Tretinoin

Medically Reviewed by Dr. Harshi Dhingra, M.D.

Last Reviewed: Apr 20, 2023

Common Questions


Common Questions about Tretinoin


Is tretinoin better than retinol?

Both tretinoin and retinol are topical retinoids. However, tretinoin is much stronger than retinol and is only available by prescription. Retinol, on the other hand, is less strong and is present in many over-the-counter skin products. Both can be used to treat acne and other skin conditions. Your dermatologist will help you decide which one is right for you.



Is it okay to use tretinoin every day?

Yes, you can use tretinoin every day, once daily at bedtime. You need to use this medicine regularly to see a noticeable improvement in acne or other skin issues. However, if you develop irritation of your skin after using tretinoin, stop using it and wait until your skin heals completely.



Can I leave tretinoin on overnight?

Yes, you can leave tretinoin on overnight and wash your face in the morning, provided you do not have irritated or sunburned skin. If you have a sunburn or skin irritation, wait until your skin heals before using tretinoin.



Can I use tretinoin on my whole face?

You can use tretinoin on your whole face if you have widespread acne. A pea-sized amount of the medicine should be enough to cover your whole face. If you have acne in small parts of your face, apply a thin layer of tretinoin only in the affected areas.



Is tretinoin safe to use while pregnant?

It is generally recommended to avoid tretinoin for the treatment of acne while pregnant. Animal studies indicate that it may cause birth defects, but enough information is not available in humans about whether the topical use of this medicine by an expectant mother can affect the unborn baby.



What is the price of tretinoin without insurance?

Without insurance, tretinoin can be as high as $95.49, but with a free BuzzRx prescription discount coupon, you could pay as low as $59.60 for the most common version of this medication. Use the BuzzRx drug price look-up tool to find the lowest discounted price, and be sure to enter the correct dosage, form, and quantity for the most accurate pricing. While generics tend to have the best savings, you can also use your BuzzRx card and coupons to purchase brand-name versions. It never hurts to ask your pharmacist to try BuzzRx when filling or refilling any of your prescription drugs—whether you have insurance or not.



What is the price of tretinoin with insurance?

Ask your pharmacist or insurance provider for your copay price on tretinoin—Copay amounts vary depending on the type of insurance plan you have and if there is a deductible to reach before prescription drug coverage begins.

You could save up to 80% on your prescription medication with a free BuzzRx discount coupon for tretinoin. When using the BuzzRx lookup tool to find the price of your medicine, be sure to enter the correct dosage, form, and quantity to receive the most accurate discounted pricing. It never hurts to ask your pharmacist to try BuzzRx when filling or refilling any of your prescriptions—whether you have insurance or not.