Research
Retinol
31 peer-reviewed studies curated from PubMed and Semantic Scholar.
Studies
Sorted by quality and recency
Diet-derived circulating antioxidants and risk of inflammatory bowel disease: a Mendelian randomization study and meta-analysis.
Mendelian randomization and meta-analysis study investigating the causal relationship between circulating antioxidants and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Found that increased circulating levels of retinol are associated with a reduced risk of ulcerative colitis (UC) and suggestively with IBD.
Blood retinol and retinol-binding protein concentrations are associated with diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies.
Systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies investigating the associations between blood retinol and retinol-binding protein (RBP) concentrations and diabetes mellitus. Blood retinol concentration was significantly lower in T1DM and GDM patients, while RBP concentration was significantly higher in diabetic patients, particularly in T2DM and GDM.
Water-miscible, emulsified, and solid forms of retinol supplements are more toxic than oil-based preparations.
Meta-analysis of case reports on retinol toxicity, comparing different physical forms of retinol preparations. Water-miscible, emulsified, and solid forms are approximately 10 times more toxic than oil-based preparations, with chronic hypervitaminosis A occurring at lower doses.
Comparative Efficacy of 35 % Glycolic Acid Peel versus 4 % Retinol Peel in Melasma.
RCT comparing the efficacy of 35% glycolic acid peel versus 4% retinol peel in 60 adults with melasma. Both treatments significantly improved pigmentation, dermoscopic features, and quality of life, with no significant difference between them. Mild adverse effects were more common in the retinol group.
Retinol-Augmented PRF Versus PRF Alone in Periodontal Regeneration: A Randomized Clinical Trial.
RCT comparing VitA/i-PRF (retinol-augmented PRF) to i-PRF alone in periodontal regeneration for patients with stage-III grade B periodontitis. VitA/i-PRF showed a minor, clinically non-significant advantage in defect depth reduction and bone fill at 6 months, with effects diminishing by 9 months.
Serum Retinol and Risk of Overall and Site-Specific Cancer in the ATBC Study.
Observational study in the ATBC cohort examining serum retinol levels and cancer risk in 29,104 men. Higher serum retinol was associated with increased risk of prostate cancer and decreased risk of liver and lung cancers. No association was found with overall cancer risk.
Plasma retinol and the risk of first stroke in hypertensive adults: a nested case-control study.
Nested case-control study within the China Stroke Primary Prevention Trial evaluating the effect of plasma retinol on the risk of first stroke in hypertensive patients. A significant inverse association was found between plasma retinol levels and the risk of first stroke and first ischemic stroke, but not hemorrhagic stroke.
Rationale and design of a randomized controlled trial of the effect of retinol and vitamin D supplementation on treatment in active pulmonary tuberculosis patients with diabetes.
This paper describes the design of a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effects of retinol and vitamin D supplementation on treatment outcomes in active pulmonary tuberculosis patients with diabetes. The trial aims to assess the efficacy of supplementation in improving anti-tuberculosis treatment, glucose metabolism, and immune and nutrition status.
Serum retinol and risk of prostate cancer.
The study examined the association between serum retinol levels and prostate cancer risk in a large cohort. Higher serum retinol concentrations were linked to an increased risk of prostate cancer, with sustained high exposure conferring the greatest risk.
Retinol and riboflavin supplementation decreases the prevalence of anemia in Chinese pregnant women taking iron and folic Acid supplements.
A 2-month double-blind randomized trial in rural China with 366 pregnant women with anemia. The study compared iron and folic acid supplementation alone to combinations with retinol and riboflavin. The group receiving retinol and riboflavin showed a greater increase in hemoglobin levels and reduced prevalence of anemia compared to the iron and folic acid group. Improved well-being and fewer gastrointestinal symptoms were noted in groups receiving additional retinol and/or riboflavin.
Vitamin A and cancer prevention II: comparison of the effects of retinol and beta-carotene.
RCT comparing the effects of 30 mg/day beta-carotene and 25,000 IU/day retinol in former asbestos workers at high risk of cancer. Retinol group showed significantly lower rates of mesothelioma and death from all causes, but higher ischaemic heart disease mortality. Beta-carotene showed no benefit in cancer prevention.
A randomized controlled double-blinded split-face prospective clinical trial to assess the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of a novel 3-step routine compared to benzoyl peroxide for the treatment of mild to moderate acne vulgaris.
This randomized controlled split-face study compared a novel 3-step regimen of azelaic acid, salicylic acid, and retinol to a benzoyl peroxide routine for treating mild to moderate acne vulgaris over 12 weeks. Both treatments reduced acne lesions similarly, but the novel regimen had fewer dropouts, greater user tolerability, and higher preference.
Clinical and histologic findings after use of a novel combined retinol, tripeptide, and glaucine containing cream in the treatment of photo-aged skin.
Open-label, blinded clinical trial evaluating a cream containing retinol, tripeptide, and glaucine for photo-aged skin. The study involved 20 subjects applying the product for 3 months, resulting in clinical and histologic improvements in all participants.
A Clinical Anti-Ageing Comparative Study of 0.3 and 0.5% Retinol Serums: A Clinically Controlled Trial.
Clinically controlled trial assessing the effects of 0.3% and 0.5% retinol serums on facial skin over 12 weeks in 37 volunteers. The study found that retinol improved skin hyperpigmentation, unevenness, and wrinkles, with mild to moderate skin irritation as an adverse event. The liquid crystal formulation of retinol was effective in enhancing skin tone, elasticity, and moisture.
Encapsulation and controlled release of retinol from silicone particles for topical delivery.
The study developed silicone particles for encapsulating retinol to improve its stability and controlled release for topical delivery. A double-blind study showed that formulations with these particles were 12-23% less irritating than those with Microsponge particles, while maintaining biological activity. The particles also reduced interleukin-1α production, indicating lower irritation levels.
One-year topical stabilized retinol treatment improves photodamaged skin in a double-blind, vehicle-controlled trial.
This study assessed the efficacy and safety of 0.1% stabilized retinol on photodamaged skin over a one-year period. In a double-blind, vehicle-controlled trial with 62 subjects, the retinol group showed significant improvements in photodamage, including a 44% improvement in crow's feet fine lines and an 84% improvement in mottled pigmentation. Histochemical data supported these clinical results.
Dose response of retinol and isotretinoin in the prevention of nonmelanoma skin cancer recurrence.
Reanalysis of a randomized, double-blind study on the efficacy of retinol or isotretinoin vs. placebo for preventing nonmelanoma skin cancer recurrence. Neither substance showed significant reduction in first occurrence of BCC or SCC. Retinol showed a statistically significant increase in risk of developing SCC in the first quartile.
Comparison of clinical efficacies of sodium ascorbyl phosphate, retinol and their combination in acne treatment.
RCT comparing the efficacy of topical formulations containing 5% sodium ascorbyl phosphate (SAP), 0.2% retinol, and their combination in treating acne. SAP reduced inflammatory lesions by 20.14% and 48.82% within 4 and 8 weeks, respectively. Retinol showed similar efficacy, while the combination treatment significantly reduced lesions by 29.28% after 4 weeks and 63.10% after 8 weeks.
Surrogate end-point biomarker analysis in a retinol chemoprevention trial in current and former smokers with bronchial dysplasia.
RCT of 81 current or former smokers with bronchial dysplasia, randomized to receive either placebo or retinol (50,000 IU per day) for six months. The study assessed changes in surrogate end-point biomarkers, finding no significant difference in regression rates between retinol and placebo groups. Retinol was not effective in up-regulating RAR-beta expression in lesions.
Tolerance profile of retinol, retinaldehyde and retinoic acid under maximized and long-term clinical conditions.
The study compared the local tolerance profiles of retinol (ROL), retinaldehyde (RAL), and retinoic acid (RA) using repeated insult patch tests and long-term clinical use. ROL and RAL showed a low irritation potential, while RA had a more pronounced irritant effect. Long-term use of RA resulted in higher frequencies of erythema, scaling, and burning/pruritus compared to RAL.
Randomized parallel control trial checking the efficacy and impact of two concentrations of retinol in the original formula on the aging skin condition: Pilot study.
Randomized parallel control trial evaluating the efficacy and tolerability of retinol 0.15% and 0.3% in improving signs of aging skin. Over 8 weeks, both concentrations improved skin condition, color, hydration, and radiance with minimal side effects. No significant differences were found between the two concentrations.
Efficacy and tolerability of a double-conjugated retinoid cream vs 1.0% retinol cream or 0.025% tretinoin cream in subjects with mild to severe photoaging.
A 12-week, split-face, randomized trial in 48 female subjects compared the efficacy and tolerability of a double-conjugate retinoid cream (AHA-Ret) to 1.0% retinol and 0.025% tretinoin for treating photoaging. AHA-Ret showed significant improvements in fine lines, wrinkles, erythema, dyschromia, skin tone, and pore size, with less irritation compared to retinol and tretinoin.
A randomized, double-blind, controlled comparative trial of the anti-aging properties of non-prescription tri-retinol 1.1% vs. prescription tretinoin 0.025%.
A randomized, double-blind, controlled trial comparing the anti-aging effects of non-prescription tri-retinol 1.1% cream versus prescription tretinoin 0.025% cream in females with mild-to-moderate facial photodamage. Both products significantly improved signs of photodamage with no significant differences in efficacy. Subjects reported high satisfaction with both treatments.
Improvement in skin wrinkles from the use of photostable retinyl retinoate: a randomized controlled trial.
Two clinical studies with 46 Korean women assessed the efficacy of retinyl retinoate in treating periorbital wrinkles. Retinyl retinoate was significantly more effective than placebo or retinol, with improvements in wrinkle appearance and skin roughness, and no severe side-effects observed.
Improvement of naturally aged skin with vitamin A (retinol).
RCT evaluating the effectiveness of topical retinol (vitamin A) in improving naturally aged skin in 36 elderly subjects. Retinol treatment significantly improved fine wrinkling scores and increased glycosaminoglycan expression and procollagen I immunostaining compared to vehicle.
A randomized, placebo-controlled trial of topical retinol in the treatment of cellulite.
A randomized, placebo-controlled trial investigated the effect of topical retinol on cellulite in 15 women. After 6 months, retinol increased skin elasticity by 10.7% and decreased viscosity by 15.8% at treated sites. The treatment showed limited response in reducing the lumpy appearance of cellulite but increased the number of factor XIIIa+ dendrocytes, suggesting a modulating effect on skin tension.
Evaluation of a Retinol Nanoemulsion Gel Enriched with Black Seed and Rosehip Oils for Acne Management
The study evaluates a nanoemulsion gel combining black seed oil, rosehip oil, and retinol for acne management. The formulation showed strong antimicrobial effects, reduced inflammatory markers, and preserved cell viability, demonstrating superior efficacy and stability compared to Retino AC gel.
Improvement of urban eye skin in Chinese female by supramolecular retinol plus acmella oleracea extract-containing product.
Study evaluated the effects of a formulation containing supramolecular retinol and acmella oleracea extract on urban eye skin in 33 Chinese women. After 6 weeks, significant improvements were observed in reducing dark circles, fine wrinkles, and sagging skin, with good tolerance reported.
Application of retinol to human skin in vivo induces epidermal hyperplasia and cellular retinoid binding proteins characteristic of retinoic acid but without measurable retinoic acid levels or irritation.
This study investigated the effects of all-trans-retinol (ROL) application on human skin compared to all-trans-retinoic acid (RA). ROL induced significant epidermal thickening and increased expression of cellular retinoid binding proteins without causing significant erythema or measurable RA levels, suggesting ROL may act as a prohormone of RA.
Pharmacological studies of retinol palmitate and its clinical effect in patients with acute non-lymphocytic leukemia.
Pharmacokinetics and therapeutic trial of retinol palmitate in patients with acute non-lymphocytic leukemia (ANLL). Retinol was the only metabolite detected in plasma. In patients with ANLL-M3, retinol induced morphological and functional differentiation of immature leukemic cells, resulting in complete remission in three of four patients following conventional chemotherapy.
Effect of nicotinic acid associated with retinol and tocopherols on plasma lipids in hyperlipoproteinaemic patients.
RCT involving 12 hypercholesterolaemic patients treated with nicotinic acid alone and in combination with retinol and tocopherols. Both treatments significantly decreased total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol, with a small increase in HDL-cholesterol. The combination treatment appeared more effective, with no reported side-effects.