Tretinoin Cream
The #1 product most recommended by dermatologists. This vitamin A derivative topical retinoid is used in dermatology for acne and for the appearance of aging skin.
Tretinoin is a topical medicine derived from vitamin A; its chemical name is all-trans-retinoic acid. Tretinoin Cream is a cream-based formulation containing tretinoin, available in 0.025%, 0.05%, and 0.1%, with added skin-conditioning ingredients such as hyaluronate, ceramide, and shea butter.
How it works: Tretinoin reduces the cohesiveness of cells lining the hair follicle (reducing early clogged pores) and increases the turnover of skin cells, helping to clear comedones, the basis of its use in acne. The increased cell turnover and effect on skin proteins also underlie its use in improving the look of fine lines and texture.
Dosage forms: Topical cream, 0.025% / 0.05% / 0.1%. First-time users generally start at the lowest strength.
Administration: Start slow. Apply 1-2 times a week until your skin adjusts. Then work up to once daily in the evening to cleansed, fully dry skin, using a thin (pea-sized) amount for the face. Avoid the eyes, mouth, nostrils, the creases beside the nose, and other mucous membranes. A transient warm or stinging feeling may occur. More product does not work faster and increases irritation.
Timing: Used at night because tretinoin increases sun sensitivity; pair with daily broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF15 or higher) and sun avoidance. If irritation occurs, your doctor may reduce frequency and rebuild as tolerated.
Storage: Keep tightly closed, away from heat and high temperatures, out of children's reach. Cream is stored below ~27°C (80°F); avoid heat/humidity.
Common
Skin reactions, especially in the first weeks: redness, dryness, peeling/flaking, burning or stinging, itching, and increased sun sensitivity. Early temporary worsening of breakouts ("purging") may occur. Temporary darkening or lightening of skin patches has been reported with repeated use.
Serious
In sensitive individuals the skin can become severely red, swollen, blistered, or crusted. If this occurs, pause treatment until skin recovers, or reduce strength/frequency under medical guidance. True allergic (contact) reactions are rare. Reported effects of the cream have generally been reversible after stopping.
When to seek medical attention: Contact your doctor for severe redness, swelling, blistering or crusting, or signs of allergy (widespread rash, itching, breathing difficulty), or if irritation does not settle. Pause and consult rather than pushing through severe reactions.
Why doctors recommend tretinoin
Why tretinoin Is different
Unlike other retinols, tretinoin is ready to work from the moment it's applied, which is why it's considered the gold standard topical retinoid.
Prescription-strength, clinician-guided
Expert clinical oversight helps you find the right tretinoin strength and routine, so you can stay consistent and see better long-term results.
One ingredient, two skin goals
Tretinoin is a proven retinoid for acne and healthier-looking skin, helping improve fine lines, texture, and uneven tone over time.
How to use
- Apply a pea-sized amount at night.
- Start a few nights per week and build up as tolerated.
- Moisturize to reduce dryness and irritation.
- Wear sunscreen every morning.
- Be patient. Results can take weeks to months.
Common side effects
Some skin reaction is normal when starting and usually settles over a few weeks: dryness, flaking, redness, and mild stinging or warmth after applying.
Many people see an early "purge" (temporary breakouts) as turnover speeds up, but it's not a sign of failure. Skin becomes more sun-sensitive, so daily sunscreen matters.
Less commonly, temporary darkening or lightening of patches occurs. If skin becomes very red, swollen, blistered, or crusted, pause and contact your doctor. Typically, these reactions reported with the cream have generally reversed after stopping.
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
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, tretinoin is used for both. It's approved abroad for acne, and certain formulations are approved as an adjunct for fine facial wrinkles and texture (used with sunscreen and good skincare). It does not erase deep wrinkles or reverse sun damage.
Gradually. Skin often looks worse before better; acne improvement and fine-line/texture changes typically take several weeks to a few months of consistent use.
This is "purging." Clogged pores surfacing sooner as turnover increases. It usually settles within ~6–8 weeks. Check with your prescriber if severe.
Beginners usually start at 0.025% and step up only after the skin tolerates it well, under medical guidance. Higher isn't faster if your skin can't tolerate it.
A pea-sized amount for the whole face. More doesn't speed results and increases redness, peeling, and discomfort.
At night, because tretinoin increases sun sensitivity — paired with morning sunscreen.
Use caution — other drying/peeling products can stack irritation. Introduce actives slowly and ask your prescriber how to layer them.