Tretinoin

Tretinoin is prescribed by The Online Clinic for a variety of skin conditions, including: acne; hyperpigmentation; fine lines and wrinkles; and stretch marks.

Our Tretinoin

Tretinoin is not licensed in the UK, so our Tretinoin is imported under special licence from the UK medicines regulator. Unlike some other versions of Tretinoin that you may see online, the versions we use are manufactured (not compounded in a pharmacy). The manufactured version has a longer shelf life than compounded Tretinoin, which generally has to be used within 4 weeks of the date it was compounded. All Tretinoin use at The Online Clinic is under the direction of an experienced doctor, which is included in the price.

Can I buy Tretinoin online?

Tretinoin cream can be prescribed online by one of our experienced doctors for next day delivery. Click on the Free Consultation button below to begin your assessment.

What is Tretinoin?

Tretinoin is a cream that can be used on the skin by people with certain skin conditions. It is prepared as a cream with different strengths (0.025%, 0.05% and 0.1%). The 0.025% and 0.05% are prescribed for the treatment of acne vulgaris and fine lines. The 0.1% for the treatment of melasma at The Online Clinic, as a single agent preparation. The 0.1% potency is also prescribed for stretch marks.

Tretinoin is a member of the retinoid class of medicines, which are derived from vitamin A. When applied topically, tretinoin treats acne as it acts by breaking down comedones (whiteheads and blackheads) that form when skin pores and hair follicles become blocked with bacteria, dead skin cells and grease, by decreasing comedone production and by increasing the rate of skin cell turnover thereby forcing comedone extrusion from the skin. Tretinoin also acts as an anti-inflammatory agent.

Tretinoin acts on different levels: it facilitates the removal of pigment in melasma by accelerating the turnover of keratinocytes.

How to use Tretinoin

Your doctor will tell you when, how often, and how much tretinoin to use. Typically, tretinoin is used once a day at bedtime. You may be told to use the medicine less frequently, or stop it temporarily or permanently if you experience skin irritation. The medicine usually takes several (8 to 12) weeks to show best results, so do not stop it when your acne begins to clear up, and contact your doctor if you still have symptoms after 12 weeks.

Gently wash your face (using warm water and a mild soap) and pat dry; then wait for about 20 minutes so the skin is completely dry. Squeeze a small pea-size amount of tretinoin from the tube onto your fingertip and apply a thin layer to the affected skin area. Avoid your eyes, mouth, corners of the nose, mucous membranes, and damaged skin. A moisturiser can be used during the day to prevent or alleviate very dry skin.

Faster and better results are not achieved by using tretinoin more often or in greater amounts. Instead, you may experience skin irritation, with red swollen peeling skin. Wash the medicine off your face, and contact your doctor as you may have to temporarily stop its use.

There are certain precautions you should take when using tretinoin. Your skin may become more vulnerable to extremes of climate, such as cold, wind, and sunlight, causing dryness and burn. Avoid getting sunburnt, using sunbeds, and phototherapy. When outdoors, use a sun screen with a high SPF level and/or wear protective clothing (hat) to shield the treated skin. Additionally, do not use hair removal methods (electrolysis, chemical depilatories, waxing), while using tretinoin.

Your doctor will want to know all the medicines that you take, may take, or recently have taken. It is recommended that you do not use other tretinoin-containing medications (unless to do so by a doctor), and to avoid skin products that can dry or irritate the skin, such as astringents and shaving lotions (toiletries containing alcohol/lime/menthol), medicated soaps and cleaners, cosmetics, hair dyes/perms, and sulphur/resorcinol/salicylic acid-containing products.

Use tretinoin only on the skin, contact a doctor immediately if you swallow it and, if it gets in your eyes, wash them with lots of water. If you forget your bedtime dose, then apply the next dose in the usual amount at the usual time.

Who can use Tretinoin?

Tretinoin may be used by people over the age of 12 years (The Online Clinic treats 18 and over only). It should be used in women who are pregnant only if essential as it can potentially harm the baby, and used with caution in women who are breastfeeding.

Tretinoin cream should not be used if you are allergic to tretinoin or other retinoid medicines, or any of the other ingredients in the medicine. Before using tretinoin, tell your doctor if you have or have had eczema.

Tretinoin side effects

While rare, serious allergic reactions can occur, with symptoms of rash, itching or swelling of the face, tongue or throat, breathing problems, or severe dizziness. Seek immediate medical attention if you have any of these symptoms, or if you experience severe burning or swelling of the skin, or the skin blisters, crusts or discolours.

Some people experience a temporary feeling of warmth or stinging immediately after applying tretinoin cream. Additionally, during the first 2 to 4 weeks of use, the skin may become red, dry, scaly, itchy, and mildly burn, or your acne may worsen. A reduction in these effects usually occurs over time with continued use. Contact your doctor if these effects persist or worsen, as you may need to change the frequency of use or strength of the cream or discontinue it.

Reviewed by: Dr Loraine Studley MBBS, MRCGP, DRCOG, DFSRH
GMC registration number: 4524038
Date: 11 April 2026
Next review: 11 April 2028
All UK registered doctors can have their registration checked on
The Medical Register at the GMC website.