Good News: Retirides Tretinoin 0.1% Cream is Back in Stock
Retirides Tretinoin 0.1% Cream is now back in stock and available to purchase following a prescription assessment. After a period of limited availability, the product has returned to the UK market under new manufacturing by Galenicum Derma.
What is Retirides?
Retirides contains tretinoin 0.1% — the highest routinely prescribed concentration of prescription tretinoin — in a cream formulation. Tretinoin (all-trans retinoic acid) is already in its active form, unlike over-the-counter retinol which requires two conversion steps before becoming active. This makes it significantly more potent and faster-acting.
Its primary mechanisms include accelerating epidermal cell turnover, stimulating collagen synthesis, normalising follicular keratinisation, and inhibiting melanogenesis — underpinning its clinical use across acne, photoageing, hyperpigmentation, and melasma.
Who is Retirides 0.1% suited to?
- Experienced tretinoin users with established tolerance seeking high-strength treatment
- Those with persistent or moderate to severe acne not responding to lower strengths
- Those with significant photoageing, sun damage, or stubborn hyperpigmentation
- Users who prefer a cream formulation — cream vehicles are generally better tolerated than gels for normal to dry skin types
Tretinoin 0.1% is not appropriate as a starting strength for those new to prescription retinoids. See our guide to tretinoin strengths for a full comparison.
Prescription requirement
Retirides is a prescription-only medicine in the UK. A medical assessment is required before purchase. At Skin By Science, this is completed online and reviewed by a qualified healthcare professional before dispatch.
How to use Retirides safely
- Cleanse with a gentle, non-active cleanser and pat skin completely dry
- Wait 20–30 minutes — skin must be completely dry before application
- Apply a pea-sized amount to the entire face, avoiding the eye area and lips
- Apply moisturiser after tretinoin has absorbed
- Apply broad-spectrum SPF 50 every morning without exception
If you are new to 0.1% or returning after a break, begin at 2–3 nights per week and build up gradually. For full guidance on starting tretinoin, see our beginner's guide to starting tretinoin.
Frequently asked questions
Is Retirides the same as Retin-A?
Both contain tretinoin 0.1% in a cream formulation and are clinically equivalent. They are manufactured by different companies — Retirides by Galenicum Derma, Retin-A by Janssen-Cilag — and may differ slightly in excipients.
How long does it take to see results?
Improvements in skin texture and tone typically become noticeable within 6–8 weeks. Significant results for acne, pigmentation, and fine lines usually require 3–6 months of consistent use. Full benefits accumulate over 12+ months.
What is the tretinoin purge and will I experience it?
The purge is a temporary increase in breakouts caused by accelerated cell turnover bringing existing congestion to the surface faster. It is more common in those with acne-prone or congested skin and typically resolves within 6–12 weeks. See our article on the tretinoin purge for more detail.
Can I use Retirides during pregnancy?
No. Tretinoin is contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Stop immediately if you become pregnant and contact your healthcare provider.
