Retinoic Acid vs. Retinol: Your Download on the 2 Superstar Ingredients

At its core, retinoic acid is a vitamin A derivative. Vitamin A derivatives are known as retinoids, and they have many functions in the body, including cell growth, immune function, and visual function. In the form of retinoic acid, retinoids are the key to smoother skin. “Retinoic acid induces increased epidermal cell turnover, speeds up the elimination of sebum from the skin, disperses melanin granules, loosens the connection between cells, and prevents keratosis,” says Marcus. “It also both inhibits the degradation of collagen and stimulates collagen production.”