Tretinoin cream 0.025%: uses, results and how to use it

Dr. Carolina Fernandez, board-certified dermatologist explains what tretinoin cream 0.025% is used for and what are its benefits.

Medically reviewed by:
Dr. Carolina Fernandez
Dermatologist

Last updated: October 14th, 2026

What is tretinoin 0.025% cream, and what does it treat?

Tretinoin 0.025% cream is a prescription-strength topical retinoid derived from vitamin A. It is one of the lowest concentrations of tretinoin available and is commonly prescribed by dermatologists to treat acne, improve uneven skin tone and texture, and reduce visible signs of sun damage, including fine lines and wrinkles.

Tretinoin works by increasing skin cell turnover, helping prevent clogged pores, reducing acne breakouts and gradually improving skin texture. It also stimulates collagen production, which can help improve the appearance of fine lines over time.

The 0.025% strength is often recommended for people starting tretinoin treatment because it is generally better tolerated than higher concentrations. However, it can still cause dryness, redness and peeling, particularly during the first few weeks of use.

While tretinoin is FDA-approved for acne treatment, dermatologists may also prescribe it off-label for photoaging, hyperpigmentation and other skin concerns.

What brands of tretinoin 0.025% cream are available in the U.S.?

Tretinoin 0.025% cream is available in the United States as a generic prescription medication and under several brand names. FDA-approved formulations include:

Generic tretinoin cream 0.025%: Available from several pharmaceutical manufacturers and often a more affordable alternative to brand-name medications.
Retin-A 0.025% cream: One of the most recognized prescription tretinoin brands, commonly prescribed for acne.
Avita 0.025% cream: Another FDA-approved brand-name tretinoin cream used to treat acne.

All three contain the same active ingredient at a concentration of 0.025%, although their inactive ingredients and formulations may differ. Brand availability can also vary by pharmacy.

Other prescription tretinoin products, such as Retin-A Micro, Atralin and Altreno, contain tretinoin but are available in different formulations or concentrations and are not direct equivalents to tretinoin 0.025% cream.

Who should use tretinoin 0.025% cream, and who should avoid it?

Tretinoin 0.025% cream is often prescribed to people starting treatment with prescription retinoids, particularly those dealing with acne, uneven skin texture or early signs of sun damage. Its relatively low concentration makes it a common starting option, although it can still cause dryness, peeling and irritation.

Whether tretinoin is right for you depends on your skin type, medical history and the other treatments you use. A dermatologist can help determine whether to start with 0.025% cream or consider another formulation.

Who may benefit from tretinoin 0.025% cream?

First-time tretinoin users: The 0.025% concentration is a common starting strength, allowing your dermatologist to assess how well your skin tolerates treatment before considering a higher concentration.
People with mild to moderate acne: Tretinoin helps prevent clogged pores and treats blackheads, whiteheads and inflammatory acne. More severe acne may require additional prescription treatments.
People with early signs of skin aging: Dermatologists may prescribe tretinoin off-label to improve fine lines, rough texture and uneven pigmentation associated with sun damage.
People with dry or sensitive skin: Some may tolerate a lower-strength cream better than stronger formulations. However, tretinoin can still cause irritation, and people with sensitive skin may need a slower introduction or an alternative treatment.

Who should avoid tretinoin or use it with caution?

Certain medical conditions and circumstances may make tretinoin unsuitable or require additional precautions:

Pregnancy or planning to become pregnant: Topical tretinoin should be avoided during pregnancy. If you are planning a pregnancy, discuss when to discontinue treatment with your dermatologist.
Breastfeeding: There is limited information about topical tretinoin use during breastfeeding. Consult your dermatologist before using it, and avoid applying it to areas where your baby could come into direct contact with the medication.
Eczema, rosacea or other inflammatory skin conditions: Tretinoin can aggravate irritation, particularly during active flare-ups. Your dermatologist may recommend treating the underlying inflammation before introducing a retinoid.
Sunburned, broken or severely irritated skin: Avoid applying tretinoin to affected areas until the skin has recovered.
Allergy to tretinoin or other ingredients: People with a known hypersensitivity to tretinoin or any ingredient in the cream should not use that formulation.
Use of other potentially irritating skincare products: Benzoyl peroxide, exfoliating acids, other retinoids and certain acne treatments may increase irritation when combined with tretinoin. Your dermatologist can recommend how to use these products safely.

What should you tell your dermatologist before starting tretinoin?

Before prescribing tretinoin 0.025% cream, your dermatologist will want to know about your skin concerns, medical history and current skincare routine.

Be prepared to share:

Whether you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Any history of eczema, rosacea, sensitive skin or reactions to skincare products.
Which prescription medications and over-the-counter skincare products you currently use.
Whether you have previously used tretinoin or other retinoids and how your skin responded.
How much sun exposure you typically get and whether you regularly use sunscreen.

Based on this information, your dermatologist can recommend the most appropriate tretinoin concentration, formulation and application schedule to help minimize irritation while treating your skin concerns.

Can you buy tretinoin cream 0.025% over the counter?

Unfortunately not, you need a prescription from a dermatologist to buy tretinoin 0.025%.

How to get a prescription for tretinoin 0.025%?

To get a prescription for tretinoin 0.025% you can have a virtual consultation with a board-certified dermatologist via Miiskin. The dermatologist will evaluate your request and If they think tretinoin 0.025% cream is suitable and safe for you, you can get your prescription. The consultation price with a board-certified dermatologist is between $59-$79 and medication renewals are $39-$49.

Can I get a personalized tretinoin-based formula via Miiskin?

Yes, via Miiskin your dermatologist can prescribe a tretinoin-based compounded formula to address common skin problems such as acne, anti-aging, melasma, acne scars and in some cases even rosacea. Your formula can include up to 5 ingredients such as niacinamide, azelaic acid, topical spironolactone, hydroquinone and kojic acid, among others. If you have tried a customized tretinoin 0.025 formula in the past and you would like to continue using it, please mention the ingredients of the formula you were using and your dermatologist will accommodate your wishes (or prescribe even something better) that works for you.

Important Disclaimer: Compounded medications are not reviewed by the FDA for safety or efficacy.

How is tretinoin 0.025 different from other cream strengths?

Tretinoin 0.025% is often prescribed as a starting point for individuals who are new to tretinoin or have sensitive skin, because side effects will be usually milder.

Higher tretinoin strength formulations, such as 0.05% and 0.1% are typically prescribed for individuals who have already gotten used to tretinoin 0.025% and their skin has responded well to it.

What are the advantages of using tretinoin 0.025 cream for the skin?

Tretinoin offers several key benefits for the skin, making it a widely prescribed treatment for various skin concerns:

It has anti-inflammatory properties: Its anti-inflammatory action helps reduce the redness, swelling, and irritation commonly associated with acne and other skin conditions.
Improves acne: Tretinoin helps unclog pores and prevent the formation of new acne lesions by increasing skin cell turnover, which reduces blockages in hair follicles.
Reduces fine lines and wrinkles: Tretinoin stimulates collagen production, helping to smooth fine lines and improve skin elasticity, making it a popular treatment for signs of aging.
Treats hyperpigmentation: It can lighten dark spots and even out skin tone by promoting faster skin cell renewal, which helps fade hyperpigmentation caused by acne, sun exposure, or melasma.
Enhances skin texture: Tretinoin smooths rough skin by removing dead cells and encouraging the growth of healthier, new skin, leading to a more refined texture.
Treats sun damage: Regular use of tretinoin can repair sun-damaged skin, reducing sunspots and improving the overall appearance of photoaged skin.

What ingredients can you use alongside tretinoin 0.025 cream?

When using tretinoin, certain ingredients can be used alongside to enhance its benefits and reduce potential irritation, particularly as tretinoin can sometimes cause dryness and sensitivity. Two of the most effective ingredients to pair with tretinoin are hyaluronic acid and niacinamide.

Hyaluronic Acid

Tretinoin pairs well with hyaluronic acid as it is a powerful humectant, meaning it draws moisture into the skin. Since tretinoin can lead to dryness and flakiness, hyaluronic acid helps to:

Boost hydration by holding up to 1,000 times its weight in water, keeping the skin plump and moisturized.
Reduces the risk of the skin becoming too dry or peeling, which is common when starting tretinoin.
Helps support the skin’s natural protective barrier, making it more resilient to the drying effects of tretinoin.

Niacinamide

Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) is a versatile ingredient with several skin benefits that complement tretinoin:

Works synergistically with tretinoin to fade hyperpigmentation and even out skin tone without increasing irritation.
Helps calm and soothe the skin, reducing redness and irritation that can be caused by tretinoin.
Strengthens the skin’s lipid barrier, helping to retain moisture and protect against environmental stressors, which can be especially important when using tretinoin.
Helps balance sebum production, which can prevent clogged pores and breakouts.

Topical spironolactone

Topical spironolactone is an emerging ingredient that works particularly well alongside tretinoin for acne-prone and oily skin types:

Helps regulate sebum production and reduce hormonal acne breakouts.
Has anti-androgenic properties that target one of the root causes of hormonal acne.
Works well with tretinoin to improve overall skin texture and reduce the appearance of active blemishes and post-acne marks.

Important Disclaimer: Topical spironolactone is not reviewed by the FDA for safety or efficacy.

How to apply tretinoin 0.025%?

Tretinoin 0.025% cream is generally applied once daily in the evening to clean, dry skin. A pea-sized amount is usually enough for the entire face. Using more will not improve results faster and may increase dryness, redness and peeling.

If you are new to tretinoin, your dermatologist may recommend starting with fewer applications per week and gradually increasing the frequency as your skin adjusts.

How to apply tretinoin 0.025% at night

Wash your face with a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser. Avoid harsh scrubs or exfoliating cleansers that can irritate your skin.
Allow your skin to dry completely. Pat your face dry and wait until there is no remaining moisture. Some dermatologists recommend waiting 20–30 minutes after washing, particularly if your skin is sensitive.
Use a pea-sized amount for your entire face. Apply small dots to your forehead, cheeks and chin.
Spread a thin, even layer over the areas being treated rather than applying it only to individual pimples. Avoid your eyelids, lips, corners of your mouth and creases around your nose.
Apply moisturizer to help reduce dryness and irritation. If your skin is particularly sensitive, your dermatologist may recommend applying moisturizer before tretinoin or using the moisturizer sandwich method.

Always follow your dermatologist’s instructions, especially if tretinoin has been prescribed for a specific area rather than your entire face.

How often should you use tretinoin 0.025% when starting?

Although tretinoin is commonly prescribed for nightly use, some dermatologists recommend introducing it gradually to minimize irritation.

The following is an example of a gradual starting schedule, not a fixed requirement:

Period	Suggested frequency
Weeks 1–2	Two nights per week, spaced apart
Weeks 3–4	Three nights per week, if well tolerated
Weeks 5–6	Every other night
Week 7 onward	Nightly, if your skin tolerates it and your dermatologist recommends it

Frequently asked questions about tretinoin 0.025%

How often should I apply tretinoin 0.025% cream?

First 2 to 4 weeks: Apply tretinoin to your face twice a week in the evenings. Layer between hyaluronic acid and niacinamide.
Following 2 weeks: If your skin is tolerating the product well, increase application to every other night, continuing to apply a moisturizer afterward. Layer between hyaluronic acid and a moisturizer.
After 6 to 8 weeks: If your skin adapts without irritation, start applying tretinoin every night, always following with a hydrating cream containing hyaluronic acid or moisturizer. Layer between hyaluronic acid and niacinamide.
Adjust as needed: If your skin becomes overly dry or irritated at any point, reduce usage. Skip tretinoin on those nights and apply only a moisturizer to allow your skin to recover.

What ingredients to avoid when using tretinoin?

Other retinoids: Avoid combining tretinoin with retinol, tazarotene, trifarotene, or adapalene to prevent excessive irritation.
Exfoliating acids: If using glycolic, lactic, or salicylic acid, apply them on alternate days to reduce the risk of irritation.
Benzoyl peroxide: Combining benzoyl peroxide with tretinoin may reduce the effectiveness of tretinoin, so it’s best to avoid using them together unless they are combined in the same medication.

Who should avoid tretinoin 0.025%?

Women who are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, as tretinoin is a form of vitamin A that may pose a risk during pregnancy.
Have eczema, rosacea, or very sensitive skin, since tretinoin can worsen irritation and redness.
Are currently using other strong exfoliants or topical acne medications (such as benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or alpha hydroxy acids) without your dermatologist’s guidance.
Have sunburned, broken, or inflamed skin, as tretinoin can further irritate damaged areas.
Have a known allergy or hypersensitivity to tretinoin

What precautions should I take when using tretinoin 0.025%?

When using tretinoin 0.025%, start slowly to allow your skin to adjust, applying a pea-sized amount to clean, dry skin every two to three nights before gradually increasing to nightly use. Always use a gentle moisturizer to prevent dryness and flaking, and apply sunscreen daily since tretinoin increases sun sensitivity. Avoid combining it with harsh exfoliants or other active ingredients unless advised by your dermatologist, and never use it if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Consistent use, sun protection, and patience are key to achieving the best results safely.

What are the potential side effects of tretinoin 0.025%?

Tretinoin, while highly effective for various skin conditions, can cause several potential side effects, especially during the initial stages of use. Some common and less common side effects include:

Skin irritation: Redness, peeling, dryness, and itching are among the most common side effects, especially in the early stages of treatment as the skin adjusts to the medication.
Increased sensitivity to sunlight: Tretinoin makes the skin more sensitive to UV rays, leading to a higher risk of sunburn. It’s essential to use sunscreen regularly while using tretinoin.
Flaking and peeling: As tretinoin accelerates skin cell turnover, you may experience flaking or peeling, which can result in rough patches or dry skin.
Temporary worsening of acne: Some users experience an initial breakout or worsening of acne before improvements are seen, this is known as the tretinoin purge, and it is a common skin reaction when you use tretinoin for the first time.
Dryness: In rare cases, excessive dryness or scaling may occur, leading to discomfort or irritation.

What is Acretin 0.025% used for?

Acretin 0.025% is a brand of topical tretinoin containing 0.025% tretinoin. It is commonly used to treat acne by keeping pores clear and promoting skin cell turnover. Depending on the patient, a healthcare provider may also recommend it for other skin concerns associated with photoaging or uneven pigmentation.

Is Tretin 0.025% the same as tretinoin 0.025%?

Tretin 0.025% is a brand-name product containing tretinoin 0.025% as its active ingredient. While it contains the same active medication and strength as other tretinoin 0.025% products, formulations can differ in their inactive ingredients, texture, and vehicle. These differences may affect how a product feels on the skin and how well it is tolerated.

What is the difference between tretinoin cream 0.025% and tretinoin gel 0.025%?

Both contain the same concentration of tretinoin, but they use different formulations. Tretinoin cream tends to be more moisturizing and may be better tolerated by people with normal or dry skin. Gel formulations are generally lighter and may be preferred for oily or acne-prone skin, although they can sometimes feel more drying or irritating.

The most suitable formulation depends on your skin type, the condition being treated, and how your skin responds to tretinoin.

What are the USPs of tretinoin cream 0.025%?

The unique selling points (USPS) of tretinoin cream 0.025% are that it is a well-established prescription treatment for acne, promotes skin cell turnover, helps prevent clogged pores, and is available in a relatively low strength that may be easier to introduce than higher concentrations.

Tretinoin also has extensive clinical use in dermatology and may be prescribed off-label for concerns such as fine lines, uneven pigmentation, and other signs of photoaging.