Top Tretinoin Brands: The Ultimate Guide to Radiant Skin

Tretinoin, a derivative of vitamin A, has become a staple in skincare for its impressive abilities to treat acne and combat signs of aging. With so many brands available on the market, finding the best one can be a daunting task. From well-established pharmaceutical companies to niche dermatological brands, each product offers unique formulations and concentrations. To navigate this myriad of options and find the right tretinoin formulation for your skincare needs, look below for a comprehensive list of the best brands available.

Illustration of tretinoin

Best brands of tretinoin in 2025

Retin-A

Retin-A, a brand name for tretinoin, is one of the most effective and widely used treatments for acne and skin aging, containing pure retinoic acid that is 20 times more potent than retinol. It is available in various strengths, including 0.025%, 0.05%, and 0.1%, and is particularly popular in North America and Europe due to its efficacy in treating acne vulgaris and other skin conditions. The demand for Retin-A is expected to drive the global tretinoin market, which is projected to grow at a CAGR of 10.1% from 2024 to 2031. Retin-A's bioactive form ensures faster results, with visible changes often seen within four to six weeks of regular use. Its widespread use is supported by FDA approvals and the high prevalence of acne in regions like the U.S., where over 50 million Americans are affected by acne conditions annually. For a comprehensive analysis, visit the global tretinoin market report.

Altreno

Altreno, a brand from Bausch Health US, LLC, is a leading producer of tretinoin, particularly notable for its innovative lotion formulation that contains 0.05% tretinoin, approved by the FDA in August 2018 for the topical treatment of acne vulgaris in patients 9 years and older. This product stands out due to its micronized tretinoin, which enhances absorption and reduces irritation compared to traditional tretinoin formulations like Retin-A. Altreno also includes additional beneficial ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, fish collagen, and glycerin, which enhance skin hydration, elasticity, and overall texture. The lotion is applied once daily to affected areas, making it a convenient and effective treatment option. Altreno's unique formulation has made it a significant player in the tretinoin market, which is projected to grow at a CAGR of 10.1% from 2024 to 2031. For more detailed information, visit the Altreno product page.

Refissa

Refissa, a brand of tretinoin cream, is a highly effective treatment for fine wrinkles, mottled hyperpigmentation, and rough skin texture, with clinical studies showing that up to 38% of patients experience moderate improvement after using the product. It is available in a 0.05% emollient cream formulation and should be used under medical supervision as part of a comprehensive skin care and sun avoidance program. Refissa has demonstrated significant benefits in the first 24 weeks of therapy, with most improvement noted during this period. The product is contraindicated for pregnant women and those with certain skin conditions or sensitivity to sunlight. Refissa is part of a growing tretinoin market, projected to reach USD 7.5 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 10.1% from 2024-2031.

Renova

Renova, a brand of tretinoin emollient cream, stands as a leading product in the skincare market, particularly effective in mitigating fine wrinkles, mottled hyperpigmentation, and tactile roughness of facial skin. Available in a 0.05% concentration, it is designed to be part of a comprehensive skin care and sunlight avoidance regimen. The transformative effects of Renova are typically noticeable within the first 24 weeks of therapy, with most significant improvements observed during this period. Offered in various tube sizes, this product must be stored at specific temperatures to maintain its efficacy. As a product of the Ortho Dermatological Division, which is part of Ortho-McNeil Pharmaceutical Corporation, Renova ensures quality and reliability. For more detailed information about Renova, please visit the Renova product page.

Tretin-X

Tretin-X, a product from Triax Pharmaceuticals, has been proven to be clinically bioequivalent to Retin-A in the treatment of mild-to-severe acne vulgaris through four double-blind, parallel-group studies involving 1642 patients. These studies demonstrated that Tretin-X and Retin-A were equally effective in reducing acne severity and the number of inflammatory lesions over an 84-day period. Both formulations were well tolerated, with similar adverse event profiles to the placebo. The bioequivalence of Tretin-X to Retin-A underscores its efficacy and safety as a topical tretinoin treatment. This equivalence was consistent across different concentrations, including 0.1% cream, 0.025% cream, 0.025% gel, and 0.01% gel. For more information, visit the Tretin-X product page.

A-Ret

A-Ret, a brand of tretinoin, is highly regarded for its efficacy in treating acne, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation. It is available in various strengths, including 0.01%, 0.025%, 0.05%, and 0.1%, catering to different skin types and conditions. Manufactured by reputable pharmaceutical companies, A-Ret products are rigorously tested for stability, efficacy, and safety, ensuring consistent performance across different batches and users. The 0.025% and 0.05% formulations are particularly popular, with the 0.05% cream being widely used for its balanced efficacy and tolerability. A-Ret products are prescribed by dermatologists for their potent and fast-acting properties, making them a preferred choice for severe acne and signs of aging. For more detailed information, you can visit their official product page.

Ziana

Ziana Gel, produced by Medicis, is a highly effective topical treatment for acne vulgaris, combining 1.2% clindamycin phosphate and 0.025% tretinoin. Approved by the FDA on November 7, 2006, Ziana Gel has demonstrated significant efficacy in clinical trials, with 21% of patients achieving "success" (cleared or almost cleared) at 12 weeks, and a 41% reduction in total lesion count from baseline. It is available in 30 gram and 60 gram tubes and has been shown to simplify the treatment regimen for acne patients. The product has been well-received in the market, with notable sales figures, particularly in the US. Generic versions of Ziana Gel have also been approved, ensuring broader accessibility. For detailed information, you can visit the Ziana Gel drug profile.

Avita

Avita, a renowned brand, is a leading producer of tretinoin products, particularly known for its topical formulations. Approved by the FDA in 1997 for the cream and 1998 for the gel, Avita tretinoin products are available in a 0.025% strength, effective in treating acne vulgaris by decreasing cohesiveness of follicular epithelial cells and stimulating mitotic activity. The product is manufactured by Mylan Pharmaceuticals Inc. and other companies like Padagis US and Taro, ensuring widespread availability. Avita gel has been shown to be more effective than vehicle in clinical trials, with significant reductions in lesion counts after 12 weeks of treatment. It is crucial to use Avita as prescribed, avoiding exposure to sunlight and heat due to its flammable nature.

Stieva-A

Stieva-A, a product from Glaxosmithkline Inc., is a renowned brand for tretinoin, offering a 0.01% w/w concentration of the active ingredient. This topical formulation is widely used for treating acne, fine facial wrinkles, and other skin issues. Although the product status was listed as cancelled post market as of March 25, 2024, it has a long history of effectiveness and safety. Stieva-A is part of the broader tretinoin market, which is projected to grow significantly, with the global tretinoin market expected to reach USD 7.5 billion by 2031. The product's efficacy is supported by extensive clinical research, highlighting tretinoin's role as a key treatment for various dermatological conditions. More details about this product can be found through the official information resource.

Airol

Airol is a prominent brand in the production of tretinoin, a topical retinoid used for the treatment of acne and other skin conditions. It is manufactured by companies such as Galderma Laboratories and is available in various strengths, including 0.025% and 0.05% creams and gels. Airol, along with other brand names like Retin-A and Retacnyl, is widely prescribed for its efficacy in treating acne vulgaris and signs of skin aging. The product is rigorously tested for stability, efficacy, and safety, ensuring consistency in performance across different batches and users. As of 2017, Airol was one of the registered products with the Medicines Control Council (MCC) in South Africa, highlighting its global reach and regulatory approval. For more detailed information, visit the Airol page on PharmaCompass.