Where Does Retinol Come From? Natural and Synthetic Sources Explained

December 12, 2025 •

3 min read

Originally discovered in 1909, retinol is a form of Vitamin A with a rich history rooted in both ancient remedies and modern science. Today, most skincare-grade retinol is synthetically produced, though its origins trace back to natural animal and plant sources. The journey of retinol from its natural state to a potent skincare ingredient is a fascinating blend of biology and chemistry.

Quick Summary

Retinol originates from both animal sources, containing preformed Vitamin A, and plant-based carotenoids that the body converts into Vitamin A. While historically sourced from liver and other foods, modern retinol for skincare is primarily created synthetically in a laboratory to ensure stability and potency.

Key Points

Dual Origin: Retinol can come from natural food sources (animals or plants) or be created synthetically in a lab for commercial use.
Natural Sources: Animal products like liver, fish, eggs, and dairy contain preformed retinol, while plant foods like carrots and spinach contain provitamin A (carotenoids).
Synthetic Production: Commercial retinol for skincare is chemically synthesized in a laboratory for stability and controlled potency.
Purposeful Creation: Synthetic retinol is manufactured to be stable against light and air, ensuring it remains effective in cosmetic products.
Plant Alternatives: Plant-based 'retinol alternatives' like bakuchiol and rosehip oil contain compounds that mimic retinol's effects but are gentler and less potent.

The Dual Origins of Retinol

Retinol, a form of Vitamin A, is vital for vision, immune function, and overall health. Its sources are both natural and synthetic. While your body converts carotenoids from food into retinoids, commercial retinol is typically laboratory-made for consistency and stability.

Natural Sources of Vitamin A and Retinol

Natural Vitamin A comes as preformed retinoids from animals or provitamin A carotenoids from plants.

Animal-Derived Retinoids

Animals provide ready-to-use retinol. Key sources include liver, oily fish, eggs, and dairy products.

Plant-Derived Carotenoids (Provitamin A)

Plants contain carotenoids like beta-carotene, which the body converts to Vitamin A. Foods rich in carotenoids include carrots, sweet potatoes, dark leafy greens, and colorful fruits.

The Synthetic Production of Retinol

Most retinol for skincare is synthetically produced in a lab. This process ensures stability, purity, and potency for effective cosmetic products.

How Synthetic Retinol is Made

Synthetic production often begins with β-ionone, derived from acetone. Chemical reactions, such as the Wittig or Grignard reaction, are used to build the retinol molecule. The result is pure, synthetic retinol for skincare products.

The Synthetic vs. Natural Retinoid Debate

Discussions continue about the effectiveness of natural vs. synthetic retinoids. Though chemically the same, their sources and forms differ.

Comparison Table: Natural vs. Synthetic Retinoids


Aspect	Natural Retinoids (from diet)	Synthetic Retinoids (for skincare)
Source	Animal foods (preformed retinol) and plant carotenoids (provitamin A).	Chemically synthesized in a laboratory using industrial methods.
Potency & Purity	Potency depends on dietary intake and the body's conversion ability. Can be inconsistent.	Precisely controlled for consistent potency and purity, which is critical for formulation stability.
Stability	Retinol is naturally unstable and easily degraded by light and oxygen.	Synthetically stabilized to ensure product efficacy over its shelf life.
Formulation	Not applicable for topical use; refers to nutritional intake.	Designed for specific topical applications, such as creams, serums, and lotions.
Irritation Risk	Low to none from dietary sources.	Can cause irritation, especially with higher concentrations.
Efficacy	Supports overall health, but topical application is required for specific skin benefits.	Directly targets skin concerns like fine lines, wrinkles, and acne.

Conclusion: A Blend of Nature and Science

Retinol's origin story combines nature and science. While our bodies use natural food sources for Vitamin A, skincare retinol is mainly lab-created. Synthetic production ensures stability and potency for targeted cosmetic use. Understanding both natural and synthetic sources gives a full picture of this ingredient.

Historical Context

Vitamin A knowledge has grown over centuries. Ancient cultures used liver for night blindness. In 1931, Paul Karrer isolated retinol. By the mid-20th century, companies developed synthetic production. Its anti-aging effects were discovered in the 1980s, leading to its popularity in cosmetics.

Stability in Formulations

Retinol is sensitive to light, air, and heat. Modern synthesis creates stable derivatives like retinyl palmitate for consistent product efficacy.

Plant-Based Alternatives

Ingredients like bakuchiol and rosehip oil mimic retinol's effects but are gentler. They offer antioxidant benefits and promote cell turnover with less irritation. While not identical to retinol, they are popular for those seeking natural options.

Final Thought: Whether natural or synthetic, there's a retinoid option for most skincare needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

The retinol in most commercial skincare products is synthetic. This is because synthetic production allows for greater control over the ingredient's stability and concentration, ensuring consistent and effective results.

While a diet rich in Vitamin A from sources like carrots and sweet potatoes is excellent for overall health, topical application is the most effective way to deliver retinol's skin-specific benefits, as the skin is the last organ to receive the vitamins you consume orally.

Retinoids are a class of Vitamin A derivatives, and retinol is a specific type of retinoid. Other retinoids, like retinoic acid, are more potent and typically require a prescription, while retinol is available over-the-counter.

The term 'natural retinol' often refers to plant-based alternatives like bakuchiol or rosehip oil. These contain compounds that offer similar benefits to retinol, such as promoting cell turnover, but are not actually retinol itself.

No, synthetic retinol is not inherently harmful and is often more potent and stable than natural forms, especially when used topically. However, some synthetic forms can be more irritating to sensitive skin.

Excellent food sources of preformed Vitamin A (retinol) include liver, eggs, and oily fish. Rich sources of provitamin A (carotenoids) include carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach, and cantaloupe.

Retinol is a highly effective anti-aging ingredient because its small molecules can penetrate deep beneath the skin's surface. There, it helps neutralize free radicals and boosts the production of collagen and elastin, which reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.