---
title: Retinoids
entity_type: Ingredient
canonical_url: https://skinknowledgebase.com/ingredients/retinoids
date_modified: 2026-05-17
date_reviewed: 2026-05-17
mcp_eligible: true
evidence_sources:
  - title: AAD — Retinoid or retinol?
    canonical_citation_url: https://skinknowledgebase.com/sources/aad-retinoid-or-retinol
    original_source_url: https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-secrets/anti-aging/retinoid-retinol
    source_type: dermatology_reference
  - title: DermNet NZ — Topical retinoids
    canonical_citation_url: https://skinknowledgebase.com/sources/dermnet-topical-retinoids
    original_source_url: https://dermnetnz.org/topics/topical-retinoids
    source_type: medical_reference
product_fact_sources:
  - title: CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum — Official Product Page
    canonical_citation_url: https://skinknowledgebase.com/sources/official-product-page-cerave-resurfacing-retinol-serum
    original_source_url: https://www.cerave.com/skincare/facial-serums/resurfacing-retinol-serum
    source_type: official_product_page
---

# Retinoids

## Quick Summary

Retinoids are a family of vitamin A-related ingredients used in skincare and dermatology contexts. Retinol is one member of that family, while retinaldehyde, adapalene, tretinoin, and other forms sit elsewhere in the retinoid landscape. In cosmetic skincare, retinoids are usually discussed for smoother-looking texture, fine-line appearance, and visible-aging routines.

## What It Is

Retinoids are not a single ingredient strength. The word describes a category that includes cosmetic forms, over-the-counter drug-context forms, and prescription forms. Retinol is a common cosmetic entry point, while adapalene and tretinoin are better understood with their specific product and regulatory context.

## Related Entities

- [AAD — Retinoid or retinol?](https://skinknowledgebase.com/sources/aad-retinoid-or-retinol)
- [DermNet NZ — Topical retinoids](https://skinknowledgebase.com/sources/dermnet-topical-retinoids)
- [CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum — Official Product Page](https://skinknowledgebase.com/sources/official-product-page-cerave-resurfacing-retinol-serum)
- [Fine Lines](https://skinknowledgebase.com/concerns/fine-lines)
- [Wrinkles](https://skinknowledgebase.com/concerns/wrinkles)
- [Retinoid Dermatitis](https://skinknowledgebase.com/side-effects/retinoid-dermatitis)
- [Over-exfoliation Irritation](https://skinknowledgebase.com/side-effects/over-exfoliation-irritation)