Retinoid
Tretinoin
Pale yellow cream with a faintly waxy texture
Typical Strength
0.01%–0.1%
Formulations
7 compounds
Formula
C₂₀H₂₈O₂
Mol. Weight
300.44 g/mol
How It Works
Mechanism of action
Binds RAR/RXR nuclear receptors to accelerate epidermal turnover, stimulate collagen synthesis, and normalize desquamation. Reduces cohesion of follicular corneocytes in acne.
Did you know?
Tretinoin was the first retinoid approved by the FDA (1971) and remains widely used for photoaging nearly 55 years later.
What compounding can change
When Tretinoin is compounded for one patient, your prescriber can choose the concentration, combine it with other ingredients, and pick the base. Commercial products come in fixed strengths and bases.
Safety Considerations
Available In
Formulations with Tretinoin
Tretinoin / Niacinamide / Hyaluronic Acid Cream
Retinoid program with barrier-friendly add-ons (niacinamide/HA).
Tretinoin / Azelaic Acid / Niacinamide Cream
Tiered-strength all-in-one renewal cream pairing retinoid turnover with azelaic tone correction.
Hydroquinone / Tretinoin / Niacinamide Cream
Clinician-cycled HQ program for stubborn melasma and PIH.
Hydroquinone / Tretinoin / Azelaic Acid / Hydrocortisone Cream
Kligman's triple with azelaic acid added, for prescribers who want a fourth pathway during the hydroquinone cycle.
Benzoyl Peroxide / Clindamycin / Tretinoin / Niacinamide Gel
Acne combination with a customizable, clinician-directed intensity.
Tretinoin / Clindamycin / Azelaic Acid / Niacinamide Cream
The retinoid-antibiotic-azelaic acne combination without benzoyl peroxide, for patients who cannot tolerate bleaching or dryness.
Dutasteride / Minoxidil / Tretinoin Scalp Solution
Dual 5-AR inhibition (dutasteride + minoxidil) for advanced hair protocols, compounded per prescriber's plan.
Commonly paired with
These ingredients frequently appear alongside Tretinoin in our formulations.
Please note: Compounded medications require a prescription from a licensed prescriber for an individual patient. Compounded medications are not FDA-approved. The FDA does not review them for safety, effectiveness or quality. A compounded medication is not the same as, or a generic version of, any FDA-approved drug. This page is general information, not medical advice. Your prescriber decides whether a treatment is right for you and sets the final ingredients, strength and dosage form.