Description
Same active ingredient (tretinoin) as Retin-A®, the US brand. Tretinex Cream is an Indian brand, made and licensed in India.
About Tretinex Cream
Tretinex Cream is a prescription topical cream containing tretinoin, made by HAB Pharmaceuticals and Research Ltd, used to treat acne vulgaris, from blackheads and whiteheads to mild or moderate inflamed spots. Our listing does not show the concentration, so read the carton before you start: tretinoin creams are normally sold as 0.025%, 0.05% or 0.1%, and you should use the one your prescriber has chosen.
How does tretinoin clear blocked pores?
Acne begins when skin cells and oil clump together inside a follicle and form an invisible plug. Tretinoin, a retinoid closely related to vitamin A, changes how these lining cells grow and shed, so they stop building up. Plugs loosen, comedones work their way out, and fewer new ones appear. With fewer blocked pores, there is less trapped oil for bacteria to inflame, which is why red papules calm down as well.
Which strength suits you?
| Strength | Intensity | Usually chosen for |
|---|---|---|
| 0.025% | Gentlest | First-time users, dry or sensitive skin |
| 0.05% | Moderate | Skin that has adjusted to a lower strength |
| 0.1% | Strongest | Oily, resilient skin, under medical guidance |
If the Tretinex tube you receive differs from the strength you were prescribed, check with your pharmacist before using it.
How to apply Tretinex Cream
- Use it once daily, in the evening, on skin that has been washed gently and left to dry fully.
- A pea-sized amount is enough for the whole face; smooth it thinly over the acne-prone areas rather than dabbing individual spots.
- Stay clear of the eyes, lips, nostrils and any cuts or grazes.
- If you miss an evening, simply carry on the next night without doubling up.
Tips for easier tolerance
Irritation is the main reason people give up on tretinoin, and it can usually be managed. Ask your prescriber whether you can start on alternate nights for the first two weeks. A fragrance-free moisturizer applied before or after the cream can soften dryness without stopping it working. Swap foaming or exfoliating washes for a creamy cleanser, and pause other active products such as acids, scrubs or peels. Sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher every morning is essential, because treated skin burns more easily.
How long does it take to work?
Some people notice smoother skin within a few weeks, but clear improvement generally takes 8–12 weeks of regular use. A flare in the first month is common as hidden comedones surface. Keep going unless the irritation is severe, and review progress with your doctor at around three months.
Side effects and when to seek help
Expect some redness, flaking, tightness and a mild burning sensation, especially early on. Patches of lighter or darker skin may appear and usually fade after stopping. Seek medical advice promptly for intense burning, blistering, oozing, swelling of the face, or a widespread itchy rash.
Who should not use Tretinex?
Do not use it if you are pregnant or trying to conceive; UK and EU labeling advise against topical retinoids at these times. Discuss breastfeeding with your doctor first. It is not for children under 12, and should be kept off eczema, sunburnt skin and rosacea. Mention any other acne treatments and any medicines that make you sun-sensitive, such as tetracycline antibiotics.
Pack sizes and storage
Each 20 g tube is sold in packs of 3, 6 or 12, from $12. Keep it at room temperature below 77°F (25°C), cap closed, out of the reach of children.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a HAB cream with the strength printed in its name?
Yes, Tretoin 0.025% Cream and Tretoin 0.05% Cream show the concentration clearly.
Is there a stronger cream?
Tretinoin 0.1% Cream is a higher-strength option for skin that already tolerates retinoids.
Where can I learn more?
Read our guide to tretinoin.
For general information only. Tretinex Cream is a prescription retinoid; confirm its strength and how to use it with your prescriber.
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…