Description

Tretinoin (all‑trans retinoic acid) is a topical retinoid derived from vitamin A, primarily used for treating acne and photoaged (sun‑damaged) skin. It helps normalize skin cell turnover, reduce follicular occlusion, and promote skin renewal.

2. Prescription

This is a prescription-only (Rx‑only/POM) medication in most countries (e.g., US, UK, EU), and a Schedule H drug in India—meaning it must be dispensed only with a doctor’s prescription.

3. Therapeutic Category

• Topical retinoid
• Used for treatment of acne vulgaris, photodamage (photoaging), fine wrinkles, and pigmentation issues.

4. Active Ingredient / Composition

• Active Ingredient: Tretinoin (typically in concentrations like 0.025%, 0.05%, or 0.1% depending on formulation).
• Excipients: Vary by manufacturer and may include stabilizers, emulsifiers, preservatives, etc.
  

5. Vitamins

None (though tretinoin is a derivative of vitamin A).

6. Minerals

None.

7. Variant

Available in cream, gel, microsphere gel, and lotion formulations. Available concentrations commonly include 0.02%, 0.03%, 0.05%, and 0.1%.

8. Consume Type

• Topical application only—apply to affected skin areas as prescribed.
• Avoid contact with eyes, mucous membranes, and non-sun-exposed areas like lip corners.

9. Directions / Usage

• Apply a pea‑sized amount to a clean, dry face once daily at night (or as directed by a healthcare provider).
• Start with lower frequency (e.g., every other night) to build tolerance and reduce irritation.
  

10. Common Side Effects

• Local: Skin dryness, peeling, redness, burning, stinging, increased sensitivity to sun.
• Patients often mention:
  
  “Side Effects may include but not be limited to Dry skin, Peeling, Skin redness, Burning, Itching, Stinging sensation.”

11. Package Type

Typically supplied in metal or air‑tight laminated tubes, ranging from 20 g to 30 g.

12. Storage Advice

• Store in a cool, dry place, away from light and heat (as tretinoin is light‑sensitive).
• Keep the tube tightly closed and out of reach of children.

13. Safety Advice

• Pregnancy: Tretinoin is contraindicated during pregnancy (Category C/D depending on route). Topical use is also advised against due to potential risk.

• Sun Sensitivity: Tretinoin thins the skin’s outer layer (stratum corneum), increasing sensitivity to UV radiation—use broad-spectrum sunscreen daily.
• Irritation: Tolerability improves with gradual introduction; use moisturizers to reduce dryness/flaking.
• Monitoring: Avoid use on broken skin; discontinue if severe irritation develops.
  

14. Product Substitute

Other tretinoin brands/formulations include—depending on region—Retin‑A, Avita, Renova, generic tretinoin creams, gels, or microsphere gels.

15. Manufacturer / Marketer

• Multiple pharmaceutical companies produce generic tretinoin.
• SiNi Pharma (India) lists generic tretinoin cream (0.02%, 0.03%, 0.05%) in 20 g tubes.
• Without packaging details, the exact maker of “S‑Tinorin” remains unidentified.
  

16. Country of Origin

• Tretinoin was first introduced decades ago by GSK (in brand-name form like Retin‑A). Generics are manufactured in various countries, notably India, US, and EU.