Medications · FAQ
What side effects can topical tretinoin cause?
Short answer
Tretinoin can cause dryness, peeling, redness, stinging, and burning, especially when treatment starts. Mild irritation may settle as your skin adjusts. Results vary. Severe pain, blistering, swelling, or a spreading rash is not something to push through. Stop using it and contact your prescriber for guidance.
Common side effects of topical tretinoin include dryness, peeling, redness, warmth, stinging, and burning. These effects are often more noticeable early in treatment or after a change in strength or schedule. Mild irritation may ease with a gentler routine or a prescriber-approved schedule change. Results vary.
Use a mild cleanser and a plain moisturizer. Avoid scrubs, harsh soaps, and products that sting your skin. Do not add more tretinoin because you are not peeling. Peeling is a side effect, not a measure of how well the medicine is working. Your prescriber can help you decide whether to pause treatment or use it less often.
Stop applying tretinoin and contact your prescriber if you develop severe burning, blistering, marked swelling, or a worsening rash. Seek emergency care for trouble breathing or swelling of the face, lips, or tongue. These may be signs of a serious allergic reaction. Tell your prescriber about any skin color changes or irritation that does not settle.
Sources
Written by the Verra clinical team · Medical review pending
General information, not medical advice. If you're in crisis, call or text 988.