Ingredient decoder

Tretinoin: is it comedogenic? What it does in skincare

INCI name: Tretinoin

Acne verdict Acne helper

Helps acne-prone skin

  • ComedogenicNo published rating
  • IrritancyNo published rating

What it does

Prescription retinoid that unclogs pores and speeds turnover.

  • Anti-acne
  • Skin conditioning

Tretinoin in plain English

Tretinoin is retinoic acid, the active form of vitamin A, and is a prescription acne medicine in most countries. It speeds up skin cell turnover and helps clear and prevent clogged pores, blackheads and pimples. Dryness, peeling, redness and sun sensitivity are common, especially early on. Retinoids like this one are generally not used during pregnancy, so ask a doctor if you are pregnant or planning to be.

Is tretinoin bad for acne?

No. Tretinoin is on the helpful side for acne-prone skin and is not known to clog pores. Our checker groups it with the anti-acne ingredients. Like most acne actives, it can cause dryness or irritation at first, so start slowly.

Clean routine and still breaking out? The cause may be internal. See what is driving it

Also called

  • Tretinoin
  • Retinoic acid
  • All-trans retinoic acid
  • Vitamin a acid
  • ATRA

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Frequently asked questions

Is tretinoin comedogenic?

There is no published comedogenic rating for tretinoin, and it is not known to clog pores. It is used in products made for acne-prone skin.

What does tretinoin do in skincare?

In short: prescription retinoid that unclogs pores and speeds turnover. In formulas it is used for skin conditioning.

What else is tretinoin called on ingredient labels?

On ingredient lists, tretinoin can also appear as Retinoic acid, All-trans retinoic acid, Vitamin a acid or ATRA.

Sources