Key takeaways:
Retinol and Retin-A (tretinoin) are both retinoids — topical forms of vitamin A. Retinol is a common over-the-counter (OTC) ingredient in acne and anti-aging products. Retin-A is a prescription-only acne treatment, but it’s used off-label for anti-aging effects, too.
Retinol and Retin-A work the same way to treat acne. But Retin-A is a stronger and more effective acne treatment than retinol. And it’s more likely to help with acne scars, too.
Common side effects of retinol and Retin-A include dry, sensitive skin and increased sun sensitivity. Retin-A is more likely to cause side effects than retinol. But with both products, it’s a good idea to start applying it once or twice a week and slowly work your way up to daily use.
Retinol is a cosmetic product that’s not covered by insurance or discounts. But there are ways to save on Retin-A. GoodRx can help you access brand-name Retin-A cream at an exclusive cash price as low as $45.91 per tube.
If you’re looking for acne treatments, you may come across terms such as retinoid, retinol, and Retin-A. They sound similar, so it’s easy to be confused about what these products are. A retinoid is any medication that’s related to vitamin A. They include both natural or lab-made ingredients. Retinoids are effective treatments for acne and also have anti-aging effects.
Retinol and Retin-A are both retinoids, but they aren’t the same thing. Let’s take a look at the differences between retinol versus Retin-A to help you decide which is the best acne treatment for you.
What is retinol?
Retinol is a natural form of vitamin A. It’s found in meat, dairy products, and fish. It’s also a common ingredient in topical over-the-counter (OTC) skincare products. Retinol may be listed as an ingredient under several different names, including:
Retinol
Retinyl esters
Retinyl propionate
Retinaldehyde (also called “Retinal”)
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When you apply retinol to your skin, it turns into retinoic acid (the active form of retinol). Retinoic acid helps treat acne, evens out skin discoloration, and has anti-aging effects.
What kind of acne do you have? Learn about the different types of acne and what they look like (pics included).
Which acne treatment is right for you? From lifestyle changes to medical procedures, learn about the best science-backed ways to get rid of acne for good.
Curious about Retin-A? Read the first-hand accounts of three people using Retin-A for acne (Hint: It may get worse before it gets better).
What is Retin-A?
Retin-A (tretinoin) is a topical form of retinoic acid. It’s a prescription-only medication that’s FDA approved to treat acne. It also comes in a formulation that’s designed to cause less skin irritation, called Retin-A Micro.
What is the difference between retinol and Retin-A (tretinoin)?
Retinol isn’t as strong as Retin-A. That’s because as mentioned, retinol has to be converted into retinoic acid to start working. Retin-A is retinoic acid, so it’s already in the active form. It’s about 10 times stronger than retinol when applied to the skin.
But there are other differences to consider, too. Retinol products are available without a prescription from your local drugstore or cosmetic shop. Retin-A is only available with a prescription.
Since it’s less potent than Retin-A, retinol is less likely to cause side effects, such as dry skin. So retinol products can be a gentler option if you have sensitive skin.
How do retinol and Retin-A work for acne?
Retinoids like retinol and Retin-A all treat acne in the same way. Acne forms when dead skin cells mix with oil and clog pores in your skin. Retinol and Retin-A help speed up the shedding of old skin cells and the production of new ones. This helps push out old, clogged cells and helps prevent them from building up in the future.
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Retinol vs. Retin-A: Which helps acne more?
Retin-A is an FDA-approved medication that’s considered a first-choice acne treatment, whereas retinol is an OTC cosmetic ingredient. Retin-A is generally considered more effective than retinol for acne, simply because it’s more potent.
But that doesn’t mean retinol doesn’t help treat acne. In fact, it may be a better option for those with sensitive skin who are unable to tolerate prescription-strength retinoids.
Keep in mind that it may take up to 12 weeks of applying Retin-A before you notice a difference in your skin. Since it’s less potent, retinol may take longer to work. But in one study, retinol improved acne symptoms within 12 weeks when combined with a low dose of benzoyl peroxide, another OTC acne treatment.
You may be wondering if using both Retin-A and retinol will help treat acne faster than using either one alone. But since they work the same way, using both will just make skin irritation and other side effects more likely. So it’s best to choose one or the other, unless your dermatologist tells you otherwise.
Good to Know: Retin-A and retinol are also commonly used for their anti-aging effects (although for Retin-A this is an off-label use). Unlike with acne, retinol and Retin-A seem to provide similar effects when it comes to reducing wrinkles and other signs of aging. So either one can be considered an effective option.
Does retinol help with acne scars?
It isn’t clear if OTC retinol will help with acne scars on its own. There are a few studies that looked at a combination of hydroquinone (a fading agent) and retinol for treating acne scars. This combination was shown to be effective, especially in skin of color. In another small study, a chemical peel containing 3% retinol applied by a dermatologist was also effective at reducing acne scars. But there aren’t any studies on retinol-only products available OTC.
Most clinical studies look at prescription-strength retinoids, such as Retin-A, since they’re the preferred acne treatment. And effectively treating acne is the first step to reducing acne scars. Studies show that retinoid medications, such as tazarotene (Tazorac) and adapalene (Differin), seem to improve acne scars in addition to treating acne.
If scarring from acne is a concern for you, speak to your dermatologist. There are several non-medication treatment options available, including microdermabrasion, laser treatment, and microneedling.
What’s the best way to use retinol or Retin-A products?
Talk to your dermatologist before starting any new treatment. If they OK a retinol or Retin-A treatment, follow these tips to get the most out of it:
Apply the retinoid in the evening after washing your face. Start out by applying it just once or twice a week. You can gradually work your way up to daily use as tolerated.
Use a pea-sized amount of the retinoid for your entire face. Applying more than that is likely to irritate your skin.
Apply a moisturizer every morning and evening to keep your skin hydrated. Make sure the moisturizer is labeled “non-comedogenic.” This means it’s less likely to clog your pores and worsen acne. If your skin is sensitive, you can apply moisturizer before the retinoid to minimize irritation.
Avoid getting the retinoid in your eyes. But it’s OK to apply it to the skin around your eyes.
If you use more than one medication for your acne, ask your dermatologist about the best way to combine them. It may be best to use one in the morning and one at night to minimize skin irritation.
Be sure to apply sunscreen to your face every morning, and reapply it throughout the day, especially if you go outside. Retinoids can make your skin more sensitive to the sun.
What are the side effects of retinol and Retin-A?
Retinol and Retin-A cause similar side effects. But since it’s a stronger product, side effects are more likely with Retin-A. The most common side effects are dry skin and increased sensitivity to the sun.
Keep in mind that it's common for your skin to look worse instead of better when you first start using a retinoid product. In most cases, your skin will improve if you stick with it. But if at any point it becomes cracked or painful, it’s best to talk to your dermatologist.
It’s not recommended to use topical retinoids if you’re pregnant or trying to become pregnant. Oral retinoids, such as isotretinoin (Accutane), can cause harm to the fetus. And since it isn’t clear if topical retinoids have the same risk, it’s best to err on the side of caution. Other acne medications, such as salicylic acid, are safer options during pregnancy.
How to save on Retin-A
OTC retinol products are considered cosmetics, so they aren’t covered by prescription insurance or discount cards.
But There are ways to save on Retin-A, which is available as both a brand-name and generic medication. GoodRx can help you find ways to save money on your prescription, with exclusive savings on brand-name Retin-A products.
Anyone with a valid prescription, regardless of insurance status, can use GoodRx to purchase brand-name Retin-A cream for as little as $45.91 for a 45 gram tube. GoodRx also offers exclusive savings on Retin-A gel, with prices as low as $45.91 for a 45 gram tube.
GoodRx can also help you save on the cost of generic tretinoin. You may pay as little as $53.00 for a 45 gram tube of tretinoin cream with a free discount from GoodRx.
The bottom line
Retinol and Retin-A (tretinoin) are both retinoids — forms of vitamin A — but there are some differences between them. Retinol is a common ingredient in acne and anti-aging products sold over the counter (OTC). Retin-A (tretinoin) is only available by prescription. It’s FDA approved for acne, but it’s also used off-label for anti-aging effects.
When it comes to retinol versus Retin-A for acne, Retin-A is a stronger and more effective acne treatment for most people. And it’s more likely to help with acne scars, too. Retin-A is more likely to cause side effects than retinol. But both products can cause dry, sensitive skin and increased sun sensitivity. And it’s best to avoid them during pregnancy. Start using Retin-A or retinol just twice a week at first, then slowly increase how often you apply them to minimize side effects.
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References
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Kosmoski, G., et al. (2022). A topical combination of regimen of benzoyl peroxide and retinol moisturizer for mild to moderate acne. Journal of Drugs in Dermatology.
Ludmann, P. (n.d.). Acne scars: Consultation and treatment. American Academy of Dermatology Association.
McEldrew, E. P., et al. (2023). Vitamin A. StatPearls.
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Motamedi, M., et al. (2022). A clinician’s guide to topical retinoids. Journal of Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery.
Quan, T. (2023). Human skin aging and the anti-aging properties of retinol. Biomolecules.
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Sadick, N., et al. (2019). An advanced, physician-strength retinol peel improves signs of aging and acne across a range of skin types including melasma and skin of color. Journal of Drugs in Dermatology.
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