Top 10 Companies in the Trans-Retinoic Acid Market (2026): Key Players in Dermatology and Oncology Therapeutics

In Business Insights
January 31, 2026


The Global Trans-Retinoic Acid Market was valued at USD 856.7 Million in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 1,215.3 Million by 2030, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 7.2% during the forecast period (2024–2030). This robust growth is fueled by the rising global prevalence of acne and psoriasis, increasing adoption of retinoid-based anti-aging solutions, and the expanding application of All-Trans Retinoic Acid (ATRA) in acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) treatment protocols.

As the demand for advanced dermatological and oncological treatments surges, the market is defined by key manufacturers who are driving innovation in purity standards, formulation technologies, and therapeutic applications. In this blog, we profile the Top 10 Companies in the Trans-Retinoic Acid Industry—a mix of established chemical suppliers and specialized pharmaceutical ingredient producers shaping the future of retinoid-based therapies.


🔟 1. Santa Cruz Biotechnology, Inc.

Headquarters: Dallas, Texas, USA
Key Offering: High-Purity ATRA for Research, Antibodies, Biochemicals

Santa Cruz Biotechnology is a leading supplier of research-grade Trans-Retinoic Acid, primarily serving academic institutions, pharmaceutical R&D, and biotechnology companies. Their products are critical for preclinical studies investigating cell differentiation, apoptosis, and cancer mechanisms.

Research & Development Initiatives:

  • Extensive portfolio of retinoic acid isomers and related antibodies

  • Support for global life science research with GMP-compliant batches

  • Focus on ensuring batch-to-batch consistency for reproducible results

Download FREE Sample Report: Trans-Retinoic Acid Market – View in Detailed Research Report


9️⃣ 2. abcr GmbH

Headquarters: Karlsruhe, Germany
Key Offering: All-trans Retinoic Acid, 9-cis Retinoic Acid, Custom Synthesis

abcr GmbH is a prominent European supplier of fine chemicals and active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), including various retinoic acid derivatives. The company caters to the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries with a strong focus on custom synthesis and scalability.

Research & Development Initiatives:

  • Development of novel retinoic acid receptor (RAR) agonists and antagonists

  • Investment in green chemistry approaches for sustainable synthesis


8️⃣ 3. Cayman Chemical

Headquarters: Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
Key Offering: Pharmaceutical-Grade ATRA, Biochemical Assays, Screening Libraries

Cayman Chemical specializes in high-purity biochemicals for research and development. Their Trans-Retinoic Acid products are widely used in drug discovery, particularly in oncology and dermatology research, with a reputation for exceptional quality control.

Research & Development Initiatives:

  • Production of USP/PhEur grade ATRA for clinical applications

  • Development of assay kits for retinoic acid pathway analysis


7️⃣ 4. Tocris Bioscience (Bio-Techne)

Headquarters: Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
Key Offering: Bioactive Retinoids, RAR Ligands, Cell Signaling Molecules

As part of Bio-Techne, Tocris Bioscience is a key player in providing high-quality pharmacological tools. Their retinoic acid products are essential for studying nuclear receptor signaling and are trusted by researchers worldwide for their reliability and technical support.

Research & Development Initiatives:

  • Focus on selective RAR and RXR modulators for targeted therapies

  • Collaboration with academic partners on novel retinoid applications

Download FREE Sample Report: Trans-Retinoic Acid Market – View in Detailed Research Report


6️⃣ 5. TCI Chemicals

Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Key Offering: All-trans Retinoic Acid, 9-cis Retinoic Acid, Analytical Reagents

TCI Chemicals is a global manufacturer of high-purity fine chemicals. The company offers a comprehensive range of retinoic acid isomers, supporting research in medicinal chemistry and material science across Asia, North America, and Europe.

Research & Development Initiatives:

  • Expansion of GMP-grade manufacturing capabilities for pharmaceutical clients

  • Development of stable retinoid formulations for enhanced shelf-life


5️⃣ 6. Haihang Industry

Headquarters: Jinan, Shandong, China
Key Offering: Industrial and Cosmetic Grade Retinoic Acid, Custom Synthesis

Haihang Industry is a major Chinese supplier of chemical ingredients, including Trans-Retinoic Acid for cosmetic and industrial applications. The company leverages cost-effective manufacturing to serve a global customer base.

Research & Development Initiatives:

  • Optimization of synthetic routes for improved yield and purity

  • Investment in purification technologies to meet international standards


4️⃣ 7. Hunan Huateng Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.

Headquarters: Changsha, Hunan, China
Key Offering: Pharmaceutical Intermediates, ATRA API, Custom Manufacturing

Hunan Huateng Pharmaceutical specializes in the development and manufacture of pharmaceutical intermediates and active ingredients. The company is a significant supplier of Retinoic Acid for the Asian pharmaceutical market, with a focus on oncology APIs.

Research & Development Initiatives:

  • Scale-up of ATRA production for leukemia treatment drugs

  • Development of proprietary synthesis technologies for retinoids


3️⃣ 8. Nanjing Elsa Biotechnology Co., Ltd.

Headquarters: Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
Key Offering: Retinoic Acid Derivatives, Biotechnology Reagents, Custom Peptides

Nanjing Elsa Biotechnology focuses on biochemical reagents and derivatives for research and industrial use. The company provides various retinoic acid forms, supporting both academic research and commercial product development.

Research & Development Initiatives:

  • Exploration of retinoic acid applications in regenerative medicine

  • Collaborations with universities on novel drug delivery systems


2️⃣ 9. Shanghai Coachchem Technology

Headquarters: Shanghai, China
Key Offering: Retinoic Acid for Cosmetics, Pharmaceutical Intermediates, Bulk Chemicals

Shanghai Coachchem Technology is a supplier and exporter of chemical ingredients, including Trans-Retinoic Acid for the cosmetic industry. The company serves clients globally with a focus on the skincare and personal care markets.

Research & Development Initiatives:

  • Formulation support for stable retinoid-containing cosmetic products

  • Development of synergistic ingredient blends for enhanced efficacy


1️⃣ 10. Shaanxi Yuantai Biological Technology

Headquarters: Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
Key Offering: Plant Extracts, Biochemicals, Retinoic Acid for Research

Shaanxi Yuantai Biological Technology specializes in natural products and biochemicals. The company supplies Retinoic Acid primarily to the research sector, with a growing presence in the nutraceutical and cosmeceutical industries.

Research & Development Initiatives:

  • Investigation of natural precursors for retinoic acid synthesis

  • Development of biocompatible delivery systems for topical applications

Get Full Report Here: Trans-Retinoic Acid Market – View in Detailed Research Report


🔬 Outlook: The Future of Trans-Retinoic Acid is Driven by Precision Medicine and Advanced Formulations

The Trans-Retinoic Acid market is undergoing a significant transformation. While its established roles in dermatology and oncology remain strong, the industry is investing in next-generation applications, including combination therapies, targeted delivery systems, and expanded indications in immunology and neurology.

📈 Key Trends Shaping the Market:

  • Growing demand for topical retinoids in anti-aging and acne treatment regimens

  • Expansion of ATRA-based combination therapies in oncology

  • Development of novel delivery technologies to enhance bioavailability and reduce irritation

  • Increasing regulatory scrutiny and quality standards for retinoid APIs

Get Full Report Here: Trans-Retinoic Acid Market – View in Detailed Research Report

The companies listed above are not only supplying a critical pharmaceutical ingredient—they’re enabling advancements in precision medicine and cosmetic science that improve patient outcomes and quality of life worldwide.