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Vitamin A acetate

Vitamin A acetate suppliers and sourcing guide

Vitamin A acetate (retinyl acetate) is the ester of retinol with acetic acid, a pale yellow crystalline solid with a low melting point. It is made by total chemical synthesis of retinol followed by esterification with acetic acid. Because it is a solid, it is the usual starting point for dry vitamin A forms, and most brands buy it as stabilized beadlets or spray-dried powders for tablets, capsules and dry mixes rather than as raw crystals.

See suppliersWhat to ask for on the COA
Also known as
Retinyl acetate · Retinol acetate · CAS 127-47-9
Facts checked
November 2026

Forms and grades of vitamin A acetate

Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.

  • Crystalline

    Pure retinyl acetate crystals, used mainly by premix and beadlet makers; handled under inert gas because of potency and oxygen sensitivity.

  • Beadlets

    Retinyl acetate in a gelatin or starch matrix with stabilizers at a stated IU/g (for example 325,000 or 500,000 IU/g), made to withstand compression and mixing.

  • Cold-water-dispersible (CWS) powder

    Spray-dried grades that disperse in water, for beverages, drink mixes and instant powders.

  • Plant-based matrix

    Beadlets coated with starch or gum acacia instead of gelatin, for vegetarian, kosher or halal products.

What to check on the COA

Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.

Assay (HPLC or UV)
Vitamin A content in IU/g by HPLC or UV spectrophotometry; the basis for formula input and overage.
Identity
HPLC retention time against a retinyl acetate reference standard, or the monograph identity tests.
Loss on drying
Moisture in beadlets and powders, which affects stability and flow.
Particle size
Sieve analysis of beadlets, which affects blend uniformity and how well the beadlets survive tableting.
Heavy metals
Lead, arsenic, cadmium and mercury, usually by ICP-MS, against the supplier specification or the applicable monograph.
Microbiology
Total aerobic count, yeast and mold, E. coli and Salmonella for food and supplement grades.

Storage, lots and expiry

Storage and shelf life

Retinyl acetate breaks down with oxygen, light, heat and moisture, so it is supplied in sealed, nitrogen-flushed, light-proof packaging. Store unopened packs cool and dry as the supplier specifies, and use opened packs quickly or re-seal them under nitrogen. Suppliers state shelf life or a retest date, with HPLC assay as the main retest check.

Lots and expiry dates

IU/g is lot-specific, so calculate batch inputs from each lot's assay and add an overage for expected losses. Record matrix type (gelatin or plant-based) per lot so dietary claims stay accurate, and use FEFO.

Regulatory status

Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.

This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.

Vitamin A acetate suppliers

Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.

We are checking vitamin A acetate suppliers now

Every listing is checked against the supplier’s own website before it goes live, so this list fills in over the coming weeks. The specs and COA checklist above are ready today.

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Frequently asked questions

What forms of vitamin A acetate can brands buy?

Common forms include crystalline, beadlets, cold-water-dispersible (CWS) powder and plant-based matrix. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.

What should the COA for vitamin A acetate include?

Expect assay (HPLC or UV), identity, loss on drying, particle size, heavy metals and microbiology, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.

How should vitamin A acetate be stored?

Retinyl acetate breaks down with oxygen, light, heat and moisture, so it is supplied in sealed, nitrogen-flushed, light-proof packaging. Store unopened packs cool and dry as the supplier specifies, and use opened packs quickly or re-seal them under nitrogen. Suppliers state shelf life or a retest date, with HPLC assay as the main retest check.

What is the regulatory status of vitamin A acetate?

21 CFR 184.1930 describes vitamin A acetate (retinyl acetate) as the acetate ester of retinol, prepared by esterifying retinol with acetic acid. 21 CFR 184.1930 affirms vitamin A as GRAS as a nutrient supplement, used in food with no limitation other than current good manufacturing practice. Health Canada's Multi-Vitamin/Mineral Supplements monograph lists all-trans-retinyl acetate as a source ingredient for vitamin A.

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