National Retinol Day Date in the current year: November 7, 2024

Retinol is one of the principal forms of vitamin A. It was discovered in 1912 by English biochemist Frederick Gowland Hopkins, who noticed that unknown “accessory factors” found in milk were essential for growth in rats. In 1929, Hopkins was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for his discovery of the growth-stimulating vitamins.

Hopkins’s work was confirmed by that of Thomas Burr Osborne, Lafayette Mendel, Elmer McCollum, and Marguerite Davis, who found a new fat-soluble nutrient in butterfat and cod liver oil. It was named “vitamin A” in 1920. The chemical structure of retinol was first described in 1931. Retinoic acid (a derivative of retinol) was first synthesized in 1946, and retinol was synthesized a year later.

Retinol and other forms of vitamin A play an important biological role in the body. Vitamin A is needed for growth and development, skin health, and eyesight. Retinol is found naturally only in animal products (dairy products, eggs, liver, cod liver oil), so you need to include them in your diet, or take dietary supplements if you’re a vegan.

Over the past few decades, retinol and its derivatives have become popular skincare ingredients. Retinoic acid was first used in dermatology in the late 1950s as a topical treatment for acne breakouts. Tretinoin, the most commonly used retinoid in anti-acne treatments, was introduced in 1958.

Since the 1980s, retinol and its derivatives have been valued for their anti-age properties. The first study showing that retinoic acid might prevent premature skin aging was published in 1983. Today, it is common knowledge that retinol promotes skin renewal and helps to reduce the signs of aging, such as sagging skin, fine lines and wrinkles, uneven skin tone and pigmentation, etc. A lot of skincare brands offer anti-age products with retinol that help to combat the early signs of skin aging and keep the skin looking healthy and radiant.

National Retinol Day has been celebrated every November 7 since 2021. It was founded by RoC Skincare to commemorate the 25th anniversary of their discovery of the method for stabilizing retinol for the use in skincare, which allowed them to make retinol-based products easily accessible to consumers.

Celebrate National Retinol Day by including products with retinol in your skincare routine. On the occasion of the holiday, RoC Skincare and other cosmetic brands offer deals on their retinol products, and we suggest you make the most of these offers! In addition, RoC Skincare holds various events, such as talks with skincare experts and product giveaways, to raise awareness of retinol and its skin benefits.

You also can celebrate by learning about the history and benefits of retinol, making sure that your diet includes enough sources of vitamin A, and spreading the world about the holiday on social media with the hashtag #NationalRetinolDay.