Description
Same active ingredient (tretinoin) as Retin-A®, the US brand. A Ret Gel 0.025% is an Indian brand, made and licensed in India.
About A Ret Gel 0.025%
A Ret Gel 0.025% is a tretinoin gel made by Menarini. It contains the same active ingredient as tretinoin creams but in a light, water-based gel that absorbs quickly and leaves no greasy feel. That makes it well suited to oily or combination skin prone to acne, particularly in hot or humid weather.
Gel or cream?
| Gel | Cream | |
|---|---|---|
| Feel | Light, non-greasy | Richer, more moisturizing |
| Best for | Oily or combination skin | Normal to dry or sensitive skin |
| Drying effect | Can be more drying | Usually gentler |
If you prefer a cream, see Tretinoin 0.025% Cream.
How to use A Ret Gel
- Use once daily at bedtime on clean, completely dry skin.
- A pea-sized amount covers the whole face; spread a thin film rather than spot-treating.
- Begin every second or third night and increase gradually.
- Wear SPF 30+ sunscreen daily and avoid sunbeds.
- Keep the gel away from eyes, lips and the creases of the nose.
Available strengths
0.025% is the starter strength. Stronger options are A Ret Gel 0.05% and A Ret Gel 0.1%, usually used once the lower strength is well tolerated.
Pack sizes
20 g tubes in packs of 3, 6, 12 or 24, from $21.
Side effects
Mild redness, peeling, dryness and stinging are common at first. Spots may briefly worsen before they improve. Stop using it and seek advice if you develop blisters, severe irritation or an allergic rash.
Cautions
Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Avoid use with abrasive cleansers, alcohol-based toners and other exfoliants unless advised. Alcohol in some gels can sting freshly shaved skin, so shave with care.
Oily-skin routine that works
In the evening, use a gentle foaming cleanser, wait until your skin is fully dry, then apply the gel. In the morning, use a lightweight oil-free moisturizer and a non-comedogenic sunscreen. Resist the urge to scrub away flakes; they settle as your skin adapts.
Storage
Store below 77°F (25°C) with the cap closed. Gels can dry out if left open.
What to expect week by week
Weeks 1–3 often bring dryness and a few new spots as clogged pores clear. Around weeks 4–8 skin usually settles and breakouts become smaller and less frequent. The clearest results tend to appear at about three months.
Frequently asked questions
Will a gel make my skin drier than a cream?
Often slightly, yes. Pair it with a light moisturizer.
How long will a tube last?
With pea-sized nightly use, a 20 g tube usually lasts several weeks.
What else helps acne?
See our tretinoin guide and the acne range.
This information is general. A Ret Gel is a prescription medicine; check with a healthcare professional before use.
Helpful guides
- Tretinoin for Acne: Strengths, How to Use It and What to ExpectA complete guide to tretinoin for acne: which strength to start with, how to apply it step by step, the purging timeline…