Tretinoin cream is a topical medication used for the treatment of acne vulgaris. It is a synthetic version of vitamin A and is stronger than retinol. Tretinoin is available only with a prescription and is not as well tolerated by sensitive skin. The cream contains the active ingredient tretinoin in a water-in-oil emulsion formulation, along with various other ingredients.
Ingredients and Materials:
- Active ingredient: Tretinoin (all-trans-retinoic acid)
- Cream base: Butylated hydroxytoluene, citric acid monohydrate, dimethicone 50 cs, edetate disodium, fragrance, hydroxyoctacosanyl hydroxystearate, light mineral oil, methoxy PEG-22/dodecyl glycol copolymer, methylparaben, PEG-45/dodecyl glycol copolymer, purified water, quaternium-15, stearoxytrimethylsilane, and stearyl alcohol, and sorbitol solution
- Other ingredients: Stearic acid, isopropyl myristate, polyoxyl 40 stearate, stearyl alcohol, xanthan gum, sorbic acid, butylated hydroxytoluene, and purified water
Positive Effects:
- Reducing inflammation associated with acne
- Preventing follicular plugging
- Exfoliating the skin
Negative Effects:
- Tretinoin may cause skin irritations, such as dryness, peeling, burning, and stinging
- The cream may not be well tolerated by sensitive skin
Other Ingredients to Layer with Tretinoin:
- Niacinamide: A clinical study has shown that a cream with niacinamide enhances skin barrier function before the application of 0.025% tretinoin and significantly reduces skin irritation
- Hydrators like hyaluronic acid and glycerin can help reduce dryness when used with tretinoin
