{
  "id": "tretinoin",
  "idVersion": 1,
  "ingredient": "Tretinoin",
  "route": "topical",
  "grade": "strong",
  "gradeLabel": "Strong",
  "claim": "Well studied in relation to fine lines, mottled pigmentation and surface texture over months of use.",
  "caveat": "Tretinoin is a prescription medicine in most countries, and irritation early on is the usual reason people stop. Someone who can see your skin should hold the plan.",
  "published": "2026-09-19",
  "sources": [
    {
      "url": "https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9112391/",
      "journal": "Int J Womens Dermatol",
      "year": 2022,
      "n": null,
      "design": "Review of seven randomized controlled trials",
      "duration": null,
      "percentages": [],
      "outcome": "photoaging, wrinkling, mottled hyperpigmentation, sallowness, lentigines",
      "finding": "Seven randomised controlled trials: all reported topical tretinoin improving the clinical appearance of photoaging (wrinkling, mottled hyperpigmentation, sallowness and lentigines) as early as 1 month, and still present after 24 months.",
      "formulation": null
    },
    {
      "url": "https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41236273/",
      "journal": "Dermatol Pract Concept",
      "year": 2025,
      "n": 1361,
      "design": "Meta-analysis of eight trials",
      "duration": null,
      "percentages": [],
      "outcome": "fine wrinkles, coarse wrinkles",
      "finding": "Meta-analysis of eight trials and 1,361 patients: topical tretinoin significantly improved both fine and coarse facial wrinkles from photodamage.",
      "formulation": null
    },
    {
      "url": "https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38300170/",
      "journal": "J Am Acad Dermatol",
      "year": 2024,
      "n": null,
      "design": "Clinical guideline",
      "duration": null,
      "percentages": [],
      "outcome": "acne vulgaris",
      "finding": "AAD acne guideline: strong recommendations for topical retinoids alongside benzoyl peroxide, topical antibiotics and oral doxycycline. Acne, not photoaging.",
      "formulation": null
    }
  ],
  "peopleReport": null
}