What it is
Regulatory status: FDA-approved topical prescription medicine for acne; some formulations have evidence for photodamaged skin but product indications vary
Mechanism evidence: human
At a glance
What it is, why people use it, the evidence, and what to know before trying it.
Why people use it
- Acne treatment
- Improvement of fine wrinkling and photodamaged skin
Evidence at a glance
Topical tretinoin is an established acne medicine and has evidence for selected signs of photoaging. It does not reverse whole-body biological age, and tolerability and formulation should be managed with a clinician.
Confidence: strong
Clinical safety
Contraindications, interactions and clinical cautions from reviewed sources.
Irritation, dryness, peeling and photosensitivity are common. Avoid eyes and damaged skin, use sun protection, and review pregnancy plans with a prescriber. Strengths and vehicles are not interchangeable, and more irritation is not more benefit.
Forms and variants
This review does not automatically apply to:
- oral isotretinoin
- retinol cosmetics
- adapalene
- tazarotene
Seen in protocols
Public protocols that include Topical tretinoin. Open one to see the full context and source.