Retin-A Side Effects

Generic name: tretinoin topical

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 25, 2025.

Note: This document provides detailed information about Retin-A.

Applies to tretinoin topical: topical cream, topical gel/jelly, topical lotion Side Effects associated with tretinoin topical. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Retin-A.

Applies to tretinoin topical: topical cream, topical gel/jelly, topical lotion.

Precautions

It is very important that your doctor check your or your child's progress at regular visits to make sure that this medicine is working properly and to check for unwanted effects.

During the first 3 weeks you are using tretinoin, your skin may become irritated. Also, your acne may seem to get worse before it gets better. It may take longer than 12 weeks before you notice full improvement of your acne, even if you use the medicine every day. Check with your doctor if skin irritation becomes severe or if your acne does not improve within 8 to 12 weeks.

You should avoid washing the skin treated with tretinoin for at least 1 hour after applying it.

Avoid using any topical medicine on the same area within 1 hour before or after using tretinoin. Otherwise, tretinoin may not work properly or skin irritation might occur.

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, it is especially important to avoid using the following skin products on the same area as tretinoin:

• Any other topical acne product or skin product containing a peeling agent (eg, benzoyl peroxide, resorcinol, salicylic acid, or sulfur).
• Hair products that are irritating, such as permanents or hair removal products.
• Skin products that cause sensitivity to the sun, including those containing spices or limes.
• Skin products containing a large amount of alcohol (eg, astringents, shaving creams, or after-shave lotions).
• Skin products that are too drying or abrasive, such as some cosmetics, soaps, or skin cleansers.

Using these products along with tretinoin may cause mild to severe irritation of the skin. Although skin irritation can occur, some doctors sometimes allow benzoyl peroxide to be used with tretinoin to treat acne. Usually tretinoin is applied at night so that it does not cause a problem with any other topical products that you might use during the day. Check with your doctor before using topical medicines with tretinoin.

During the first 6 months of use, avoid overexposing the treated areas to sunlight, wind, or cold weather. The skin will be more prone to sunburn, dryness, or irritation, especially during the first 2 or 3 weeks. However, you should not stop using this medicine unless the skin irritation becomes too severe. Do not use a sunlamp.

To help tretinoin work properly, regularly use sunscreen or sunblocking lotions with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15. Also, wear protective clothing and hats, and apply creams, lotions, or moisturizers often.

Check with your doctor at any time your skin becomes too dry and irritated. Your doctor can help you choose the right skin products for you to reduce skin dryness and irritation and may include the following:

• For patients using tretinoin for the treatment of acne:
  • Regular use of water-based creams or lotions helps to reduce skin irritation or dryness that may be caused by the use of tretinoin.
• For patients using tretinoin for the treatment of fine wrinkling, dark spots, and rough skin caused by the sun:
  • This medicine should be used as part of an ongoing program to avoid further damage to your skin from the sun. This program includes staying out of the sun when possible or wearing proper clothing or hats to protect your skin from sunlight.
  • Regular use of oil-based creams or lotions helps to reduce skin irritation or dryness caused by the use of tretinoin.

Serious side effects of Retin-A

Along with its needed effects, tretinoin topical (the active ingredient contained in Retin-A) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking tretinoin topical:

Other side effects of Retin-A

Some side effects of tretinoin topical may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

For healthcare professionals

Applies to tretinoin topical: topical cream, topical gel, topical kit, topical liquid, topical lotion.

Dermatologic adverse events

Cream:

• Very common (10% or more): Severe skin irritation (Up to 32%)
• Frequency not reported: Mild irritation, peeling/skin exfoliation, erythema, pruritus, blistering, pain, crusting, tenderness, dry skin, burning/warmth/stinging, photosensitivity/increased sensitivity to light
• Postmarketing reports: Temporary hyper/hypopigmentation, rash, skin atrophy

Gel:

• Very common (10% or more): Dry skin (Up to 16%), peeling/scaling/flaking skin (Up to 12%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Burning sensation, erythema, pruritus, skin pain, sunburn
• Frequency not reported: Blistering/crusting skin
• Postmarketing reports: Temporary hypo/hyperpigmentation, increased susceptibility to sunlight

Microsphere Gel:

• Common (1% to 10%): Skin irritation, skin burning, erythema, dermatitis
• Frequency not reported: Peeling, dryness, stinging, itching
• Postmarketing reports: Temporary hypo/hyperpigmentation^[Ref]

Erythema, peeling, dryness, burning/stinging, and/or itching occurred most frequently during the first 2 weeks of therapy.

Most of the dermatologic side effects were mild in severity (approximately 63%), and approximately 34% were of moderate severity.

Dry, peeling, scaling, and/or flaking skin occurred most often in the gel formulation.^[Ref]

Hepatic

Cream:

• Frequency not reported: Reversible liver function test changes (bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, ALT, AST)^[Ref]

Metabolic

Cream:

• Frequency not reported: Thymol turbidity elevations, increased flocculation^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

Cream:

• Postmarketing reports: Edema/swelling of application site^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

Cream:

• Frequency not reported: Allergic contact dermatitis
• Postmarketing reports: Allergic reaction^[Ref]

See also:

Frequently asked questions

• What are the most common skin conditions? (with photos)
• Is tazarotene better than tretinoin?
• Is Tazorac the same as Retin-A?
• What is the difference between Altreno and other topical tretinoin acne formulations?

Further information

Retin-A side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer