InventoryRef 3747928/07/2020
RETINOL
Retinol; vitamin A
RETINOL is linked to 1 EU annex record on this page.
Regulatory evidence by market
This matrix separates verified ingredient rules from sources that are mapped but not yet imported. No imported rule does not mean the ingredient is permitted.
Swipe or scroll horizontally to see every column.
| Market | Evidence status | Records | Source language |
|---|---|---|---|
| European Union | Evidence linked Restricted entry found Open this evidence | 1 | English and EU languages |
| Great Britain | Source mapped Official source mapped; ingredient rule not imported | 0 | English |
| Canada | Evidence linked Restricted Open this evidence | 1 | English and French |
| New Zealand | Source mapped Official source mapped; ingredient rule not imported | 0 | English |
| ASEAN | Source mapped Official source mapped; ingredient rule not imported | 0 | English and national languages |
| China | Source mapped Official source mapped; ingredient rule not imported | 0 | Chinese with selected English material |
| Japan | Source mapped Official source mapped; ingredient rule not imported | 0 | Japanese; official English translation available |
| South Korea | Source mapped Official source mapped; ingredient rule not imported | 0 | Korean with some English names |
| United States | Source mapped Official source mapped; ingredient rule not imported | 0 | English |
| Australia | Source mapped Official source mapped; ingredient rule not imported | 0 | English |
| Brazil | Source mapped Official source mapped; ingredient rule not imported | 0 | Portuguese with INCI crosswalks |
| India | Source mapped Official source mapped; ingredient rule not imported | 0 | English and Hindi |
| Saudi Arabia | Source mapped Official source mapped; ingredient rule not imported | 0 | Arabic and English |
Chemical identity and properties
CAS 11103-57-4CAS 68-26-8PubChem CID 445354
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. — ChEBI
- IUPAC name
- (2E,4E,6E,8E)-3,7-dimethyl-9-(2,6,6-trimethylcyclohexen-1-yl)nona-2,4,6,8-tetraen-1-ol
- Molecular formula
- C20H30O
- Molecular weight
- 286.5 g/mol
- Exact mass
- 286.229665576 Da
- XLogP3
- 5.7
- Topological polar surface area
- 20.2 Ų
- Hydrogen-bond donors
- 1
- Hydrogen-bond acceptors
- 1
- Covalent units
- 1
- Defined stereocentres
- 0
Also known as
all-trans-Retinol68-26-8Agoncaltrans-retinolVeroftalBentavit AHomagenets AoralSehkraft A
16 more reported names
Testavol Sall-trans-Vitamin AAll-trans retinolSuper AAxerophtholumWachstumsvitaminVitaminum AVitamine ARetinoloRetinolumRetinol, 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-olRo-a-vitAntixerophthalmisches Vitamin(all-E)-3,7-Dimethyl-9-(2,6,6-trimethyl-1-cyclohexen-1-yl)-2,4,6,8-nonatetraen-1-olG2SH0XKK91
External database identifiers
Evidence from additional scientific databases
NIH PubChem PUG-View
Exact identifier match445354
Attributed physical-property, hazard, environmental and use annotations.
- Boiling Point: 279 to 280 °F at 1e-06 mmHg (NTP, 1992) Source: CAMEO Chemicals
- Boiling Point: 137-138 °C at 1X10-6 mm Hg Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Color/Form: Solvated crystals from polar solvents, such as methanol or ethyl formate Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- LogP: 5.68 Source: DrugBank
- LogP: log Kow = 5.68 Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- LogP: 5.68 Source: Human Metabolome Database (HMDB)
- Melting Point: 144 to 147 °F (NTP, 1992) Source: CAMEO Chemicals
- Melting Point: 63.5 °C Source: DrugBank
- Melting Point: 62-64 °C Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Melting Point: Pale yellow prismatic crystals from methanol; mp: 57-58 °C; UV max (ethanol): 326 nm (E=1,550, 1%, 1 cm) /Retinol acetate/ Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Melting Point: Amorphous or crystalline; mp: 28-29 °C; UV max (ethanol); 325-328 nm (E=975, 1%, 1 cm) /Retinol palmitate/ Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Melting Point: 61 - 63 °C Source: Human Metabolome Database (HMDB)
- Physical Description: Vitamin a appears as yellow crystals or orange solid. Practically water insoluble. (NTP, 1992) Source: CAMEO Chemicals
- Physical Description: Solid; [Merck Index] Yellow or orange solid; [NTP] Source: Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
- Physical Description: Solid Source: Human Metabolome Database (HMDB)
- Refractive Index: Index of refraction: 1.6410 at 20 °C/D (calculated form refractive indexes of 20-70% solutions in mineral oil); max absorption: 324-325 nm (E=1,835, 1%, 1 cm) Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Solubility: Practically insoluble (NTP, 1992) Source: CAMEO Chemicals
- Solubility: 0.671 mg/L Source: DrugBank
- Solubility: Practically insoluble in water or glycerol; soluble in absolute alcohol, methanol, chloroform, ether, fats and oils Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Solubility: Sol in ethanol and acetone and benzene Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Vapor Pressure: 0.00000008 [mmHg] Source: Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
- Vapor Pressure: 7.5X10-8 mm Hg at 25 °C /Estimated/ Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Carcinogen Classification: No indication of carcinogenicity to humans (not listed by IARC). Source: Toxin and Toxin Target Database (T3DB)
- Exposure Routes: Oral, readily absorbed from the normal gastrointestinal tract Source: Toxin and Toxin Target Database (T3DB)
- First Aid: EYES: First check the victim for contact lenses and remove if present. Flush victim's eyes with water or normal saline solution for 20 to 30 minutes while simultaneously calling a hospital or poison control center. Do not put any ointments, oils, or medication in the victim's eyes without specific instructions from a physician. If symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop, immediately transport the victim to a hospital.; SKIN: IMMEDIATELY flood affected skin with water while removing and isolating all contaminated clothing. Gently wash all affected skin areas thoroughly with soap and water. If symptoms such as redness or irritation develop, IMMEDIATELY call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital for treatment.; INHALATION: IMMEDIATELY leave the contaminated area; take deep breaths of fresh air. If symptoms (such as wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, or burning in the mouth, throat, or chest) develop, call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital. Provide proper respiratory protection to rescuers entering an unknown atmosphere. Whenever possible, Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) should be used; if not availabl Source: CAMEO Chemicals
- Note: This chemical does not meet GHS hazard criteria for 0.3% (1 of 311) of reports. Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
- Signal: Danger Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
- GHS Hazard Statements: H302 (15.8%): Harmful if swallowed [Warning Acute toxicity, oral]; H317 (74.9%): May cause an allergic skin reaction [Warning Sensitization, Skin]; H319 (75.6%): Causes serious eye irritation [Warning Serious eye damage/eye irritation]; H360 (88.1%): May damage fertility or the unborn child [Danger Reproductive toxicity]; H413 (74.9%): May cause long lasting harmful effects to aquatic life [Hazardous to the aquatic environment, long-term hazard] Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
- Precautionary Statement Codes: P203, P261, P264, P264+P265, P270, P272, P273, P280, P301+P317, P302+P352, P305+P351+P338, P318, P321, P330, P333+P317, P337+P317, P362+P364, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement) Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
- ECHA C&L Notifications Summary: Aggregated GHS information provided per 311 reports by companies from 14 notifications to the ECHA C&L Inventory. Each notification may be associated with multiple companies.; Reported as not meeting GHS hazard criteria per 1 of 311 reports by companies.; There are 13 notifications provided by 310 of 311 reports by companies with hazard statement code(s).; Information may vary between notifications depending on impurities, additives, and other factors. The percentage value in parenthesis indicates the notified classification ratio from companies that provide hazard codes. Only hazard codes with percentage values above 10% are shown. For more detailed information, please visit ECHA C&L website. Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
- Note: This chemical does not meet GHS hazard criteria for 1% (1 of 105) of reports. Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
- GHS Hazard Statements: H317 (99%): May cause an allergic skin reaction [Warning Sensitization, Skin]; H319 (99%): Causes serious eye irritation [Warning Serious eye damage/eye irritation]; H360D (99%): May damage the unborn child [Danger Reproductive toxicity] Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
- Precautionary Statement Codes: P203, P261, P264+P265, P272, P280, P302+P352, P305+P351+P338, P318, P321, P333+P317, P337+P317, P362+P364, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement) Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
- ECHA C&L Notifications Summary: Aggregated GHS information provided per 105 reports by companies from 2 notifications to the ECHA C&L Inventory. Each notification may be associated with multiple companies.; Reported as not meeting GHS hazard criteria per 1 of 105 reports by companies.; There is 1 notification provided by 104 of 105 reports by companies with hazard statement code(s).; Information may vary between notifications depending on impurities, additives, and other factors. The percentage value in parenthesis indicates the notified classification ratio from companies that provide hazard codes. Only hazard codes with percentage values above 10% are shown. For more detailed information, please visit ECHA C&L website. Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review Finding(s): Safe in the present practices of use and concentration. Ingredient, concentration, and use information are available in documents discoverable at https://cir-reports.cir-safety.org Source: Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR)
- Toxicity Summary: Signs and Symptoms of Overdose; Vitamin A toxicity may present with various clinical symptoms, including abdominal pain, headache, nausea, and facial flushing. Laboratory findings often include mild anemia, thrombocytopenia, elevated liver function tests, and a significant increase in serum retinol levels. Although the diagnosis is primarily clinical, laboratory tests such as serum retinol or retinyl ester levels can assist in confirming the diagnosis. A thorough dietary history is essential to identify excessive vitamin A intake.; Management of Overdose; Symptoms of toxicity may resolve within several weeks after discontinuing vitamin A and initiating supportive therapy. Patients with increased intracranial pressure may require lumbar punctures or medications such as mannitol and diuretics for management. Patients with hypercalcemia may need intravenous fluids and additional treatments, such as calcitonin and corticosteroids. Vitamin A toxicity can present with a range of clinical features, including abdominal pain, headache, nausea, and facial flushing. Laboratory findings often show mild anemia, thrombocytopenia, elevated liver function tests, and a significant increase in serum Source: StatPearls
- Toxicity Summary: Vision:Vitamin A (all-trans retinol) is converted in the retina to the 11-cis-isomer of retinaldehyde or 11-cis-retinal. 11-cis-retinal functions in the retina in the transduction of light into the neural signals necessary for vision. 11-cis-retinal, while attached to opsin in rhodopsin is isomerized to all-trans-retinal by light. This is the event that triggers the nerve impulse to the brain which allows for the perception of light. All-trans-retinal is then released from opsin and reduced to all-trans-retinol. All-trans-retinol is isomerized to 11-cis-retinol in the dark, and then oxidized to 11-cis-retinal. 11-cis-retinal recombines with opsin to re-form rhodopsin. Night blindness or defective vision at low illumination results from a failure to re-synthesize 11-cis retinal rapidly. Epithelial differentiation: The role of Vitamin A in epithelial differentiation, as well as in other physiological processes, involves the binding of Vitamin A to two families of nuclear retinoid receptors (retinoic acid receptors, RARs; and retinoid-X receptors, RXRs). These receptors function as ligand-activated transcription factors that modulate gene transcription. When there is not enough Vitami Source: Toxin and Toxin Target Database (T3DB)
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review Link: CIR ingredient: Retinol Source: Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR)
- Sources/Uses: Essential micronutrient found in animals; [Merck Index] Used as a nutritional supplement for foods; [FDA] Permitted for use as an inert ingredient in non-food pesticide products; [EPA] Source: Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
- Uses: Vitamin (antixerophthalmic) Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Uses: MEDICATION Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Uses: MEDICATION (VET) Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Uses: For the treatment of vitamin A deficiency. Vitamin A helps regulate the immune system, which helps prevent or fight off infections by making white blood cells that destroy harmful bacteria and viruses. Source: Toxin and Toxin Target Database (T3DB)
Mapped by: Existing checksum-valid CAS to unique PubChem CID match. Retrieved: 2026-08-31. Open source record
Scientific classifications and hazard annotations provide context and do not replace the market-specific regulatory decision shown above.
Additional source coverage and match status
| Source | Result | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| NIH PubChem PUG-View | Exact match | 2026-08-31 |
A recorded no-match is useful evidence that the source was checked; it is not a claim that the substance does not exist elsewhere.
Retrieved from NIH PubChem on 2026-08-31 by checksum-valid CAS matching. Chemical properties do not replace the regulatory decision on this page.
Inventory details for RETINOL
INCI name
RETINOL
INN name
retinol [INN:BAN]
Ph. Eur. name
vitaminum a
Description
Retinol; vitamin A
Record provenance
- Inventory reference
- 37479
- Imported identity
- RETINOL
- Source update
- 28/07/2020
Annex records for RETINOL
Annex III
Identified ingredient
Entry 376
Retinol; Retinyl Acetate; Retinyl Palmitate
CAS: 11103-57-4/ 68-26-8; 127-47-9; 79-81-2
EC: 234-328-2/ 200-683-7; 204-844-2; 201-228-5
Key data
CAS
68-26-8 / 11103-57-4
EC
200-683-7 / 234-328-2
Restriction
—
Function
- SKIN CONDITIONING
- Maintaining the skin in good condition.
- SKIN CONDITIONING - MISCELLANEOUS
- Enhancing the appearance of dry and/or damaged skin by reducing flaking and restoring suppleness.
Official EU ingredient-name evidence
The ingredient name exactly matches the official 2025 EU glossary of common ingredient names.
Related inventory evidence
Ingredients with overlapping formulation functions
Additional official and scientific sources
11 external databases to check this identity in
Each link searches that source for this identity. What each source is, and its legal weight
ECHA CHEM / Information on chemicalsPubChem PUG RESTEU Safety Gate cosmetic product alertsECHA CHEMUS EPA CompToxCosmetic Ingredient Review safety assessmentsFDA Global Substance Registration SystemILO/WHO International Chemical Safety CardsJapan NITE-CHRIPNIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical HazardsOECD eChemPortal
How RETINOL appears in the CosIng inventory
The CosIng inventory lists RETINOL as a cosmetic ingredient and this page links it to 1 annex record. The inventory entry captures names and identifiers, while the annex record shows where the substance is prohibited, restricted or positively listed in EU cosmetics law.
RETINOL is also tagged with 2 cosmetic functions in the official data. Function labels describe intended use, but they do not replace regulatory review of linked annex records before formulation or labelling work.
Frequently asked questions
RETINOL appears in the EU CosIng inventory and has linked annex records. Check the annex records above for applicable restrictions, concentration limits and conditions of use. Annex II listing means prohibited; Annex III means restricted; Annexes IV, V and VI mean permitted under specified conditions.
According to the EU CosIng inventory, RETINOL carries the following function designation(s):
CAS 68-26-8 / 11103-57-4 may appear across multiple EU annex records. Viewing the CAS lookup page shows all Annex II–VI entries sharing this identifier, which is useful for identifying cross-annex regulatory status of the same chemical substance.
Use the INCI Checker to screen a full ingredient list across selected markets, or compare this substance across all supported market datasets.
Source note for RETINOL
This page combines the CosIng inventory entry for RETINOL with 1 linked Annex II–VI record from the local dataset built from public European Commission cosmetic ingredient materials.
Use this inventory page to research RETINOL and compare linked records, but verify restrictions and legal status against the current official source text and law before making regulatory decisions.
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