Is tretinoin banned in Canada?

Author: Mrs. Magdalena VonRueden Jr.  |  Last update: Tuesday, May 13, 2025

Tretinoin is a prescription form of Vitamin A that is currently facing availability issues in Canada while several doses and forms are either being discontinued or on back order. In August 2023, the brand name product Stieva-A has discontinued three strengths of their products containing . 025%, .

Is tretinoin no longer available in Canada?

No, Tretinoin is not available over-the-counter in Canada. However, if you're looking for Tretinoin for acne online in Canada, all you have to do is complete an online assessment with Felix. If the healthcare practitioner believes that Tretinoin treatments are right for you, they can provide a prescription.

Why is tretinoin being banned?

It's banned in most countries as OTC as it can potentially cause hyperpigmentation and hypopigmentation due to its cytotocity. Studies also show potential carcinogenesis (high dose oral HQ in mice leads to cancer I think, no clinical evidence).

What is tretinoin used for in Canada?

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.

What is the best alternative to tretinoin?

Retinaldehyde is considered the closest over-the-counter alternative to tretinoin and is suitable for all skin types. It provides comparable skin renewing benefits while being less irritating, making it a suitable choice for those looking for effective yet gentle retinoid options.

Tretinoin Causes Death & Is Banned?

Do I need a prescription for tretinoin in Canada?

Topical products

Vitamin A acid, also known as tretinoin, is a prescription medication applied to the skin that acts as a peeling agent. It can cause redness and peeling, so should not be used near the eyes, mouth or nose.

Is anything better than tretinoin?

Tazarotene may get you results much faster than tretinoin, especially if you have a lot of very visible sun damage on your face, and in one study tazarotene worked more effectively for photodamage, fine wrinkling, mottled hyperpigmentation, and coarse wrinkling.

What are the negative long-term effects of tretinoin?

What harm does Tretinoin do to the skin?
  • It makes the skin significantly more vulnerable to UV damage.
  • It causes contact irritant and photosensitivity reactions.
  • It damages the skin's barrier.
  • It increases chronic inflammation which in turn disrupts barrier function.
  • Its use in one study has been linked to premature death.

Why is tretinoin so popular now?

The Benefits

Tretinoin works similarly to other types of retinoids—such as adapalene, retinol, and retinal—but is considered to be a stronger treatment than the rest, and it is the only retinoid form that is proven for the treatment and prevention of both aging skin and acne.

Does tretinoin affect hair growth?

In conclusion, tretinoin has shown promise in promoting hair growth due to its ability to stimulate cell growth and enhance blood supply to hair follicles. While many have reported positive outcomes, it's essential to consult with a dermatologist to determine if it's the right option for you.

How toxic is tretinoin?

According to the FDA drug labeled guidelines of orally administered tretinoin, most patients will experience drug-related toxicity, such as headaches, weakness, fever, and fatigue. Interruption of therapy is rarely required as these adverse effects are rarely permanent or irreversible.

Is retinol banned in any countries?

Is Retinol Banned in Europe? Before you start worrying about your favorite serum, here's the good news: retinol isn't banned in Europe. That said, there are a few changes you should be aware of. Any new beauty items will need to comply with these rules by late 2025, and existing ones must meet the requirements by 2027.

Can tretinoin worsen aging?

Tretinoin can indeed make your skin look younger since it works by increasing cell turnover, boosting collagen production, and reducing the breakdown of collagen. These actions help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, improve tone and skin texture, and promote a more youthful complexion.

Is it OK to use tretinoin forever?

Dr. Mohta says that tretinoin can be used long term, even your entire life, as tretinoin is commonly used for the treatment of acne, fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation. Dr. Mohta, also says that it may be necessary to use tretinoin for a few weeks before you can notice changes in your skin.

Is it legal to buy tretinoin online?

Tretinoin can only be purchased with a doctor's prescription.

Is tretinoin similar to Accutane?

No, tretinoin and isotretinoin are different medications used to treat different types and severities of acne. Used to treat acne: Both medications are prescribed as acne treatments, however, they are primarily indicated for different types and severities of acne.

Does Hailey Bieber use tretinoin?

Tretinoin, of course! Tretinoin helps prevent acne breakouts, improves fine lines & wrinkles and can help treat early pre cancers (actinic keratoses).

Does tretinoin tighten saggy skin?

Yes, Retin-A may help “tighten” skin. Clinical studies show that it can improve the visible appearance of wrinkles and skin discoloration caused by sun damage. This benefit is seen with Retin-A formulations ranging from 0.025% to 0.1%. Sun damage and getting older can decrease the amount of collagen in your skin.

Does Nicole Kidman use tretinoin?

Neutrogena® Rapid Wrinkle Repair Regenerating Cream

Speaking to Hello Giggles, Nicole Kidman confirmed that she is no retinol sceptic — “I believe in retinol, I do think it works,” she said.

Does tretinoin thicken or thin skin?

Topical tretinoin stimulates epidermal proliferation and differentiation by upregulating heparin binding epidermal growth factor (HB-EGF), which causes increased exfoliation and thickening of the epidermis.

Is tretinoin bad for your liver?

Retinoids have been implicated in causing mild-to-moderate elevations in routine liver tests, but these elevations are usually asymptomatic and transient, resolving spontaneously even with continued therapy.

How long can you stay on tretinoin?

Tretinoin should be used for at least 6 months for maximum effect. After two years of continuous tretinoin treatment, there is marked improvement in fine and coarse wrinkles, lentigines (“age spots”) and mottled pigmentation.

Is microneedling better than tretinoin?

Microneedling is a more effective and permanent treatment option for comedonal acne compared with tretinoin. Patients' satisfaction with the improvement in acne severity is also higher with microneedling procedure.

What is the next best thing to tretinoin?

Top 5 tretinoin alternatives
  1. Differin. Differin (adapalene topical) is a third-generation retinoid indicated for the management of acne vulgaris. ...
  2. Tazorac. Another third-generation topical retinoid is Tazorac (tazarotene topical). ...
  3. Aklief. Aklief (trifarotene topical) is a fourth-generation topical retinoid. ...
  4. Epiduo. ...
  5. Arazlo.

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.

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