms of cancer and other severe skin disorders.

Risks

Despite their benefits, synthetic vitamin A derivatives come with notable risks:

Hypervitaminosis A: Excessive intake of preformed synthetic vitamin A from supplements can lead to toxicity. Symptoms can range from headache, blurred vision, and dizziness to severe liver damage and bone pain in chronic cases.
Teratogenicity: High-dose synthetic retinoids, particularly oral isotretinoin, are known teratogens that can cause severe birth defects if taken during pregnancy. Even topical retinoids are often contraindicated during pregnancy.
Interaction with Supplements: High-dose beta-carotene supplements (but not dietary beta-carotene) have been shown to increase the risk of lung cancer in smokers, former smokers, and asbestos workers.
Side Effects: Common side effects, especially with topical application, include skin irritation, redness, dryness, and increased photosensitivity.

Conclusion: Making Informed Choices

Synthetic versions of vitamin A, in their various forms, serve critical functions in fortifying foods and treating specific medical conditions. Their potency allows for targeted therapeutic effects, particularly in dermatology for acne and anti-aging. However, this potency also carries inherent risks, most notably the potential for toxicity (hypervitaminosis A) from excessive intake of preformed vitamin A. For general nutrition, relying on dietary provitamin A carotenoids from plant-based foods is a safe and effective strategy, as the body self-regulates its conversion to retinol. When considering supplementation or specific retinoid treatments, it is essential to consult a healthcare provider to ensure safe and appropriate use, especially for pregnant individuals or those with underlying health conditions.

For more detailed information on vitamin A, consult the NIH Office of Dietary Supplements.

Frequently Asked Questions

The main difference lies in their source and how the body processes them. Natural provitamin A (beta-carotene) is converted to active vitamin A as needed, with low toxicity risk. Synthetic preformed vitamin A is absorbed directly and stored in the body, carrying a higher risk of toxicity if consumed in high doses.

For severe, recalcitrant acne, the oral synthetic retinoid isotretinoin (commonly known by its former brand name Accutane) is typically prescribed under strict medical guidance.

No, you cannot get vitamin A toxicity (hypervitaminosis A) from eating too many carrots or other beta-carotene-rich plant foods. While your skin might turn yellow-orange from the excess carotene (a harmless condition called carotenodermia), your body's regulatory system prevents over-conversion to retinol.

Topical synthetic retinoids, such as tretinoin and adapalene, are considered safe and effective for many skin concerns when used correctly. However, they can cause side effects like dryness, redness, and sensitivity, and should be avoided during pregnancy.

Yes, high-dose synthetic vitamin A supplements and other potent retinoids are known teratogens and pose a significant risk of causing birth defects. Pregnant women or those planning to become pregnant should consult a healthcare provider about their vitamin A intake.

Look for names such as 'retinyl palmitate' or 'retinyl acetate' in the ingredients list, as these are common synthetic versions. In contrast, a natural source might be listed as 'beta-carotene'.

Common side effects from topical retinoids can include skin redness, dryness, itching, scaling, and increased sensitivity to UV light.

Synthetic vitamin A is often used for fortification because it is cheaper to produce in large quantities and is more stable than some natural forms, making it cost-effective for public health programs to combat vitamin A deficiency.