Tretinoin over the counter (OTC): Can you get it?

Table of Content:
Can you get tretinoin over-the-counter? | How to get tretinoin? | How to get a tretinoin online? | Benefits | Brand names | How to apply it? | Alternatives | FAQs

You probably have heard a lot about tretinoin as it is one of the most sought-after ingredients in dermatology due to its many benefits. But, can you get tretinoin over the counter (OTC) or does it require a prescription from a healthcare provider?

In this article, we will explore the availability of tretinoin, including whether or not it can be purchased without a prescription, and where and how you can get it.

Can you get tretinoin over the counter (OTC)?

Unfortunately, not. You cannot buy tretinoin creams and gels over the counter. Tretinoin can only be purchased with a doctor’s prescription. 

How to get tretinoin?

Getting a tretinoin prescription is easy and affordable via Miiskin. You just need to click on the button below to have a virtual consultation with a board-certified dermatologist which involves answering a short questionnaire and uploading photos of your face. The price of the consultation is around $59 and the medication refill is $39. Your dermatologist will then write you a prescription for tretinoin (if it is safe and adequate for your condition) in less than 2 business days.

How to get tretinoin online?

Once you completed your virtual consultation with a board-certified dermatologist you can then choose to buy tretinoin online via Skin Medicinals or to purchase it at a local pharmacy. Your dermatologist will send the electronic prescription to the option you have selected. With Miiskin you can get generic tretinoin (cheapest), compounded tretinoin (mixed with other ingredients that your dermatologist considers are good for your skin) or a branded tretinoin (such as Retin-A, Altreno or Obagi Tretinoin).

Do you want to know more about tretinoin?

What is tretinoin?

Tretinoin is a vitamin A derivative from the family of topical retinoids, and a popular medication used to treat acne,  fine lines, wrinkles, and other skin conditions^1.  

Tretinoin (also known as retinoic acid) is more potent than retinol, as retinoic acid acts directly on the skin, boosting cell renewal, turnover, and DNA damage repair². 

Multiple studies show that tretinoin is very efficient in the treatment of sun damage (photoaging), smoothens out wrinkles, evens skin tone, and makes the skin look firmer by increasing collagen production³. 

Benefits of Tretinoin

• Promotes a healthy flow of sebum
• Unclogs pores and reduces acne breakouts 
• Smoothes skin
• Minimizes pores by getting rid of dead skin cells
• Improves the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines by promoting cellular turnover
• Lightens dark spots 
• Smooths hard skin patches ⁴  

Brand names of tretinoin

• Altreno (new tretinoin)
• Obagi
• Atralin
• Avita
• Refissa
• Renova
• Retin-A
• Retin-A Micro
• Tretin-X

FAQ about tretinoin

Does tretinoin come in different strengths?

Yes, tretinoin comes in a wide variety of strengths ranging from 0.01% to 0.1%.

Ready to include a specific tretinoin strength in your skincare routine? Begin here: Tretinoin cream 0.025% | Tretinoin cream 0.05% | Tretinoin cream 0.1%.

Are there any best practices on how to use tretinoin?

Yes, you can follow some easy steps on how to properly use tretinoin and reduce irritation.

How to deal with the side-effects of tretinoin?

Tretinoin may cause unwanted side effects including redness, irritation, burning or stinging, click on the link to learn more about the so-called tretinoin purge. 

Is it true I use tretinoin for anti-aging?

Yes, tretinoin can also be used for the reduction of fine and wrinkles, photoaging and hyperpigmentation.

What are some tretinoin alternatives?

Topical retinoids such as tazarotene and trifarotene can be used as an alternative to tretinoin, however just like tretinoin, these medications are only sold with a doctor’s prescription. Adapalene can be sold with or without prescription depending on the product’s concentration.

Altreno (new tretinoin)

Altreno is a new and improved tretinoin product available in the market that also includes hyaluronic acid, collagen and glycerin which is considerably less irritating than the original formulation.

Adapalene:

Adapalene (also known as Differin gel) is a third-generation retinoid that can be bought with a prescription or as an over-the-counter treatment depending on its strength. Adapalene was developed to minimize the side effects that Tretinoin causes⁷. 

Adapalene is believed to be as efficient as tretinoin against acne but less irritating and, therefore, better tolerated than Tretinoin^8 9 .  

Tazarotene 

Tazarotene (also known as Arazlo or Fabior) is a topical prescription medication used to treat acne, photoaging, and psoriasis. Studies show that tretinoin and tazarotene are equally efficient at treating acne, hyperpigmentation, skin roughness, fine wrinkles and photoaging ^{10 11 12}. However, tazarotene is a bit more expensive in the U.S. than tretinoin.

Trifarotene

Trifarotene (also known as Aklief) is a fourth generation retinoid, and clinical trials show that it s efficient, well tolerated, and safe in the treatment of acne vulgaris; it has demonstrated great results with mild side effects¹³. 

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. 

Tretinoin is a potent medication that should be used under medical supervision and it is important to exercise caution when using it. If you are interested in using tretinoin, click on the “Request Consultation” so a medical professional can determine whether tretinoin is right for you.

Article References:

1 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2699641/
2 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2699641/
3 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2699641/
4 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2699641/
5 https://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/diseases/517/fetal-retinoid-syndrome
6 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26897386/
7 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482509/
8 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11843231/
9 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482509/
10 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557478/
11 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10898831/
12 https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamadermatology/fullarticle/478614
13 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7996910/