A method for stabilizing retinoic acid is provided. The method includes a step of mixing retinoic acid with a hydrophobic polymer/hydrophilic polymer adduct in the presence of an oxygen containing atmosphere to form a retinoic acid containing composition. The hydrophobic polymer/hydrophilic polymer adduct comprises a poly(vinylpyrrolidone/alkylene) polymer and a polymer comprising repeating carboxylic acid groups, hydroxyl groups, or a mixture of carboxylic acid groups and hydroxyl groups. A retinoic acid containing composition and a method of using a retinoic acid containing composition are provided.