Tretinoin (prescription)

Tretinoin is a prescription retinoid, retinoic acid itself, that acts directly on skin retinoid receptors. It is used medically for acne, where it normalises cell shedding inside pores, and for sun-related skin ageing. Irritation is common early on, it is avoided in pregnancy, and in Singapore it is supplied only through a doctor.

Key Facts

What it is: A prescription retinoid that acts directly on skin retinoid receptors, used medically for acne and for sun-related skin ageing.
Also called: All-trans retinoic acid; vitamin A acid
Pairs with: Sunscreen, gentle cleanser, ceramide moisturiser; combinations with benzoyl peroxide or antibiotics are decided by a doctor
Who should take care: Tretinoin should not be used during pregnancy or when trying to conceive, and a doctor should advise on breastfeeding.
In Singapore: Tretinoin is a prescription-only medicine in Singapore and is supplied through a doctor.

What is tretinoin and what does it do?

Tretinoin is retinoic acid itself, so it does not need conversion in the skin. It binds retinoic acid receptors and changes how skin cells grow and mature. In acne, it normalises the shedding of cells lining the pore, which reduces blocked follicles and comedones and helps other acne treatments penetrate. In photoaged skin, it increases collagen production, compacts the outer skin layer and gradually evens pigmentation. Effects build over months. Because it is potent, an adjustment phase of dryness, peeling and redness, sometimes called retinisation, is common. This entry is educational; strength, frequency and duration are decided by a doctor. [1]

Three small glass ampoules of clear and pale-blue solution standing on white marble

“Retinoic acid is not permitted as an ingredient in cosmetic products, so skincare sold as cosmetics should not contain it.”
Dr Sin YongOn tretinoin and cosmetics

What does the evidence show?

Tretinoin has been studied extensively in dermatology over several decades. A systematic review of randomised controlled trials supports its use for photoaging, with improvement in fine wrinkles, roughness and pigmentation over months, and acne guidelines recommend topical retinoids as a core treatment. Evidence is strongest for photoaging and comedonal and inflammatory acne. Irritation is the main reason people stop, and benefits fade gradually if treatment ends.

Who should avoid tretinoin?

Tretinoin should not be used during pregnancy or when trying to conceive, and a doctor should advise on breastfeeding. Caution is needed with eczema, rosacea, sunburn, broken skin and within days of waxing, peels or laser. It increases sun sensitivity. It should only be used as prescribed, with a doctor reviewing tolerance and progress.

Is tretinoin available in Singapore?

Tretinoin is a prescription-only medicine in Singapore and is supplied through a doctor. Retinoic acid is not permitted as an ingredient in cosmetic products, so skincare sold as cosmetics should not contain it. The Health Sciences Authority has warned about unregistered products found to contain tretinoin; buy only from legitimate sources.

If a dark patch, breakout or irritation is not responding to what you are using, the next step is a diagnosis rather than another product. See the Skin A–Z library for related ingredients.

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Questions Patients Actually Ask

What is Tretinoin used for?+

A prescription retinoid that acts directly on skin retinoid receptors, used medically for acne and for sun-related skin ageing.

Who should avoid Tretinoin?+

Can Tretinoin be combined with other skincare?+

It is commonly paired with Sunscreen, gentle cleanser, ceramide moisturiser; combinations with benzoyl peroxide or antibiotics are decided by a doctor; introduce one new active at a time and stop if irritation develops.

What should I expect when I first start tretinoin?+

Irritation is common early on, such as dryness, redness, peeling and stinging, as the skin adjusts. A doctor sets how it is applied and how often, and daily sunscreen is advised. Persistent or severe irritation should be reviewed by a doctor rather than endured.

Can I buy tretinoin without a prescription in Singapore?+

No. Tretinoin is a prescription-only medicine in Singapore and is supplied through a doctor. Over-the-counter products labelled retinol are cosmetic ingredients that the skin must convert first, so they are a different product. It should not be used in pregnancy or when trying to conceive.

Medically reviewed by Dr Sin Yong, MBBS (NUS), MRCS (Edinburgh) · Last updated 7 October 2026 · Editorial policy

Availability in Singapore

Tretinoin is a prescription-only medicine in Singapore. It is listed on Annex II of the ASEAN Cosmetic Directive, so cosmetics may not contain it, and the HSA describes it as a potent ingredient used in prescription medicines under medical supervision. Registered tretinoin creams and gels are obtained only through a doctor, and HSA alerts regularly list imported creams found to contain it undeclared. A doctor assesses acne, photo-ageing or pigmentation, rules out pregnancy, and sets the strength and frequency, because irritation and sun sensitivity are expected effects. Source.