Description
Same active ingredient (tretinoin) as Retin-A®, the US brand. Tretinoin 0.05% Cream is an Indian brand, made and licensed in India.
About Tretinoin 0.05% Cream
Tretinoin 0.05% Cream by Healing Pharma is the middle strength of tretinoin, twice as concentrated as the 0.025% starter cream. It is typically used by people whose skin has adjusted to the lower strength but who need a stronger effect on persistent blackheads, breakouts or post-acne marks.
Is it the right step up?
Move to 0.05% only when nightly use of 0.025% causes little or no irritation, usually after two or three months. Jumping straight to this strength often causes more peeling and redness than necessary. If you have not used a retinoid before, begin with Tretinoin 0.025% Cream.
How tretinoin works
Tretinoin binds to retinoic acid receptors in skin cells. This normalizes the way cells shed inside hair follicles, so pores are less likely to become blocked, and it reduces inflammation around existing spots. Over time it also encourages collagen production, which helps skin texture and fine lines.
Application routine
- Apply once at night to clean, fully dry skin. Use just a pea-sized amount for the entire face.
- When switching strengths, go back to alternate nights for a week or two before resuming nightly use.
- Keep it away from the eyelids, nostrils and mouth.
- Moisturize if needed, and wear sunscreen every morning, because tretinoin makes skin more sensitive to UV light.
Pack sizes
20 g tubes, sold in packs of 3, 6 or 9, from $12.
Side effects
Expect some dryness, flaking and mild redness when stepping up. Uncommonly, skin can darken or lighten temporarily. Stop and speak to a doctor about blistering, marked swelling or pain.
Precautions
Avoid in pregnancy and while trying to conceive. Do not use on sunburnt or damaged skin, and avoid combining with other drying or peeling products unless a doctor has recommended it. Waxing treated skin can cause tearing.
Making the step-up easier
A “buffer” technique helps many people through the transition: apply a thin layer of moisturizer first, wait a few minutes, then apply tretinoin. Keep your routine simple while your skin adapts, with a gentle cleanser, the cream and a moisturizer at night, and sunscreen in the morning.
Storage
Store at room temperature below 77°F (25°C) with the cap closed.
Frequently asked questions
Can I go back to 0.025%?
Yes. If irritation persists, returning to the lower strength is perfectly reasonable.
Is a gel better than a cream?
Gels suit oily skin but tend to be more drying; see A Ret Gel.
Where can I learn more?
Read our guide to tretinoin for acne or browse the acne category.
For general information only. Tretinoin 0.05% is a prescription medicine; follow the advice of your doctor or dermatologist.
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…