Objective: To study apoptotic effects of synthetic retinoic acid 6-[3-(1-adamantyl)-4-hydroxyphenyl]-2-naphthalene carboxylic acid(AHPN) on human skin malignant melanoma A375 cells in comparison with the natural ligand all-trans-retinoic acid(ATRA) in vitro and the mechanisms related to the actions of AHPN. Methods:MTT assay was used to determine the anti-proliferative effects of AHPN and ATRA on A375 cells. Flow cytometry was performed to investigate the influence of AHPN and ATRA on cell cycle and cell apoptosis. In addition, transfection and luciferase activity assays were employed to explore the mechanisms of how AHPN executes its proapoptotic function. Results:Firstly, AHPN promoted apoptosis and G1 arrest in A375 cells compared with ATRA. Secondly, the activity of NF-κB in A375 cells treated with AHPN increased 2-3 times compared with solvent DMSO treatment. Conclusion:AHPN, in comparison with ATRA, is a more effective alternative for therapy of malignant melanoma. The potentially proapoptotic function of AHPN requires activation of NF-κB.