Tretinoin

What it is

Tretinoin is prescription all-trans retinoic acid, the active form of vitamin A that binds retinoid receptors directly without the conversion retinol requires. It accelerates cell turnover, normalizes follicular keratinization, and stimulates collagen synthesis. As the most potent and best-studied topical retinoid, it is a benchmark for both acne and photoaging treatment.

Benefits

Tretinoin reduces inflammatory and non-inflammatory acne lesions and improves wrinkles, texture, and pigmentation in photoaged skin, with robust support from randomized trials. Effective concentrations span roughly 0.025% to 0.1%, where lower strengths are better tolerated and higher strengths can act faster.

When to take it

Apply a pea-sized amount at night to dry skin, as it degrades in sunlight, and always wear broad-spectrum SPF in the morning. Begin 2-3 nights per week and increase frequency gradually to limit irritation.

Side effects

Tretinoin is prescription-only and commonly causes dryness, peeling, redness, and stinging, especially in the first weeks. It increases photosensitivity and is contraindicated in pregnancy.

Sources

• An Updated Review of Topical Tretinoin in Dermatology

Products containing Tretinoin

No products in our database contain this ingredient yet.