Tretinoin Product Information: Creams, Gels and Strengths

Prescription Only Medicine — Consultation Required

Tretinoin is a topical prescription retinoid related to vitamin A. This product information index covers tretinoin creams and gels containing 0.025%, 0.05% and 0.1% tretinoin, including formulations from Ketrel, Obagi, Retirides and Retin-A.

The percentage identifies the concentration of tretinoin in the formulation. Products with the same concentration can still differ in their cream or gel base, inactive ingredients, texture and application characteristics.

What is topical tretinoin?

Tretinoin, also known as all-trans retinoic acid, is a topical retinoid that acts through retinoic acid receptors in the skin. It influences skin-cell differentiation and turnover and helps prevent dead skin cells from accumulating within hair follicles.

Topical tretinoin is prescribed for acne and may also be used under medical supervision in treatment plans addressing photoageing, fine lines, rough skin texture, uneven tone and certain pigmentation concerns. The appropriate indication, concentration and formulation depend on individual clinical assessment.

Tretinoin product information by strength and formulation

The entries below identify the brand, concentration and formulation of each tretinoin product represented in this information index. Inclusion does not indicate recommendation, preference, suitability or equivalence between products.

Tretinoin 0.025% cream

A concentration of 0.025% is equivalent to 0.25 mg of tretinoin per gram of product where the concentration is expressed as weight per weight.

Tretinoin 0.05% cream

A concentration of 0.05% is equivalent to 0.5 mg of tretinoin per gram of product where the concentration is expressed as weight per weight.

Tretinoin 0.05% gel

Tretinoin gel uses a different vehicle from a cream formulation. Although the active concentration may be the same, the texture, inactive ingredients and application characteristics can differ.

Tretinoin 0.1% cream

A concentration of 0.1% is equivalent to 1 mg of tretinoin per gram of product where the concentration is expressed as weight per weight.

Tretinoin 0.025%, 0.05% and 0.1%

The percentages 0.025%, 0.05% and 0.1% describe progressively higher concentrations of the same active ingredient. A higher concentration is not automatically the most appropriate formulation for an individual. Tolerability, previous retinoid use, skin characteristics, treatment indication and the other products used in a routine can all be relevant.

For a more detailed explanation, see our factual guide to tretinoin 0.025%, 0.05% and 0.1% strengths.

Tretinoin cream and tretinoin gel

Cream and gel formulations can contain the same tretinoin concentration but use different delivery vehicles and inactive ingredients. This affects characteristics such as texture, spreadability, absorption and drying potential. A 0.05% cream and a 0.05% gel should therefore not be treated as identical formulations simply because the active concentration is the same.

Ketrel, Obagi, Retirides and Retin-A

Ketrel, Obagi Tretinoin, Retirides and Retin-A are product or brand names associated with topical tretinoin formulations. Products at an equivalent percentage contain the same named active ingredient and concentration, but their formulation bases, inactive ingredients, packaging and product characteristics may differ.

Brand name alone does not determine which product, concentration or formulation is clinically appropriate.

Tretinoin and retinol

Tretinoin and retinol belong to the wider retinoid family, but they are not the same ingredient. Tretinoin is retinoic acid and acts directly at retinoic acid receptors. Retinol is a cosmetic skincare ingredient that must undergo conversion within the skin before forming retinoic acid. Tretinoin is a prescription-only medicine in the United Kingdom, whereas cosmetic retinol products are available without a prescription.

Features of topical tretinoin

  • Available in different concentrations and formulation vehicles.
  • Commonly supplied as a topical cream or gel.
  • Normally used in accordance with individual prescribing directions.
  • Can cause dryness, redness, peeling, stinging or irritation, particularly during an initial adjustment period.
  • Requires appropriate daily sun protection because topical retinoids can increase sensitivity to ultraviolet exposure.
  • Is not suitable during pregnancy.

Frequently asked questions

Is tretinoin available in the UK?

Topical tretinoin is a prescription-only medicine in the United Kingdom. It requires a consultation and can only be prescribed where a clinician determines that treatment is appropriate.

Is 0.1% tretinoin stronger than 0.05%?

Yes. A 0.1% formulation contains twice the concentration of tretinoin found in a 0.05% formulation. This does not mean that it is automatically more suitable for an individual or that concentration should be selected without clinical assessment.

Is tretinoin gel stronger than tretinoin cream?

A gel is not necessarily a higher strength than a cream. Strength is determined by the stated percentage of tretinoin. Cream and gel products at the same percentage contain the same concentration of active ingredient but use different formulation vehicles.

Are Ketrel, Obagi Tretinoin, Retirides and Retin-A the same?

They contain the same active ingredient, tretinoin, when comparing products bearing that ingredient name. However, concentration, formulation vehicle, inactive ingredients and other product characteristics can differ between brands and individual products.

Can tretinoin strength or formulation be changed?

Any change of strength, formulation or product should be discussed with the prescribing clinician. Products with different concentrations or formulation vehicles should not be treated as directly interchangeable without clinical guidance.

Why does tretinoin require a consultation?

A consultation allows a clinician to assess the proposed indication, medical history, current skincare routine, contraindications and the suitability of a particular strength and formulation.

Clinical information sources

Information about the independent medical professionals who contribute to Skin By Science educational resources is available on our Clinical Contributors page.

Last updated: 6 September 2026