Tretiheal Tretinoin Cream 0.05% 20g

Tretiheal 0.05% tretinoin cream: product details

Tretiheal creams are listed at 0.025%, 0.05% and 0.1%; this is the 0.05% cream, in a 20g tube. Tretinoin is a topical retinoid, and in the UK it is only available as a prescription medicine.

Where 0.05% sits between 0.025% and 0.1%

Each gram of 0.05% cream holds 0.5mg of tretinoin: twice the amount in the 0.025% cream and half the amount in the 0.1%. A higher concentration is not proof of a better result, and the photoageing study below did not test 0.05%.

The closest published comparison tested the two outer strengths. In a 48-week trial of 99 adults with sun-damaged skin, 0.025% and 0.1% creams improved photoageing to a similar degree, and 0.1% caused significantly more redness and scaling. The 0.05% strength was not part of that study, which also did not look at acne.

Changing strength

If you are thinking about moving up from 0.025% or down from 0.1%, ask your prescriber first. The US prescribing information advises that any change in strength, base or how often tretinoin is applied should be watched closely for response and skin tolerance. Our tretinoin strength guide sets out the evidence on each strength.

Using tretinoin cream

According to the US prescribing information, tretinoin cream goes on once a day at bedtime, in a thin layer over the affected skin. Half an inch of cream or less on a fingertip is described as enough for the whole face; if a film is still visible after rubbing it in, too much has been used.

Avoid the eyes, the mouth, the creases beside the nose and other moist areas. A short-lived warm or stinging feeling can follow. Where your pack leaflet or prescriber says something different, follow them. The cream or gel guide explains how the two forms differ.

Irritation, early flares and sun sensitivity

Redness and scaling are possible irritant effects of tretinoin. Sensitive skin can become very red, swollen, blistered or crusted, and the prescribing information says to stop until the skin recovers or to adjust use to a level the skin tolerates, with your prescriber's advice. Spots may seem to get worse in the first weeks. Our guide to the tretinoin purge explains that phase.

Tretinoin makes skin more sensitive to sunlight. Limit sun and sunlamp exposure, cover up and use sunscreen when you are outside, and wait for any sunburn to heal before applying it again. Cold and wind can make irritation worse. Our moisturiser guide covers skincare alongside tretinoin.

Pregnancy, breastfeeding and getting advice

The MHRA says topical retinoids are contraindicated in pregnancy as a precaution and should not be used by women planning a pregnancy. If you are pregnant, trying to conceive or breastfeeding, talk to a GP, pharmacist or prescriber before using tretinoin.

Frequently asked questions

Is Tretiheal 0.05% stronger than 0.025%?

It contains twice as much tretinoin per gram. In the 48-week study, 0.1% caused more redness and scaling than 0.025%; 0.05% was not tested. Ask your prescriber which strength is appropriate.

Should I start on Tretiheal 0.05%?

Ask your prescriber which strength, if any, is suitable for you. The 48-week study compared 0.025% and 0.1% for photoageing, not acne, and did not test 0.05%.

Is Tretiheal 0.05% a cream or a gel?

A cream, in a 20g tube. Tretinoin gels are listed in the tretinoin range.

Can I use tretinoin when pregnant or breastfeeding?

Not in pregnancy or when planning one, per the MHRA. If you are breastfeeding, ask a prescriber first.

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