You can't get tretinoin OTC. But there's another topical retinoid product — adapalene gel (Differin) — that you can get OTC. Adapalene is FDA approved to treat acne. But it's sometimes used off-label for wrinkles, too.
Azelaic acid is often used as an alternative treatment for acne if the side effects of benzoyl peroxide or topical retinoids are particularly irritating or painful. Azelaic acid works by getting rid of dead skin and killing bacteria.
Retin-A is a brand-name medication, and its generic form is called tretinoin. Both contain the same active ingredient: tretinoin. As with most medications, the generic product name is the same as the active ingredient. Retin-A and generic tretinoin are both approved to treat acne.
Bakuchiol extract comes from the Babchi plant, known for its purple blossoms and its use in Chinese and Indian medicine. The extract can be found in daily moisturizers, serums and creams. “Bakuchiol is often used as a gentler alternative to retinol.
So what the Koreans actually use in place of retinol is red ginseng, which is a natural herb sourced skincare ingredient that does the job for them pretty well. Retinol serves an age reversing purpose, Koreans use ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, peptides, and antioxidants instead.
At night, Aniston treats her skin with a dose of retinol, specifically the Shani Darden Retinol Reform Treatment Serum ($90).
Retinaldehyde is an effective alternative to tretinoin, offering significant anti-aging benefits with generally less irritation. While tretinoin is a prescription-strength retinoid used for treating various skin conditions, retinaldehyde provides a more accessible over-the-counter option.
Tazarotene also has higher efficacy in treating wrinkles, hyperpigmentation and texture. This is based on studies that compared the efficacy of both at the same dose and frequency. Although Tazarotene is stronger than Tretinoin, it is also has a higher risk of side effects.
For many, tretinoin is highly effective at treating acne, but it's still possible to experience breakouts once you stop using it. Even while using tretinoin, you may continue to experience breakouts from time to time (we're looking at you, hormonal acne!), but that's also completely normal.
Acne is a common issue for many people, especially for teenagers and young adults in their 20s. Some have mild symptoms, while others can have very severe issues. Acne effects around 90% of adolescents with the prime age across all genders being the teenage years of 14-19 years old.
What's the strongest OTC retinol? The strongest retinol you'll find over the counter is adapalene, which is the main ingredient in the Differin Gel Acne Treatment. “Differin was originally formulated for acne patients, but if your skin is thick and or oily, you can achieve the same benefits,” says Elmasry.
Both adapalene and tretinoin will effectively cure your acne and dark spots, although tretinoin is likely to produce results more quickly, but adapalene gel is less irritating for patients.
Tretinoin is available by prescription only because while it is more potent than retinol, it also has an increased potential for side effects. Therefore, treatment with tretinoin has to be under the supervision and medical advice of a healthcare provider.
Adapalene is available over the counter, but tretinoin isn't. No tretinoin forms are available over the counter (OTC). However, adapalene 0.1% gel is available OTC as a generic and brand-name product Differin.
ROSEHIP OIL, CACAY OIL
They are both rich in ready-available Trans Retinoic acid, the natural equivalent to Retinoic acid aka Tretinoin, the most potent form of Retinoid. Thanks to their complex composition, Rosehip and Cacay add a soothing, calming, anti-inflammatory action with no side effects.
Adapalene and tretinoin are both effective, but adapalene may cause less skin irritation. Both adapalene and tretinoin appear to be effective at treating wrinkles (though we have more research on tretinoin). But compared to tretinoin, adapalene may cause less skin irritation.
Niacinamide. Vitamin B3 or Niacinamide is a common choice for compounding with Tretinoin due to its skin brightening and pore tightening properties.
Tazarotene is often considered stronger than tretinoin for certain skin conditions due to its highly potent formulation.
The Ordinary's Granactive Retinoid is about to take your beauty routine to the next level. Back in January 2018, Kardashian said this retinoid had “so many benefits, like reducing dark spots, preventing wrinkles, smoothing fine lines and so much more,” according to Allure.
Consistency is key for J. Lo. She incorporates retinol into her routine regularly to maintain her youthful glow.
Shani Darden Retinol Reform
“Her retinol is so good, and her serums are fantastic … She has a great lab that she works with, and the packaging is beautiful.” Darden herself gushed about Aniston in a Page Six Style interview, telling us, “She knows so much about skincare, and I'm honored that she loves Retinol Reform.”