Is tretinoin 0.05 or 0.025 better?

Author: Dannie Lemke  |  Last update: Friday, December 26, 2025

For those battling mild to moderate acne, a starting dose of 0.025% is often recommended, providing effective treatment while minimising irritation. As the skin adapts, some may benefit from incrementally increasing to 0.05% and then 0.1% if needed to enhance the acne-fighting properties.

Is 0.05 or 0.025 higher?

0.025% is the mildest strength and is usually used for general skin improvements or mild acne. 0.05% is seen most often for anti-aging preparations to reduce the appearance of fine lines. 0.1% has the most intense side effects but is often used for severe acne.

What is the best strength of tretinoin to use?

“The strength of tretinoin prescribed for anti-aging will depend on multiple factors. However, in general, a low to moderate strength of tretinoin (0.025% to 0.05%) is often recommended for anti-aging purposes, because it tends to be effective while minimizing the risk of irritation,” she added.

What is tretinoin 0.05 good for?

Description. Tretinoin is used to treat acne or other skin diseases as determined by your doctor. It works partly by keeping skin pores clear. One of the tretinoin creams is used to treat fine wrinkles, dark spots, or rough skin on the face caused by the damaging rays of the sun.

Can tretinoin 0.025% be used daily?

Tretinoin Cream should be applied once a day, in the evening, to the skin where acne lesions appear, using enough to cover the entire affected area lightly. Application may cause a transient feeling of warmth or slight stinging.

Dr Julia Explains | Benefits of different Obagi Tretinoin strengths

Is .025 tretinoin enough?

Tretinoin is also effective in treating photoaging, which includes symptoms like fine wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and rough skin texture. Research indicates that both 0.1% and 0.025% concentrations of tretinoin produce significant improvements in photoaging, with the lower concentration causing less irritation3.

How long does tretinoin 0.025 take to work?

How long does it take to see results with tretinoin? You may start noticing improvements in skin texture and acne after 4-6 weeks. Full benefits, such as reduced fine lines and hyperpigmentation, can take 3-6 months or longer.

Can I use tretinoin 0.05 as a beginner?

Dr. Mohta recommends you start with a low (0.01% or 0.025%) tretinoin strength so your skin gets used to the medication. Considering adding a specific tretinoin strength to your skincare routine? Begin your journey here: Tretinoin 0.025% cream | Tretinoin 0.05% cream | Tretinoin 0.01% cream.

What moisturizer goes well with tretinoin?

Three inexpensive moisturizers that our physicians love are Vanicream Daily Facial Lotion with Hyaluronic Acid, Neutrogena Hydroboost Gel, and The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid Serum. All three of these are affordable, non-comedogenic,and blend well with tretinoin.

Does tretinoin cause weight gain?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately: fever; weight gain; swelling of the arms, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs; shortness of breath; labored breathing; wheezing; chest pain; or cough.

How long does tretinoin purge last?

Skin purging typically lasts anywhere between four to six weeks which is roughly in line with how long it takes for your skin cells to naturally turnover. During this phase, it might seem like your skin is getting worse but it should settle down and improve after you've passed this period.

Does tretinoin peeling ever stop?

Some people may notice that this side effect goes away within a few weeks of use, while others may have flaky skin for up to two months. Regardless of how long it takes to subside, tretinoin peeling is temporary and will go away once your skin gets used to the product.

Is tretinoin 0.025 effective for hyperpigmentation?

The 0.025% tretinoin cream significantly reduced hyperpigmentation compared to the control (p < 0.001). By week 8, the mean M index reduction with tretinoin was 28.05%±12.20%, versus 6.55%±12.66% with the control. Hyperpigmentation reappeared partially after treatment cessation.

Can you use tretinoin under eyes?

Yes, tretinoin can be used to treat dark circles under the eyes. It has been found to effectively reduce darkness related to pigment and improve overall skin texture. However, it's important to consult a dermatology provider before starting tretinoin treatment for dark circles.

Is tretinoin 0.025 stronger than retinol 1%?

Yes, tretinoin 0.05% and tretinoin 0.025% are stronger and more effective than retinol 1% because tretinoin is a prescription-strength retinoid and retinol is over the counter.

What happens if you stop using tretinoin?

What happens if you stop using tretinoin for acne? For many, tretinoin is highly effective at treating acne, but it's still possible to experience breakouts once you stop using it.

What not to mix with tretinoin?

You may also want to avoid salicylic acid, glycolic acid, and erythromycin gel (Erthygel), as these ingredients and products can cause dryness. Though, your dermatologist can help you decide if combining these products with tretinoin is safe. Tretinoin can also cause sun sensitivity.

What is the sandwich method of tretinoin?

Option one: The sandwich technique

After washing your face, apply a layer of moisturiser. Allow it to dry down for 5-10 minutes. Then, apply a pea-sized amount of tretinoin to your entire face. Allow this to dry down for 5-10 minutes.

Should you put tretinoin on your neck?

The skin on the neck is thinner and more sensitive, so it may not tolerate tretinoin well, causing irritation. However, if you want to address signs of ageing on your neck, you may benefit from using tretinoin there. To avoid irritation, start with a lower frequency on your neck and build up as your skin tolerates it.

Should I use .025 or .05 tretinoin?

For those battling mild to moderate acne, a starting dose of 0.025% is often recommended, providing effective treatment while minimising irritation. As the skin adapts, some may benefit from incrementally increasing to 0.05% and then 0.1% if needed to enhance the acne-fighting properties.

Is tretinoin .05 too strong?

Later studies evaluated Tretinoin 0.05%. While both were equally effective over a one year period, Tretinoin 0.1% was able to achieve cosmetic improvement in 6 months while 0.05% required closer to 12 months. Finally, 0.025% was compared to 0.1% and it was found that both produced similar improvements in photoaging.

How long does it take 0.05% tretinoin to work?

For acne treatment, some users may begin to see improvements in as little as 2-3 weeks. However, most people will see noticeable results after at least 6-12 weeks of consistent use.

Is tretinoin .025 good for wrinkles?

On average, it takes eight to 24 weeks of treatment for tretinoin to produce noticeable improvements in wrinkles and other signs of aging. One short study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, which used a . 025 percent tretinoin cream, found a “statistically significant improvement” after just 84 days.

Is tretinoin 3 times a week enough?

When you first start using tretinoin, you may start with a lower percentage that you apply just two or three times a week. After two weeks, if your skin is adjusting well to the tretinoin, you can consider increasing use to every night as tolerated.

What is the best nighttime moisturizer to use with tretinoin?

The La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5 Multi-Purpose Balm.

It's a shea butter and glycerin-based balm, so it's super-rich and healing-- great for night routines. Tretinoin users have reviewed this product and named it the “holy grail of moisturizers.” It's helped countless people get through tretinoin irritation.

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