Retinoic acid – the most active topical form of vitamin A. A prescription drug and the gold standard for topical anti-aging and acne treatment.
Topical application
AProven efficacy. Two or more independent RCTs with instrumental endpoints.
Dozens of RCTs and meta-analyses confirm efficacy for photoaging, acne, and hyperpigmentation. Increases collagen synthesis, accelerates cell turnover, and normalizes desquamation. FDA-approved for acne and photodamage.
0.025–0.1% (prescription drug)
Start at 0.025% every other day, gradually transitioning to daily use. Adaptation takes 6–12 weeks.
Tretinoin (all-trans retinoic acid) is the most active topical form of vitamin A. Spanish pharmacies dispense it on prescription (Retirides, Vitanol-A; in the US – Retin-A, Tretinoin Crema). The gold-standard topical treatment for acne and photoageing since 1971, when the FDA approved Retin-A. Mechanism. Binds nuclear receptors RAR-α, β, γ. Speeds keratinocyte differentiation, normalises follicular keratinisation (resolves comedones), suppresses sebaceous gland output, stimulates fibroblasts to produce type I and III collagen, suppresses MMP-1 collagenase. Effects on wrinkles and pigmentation are documented after 6-12 months of use. Where applied. Creams and gels 0.025-0.1% for acne (Retirides, Tretinoin Crema), photoageing, melasma, post-acne scars. In Spain it is prescription-only (dermatologist or family physician). Ready-made regimens often combine it with hydroquinone and hydrocortisone (the Kligman trio for melasma). Evidence base. Meta-analyses (Riahi 2016, Mukherjee 2006) confirm a 40-70% reduction in inflammatory and non-inflammatory acne lesions over 12 weeks and improvement of photoageing (fine wrinkles, texture, pigmentation) over 24-48 weeks. Effects are maintained with 1-2 applications per week. Side effects and retinoid dermatitis. Burning, peeling, erythema and dryness occur in 60-80% of patients in the first 2-4 weeks. Solutions: sandwich method (moisturiser + retinoid + moisturiser), start at 0.025% every other day, ramp up slowly. SPF 50 is mandatory because of photosensitisation. Safety. Topical systemic absorption is minimal (<2%), but it is contraindicated in pregnancy and lactation due to pharmacokinetic kinship with systemic retinoids (isotretinoin, acitretin), which are teratogenic. FDA pregnancy category C; AEMPS and EMA recommend stopping at least 1 month before conception and avoiding it throughout pregnancy and lactation. Alternatives in pregnancy: azelaic acid, niacinamide, glycolic acid. Suited for. Inflammatory and comedonal acne, photoageing (fine lines, pigmentation, dullness), melasma, post-acne scars. Not for rosacea or perioral dermatitis (worsens inflammation).
The Evigrade extension adds an evidence panel to Wildberries, Goldapple, Letu, iHerb, Sephora and 12 more stores. This ingredient and every other one in the product show evidence-tier, allergen risk and pregnancy/lactation flags at a glance.
Tretinoin is not recommended during pregnancy. Consider an alternative from the same category.
Tretinoin suits: normal, combination, oily. Use with caution in: sensitive, dry.
Yes, Tretinoin has high irritation potential. Start at low concentrations, introduce gradually, and always use SPF during the day.
Retinoic acid – the most active topical form of vitamin A.
The INCI name is Tretinoin. It may also appear as: All-Trans Retinoic Acid, Retin-A, Retinoic Acid.
Published: · updated:
Irritation potential
HighAllergen risk
LowPregnancy
AvoidFor sensitive skin
Retinoid dermatitis (peeling, redness, burning) is a normal adaptation response. Short-contact method (apply for 30 min, then rinse) helps reduce irritation.
Suitable for
Use with caution
0.025–0.1% (prescription drug)