Tretinoin (Retin-A^®) Cream vs. Gel: What’s the Difference?

Tretinoin¹ is a topical prescription medication used to treat skin conditions, including acne, signs of aging and melasma. The active ingredient, tretinoin, is a naturally occurring form of vitamin A. It supports the body’s skin cell renewal process.² Tretinoin is most widely available in topical forms like cream and gel.

If you are struggling with acne or unwanted signs of aging on the skin, tretinoin could be a topical solution for your needs.

What is tretinoin cream?

Tretinoin cream is commonly prescribed to treat signs of aging, including fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots, and rough skin. It works³ by lightening the skin and replacing old skin cells with new skin cells. Tretinoin cream helps to remove the damage by promoting and changing the way the body replaces skin cells. In multiple clinical studies, topical tretinoin was proven to be effective in reducing signs of aging, particularly from sun damage.⁴

For acne, tretinoin cream can reduce the number and severity of pimples. It also promotes faster healing of pimples that have already formed.⁵ In studies, participants saw up to 52% improvement in visible acne after 12 weeks of use.⁶

Common brand names⁷ of tretinoin cream include:

• Atralin®

• Avita®

• Refissa®

• Renova®

• Retin-A

• Tretin-X

What is tretinoin gel?

Tretinoin gel⁸ is a topical prescription medication used to treat acne and signs of aging. It works by promoting skin cell renewal. In clinical studies, participants saw up to a 45% reduction in visible acne after 12 weeks of use.⁹

Common brands¹⁰ of tretinoin gel include:

• Atralin®

• AVITA®

• Retin-A®

• Retin-A Micro®

• Tretin-X®

What’s the difference between tretinoin cream and gel?

Tretinoin cream and gel are similar products with the same active ingredient. Tretinoin cream is often prescribed for patients looking to treat acne and signs of aging. Tretinoin gel is primarily used as an acne treatment.¹¹

Tretinoin cream can have a higher percentage of medication, however, it is less irritating to the skin because it is water-based and often includes moisturizers. Tretinoin cream is available in the following strengths:

• 0.025%

• 0.05%

• 0.1%

Tretinoin gel is primarily used for the treatment of acne. It can be used for anti-aging functions as well. Though it can be more irritating to the skin initially than tretinoin cream, some users prefer alcohol-based gel because it dries quickly and can look less shiny. Tretinoin gel is available in the following strengths:

• 0.01%

• 0.025%

Recommended dosing for adult users for both acne and anti-aging is to apply the medication to the affected skin area once a day, before bed.¹² This applies to both tretinoin cream and tretinoin gel.

What are the side effects of tretinoin?

Side effects of tretinoin are generally mild and well tolerated by most users. As your body and skin adjust, side effects will likely disappear. Common side effects include:¹³

• Redness of the skin

• Burning, itching, or stinging

• Chapping or slight peeling of the skin

• Darkening or lightening of the skin color

• Unusual skin dryness or warmness

Contact your medical provider if any symptoms become severe or continue for a long time.

How RedBox Rx can help

RedBox Rx makes receiving treatment for acne, anti-aging or melasma (dark spots) easy and affordable.

Benefits of RedBox Rx include:

• Easy, affordable online doctor consultation for just $20.

• Tretinoin prescriptions starting at $20/month.

• No insurance required. FSA and HSA eligible.

• FREE shipping directly to you. One-time treatment and quarterly subscriptions available.

Get started treating your acne or signs of aging today by taking an easy online assessment.