Yes, tretinoin isn’t cheap—but that price reflects safety, regulation, and real results.

💊 1. Tretinoin Is a Regulated Prescription Medicine

In the UK, tretinoin is not an over‑the‑counter skincare product—it’s a prescription-only medication, produced and distributed under strict regulatory oversight. Only registered suppliers and qualified prescribers may legally handle it.

Because of this, every tube you purchase from Skin By Science:

• Comes via MHRA-authorised importers or UK-licensed pharmacies

• Is prescribed only after a medical consultation

• Meets stringent quality, storage, and dosage standards

That regulated supply chain means legitimate tretinoin commands a fair price—but ensures authenticity and patient safety.

⚠️ 2. Why “Cheap” Online Tretinoin Is Often Fake—and Dangerous

When people find tretinoin for a suspiciously low price—especially via Instagram, TikTok, unverified websites—they’re often buying fake or mislabeled products. The impact can range from useless to dangerous.

• Pfizer UK warns that fake prescription medicines pose “serious health risks” and urges consumers to stick to pharmacies registered with the GPhC or MHRA 

• A UK Anti‑Counterfeiting Group report found cheap beauty products sometimes contain toxins like cyanide, lead, or even animal urine.

Counterfeit medication:

• May contain no active ingredient

• Could include incorrect doses—closer to toxins than therapy

• Carries unknown contaminants or unsafe compounds

So yes—it might look like a bargain, but the real cost is your health.

💡 3. Real Tretinoin Is a Long‑Lasting, Value‑Packed Treatment

While a legitimate tube of tretinoin costs more upfront, it lasts significantly longer than competitors:

• You only need a pea-sized amount per use

• Used 2–3 times a week (as often prescribed by Skin By Science), each tube can last 2–3 months

• That makes your cost-per-use very reasonable, especially when factoring in skin health and doctor monitoring

✅ 4. Choose Safety Over Savings

With Skin By Science, you’re assured of:

• Authentic, prescription‑grade tretinoin—verified by a licensed NHS prescriber

• Secure medical pathway: complete our online consultation and we review your skin history before prescribing

• UK‑only supply chain—every tube stored and handled under proper conditions

No questionable “super‑cheap” deals, no guesswork, no risk—just real products, delivered safely.

✅ 5. Final Takeaway