Vitamin A can be thought of as a ‘family’ of molecular structures that all aim to pass through a specific transformation. Their end goal (at least in your skin) is to oxidize until they become retinoic acid (i.e. tretinoin). Retinoic acid is what your skin can use to renew itself. Carotenoids vs retinoids Now, on one side of this ‘family,’ you have carotenoids, like beta-carotene (β-carotene), which is called a “provitamin.” A provitamin can eventually become a vitamin, if the body converts it as such. The terms, “previtamin” or “proformed vitamin” mean the same thing. So, beta-carotene is synonymous with “provitamin A.” This means that the body can turn it into vitamin A (specifically retinol). On the other side of the vitamin A ‘family,’ you’ll find a group of “preformed vitamins.” This group is closer to the penultimate goal of becoming retinoic acid. They are, collectively, called “retinoids.” Please see more on our website.