Get a prescription online to buy tretinoin cream

Get expert care from a dermatologist. No insurance or appointment needed.
If prescribed, buy tretinoin cheaply at any (online) pharmacy
Request a prescription for tretinoin 0.025, 0.05 or 0.1 today.

Medically reviewed by:
Dr. Carolina Fernandez
Dermatologist

What is tretinoin?

Tretinoin (also known by its brand names Retin-A or Tretin-X) is a prescription-strength cream commonly prescribed by dermatologists to treat acne, hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, and sun damaged skin¹.

Tretinoin cream works by accelerating the lifecycle of skin cells and boosting new collagen formation. It belongs to a family of synthetic and natural compounds called retinoids that are derived from Vitamin A².

What is tretinoin cream or gel used for?

Tretinoin is approved by the FDA for the treatment of:

Acne

Facial wrinkles

Skin roughness

Hyperpigmentation³

Brand names of tretinoin gels or creams

Altreno
Atralin
Avita
Retin – A

Refissa
Renova
Tretin – X
Retin – A micro

How to get tretinoin online?

Do you need a prescription to buy tretinoin?

Yes. Tretinoin is a prescription medication which means you need a prescription to purchase tretinoin. To get a prescription, it’s recommended that you have a consultation with a dermatologist to ensure you get the best care for your skin. Tretinoin cream cannot be purchased over-the-counter (OTC).

How to get a Tretinoin prescription online?

You can have an online consultation with a dermatologist through Miiskin. If it’s medically appropriate for you to use tretinoin cream, they will send a digital prescription directly to your preferred local or online pharmacy. You can then buy it right away.

What is the price for a tretinoin prescription consult?

To request or renew a tretinoin prescription, there is a consultation fee starting at $39 for returning patients and $59 for new patients. The price of medicines are not included. For an affordable option, request a prescription for generic medications from your dermatologist.

Request a tretinoin cream prescription online

Select “Start consultation” to sign up.
Fill out the consultation form and take a photo of your skin.
An independent dermatologist will prescribe tretinoin to you, if medically appropriate.
Buy tretinoin affordably from the pharmacy of your choice.

Process to getting a prescription for tretinoin online
Through an online consultation, you connect with a dermatologist. Upon reviewing your case, if the dermatologist determines that tretinoin cream is appropriate for you, they will issue a prescription to the pharmacy of your choosing.

Tretinoin Explained

How do tretinoin creams work?

Tretinoin stimulates cell renewal in the epidermis, enhancing the cell layer, reducing pigmentation, and normalizing sun-damaged cells⁴.

Tretinoin also works in the dermis promoting the production of collagen and elastin thickening the dermal layer and making the skin appear more plump⁵.

According to multiple research, tretinoin gels and creams are a safe and effective therapeutic modality for the long-term treatment of acne and photoaging.^{6 78}

workflow management between primary care and dermatologists

Benefits of Tretinoin

Reduces fine wrinkles

Reduces the appearance of dark spots⁹

It inhibits the formation of comedones¹⁰

Faster regeneration of sun-damaged skin cells

Improves skin texture

Has anti-inflammatory effects¹¹¹²

Warnings, Side Effects and Purging

Warning and precautions when using tretinoin creams or gels

This medication should only be used under medical supervision and it is advised that women use effective contraception when using tretinoin.

Tretinoin is considered teratogenic, and therefore it cannot be used by women who want to become pregnant, are pregnant, or are breastfeeding because it may cause serious harm to the fetus¹³ ^14.

Tretinoin is likely to make your skin more sensitive to sunlight so you should apply sunscreen with SPF 50 factor every morning while using this product and reapply every two hours when outdoors.

Tretinoin may cause skin irritation when you first start using it, follow the precise instructions of your healthcare provider to minimize unwanted side effects.
Do not combine tretinoin with other acne or pigmentation medications, unless indicated by your doctor.

Side effects of tretinoin

Redness
Peeling
Itching
Burning/Stinging
Dryness¹⁵

What is the tretinoin purge?

The tretinoin purge (also known as tretinoin uglies) is a very common skin reaction that occurs when a patient uses tretinoin for the first time.

Learn more about the tretinoin purge →

How to start using prescribed tretinoin?

You should always follow the precise instructions of your healthcare provider, but as a general rule, if you have never used tretinoin, here is an excellent way to start.

First 2 to 4 weeks:
Apply tretinoin .025% two nights per week in the evenings
Following 2 weeks:
Apply tretinoin every other night
After 6 to 8 weeks of use:
If your skin tolerates the product well, apply the product every night

It is also important to find a balance that is right for you. Your skin may not tolerate the application of tretinoin every day even after weeks of use and you may notice that your skin improves by applying tretinoin every other day instead of daily.

What ingredients can be combined with tretinoin?

You can combine tretinoin with hyaluronic acid to help hydrate and soften your skin.

Use a non-oily moisturizer prior to applying tretinoin to ensure your skin stays moisturized and to avoid irritation.

Always apply sunscreen with SPF 50 since tretinoin will make your skin more sensitive to the sun.

What ingredients should not be combined with tretinoin?

the proper way to mix components for skincare

Tretinoin should not be used with other retinoids: retinol, tazarotene, trifarotene, or adapalene.

If you also want to use glycolic acid or salicylic and lactic acid, apply these products on a different day, to avoid irritation.

Be careful when mixing tretinoin with benzoyl peroxide unless they are compounded because they may be too irritating on the skin..

Tretinoin strengths

What patients say about Miiskin

Very happy with this service. Quick and easy. With someone with not the greatest insurance and super busy. This was perfect. Got my prescription next day and great advice for my condition.

Marcus Liniarski, Patient
Google Review →

I had a great experience with Miiskin – I was able to get my prescription very quickly and their app is easy to use. It was very convenient and their team is very responsive. I highly recommend them and will likely use them in the future for other skin issues.

Susie Tse, Patient
Google Review →

What a technology! I was very impressed by the speed of communication with a doctor using the Miiskin app. Losing my hair has been my biggest concern, but I didn’t have the courage to reveal my bald spot to a doctor in person. Miiskin solved all my issues instantly. I just took a photo in my own room, uploaded it, and wrote about my concerns. That’s it. The best part is that without insurance, the consultation fee was much lower than any health insurance. I submitted my photo at midnight and received a prescription the very next morning. The doctor at Miiskin was very professional and empathetic, which really helped ease my emotional distress. Although I’m just at the beginning stage of my treatment and haven’t seen significant results yet, I feel reassured and supported. I will definitely upload my progress in 3 to 4 months to show my appreciation for the prescription from Miiskin.

Jiyeon Kang, Patient
Google Review →

My dermatologist was extremely quick, reviewed my consultation request within 2hrs and I had my Rx the next day! The Miiskin team also responds within minutes and are very polite and communicated concisely. I’ll never make a in person appointment again after experiencing this outstanding and affordable telehealth service!

Dion H, Patient
Google Review →

Request a prescription for tretinoin online

Select “Start consultation” to sign up.
Fill out the consultation form and take a photo of your skin.
An independent dermatologist will prescribe tretinoin to you, if medically appropriate.
Purchase tretinoin from the pharmacy of your choice.

Got more questions about getting a tretinoin prescription online?

How to buy tretinoin gel or cream online?

By signing up on this page you can request an online photo-based consultation from an independent board-certified dermatologist. The process takes only five minutes and the consultation is usually completed in less than two business days. After your consultation has been completed and a prescription has been deemed appropriate for you, you will be able to purchase your tretinoin at the pharmacy of your choice.

Is tretinoin available over the counter?

No. Tretinoin is not available over the counter. To buy it, you need a doctor’s prescription.

How much does it cost to get a prescription for tretinoin?

In most states the consultation price with a dermatologist to ensure that tretinoin is the right fit for you starts at $39 for returning patients and $59 for new patients. The price for the medicine is paid directly to the pharmacy.

How long does a tretinoin prescription last?

It depends on the state and the prescription from the provider but usually prescriptions need to be renewed every three to 12 months. Prescriptions for oral medications like tablets and pills typically have to be renewed more often than topical medications like creams and gels.

How long will it take to get the prescription for my tretinoin?

A photo-based consultation usually takes less than three business days to be evaluated.

How/when will I get my tretinoin?

You can pick up your tretinoin at the pharmacy of your choice after a dermatologist has reviewed your case and medically assessed that a tretinoin prescription is right for you.

Where can I pick up my tretinoin?

You will be asked to select a pharmacy where you would like to pick up your your tretinoin.

How do I start a photo consultation with a dermatologist to get tretinoin?

Click one of the buttons on this page to get further information about available providers and to start a consultation with a provider.

How long does a photo-based consultation for tretinoin take?

On average it will take you less than five minutes to complete your request for a photo-based virtual consultation.

Do I have to pay separately for the consultation and the tretinoin?

Yes, the same way you would have to pay for an in-person dermatology consultation and then for your prescription at the pharmacy. This means that providers are completely independent and will make the right medical decision for you.

What is Miiskin?

Miiskin is platform that connects patients with independent providers for convenient quality medical care for skin health issues.

Start a photo-based virtual consultation to request Tretinoin

References:
¹https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557478/
²https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9112391/
³https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557478/
⁴https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557478/
⁵https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9112391/
⁶https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9112391/
⁷https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamadermatology/article-abstract/553009
⁸https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5574737/
⁹https://link.springer.com/article/10.2165/00002512-199506060-00008
¹⁰https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3225141/
¹¹https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16045694/
¹²https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3225141/
¹³https://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/diseases/517/fetal-retinoid-syndrome
¹⁴https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26897386/
¹⁵https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9112391/