Medura Tretinoin Topical tube in premium metallic navy packaging

Product image is for illustrative purposes only. Actual medication, packaging, and labeling may vary depending on the dispensing pharmacy.

Skincare

Tretinoin Topical

Tretinoin is one of the most thoroughly studied prescription retinoids, trusted for decades to clear acne and smooth rough texture, and long-term use can soften the look of fine lines. Choose a rich cream or a lighter gel, with supply size depending on the formulation.

  • Prescription-strength options
  • Strength matched to you
  • Adjustments as you go

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New prescription customers save 10% with code MEDURA10. Enter your code during checkout after your assessment.

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Your Treatment. Everything Included.

Know what's included in your treatment, from your initial virtual consultation to prescription delivery.

  • Your Prescription MedicationYour prescribed medication is priced as listed on its treatment page, with no additional medication markup at checkout. Injectable treatments also include essential supplies at no extra cost: alcohol prep pads, gauze pads, syringes, drawing and injection needles, plus clear administration instructions.
  • Initial Virtual ConsultationYour required initial virtual consultation is included in the treatment price. Refills during its validity period are not charged that fee again.
  • Licensed Provider ReviewA licensed provider reviews your information to decide if treatment is appropriate. An assessment does not guarantee a prescription.
  • Unlimited Doctor AccessIncludes unlimited doctor access in-between subscriptions.
  • Free Expedited Prescription ShippingIncluded with eligible prescription orders, shipped in discreet, unbranded packaging.
  • Temperature-Controlled PackagingCold-pack packaging is included when your medication requires it.
  • One Transparent Price. Everything Included.The price displayed isn't just for your medication. It also covers the required initial consultation with a licensed doctor, eligible expedited shipping, supplies, and temperature-controlled packaging when needed. While each of these services carries its own cost, we've bundled them into one reasonable, upfront price.

How it works

  1. Submit your free assessment

    Step 1: Complete your medical assessment for review by a licensed medical provider. If appropriate, the provider will determine whether the treatment is right for you.

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  2. Get your plan and your order at home

    Step 2: If approved, your provider selects a formulation and strength and explains how to introduce it into your routine. Your order ships in plain, unbranded packaging.

    A sealed, plain shipping box

  3. Receive 24/7 Support and Ongoing Care

    Step 3: Access your patient portal to communicate with your care team, ask questions, and get support throughout your treatment journey.

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A woman with clear radiant skin smiling on a sunny city street

Tretinoin Topical

How Tretinoin supports clearer-looking skin

Tretinoin is a prescription topical retinoid. Medura offers it as a cream or a gel, and the base and strength are chosen during your assessment. Prescription formulations are stronger than what you find on a store shelf, so the right choice depends on your skin type, history, and goals. A licensed provider helps you pick.

  • Prescription-strength options

    Tretinoin cream and gel, plus compounded creams like Cashmere Cream and GHK-Cu Cream, are available through our pharmacy network.

  • Strength matched to you

    Your provider selects a formulation and strength and explains how to introduce it into your routine at a comfortable pace.

  • Adjustments as you go

    Skin changes over time. Your provider is available to adjust your plan as your skin responds.

  • Provider-guided from start to finish

    A licensed provider reviews your health history, checks for contraindications, sets an appropriate starting plan, and monitors your progress over time.

  • How to use it

    Clear application instructions for your specific formulation arrive with your first order.

Start my free assessment
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Real Medical Professionals. Personalized Care. Transparent Pricing.

Your health deserves more than a one-size-fits-all approach.

Medura connects you with licensed medical professionals who take the time to review your health history, evaluate your individual needs, and determine which treatments may be right for you.

We believe quality healthcare should come with professional oversight, personalized attention, and honest, transparent medication pricing.

No unnecessary medication markups. No confusing treatment pricing. Just a more straightforward approach to getting the care you deserve.

  • Licensed Medical Professionals

    Your treatment is evaluated by qualified, licensed providers.

  • Personalized Medical Evaluations

    Recommendations are based on your individual health needs.

  • Provider-Approved Prescriptions

    Medication is prescribed only when clinically appropriate.

  • Transparent Medication Pricing

    Know the medication price before moving forward.

Start My Free Assessment

Connect with a licensed medical professional and discover whether treatment is right for you. Prescriptions require a medical evaluation and provider approval.

Quality and ingredient standards

Made in the U.S.A.

Some treatments are compounded by licensed U.S. pharmacies in facilities registered with the FDA. Registration does not mean a compounded medication is an FDA-approved finished medication.

  • USP <797>

    Sterile compounding standards.

    Documented handling.

    Every batch released to spec.

  • ISO Class 7

    Cleanroom-grade air.

    Filtered environments.

    Tighter contamination control.

Clean ingredients, careful delivery

  • No heavy metals
  • No added dyes
  • Licensed U.S. pharmacies
  • Provider-prescribed
  • Cold-chain protection
  • Plain, unbranded packaging
  • Serves all 50 states
  • HSA and FSA eligible

Medication guide

What to know about Tretinoin Topical

General education to help you prepare for a conversation with a licensed provider. It is not a prescription or personal medical advice.

Generic name
Tretinoin
Brand names
Retin-A, Renova, Atralin
Drug class
Topical retinoid
Form
Cream applied to the skin
Regulatory status
FDA-approved medication
FDA-approved use
Renova 0.02%: adjunctive treatment of fine wrinkles, mottled hyperpigmentation and roughness from photodamage.

Tretinoin cream 0.02% (Renova) is FDA-approved as an addition to sun protection for fine wrinkles, mottled pigmentation and roughness from sun damage.

Overview

Tretinoin speeds skin cell turnover and supports collagen, gradually improving fine lines, uneven tone and texture.

Who may be evaluated for it

  • Adults with sun-related fine lines, rough texture or uneven pigmentation.
  • People with acne (other strengths are approved for acne).

Who may not be a good fit

  • People who are pregnant or trying to conceive (discuss first).
  • People with eczema, sunburn or broken skin in the treatment area.
  • People unable to use daily sun protection.

How it works

Tretinoin is a form of vitamin A. It binds retinoic acid receptors in skin cells, which speeds cell turnover, unclogs pores and stimulates new collagen.

Potential benefits and realistic timelines

What the evidence supports

  • Improves fine wrinkles, roughness and mottled pigmentation from sun damage with regular use.
  • Clears acne (approved strengths for acne).

Not established

  • Treatment of deep wrinkles or sagging.
  • Permanent results without continued use.
  1. Weeks 2 to 6Dryness, peeling and redness (“retinization”) are common and usually settle.
  2. 3 to 6 monthsImprovements in texture and fine lines are usually assessed.
  3. OngoingBenefits continue only with continued use.

Results vary from person to person. Your provider decides whether and how long to continue.

How it’s used

  • Apply a pea-sized amount to clean, dry skin once daily at night.
  • Avoid eyes, nostrils and mouth corners.
  • Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen SPF 30+ every day; tretinoin increases sun sensitivity.
  • Start every other night if irritation occurs.

If you miss a dose

Skip it and apply at the next usual time. Do not apply extra.

Storage and handling

Room temperature; keep the tube closed.

Your prescription label and provider instructions always take priority over this general information. Do not change your dose or stop without talking to your provider.

Side effects and safety

More common, usually manageable

  • Dryness, peeling and flaking
  • Redness and stinging
  • Sun sensitivity
  • Temporary acne flare

Less common but serious

  • Severe irritation, swelling or blistering

Get medical help right away

  • Swelling of the face or trouble breathing (allergic reaction)

Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room for chest pain, trouble breathing, swelling of the face or throat, fainting, or signs of a stroke (sudden weakness, numbness, trouble speaking or seeing).

Pregnancy, breastfeeding and fertility

Not recommended during pregnancy. Oral retinoids cause birth defects; topical absorption is low, but most providers advise stopping. Tell your provider if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Interactions and combinations

Known interactions

  • Benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, alpha hydroxy acids and other exfoliants increase irritation.
  • Products with alcohol, astringents or spices can sting.
  • Other medicines that increase sun sensitivity (some antibiotics, diuretics) add to sunburn risk.

Related treatments and options

Listed for education, not as a recommendation to combine. Any combination needs your provider’s approval.

  • Daily sunscreen and moisturizerSupported by evidence

    Recommended alongside.

  • Cashmere CreamAvoid

    Already contains tretinoin.

  • Exfoliating acidsUse with caution

    Increase irritation.

Monitoring and follow-up

  • Skin review after 6 to 12 weeks to adjust frequency or strength.
  • Daily sun protection is part of treatment.

Lab tests and follow-up visits are not included in the medication price unless your plan says so. Your provider will tell you what is needed.

Alternatives to discuss

  • Tretinoin Gel 0.01%

    Gel base, approved for acne; may suit oily skin.

  • Adapalene (OTC)

    A retinoid available without prescription for acne.

  • GHK-Cu Cream

    Compounded peptide cream; evidence is limited.

Potency TestTested
Sterility TestTested
Endotoxin TestTested
pH TestTested

Lab tested medications for quality and potency.

Every medication ships from a licensed U.S. pharmacy in our network, delivered straight to your door.

  • Third party quality control testing

  • Compounded in U.S. pharmacies

Dosage, Schedule & Supply

Dosage
Cream 0.02% or gel 0.01%.
Schedule
Determined by your prescribing provider.
Supply
Available in different supply quantities.
Estimated Supply Duration
Varies based on the amount applied and how often it is used.

Supply duration is an estimate based on the prescribed treatment plan. Actual duration may vary depending on dosage, frequency of use, and medication expiration.

Treatment information is for educational purposes. Your licensed healthcare provider will determine the appropriate dosage and schedule. Always follow your prescription instructions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my skin peeling?

Peeling and dryness are common in the first weeks. Use a gentle moisturizer and apply every other night until it settles.

Do I need sunscreen?

Yes, every day. Tretinoin makes skin more sensitive to the sun.

Can I use it while pregnant?

It is generally not recommended. Talk to your provider.

Do I need a prescription?

Yes, for tretinoin and compounded formulations. After your free consultation, a licensed provider reviews your skin history to decide what’s appropriate for you.

How is it shipped?

Your treatment arrives in plain, unbranded packaging with no pharmacy name on the outside.

Can I use my HSA or FSA?

Yes. Medura accepts HSA and FSA cards at checkout, and we can provide documentation for reimbursement if you need it.

What happens after I request treatment through Medura?

You complete an online assessment about your health history, current medications and goals. A licensed provider reviews it and decides whether a prescription is appropriate. Completing the assessment does not guarantee a prescription. If one is written, a licensed pharmacy prepares and ships it, and your provider can adjust or stop treatment as needed. If lab work is needed, your provider will tell you; it may be ordered and billed separately.

What to expect and possible side effects

  1. 1

    Start with a consultation

    A licensed provider reviews your intake, skin history, and goals to determine whether a prescription formulation is appropriate.

  2. 2

    A routine built for your skin

    If approved, your provider selects a formulation and strength and explains how to introduce it into your routine.

  3. 3

    Follow-up as needed

    Your provider is available to adjust your plan as your skin responds.

Questions to ask your provider

  1. 1.Which strength and base are right for my skin?
  2. 2.How often should I start applying it?
  3. 3.Can I keep using my current skincare?
  4. 4.What should I do about irritation?

References

Sources last checked October 17, 2026. This page is for general education and does not replace advice from a licensed provider. Treatment requires a clinical evaluation, and a prescription is written only if a provider decides it is appropriate. Individual results vary.

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This is a customer support session on Google Meet, not a medical consultation. You will not receive medical care, medical advice, or treatment recommendations, and you will not be speaking with a licensed physician. All medical evaluations and treatment decisions are handled separately by licensed healthcare providers.

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Educational only. Not medical advice.