Is Retirides Discontinued? What We Know — And Why Retin-A 0.1% Might Be the Best Alternative
Update: Retirides Tretinoin 0.1% Cream is now back in stock. You can purchase it directly here: Retirides Tretinoin 0.1% Cream.
If you've been trying to purchase Retirides 0.1% Tretinoin Cream in the UK recently, you've likely encountered some confusion. Customers reported difficulties finding it, and there was growing uncertainty about whether the product had been discontinued or was simply out of stock. This article explains what happened and what the current situation is.
What happened with Retirides?
Retirides was previously manufactured by Laboratorios Ferrer, but production appeared to have stopped. For a period, it seemed the product had been completely discontinued. Community reports subsequently suggested that Galenicum Derma, a Spanish pharmaceutical company, may have taken over production — and Retirides is now available again.
Is Retirides available in the UK now?
Yes — Retirides Tretinoin 0.1% Cream is currently back in stock and available through Skin By Science following a prescription assessment.
Does Retirides require a prescription?
Yes. Like all tretinoin products, 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.
What is Retin-A 0.1% and how does it compare?
During the period when Retirides was unavailable, Retin-A 0.1% Tretinoin Cream was the closest equivalent — the same active ingredient (tretinoin 0.1%) in a cream formulation, manufactured by Janssen-Cilag. Retin-A is a globally recognised brand with decades of clinical use for acne, pigmentation, and photoageing. It remains available and is a clinically equivalent alternative for those who prefer it.
| Factor | Retirides 0.1% | Retin-A 0.1% |
|---|---|---|
| Active ingredient | Tretinoin 0.1% | Tretinoin 0.1% |
| Manufacturer | Galenicum Derma | Janssen-Cilag |
| UK availability | Available now | Available now |
| Prescription required | Yes | Yes |
Frequently asked questions
Is Retirides the same as Retin-A?
They contain the same active ingredient — tretinoin 0.1% — in a cream formulation. They are manufactured by different companies (Galenicum Derma and Janssen-Cilag respectively) and may differ slightly in excipients, but are clinically equivalent for the same indications.
Do I need a new prescription if I previously used Retirides?
Yes. A valid prescription is required for each purchase. If your previous prescription has expired, a new medical assessment is needed. This can be completed online.
What strength of tretinoin should I use?
Retirides and Retin-A are both available at 0.1% — the highest routinely prescribed strength. This is appropriate for experienced tretinoin users with established tolerance. See our guide to tretinoin strengths for more detail.
What should I expect when starting tretinoin 0.1%?
At 0.1%, the adjustment period is typically more demanding than at lower strengths — increased peeling and redness are common in the first 8–12 weeks. See our beginner's guide to starting tretinoin for full guidance on managing the adjustment period.
