Tretinoin Is retinoic acid. They are the same molecule, sharing the identical chemical formula: C20H28O2. The difference lies in the terminology and marketing: “Tretinoin” is the generic name, while “Retin-A” is a brand name used by Johnson & Johnson for their tretinoin product.
Understanding the Nomenclature
This means that any product labeled “retinoic acid” contains tretinoin. Conversely, any product specifically identified as tretinoin contains retinoic acid. There’s no chemical distinction; the terms are interchangeable in that context. However, be aware that other retinoids, like retinol or retinaldehyde, are Different molecules and require conversion in the skin to become retinoic acid.
Understanding this nomenclature is vital for accurate comparison when choosing a retinoid treatment. Focus on the concentration of tretinoin (retinoic acid) listed, as that determines the potency of the product. Pay less attention to brand names, which often represent only marketing differences.
