Description
Same active ingredient (tretinoin) as Retin-A®, the US brand. Retino A Cream 0.05% is an Indian brand, made and licensed in India.
About Retino A Cream 0.05%
Retino A Cream 0.05% is a prescription cream containing tretinoin 0.05%, made by Janssen Pharmaceuticals in India, used to treat acne vulgaris. With double the concentration of the 0.025% cream, it is used when a milder strength has been tolerated but blackheads, whiteheads or small spots persist.
How does it work?
Tretinoin binds to retinoic acid receptors in skin cells and changes how quickly they renew. In acne, this stops the cells inside pores from sticking together, clears existing comedones and makes it harder for new ones to form. With longer use, tretinoin also thickens the living layer of the skin, encourages new collagen and evens out patchy pigment, which is why it is studied for sun-damaged skin too.
How to apply Retino A Cream 0.05%
- In the evening, cleanse gently and allow 20–30 minutes for the skin to dry fully.
- Use a pea-sized amount for the entire face; dab it on in a few spots and blend outwards.
- Avoid the eyelids, lips, nostrils and any broken or sunburnt skin.
- Apply once daily, or less often at first if your prescriber advises.
- Protect treated skin every morning with a sunscreen of SPF 30 or more, and wear a hat in strong sun.
Tretinoin for fine lines and uneven pigment
In some countries, a 0.05% tretinoin emollient cream is licensed as an addition to sun protection to reduce fine wrinkles, blotchy pigmentation and roughness caused by sun damage. Retino A Cream is labeled for acne, so using it for aging or pigmentation is a decision for your doctor. Improvement is slow, typically over three to six months, and fades if you stop. Tretinoin is also one ingredient of the triple creams used for melasma; our melasma treatment guide explains the options.
What are the side effects?
- Redness, flaking, dryness and a stinging or warm feeling, usually strongest in the first few weeks.
- A temporary flare of acne early in treatment.
- Increased sensitivity to sunlight, wind and cold.
- Temporary patches of lighter or darker skin.
Get medical help if the skin blisters, crusts or swells badly, or if you notice hives, swelling of the face or difficulty breathing.
Who should not use Retino A Cream 0.05%?
Do not use it during pregnancy or while trying to conceive, and ask your doctor before using it if you are breastfeeding. It should not be applied over eczema, rosacea flares or broken skin. Tell your doctor about medicines that make you sun-sensitive, such as tetracycline antibiotics or thiazide diuretics, and do not layer it with benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid or glycolic acid at the same time unless advised.
Pack sizes and storage
Supplied in 20 g tubes, sold in packs of 2, 4 or 6, from $11. Store below 77°F (25°C), away from direct sunlight.
Frequently asked questions
Can I start with a gentler cream?
Yes, Retino A Cream 0.025% is the lower strength.
Are there other 0.05% tretinoin creams?
Tretinoin 0.05% Cream contains the same concentration.
Where can I find other skin treatments?
Browse our skin care and acne categories.
Written for general education; it cannot take the place of a consultation with your own doctor. Retino A Cream 0.05% is a prescription medicine.
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…