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Tretinoin

Topical tretinoin increases skin-cell turnover and may be used for acne or selected photoageing concerns. It commonly causes irritation before the skin adapts and does not produce immediate results.

Medicines containing Tretinoin

Retin-A Gel

Acne Vulgaris

0.01 · 0.025%

Retin-A Gel is tretinoin at 0.01% and 0.025% in a gel base for acne vulgaris, a vitamin A derivative that speeds turnover of the skin.

From$7.54/ tubeView

Retin-A Cream

Acne Vulgaris, Photoageing

0.025 · 0.05%

Tretinoin cream at 0.025% and 0.05%, applied for acne vulgaris and photoageing. It normalises keratinisation so microcomedones do not form.

From$12.35/ tubeView

A-Ret

Acne Vulgaris

0.1%

A-Ret is topical tretinoin at 0.1%, supplied as a cream and a gel and used for acne vulgaris. The retinoid raises turnover of follicular skin cells.

From$17.00/ tubeView

Renova

Acne Vulgaris, Photoageing

0.025 · 0.05 · 0.1%

Tretinoin cream at 0.025%, 0.05% and 0.1%, applied for acne vulgaris and photoageing. A vitamin A derivative that speeds skin cell turnover.

From$8.50/ tubeView

Key points

  • Creams and gels can differ in strength and irritation potential and should not be substituted casually.
  • Pregnancy or pregnancy planning and other irritating or photosensitising skin products require review.
  • Severe swelling, blistering, crusting or eye exposure with ongoing pain needs prompt care.

Select a listed product and pack to order online. Supply depends on stock, destination rules and product requirements; ask your doctor or pharmacist whether it suits you.

How it works

Tretinoin activates retinoic-acid receptors, normalising follicular cell turnover and influencing collagen and pigmentation over time.

Important form differences

Topical tretinoin creams and gels are skin treatments. Oral tretinoin is a specialist cancer medicine with entirely different use and risks and is not interchangeable with topical products.

Important safety checks

Pregnancy, eczema, sunburn and use of exfoliants, benzoyl peroxide or other retinoids require review. Protect treated skin from excess sun and avoid eyes, lips and broken skin. Irritation should guide reassessment rather than aggressive application.

When to seek urgent care

Seek prompt care for severe swelling, blistering, crusting, extensive skin breakdown or persistent eye pain after exposure. Seek emergency help for facial swelling or breathing difficulty.

Further reading

FAQ

What is tretinoin used for?

Topical tretinoin may be used for acne or for sun-damaged skin (photoageing).

How does tretinoin work?

Tretinoin is a vitamin A derivative. It activates retinoic-acid receptors, which speeds up skin cell turnover, reduces blocked pores (comedones) and affects collagen and pigmentation over time.

Which products contain tretinoin?

Products containing tretinoin on SGMeds include Retin-A Gel, Retin-A Cream, A-Ret and Renova. Compare their forms, strengths and pack sizes.

How long does tretinoin take to work?

Tretinoin does not produce immediate results and commonly causes irritation before the skin adapts. It can take 2 to 4 weeks before its full effect shows, and use is continuous.

What are the side effects of tretinoin?

Common side effects include redness and dry skin. Other side effects include sensitivity to sunlight and peeling. Severe skin blistering is serious and needs immediate medical attention.

Can tretinoin be used with other medicines?

Tretinoin interacts with benzoyl peroxide. If you use exfoliants or other retinoids, or have eczema or sunburn, check with a doctor or pharmacist first.

Who should not take tretinoin?

Do not use it if you are allergic to tretinoin or are pregnant. If you are planning a pregnancy, check with a doctor or pharmacist first.

What brand names is tretinoin sold under?

In other countries, tretinoin is also sold as Obagi Tretinoin, Retrieve Cream and Retino-A. Brand names vary between countries, so compare products by their active ingredient.

How is tretinoin priced?

Each product on this page shows a price for each strength and pack size in Singapore dollars, converted from US dollars, so the exchange rate can change the final amount.

Payment and prices →

Can I order tretinoin without a prescription?

Yes. SGMeds does not ask for a prescription to order tretinoin: we place the order with our pharmacy partner, which prepares it and arranges delivery on your behalf.

Ordering without a prescription →

Do you deliver tretinoin to Singapore?

Yes. Parcels go to Singapore and Malaysia by Express shipping (tracked, up to 1 week) or Regular shipping (up to 3 weeks).

How ordering works →

Last updated

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