Isotretinoin
A vitamin A-based treatment that reduces oil and targets acne-causing bacteria. Great for frequent flare-ups or widespread acne that hasn't seen improvement with other treatments.
Isotretinoin is a form of vitamin A that suppresses sebum production and is highly effective as an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory agent against acne-causing bacteria.
It is widely recognized in international guidelines as one of the most effective treatments for severe or persistent acne, with a well-established track record of safety and results when used under medical supervision.
Take one tablet per day, preferably after a meal.
Dry skin and lips (cheilitis), dry eyes and irritation (conjunctivitis), skin peeling and itching, rash and increased sensitivity to sunlight, hair thinning, headaches, etc.
Key features
Controls sebum production
By shrinking the sebaceous glands, it reduces sebum production, which is a cause of acne, and helps prevent the progression of inflammation.
Prevents pore clogging
It helps prevent clogged pores by improving skin turnover and keeping oil from hardening, making the skin less prone to breakouts.
Anti-inflammatory effect
Helps calm the skin by reducing inflammation and redness caused by the immune response to acne-causing bacteria.
Recommended pairing
Hydroquinone 4% cream
Helps treat and prevent dark spots by blocking melanin production at the source—by inhibiting the enzyme tyrosinase and calming overactive melanocytes.
Tretinoin 0.05% cream
Tretinoin clears melanin from deeper skin layers and boosts skin renewal by thickening the dermis and improving blood flow, reducing fine lines and wrinkles.
Tretinoin 0.1% cream
Contains a higher concentration of tretinoin and is recommended for those who did not see significant results with the 0.05% formulation.
How to take
Take one tablet per day, preferably after a meal.
Common side effects
Dry skin and lips (cheilitis), dry eyes and irritation (conjunctivitis), skin peeling and itching, rash and increased sensitivity to sunlight, hair thinning, headaches, etc.
How it works
Book online
Create an account, answer a short medical questionnaire, and talk directly to a counselor, or book an appointment.
Consult a doctor
After a one-on-one counseling session, the doctor will provide an online consultation via smartphone.
Receive your medication
Discreet packaging, delivered the next day right to your doorstep.*
Other skincare treatments
Why choose elife?
Free online consultation
One-on-one consultation with bilingual counselors / doctors
Same-day shipping
Available depending on the time of your order
Fully online process
From consultation to delivery, all on your smartphone
Frequently asked questions
- Medicines are prescribed by Japanese licensed doctors from affiliated medical clinics.
*We check credentials of the doctors and clinics to offer safe, high-quality, evidence-based treatment and care for all of our customers.
- All consultations are free.
Our subscription service is a plan that delivers your medication at regular intervals.
As shown below, only the second payment and shipment will be made on an earlier cycle than the third and subsequent payments and shipments.
*Please note that subscription durations vary between treatment categories. Please check the respective page of each treatment category for more details.
- 10 Day Trial Plan (Rybelsus 3mg, 7mg, Kampo, Pantogar)
The second payment and shipment will be made 8 days after the first payment date, and will be thereafter automatically convert to a monthly subscription plan. The third and subsequent payments and shipments will be made at 30-day intervals from the second payment date.
- Monthly subscription (if the number of pills per month is a multiple of 30)
The second payment and shipment will be made 25 days after the first payment date. The third and subsequent payments and shipments will be made at 30-day intervals from the second payment date.
- Monthly subscription (if the number of pills per month is a multiple of 28, or if the medicine is an injection type)
The second payment and shipment will be made 23 days after the first payment date. The third and subsequent payments and shipments will be made at 28-day intervals from the second payment date.
- 45-day interval Subscriptions (ED)
The second payment and shipment will be made 40 days after the first payment date. The third and subsequent payments and shipments will be made at 45-day intervals from the second payment date.
- 2-month interval Subscriptions (ED)
The second payment and shipment will be made 55 days after the first payment date. The third and subsequent payments and shipments will be made at 60-day intervals from the second payment date.
- 3-month interval Subscriptions (if the number of pills per month is a multiple of 30)
The second payment and shipment will be made 85 days after the first payment date. The third and subsequent payments and shipments will be made at 90-day intervals from the second payment date.
- 3-month interval Subscriptions (if the number of pills per month is a multiple of 28, or if the medicine is an injection type)
The second payment and shipment will be made 79 days after the first payment date. The third and subsequent payments and shipments will be made at 84-day intervals from the second payment date.
- 6-month interval Subscriptions (if the number of pills per month is a multiple of 30)
The second payment and shipment will be made 175 days after the first payment date. The third and subsequent payments and shipments will be made at 180-day intervals from the second payment date.
- 6-month interval Subscriptions (if the number of pills per month is a multiple of 28, or if the medicine is an injection type)
The second payment and shipment will be made 163 days after the first payment date. The third and subsequent payments and shipments will be made at 168-day intervals from the second payment date.
- 12-month interval Subscriptions (Medical Skincare only)
The second payment and shipment will be made 355 days after the first payment date. The third and subsequent payments and shipments will be made at 360-day intervals from the second payment date.
If you are unable to take your medication due to illness or other unavoidable circumstances, please cancel your subscription from your My Page at least two days before the next payment and shipment date.