Why is tretinoin not available?

Author: Dr. Eudora Harber IV  |  Last update: Wednesday, March 26, 2025

You typically need a prescription from a healthcare professional like a dermatologist to obtain it. This is due to the potency of Tretinoin and the potential for side effects if not used properly.

Why can't I find tretinoin?

The takeaway. Tretinoin is not available over the counter in most countries, including the United States. It is a topical prescription medication used to treat acne, anti aging, and other skin conditions.

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).

Is tretinoin discontinued?

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%, . 05%, and .

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.

My 22-YEAR Tretinoin Experience: The Key to Youthful Skin for Over 2 Decades

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 is the OTC version of tretinoin?

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.

Why not to use tretinoin?

The skin will be more prone to sunburn, dryness, or irritation, especially during the first 2 or 3 weeks. However, you should not stop using this medicine unless the skin irritation becomes too severe.

Is tretinoin outdated?

If you are wondering if tretinoin expires, tretinoin products typically have an expiration date of two years after the manufacturing date. After this time, the product may become less effective or even cause skin irritation or other side effects.

What is the newest form of tretinoin?

Tretinoin or Altreno (new and improved tretinoin) is a topical form of vitamin A that has been extensively researched for use in the treatment of acne and wrinkles and has been approved by the FDA in this capacity. It comes in various strengths and is a prescription-only medication. Tretinoin comes as a cream or gel.

What are the dangers of tretinoin?

According to the FDA drug labeled guidelines, the most common adverse effects in topically administered tretinoin are the following: pruritus, skin pain, skin/subcutaneous irritation, erythema, and pharyngitis.

Is it bad to use tretinoin forever?

You can safely use tretinoin long-term. Research has shown no negative effects even with 2-4 years of usage.

Is tretinoin actually anti aging?

With regard to efficacy, all studies consistently reported that topical tretinoin was efficacious in improving clinical appearance of photoaging in terms of wrinkling, mottled hyperpigmentation, sallowness, and lentigines as early as 1 month and lasted after 24 months.

What's better, tretinoin or differin?

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.

Why is my skin so bad on tretinoin?

Tretinoin peeling is a side effect many people experience, especially in the first few weeks of using this medication. Tretinoin (Retin-A) can help reduce acne and brighten skin, but it also speeds up the skin's natural exfoliation process, resulting in dry and flaky skin.

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.

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.

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.

Does tretinoin destroy the skin barrier?

Prescription retinoids like tretinoin are extremely powerful. This means you must use them properly under the guidance of your dermatologist or doctor — or you could risk some unpleasant reactions like burning skin or a damaged skin barrier.

Does tretinoin increase facial hair in females?

Dr Kiran acknowledges some evidence that suggests tretinoin may aid in hair growth: Tretinoin promotes cell turnover, which can help rejuvenate hair follicles. It may enhance the absorption of other hair growth treatments, such as minoxidil.

Is tretinoin bad for the heart?

Treatment with this drug may lead to higher cholesterol and triglycerides. The effect of these changes on heart health is not known. Talk with the doctor.

Does tretinoin make you gain weight?

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.

Is there a better cream than tretinoin?

Another double-blind randomized study comparing tazarotene 0.1% to tretinoin 0.05% over a 24 week period also found tazarotene to be more efficacious than tretinoin for fine and coarse wrinkling, overall photodamage, and mottled hyperpigmentation.

How hard is it to get tretinoin?

Tretinoin is a vitamin A derivative and usually comes in the form of a topical cream, lotion, or gel that, of course, requires a prescription from a dermatologist, according to Dr. Garshick.

What is 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.

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