Tretinoin
Tretinoin is a vitamin A-derived retinoid applied to the skin for acne and fine wrinkles, with creams and gels from 0.01% to 0.1% across six listings.
Retin-A Cream
Tretinoin
0.025/0.05%
Retin-A Cream is a tretinoin cream for acne and fine lines, available in 0.025% and 0.05% tubes and ordered here in packs of 3, 10 or 15.
Retin-A Gel
Tretinoin
0.01/0.025%
Retin-A Gel is a tretinoin gel sold in 0.01% and 0.025% tubes, applied at night for acne and for fine lines caused by sun-aged skin.
Tretinoin Cream
Tretinoin
0.05/0.025%
Tretinoin Cream in 0.025% and 0.05% tubes, a bedtime retinoid cream made from vitamin A, for acne and fine wrinkles.
What tretinoin does for the skin
Tretinoin, also called retinoic acid, is the active form of vitamin A and the best-known topical retinoid. Applied to the skin, it speeds up the replacement of surface cells and unclogs pores, which is why it is used for acne and for fine wrinkles. Used regularly, it makes fine lines look softer, but the skin is not rebuilt and the gain fades once application stops. Acne responds more gradually, over several weeks.
Creams: Tretinoin Cream, Retin-A Cream and Renova
Tretinoin Cream comes in 0.025% and 0.05% tubes for acne and fine wrinkles. Retin-A Cream is listed with the same two strengths for acne and fine lines. Renova offers 0.025%, 0.05% and 0.1% tubes and is listed for fine wrinkles and skin discolouration rather than acne. Between them, strength is the main variable: the higher the percentage, the stronger the effect and the more likely the redness and peeling.
Gels, A-Ret and the plain Tretinoin listing
Retin-A Gel is the lightest option at 0.01% and 0.025%, listed for acne and skin ageing. A-Ret is a single 0.1% tube for acne and fine wrinkles, matching the highest Renova strength. The plain Tretinoin listing is the odd one out: capsules taken by mouth, in 10mg and 20mg, not a skin product. All six contain tretinoin; what changes is the form (cream, gel or capsule), the strength and the use each is listed for.
How do you put tretinoin on?
Do it at bedtime. Wash with a mild soap, dry your skin, and spread a thin layer. Keep it away from your eyes, ears, mouth, the creases beside your nose, sunburned patches and eczema. For the first week or two the spots may flare up before they calm down. Your skin will probably feel tight and look red, and it may peel, sting or itch. It also copes worse with wind, cold and sun now, so wear sunscreen in the daytime.
Astringents, alcohol-heavy lotions, hair removers, salicylic acid wart treatments, benzoyl peroxide and sulfur or resorcinol dandruff shampoos add to the irritation. Tretinoin is left out of pregnancy. A tube keeps best tightly closed at room temperature, outside the bathroom and away from freezing.
Sources
- Tretinoin Topical: MedlinePlus Drug Information — MedlinePlus / National Library of Medicine
- Acne: Diagnosis and treatment - American Academy of Dermatology — American Academy of Dermatology
Is Tretinoin available to order in Hong Kong?
You can order Tretinoin online with delivery to Hong Kong. The range is mostly tubes, including generic Retin-A Cream in 0.025% and 0.05%, generic Renova in 0.025%, 0.05% and 0.1%, generic Retin-A Gel and A-Ret, with the plain Tretinoin Cream and one more listing on the page. An order can be cancelled within 24 hours if it has not been dispatched, and support answers 24/7 in English and Cantonese.
How much do Tretinoin products cost in Hong Kong?
Prices vary between the six tretinoin products and between pack sizes. Every product page lists its current prices in HKD or in the currency you choose.
Do I need a prescription to order Tretinoin?
PockDose does not ask you to upload a prescription when you order tretinoin. See the ordering FAQ for details.
What are the brand names for tretinoin?
Altreno, Renova and Retin-A are brand names of tretinoin, which is also sold as Airol, Atralin, Retacnyl, Retrieve and Supatret. Here, tretinoin can be bought online as A-Ret, generic Renova, generic Retin-A Gel and tretinoin cream. These are generics, not the original brand.
Which tretinoin strength should I start with?
The lowest strength is the gentlest way in. Retin-A Gel at 0.01%, or the 0.025% creams, suit skin that reddens easily, whereas 0.05% and 0.1% hold more tretinoin and cause more irritation. Strength can be stepped up once the skin tolerates it.
What is the difference between Renova and Retin-A?
Both contain tretinoin. Retin-A Cream and Gel are listed for acne, while Renova is listed for fine wrinkles and skin discolouration and is also sold at 0.1%. The difference lies in the name, the strengths and the use each is listed for.
Does tretinoin really work on wrinkles?
It softens the look of fine wrinkles, though results are gradual: wait 3 to 4 months, sometimes up to 6, before judging. Deeper wrinkles and sun damage are not reversed, and the improvement fades when you stop.
Is tretinoin the same as retinol?
They are close relatives. Retinol is a weaker form of vitamin A that the skin has to convert, whereas tretinoin is the finished active acid. That is why tretinoin is the stronger of the two.