Retin-A

Retin-A Tretinoin.

Ingredients

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About this product

Tretinoin (Retin-A) is a prescription-strength retinoid derived from vitamin A, used topically to treat fine lines, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and rough skin texture caused by sun damage.

Guru Score

85%

Yay

3 experts · Moderate agreement

3Gurus

3Yay

0Mixed

0Nay

What they liked

Minimizes fine lines and wrinkles
Boosts collagen and elastin production
Improves rough skin texture and hyperpigmentation

What they flagged

Nothing. None of the experts who reviewed it raised a problem.

What the gurus are saying

Tretinoin is proven to smooth fine lines and wrinkles by boosting collagen production, and dermatologists emphasize it's been safely used for over fifty years with an FDA stamp since the 1990s. The ingredient does not thin the skin despite common myths. Those new to tretinoin may want to start low and go slow, since it can cause irritation at first, though experts note this is temporary and manageable with proper introduction.

Synthesized from 3 expert reviews · most recent take March 2026

Best for

Mature skin

Type

IngredientsCream

Where to buy

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What the gurus are saying.

Every take we've logged from this product's reviews across YouTube. Click any row to watch the moment they said it.

All takes Yay takes Nay takes Mixed takes Hide sponsored

Mad About Skin

728k subs

✓Yay

"It's fantastic when it comes to minimizing fine lines and wrinkles, boosting collagen and elastin production. It's a favorite with skincare nerds, dermatologists, and the wider community."

Dr. Shereene Idriss

1.72M subs

✓Yay

"Retin-A Tretinoin is at 0.05, it's a great one."

Dr Dray

2.69M subs

✓Yay

"Tretinoin applied to the skin is more than safe. It's been used for over 50 years in dermatology to treat a wide array of skin conditions, and it's been approved by the FDA since the 90s for the treatment of fine lines, mottled hyperpigmentation, and rough skin texture associated with photo damage. It does in fact work to improve collagen synthesis, smoothing out wrinkles and fine lines, and it does not thin the skin or thin the dermis."

All 2 takes from Dr Dray

Tretinoin SKIN THINNING & FAT LOSS | *Response Video* 🤔

Tretinoin dangers? VA study explained 🤔 Dermatologist @DrDrayzday

"I would not worry about tretinoin and all-cause mortality. Tretinoin has been used for about fifty years now and we really aren't seeing people dying from using it long term, so it's not something that I would worry about. This study does not prove tretinoin causes an increase in death, association does not equal causation, and there are multiple things from this study that suggest tretinoin is merely guilty by association. [...] It's just important to understand the nuance of the study."

Frequently asked.

What is Retin-A Tretinoin?

Tretinoin (Retin-A) is a prescription-strength retinoid derived from vitamin A, used topically to treat fine lines, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and rough skin texture caused by sun damage.

Is Retin-A Tretinoin worth it?

Yes. All 3 gurus who reviewed it give it their stamp of approval, for a Guru Score of 85%.

What is Retin-A Tretinoin's Guru Score?

Retin-A Tretinoin holds a Guru Score of 85%. That is our read on how warmly the experts talk about it, based on the verdicts of 3 expert reviewers we have collected.