Tretinoin vs. Retin-A: Is There A Difference Between These Medications?

Retin-A is a topical medication that treats acne. Tretinoin is the generic version of Retin-A. But tretinoin is also the active ingredient in other topical medications. And it’s approved for different uses under different brand names. Here are five things to consider when looking at tretinoin versus Retin-A.

1. Tretinoin is the active ingredient in Retin-A

Retin-A is a brand-name medication, and its generic form is called tretinoin. Both contain the same active ingredient: tretinoin. As with most medications, the generic product name is the same as the active ingredient.

Retin-A and generic tretinoin are both approved to treat acne. They’re both available in the following formulations:

• 0.025% cream

• 0.05% cream

• 0.1% cream

• 0.01% gel

• 0.025% gel

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Cream-based products are generally more moisturizing than gels. But gels are often preferred for oily skin, as they have more of a drying effect on the skin.

2. Tretinoin and Retin-A are similarly effective for treating acne

Before generic medications are approved, the FDA reviews them carefully to ensure they are equally safe and work just as well as the brand-name medication they’re based on. 

Since tretinoin is an approved generic for Retin-A, both medications are considered equally effective for treating acne. They typically start working within 2 weeks, and you’ll see the full benefit of the medication after about 12 weeks (3 months).

Keep in mind that generic medications may have different inactive ingredients than their brand-name counterparts. This can cause differences in how the generic smells, looks, or feels on your skin. But it won’t change how the medication works. Still, some people may have a preference for one over the other.

3. Other acne medications contain tretinoin

Tretinoin is the active ingredient in Retin-A. But Retin-A isn’t the only acne medication that contains tretinoin.

Examples of other brand-name acne medications that contain tretinoin include:

• Altreno 0.05% lotion

• Atralin 0.05% gel

• Retin-A Micro gel 0.04%, 0.06%, 0.08%, and 0.1%

These medications contain the same acne-fighting ingredient as Retin-A. But they vary in their potency and dosage forms. For example, Retin-A Micro was designed to be gentler on the skin and better tolerated than Retin-A.

Atralin and Retin-A Micro are both available as generic tretinoin products. Altreno is only available as a brand-name medication.

4. Other tretinoin medications are approved to reduce wrinkles and may help fade skin spots

As mentioned, Retin-A is only FDA-approved to treat acne. But you’ve probably also noticed tretinoin being used as an anti-aging product. We’ve known for a while that tretinoin can help improve fine wrinkles, skin texture, and discoloration caused by photoaging. 

Tretinoin belongs to a group of medications called retinoids. Retinoids work to improve the appearance of aging skin in several ways. They promote the growth of skin cells, make the top layer of skin stronger, and prevent the breakdown of collagen (a natural protein that makes skin firm and gives it elasticity). Retinoids also help the skin hold moisture and stop certain enzymes from damaging the skin.

Because of its anti-aging effects, some tretinoin products are FDA-approved for this use instead of for acne. Renova (tretinoin emollient 0.02%) is a brand-name tretinoin cream that’s approved to reduce fine wrinkles when used along with a good skin care routine and sun protection.

That being said, all forms of tretinoin are often used off-label to treat the effects of photoaging. But it’s important to keep in mind that studies suggest lower doses of tretinoin may be effective against signs of aging with fewer side effects than higher tretinoin doses used for acne. Your dermatologist can help determine which type of topical tretinoin product is best for your needs.

5. There are ways to save on Retin-A and tretinoin

There are ways to save on Retin-A, which is available as both a brand-name and generic medication.

• Save with GoodRx. GoodRx may help you save up to 85% off the average retail price of tretinoin. You can pay as little as$41.53 per tube of brand-name Retin-A with a free GoodRx discount. Generic tretinoin cream’s cost may be as low as $[tretinoin low price] per tube with GoodRx.

• Save with patient assistance programs. If you’re uninsured or underinsured, you may be eligible for Retin-A’s patient assistance program, which offers the medication free of charge.

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Written by:

Patricia Weiser, PharmD

Patricia has 16 years of pharmacist experience. She previously held positions as a community pharmacist, pharmacy manager, and hospital pharmacist.

Edited by:

Stacia Woodcock, PharmD

Stacia Woodcock, PharmD, is a pharmacy editor for GoodRx. She earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Kentucky and is licensed in New York and Massachusetts.

Reviewed by:

Tegan Smedley, PharmD, APh

Tegan Smedley, PharmD, APh, has 10 years of experience as a pharmacist. She has worked in a variety of settings, including retail, hospital, and ambulatory care.

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