Tretinoin 0.025% Prescription
Tretinoin 0.025% Prescription
Product Description
Product overview
A prescription-strength tretinoin cream formulated with 0.018% retinoic acid and 4% niacinamide for beginners to retinoids. This gentle starter formula accelerates cell turnover, reduces fine lines, treats acne, and improves overall skin texture while minimizing irritation common with higher concentrations.
Prescription-Grade Retinoid
Contains tretinoin (retinoic acid), the gold standard for anti-aging and acne treatment with decades of clinical research.
Texture & feel
SENSORYPrescription-Grade Retinoid
Contains tretinoin (retinoic acid), the gold standard for anti-aging and acne treatment with decades of clinical research.
Beginner-Friendly Strength
0.018% concentration is ideal for retinoid beginners, minimizing irritation while still delivering visible results.
Niacinamide Boosted
4% niacinamide strengthens skin barrier, reduces inflammation, and helps counteract tretinoin-related dryness.
Convenient Teledermatology
Prescribed online by board-certified dermatologists and delivered directly to your door without office visits.
Safety & compatibility
SAFENOT SAFE. Tretinoin is contraindicated during pregnancy due to potential teratogenic effects. Discontinue use when trying to conceive.
Use with caution. Minimal systemic absorption, but most experts recommend avoiding during nursing. Consult your healthcare provider.
NOT SAFE. Contains oleic acid and olive oil which can feed Malassezia yeast. Consider tretinoin gel formulations instead.
Comedogenic rating of 2/5. Contains caprylic/capric triglyceride (non-comedogenic) but cetyl alcohol and olive oil may be slightly comedogenic for some.
Tretinoin significantly increases photosensitivity. Daily SPF 30+ sunscreen is absolutely mandatory while using this product.
Expect 2-6 weeks of adjustment including dryness, peeling, and possible purging. Start slowly (2-3x/week) and increase gradually.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSTretinoin 0.018%Gold Standard
The only FDA-approved topical retinoid proven to treat both acne and photoaging. Works immediately without conversion, unlike OTC retinol. Accelerates cell turnover, boosts collagen production, and regulates sebum.
- Clinical Evidence: 40+ years of research supporting efficacy for wrinkles and acne
- Mechanism: Binds directly to retinoic acid receptors (RARs) in skin cells
- Results Timeline: Visible improvements typically seen within 8-12 weeks
Niacinamide 4%Proven
Vitamin B3 derivative that works synergistically with tretinoin. Strengthens the skin barrier, reduces inflammation, minimizes pores, and helps with hyperpigmentation. Helps counteract tretinoin-induced irritation.
- Barrier Support: Increases ceramide production for stronger skin barrier
- Anti-Inflammatory: Calms redness and irritation from tretinoin
- Brightening: Reduces dark spots and evens skin tone
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride BaseEmollient
Lightweight, non-comedogenic emollient derived from coconut oil. Provides moisture without clogging pores and helps the formula spread smoothly. Has antimicrobial properties.
- Non-Comedogenic: Does not clog pores; safe for acne-prone skin
- Fast Absorbing: Lightweight texture absorbs quickly
- Antimicrobial: Contains caprylic acid with antifungal properties
Tocopherol (Vitamin E) AntioxidantSupportive
Potent antioxidant that protects skin from free radical damage and helps stabilize the tretinoin formula. Works synergistically with other antioxidants to enhance skin protection.
- Antioxidant Protection: Neutralizes free radicals from UV and pollution
- Formula Stability: Helps preserve the active ingredients
- Moisture Support: Conditions and softens skin
20 ingredients
Tretinoin 0.018%, Niacinamide 4%, BHT, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cetyl Alcohol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Glycerin, Glyceryl Stearate, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Olea Europaea Fruit Oil, Oleic Acid, PEG-100 Stearate, Phenoxyethanol, Dimethicone, Water, Propylene Glycol, Stearic Acid, Triethanolamine, Tocopherol
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEPM routine only. Wait 20-30 minutes after cleansing for skin to fully dry before applying tretinoin. Can buffer with moisturizer first if experiencing irritation.
How to use
HOW TO USECleanse & Wait
Wash face with a gentle cleanser and pat dry. Wait 20-30 minutes until skin is completely dry to minimize irritation.
Apply Pea-Sized Amount
Dispense a pea-sized amount and dot onto forehead, cheeks, chin, and nose. Gently spread in thin, even layer avoiding eye area, corners of nose, and lips.
Follow with Moisturizer
Wait 5-10 minutes, then apply a hydrating moisturizer. For sensitive skin, consider "buffering" by applying moisturizer before tretinoin.
Start Slowly
Begin with 2-3 nights per week for the first 2-4 weeks. Gradually increase to every other night, then nightly as tolerated.
Mandatory Sunscreen
Apply SPF 30+ broad-spectrum sunscreen every morning, even on cloudy days. Tretinoin significantly increases sun sensitivity.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You're new to prescription retinoids and want to start gentle
- You want to address early signs of aging (fine lines, uneven texture)
- You have mild to moderate acne or want to prevent breakouts
- You want the convenience of telemedicine prescriptions
- You're looking to improve skin tone and reduce dark spots
- You're committed to daily sunscreen use
Consider alternatives if:
- You're pregnant, breastfeeding, or trying to conceive
- You have fungal acne (malassezia folliculitis)
- You have very sensitive skin or active eczema/rosacea flares
- You're not willing to commit to daily sunscreen
- You need results quickly (this is a slow-release formula)
- You're already using high-strength retinoids successfully
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESTretinoin regulates sebum production and clears pores. The cream base provides needed moisture without excessive oiliness.
Rich cream base is moisturizing. May need additional hydrating layers during adjustment period. Use buffering method if needed.
Low strength works well across different face zones. Adjust application frequency based on how different areas respond.
0.018% is the gentlest tretinoin concentration available. Niacinamide helps calm irritation. Start very slowly (1-2x/week).
FDA-approved for acne treatment. Expect initial purging (2-6 weeks) as tretinoin clears congestion faster. Long-term results are worth it.
Results timeline
MONTH 6+Adjustment Phase
Skin begins adapting to tretinoin. You may experience dryness, mild peeling, and tightness. This is normal retinization. Keep routine simple and moisturize generously.
85% experience some drynessPurging Period
Accelerated cell turnover may bring existing congestion to the surface faster, causing temporary breakouts. Resist the urge to stop—this means it's working.
60% experience some purgingVisible Improvements
Skin texture becomes smoother, acne lesions reduce, and overall tone begins to even out. Purging typically resolves. Fine lines may appear softer.
78% report clearer skinSignificant Results
Collagen stimulation becomes apparent. Wrinkles appear reduced, pores look smaller, hyperpigmentation fades. Skin has a healthier, more radiant appearance.
90% satisfaction rateLong-Term Benefits
Continued improvement in skin quality. Many users maintain results with regular use. Your dermatologist may suggest increasing strength if desired.
Long-term users report sustained benefitsRatings by platform
1K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Gold standard ingredient with decades of clinical proof
- Gentle 0.018% strength ideal for beginners
- Niacinamide helps reduce irritation and boost results
- Convenient online dermatology eliminates office visits
- Board-certified dermatologists review every prescription
- Formula can be adjusted based on your progress
- Free from parabens, sulfates, and common allergens
- Treats both acne and anti-aging simultaneously
Criticized
- Not safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Contains ingredients that feed malassezia (fungal acne)
- Subscription model may be inconvenient for some
- Can't use GoodRx or external pharmacy discounts
- Initial purging period can last several weeks
- Requires strict daily sunscreen commitment
- Cream base may be too rich for very oily skin
- Some packaging/pump issues reported
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPES
Same active ingredient at slightly higher strength. No niacinamide included—add separately. Requires in-person or telehealth prescription, but can use pharmacy coupons.
OTC retinoid (no prescription needed). Less irritating than tretinoin but also less potent for anti-aging. Better for sensitive skin or acne-only concerns. Fungal acne safe in gel form.
Similar teledermatology model with custom compounded formulas. Often includes tretinoin at various strengths plus other actives like azelaic acid or clindamycin. Similar pricing structure.
OTC retinol (not tretinoin). Much gentler but requires conversion in skin, making it less potent. Good stepping stone before prescription retinoids. No prescription required.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDE
Curology Custom Formula
Differin (Adapalene 0.1%)
Storage & shelf life
6 MONTHS6 months after opening. Mark your open date on the tube.
Store at room temperature (59-77°F). Keep away from direct sunlight and heat. Refrigeration is not necessary but can extend potency.
Airless pump bottle to minimize oxidation and contamination. If pump fails, contact Apostrophe for replacement.
Yes, TSA-compliant size (under 100ml/3.4oz). Keep in temperature-controlled carry-on luggage.
Frequently asked questions
FAQNo, tretinoin is NOT safe during pregnancy. It belongs to the retinoid family, which is known to cause birth defects. Discontinue use at least 1 month before trying to conceive. During breastfeeding, topical tretinoin has minimal systemic absorption, but most healthcare providers recommend avoiding it. Apostrophe offers pregnancy-safe alternatives containing azelaic acid and niacinamide instead.
No, this cream formula is NOT fungal acne safe. It contains oleic acid and olive oil (Olea Europaea Fruit Oil), which can feed Malassezia yeast and worsen fungal acne. If you have fungal acne, consider generic tretinoin in GEL form, which typically has a simpler, fungal-safe base. Alternatively, ask your dermatologist about adapalene gel, which is also retinoid-based and fungal acne safe.
Be cautious with combinations. Do NOT use other retinoids (retinol, retinal) with tretinoin—this causes excessive irritation without added benefit. Vitamin C can be used in AM routine (tretinoin is PM only). AHAs and BHAs should be used on alternate nights or with extreme caution, as combining them with tretinoin increases irritation risk. Start tretinoin alone, then slowly reintroduce other actives once skin adjusts.
This formula works well for most skin types, especially oily, combination, and acne-prone skin. The 0.018% concentration is the gentlest available, making it suitable for sensitive skin and retinoid beginners. Dry skin types may need extra hydrating layers. Those with very oily skin might prefer a gel formulation. The cream base provides more moisture than gels.
Expect a 2-6 week adjustment period with possible dryness, peeling, and purging. Initial improvements (smoother texture, fewer active breakouts) typically appear around weeks 6-12. Significant anti-aging results (reduced fine lines, improved skin tone) become noticeable at 3-6 months. Maximum collagen benefits occur with continued use over 6-12+ months. Patience is essential—tretinoin is a marathon, not a sprint.
Use ONLY at night. After cleansing, wait 20-30 minutes for skin to fully dry. Apply a pea-sized amount to entire face, avoiding eye area, lips, and corners of nose. Follow with moisturizer 5-10 minutes later. For sensitive skin, try "buffering": apply moisturizer first, wait 10 minutes, then apply tretinoin. Always use SPF 30+ sunscreen in the morning—this is non-negotiable.
The overall comedogenic rating is 2/5 (low risk). Tretinoin itself actually helps clear pores by accelerating cell turnover. However, the cream base contains cetyl alcohol (2/5) and olive oil (2-3/5), which may be mildly comedogenic for some. Most users don't experience clogging issues. If you're highly prone to clogged pores, consider asking for a gel formulation instead, or monitor your skin closely during the first few weeks.
The product has a 6-month period after opening (PAO). Store at room temperature away from direct sunlight and heat. The airless pump helps minimize oxidation and contamination. Each tube is designed to last approximately 3 months with nightly use (pea-sized amount). Write the open date on your tube to track freshness. Tretinoin can degrade if exposed to air, light, or heat, so proper storage matters.
Verdict: Apostrophe Tretinoin 0.018% is an excellent entry point to prescription retinoids, combining the gold-standard anti-aging and acne-fighting power of tretinoin with soothing niacinamide. The teledermatology model makes access convenient, and the gentle concentration minimizes the harsh adjustment period common with higher strengths. While the cream base isn't ideal for fungal acne sufferers and the subscription model limits pharmacy flexibility, the formula delivers proven results for most skin types. Best suited for retinoid beginners, those seeking anti-aging benefits alongside acne treatment, and anyone who values the convenience of online dermatology without sacrificing prescription-grade efficacy.
Product Overview
What are Quick Product Notes?
Quick product notes are a great way to check if a product is free from commonly avoided ingredients by skincare enthusiasts. These preferences come about for different reasons depending on the ingredient such as personal experiences, sensitivities, health preferences & etc.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product is not free from a common preference does not mean it's a bad product! You can make a personal decision whether or not you want to use a product that contains these ingredients or not - click the labels of the preference to read more about them.
Quick Product Notes
Paraben-Free
Paraben-Free
Understanding Parabens
Parabens are a large group of preservatives which are used to prevent bacteria growing in cosmetic formulations. There has been some healthy controversy surrounding them due to a few studies finding paraben presence in breast tumours and breast tissue. However, the majority of the scientific community have deemed these findings non-conclusive due to the limitations of these studies. There's still a lot of support for avoiding parabens following the better safe than sorry route. If you do we completely support you! If you are concerned about the health safety of parabens, then feel free to avoid them by looking out for the Paraben-Free icon. If not, don't worry about it - they do have had one of the longest safety records as preservatives!
Which Ingredients are classified as Paraben?
A product will be paraben-free if it does not contain any of the following parabens:
- Sodium Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Ethylparaben
- Sodium Butylparaben
- Propylparaben
- Isopropylparaben
- Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Propylparaben
- Butylparaben
- Ethylparaben
- Sodium Methylparaben
- Methylparaben
Sulfate-Free
Sulfate-Free
Understanding Sulfates
Sulfates are a large group of ingredients which act as cleansing agents in Cosmetics. They help loosen up the dirt and grime from your skin and hair to allow for water to wash it away with ease. However some sulfates are so good at their job, they can wash off your skin’s own natural oils that keep it moisturised and protected which can lead to dryness and irritation. Most people will find no issues with sulfate, however if you find your skin doesn't like sulfates then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the sulfate-free icon on Skincarisma.
Which ingredients are classified as sulfates?
We've taken the Sulfates which are considered more harsh for our Sulfate-Free status. A product will be Sulfate-Free if it does not contain any of the following Sulfates:
- TEA-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate
- Ammonium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
- PEG-15 Cocamine
- Sodium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Cocoyl Sarcosinate
- Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
- Dioctyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate
- Ammonium Xylenesulfonate
- Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate
- Sodium Xylenesulfonate
- Sodium Myreth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate
Alcohol-Free
Alcohol-Free
Understanding Simple Alcohols
Alcohol ingredients are widely used in cosmetics and come in different types. For the most part alcohols are not problematic at all. However one type of alcohols, simple alcohols can be quite drying to the skin because it evaporates very quickly. This can cause irritation which can also lead to other skin complications. These alcohols should never be used alone on your skin, but combined with other cosmetic ingredients, they are normally without issue. However, for some people with sensitive and easily irritable skin, avoiding products with these simple alcohols may be beneficial. If you find your skin doesn't like these simple alcohols, then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the Alcohol-Free icon.
Which Ingredients are classified as Alcohol?
A product will be alcohol-free if it does not contain any of the following alcohol ingredients:
- SD Alcohol
- Alcohol Denat
- Isopropyl Alcohol
- Alcohol
Silicone-Free
Silicone-Free
Understanding Silicones
If you've ever used a skincare, makeup or beauty product that's made your skin look and feel smoother tempoarily - it's likely contained Silicone. They are a popular class of ingredients found in cosmetics due to their smooth, soft, easy-to-spread and smooth properties that help creates an artificial layer/barrier on top of skin or hair (commonly found in conditioners).
For the same reasons they are popularly used, they are also commonly avoided. Anecdotally, many individuals have reported that Silicones cause/excerbate breakouts, irritation, cause a feeling of skin being unable to breathe, cause clumping of cosmetic products and find it difficult to wash off. As a result, those who find them problematic are avoiding them and increasingly, cosmetic companies are avoiding them as well.
If you have had bad experiences with Silicones in the past, or suspect they are problematic then look out for the tick on the Silicone-free label.
Disclaimer
The Silicone-free label only includes the most common Silicone ingredients that have indentified been reported by individuals that could potentially cause issues.
These include: Amodimethicone, Behenoxy Dimethicone, Bis-Aminopropyl Dimethicone, Cetearyl Methicone, Cetyl Dimethicone, Cyclomethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Dimethicone Copolyol, Dimethiconol, Methicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Stearoxy Dimethicone, Stearyl Dimethicone, Trimethylsilylamodimethicone.
Note, that this does not include all ingredients part of the Silicone class of ingredients.
EU Allergen-Free
EU Allergen-Free
Understanding the Identified Contact Allergens
The EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has identified and established 26 cosmetic ingredients that are likely contact allergens (potential to cause skin allergies) as demonstrated in clinical or epidemiological studies. The EU's SCCS have recommend cosmetic companies to disclose them on the labels if used and in cases where the concentration exceeds 0.001% in leave-on products and 0.01% in rinse-off products, then they must be labelled.
Look out for the tick on the EU-Allergen free label to know your cosmetic is free from any of the 26 identified cosmetic ingredients.
For more information regarding the EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety, please visit their official website.
Disclaimer
The EU Allergen Free label is for the 26 ingredients identified by the EU SCCS and products will be only flagged if a suspected ingredient is on it's ingredient list. It is possible for cosmetics to contain one of the suspect ingredients without it appearing on the ingredient list due to it not reaching the concentration threshold to disclose it and cosmetic manufacturers choice to not disclose it.
Also note, the EU Allergen Free label is not personalized for your own allergies you may have and it does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Understanding Fungal Acne (Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia Folliculitis)
Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia folliculitis or simply known as Fungal Acne is a persistent acne-like condition that commonly responds poorly to traditional acne-treating methods. Unlike most cases of Acne where bacteria is the culprit, Fungi is the culprit of Fungal Acne (Hence the name!). There are certain classes & groups of ingredients that have been shown to promote and feed the growth of the Fungal Acne, Fungi such as fatty acids, oils, esters, polysorbates and fermented ingredients.
For more information regarding Fungal Acne, please visit Simple Skincare Science (f.c) - #3 of our Recommend Skincare Resources for an amazing comprehensive guide!
Please Read: How to use the Fungal Acne (Malassezia) Label
At SkinCarisma, we've done our best to identify as many ingredients as possible but note the fungal-free label may not be 100% accurate due to the complexconditions and combination of ingredients that malezzeria can thrive on.
Additionally, products that may contain ingredients that have shown to feed Malassezia may not neccessarily exacerbate the condition due to concentration of ingredient used in the product, this information is simply not available on the products.
As a result, please note this is only an experimental label that can be best used to possible identify problematic products you have used in the past. It is in no way a perfect identifier nor a predictor in whether or not it will exacerbate or cause fungal acne. It will continue to be worked on as more information and research comes to light.
If you find any ingredients you believe should be included, please email us at snails@skincarisma.com.
Disclaimer
Due to the lack of substantial research into this area it is very likely there are other ingredients and class/groups of ingredients that could feed Fungal Acne which have not been indentified.
The Fungal-Safe label does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
What are Notable Effects & Ingredients?
Ever used a product that promised a certain effect but provided no results? It might not have contained any notable ingredients that could have been responsible for that promised effect. It doesn't matter what the marketing or packaging «promises» it can do, if it doesn't contain anything that can help - then the likelihood of it helping is low.
We help you identify key notable ingredients that have been shown to help with effects such as acne-fighting, brightening, UV-protection, wound healing & anti-aging to help you achieve your skincare goals smarter. Please note that different notable ingredients have varying levels of research behind them, some are extremely well proven yet some have mixed research in their efficacy.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product doesn't contain any notable ingredients doesn't mean it's bad. And a product with notable ingredients (or even many) doesn't necessarily guarantee the efficacy of the product performing these effects either. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine this.
Be smart and use this as just a starting point for you to make more informed and smarter choices and compare it with reviews to see if the product is right for you
Notable Effects & Ingredients
Anti-Aging from 3 ingredient(s):
Brightening from 3 ingredient(s):
Promotes Wound Healing from 4 ingredient(s):
Ache-fighting from 2 ingredient(s):
What are Ingredients Related to Skin Type?
Why are some products great for some people and horrible for others? Well everyone has different skin types and different reactions to the same ingredients.
We've identified a range of ingredients that are commonly regarded as potentially good or bad for those with Dry, Oily/Acne-Prone or Sensitive skin.
Pro Tip Alert!
A product that contains good or bad ingredients for your skin type doesn't always flat out make the entire product good or bad for your skin. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine your skins reaction.
One of the best ways to use this section is to troubleshoot products you've had bad experiences with in the past. Check if it contains any of the marked ingredients to point out suspect ingredients to avoid in the future!
Ingredients Related to Skin Types
Dry Skin
Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
Sensitive Skin
What is the Ingredient Safety Breakdown?
Ingredient Safety Breakdown refers to the percentage % of ingredients in different risk categories as classified by EWG (Environment Working Group) if they are available. There are almost endless cosmetic ingredients and they are one of the few organisations globally that have assigned ratings to a lot of the more commonly used ingredients which is why we reference them.
Pro Tip Alert!
EWG is seen by many to be more on the alarmist side in their assignment of health ratings resulting in rating ingredients as riskier than they actually are. We recommend using this a reference point rather than a strict guide of ingredient safety and to always do further research if into ingredients that you may find suspect.
Ingredient Safety Breakdown
Product ingredient list
| EWG | CIR | Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 |
Tretinoin
Skin Conditioning
|
Brightening
Ache-fighting
Anti-Aging
Promotes Wound Healing
Dark Spots
Texture
Pores
|
|
| 1 |
Niacinamide
Skin Conditioning, Hair Conditioning, Smoothing
|
Brightening
Ache-fighting
Anti-Aging
Promotes Wound Healing
Redness
Irritation
Dark Spots
Pores
|
|
| 6 |
BHT
Masking, Fragrance, Antioxidant
|
|
|
| 1 |
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
Skin Conditioning, Emollient, Antimicrobial
|
|
|
| 1 |
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Solvent, Skin Conditioning, Masking, Perfuming, Emollient
|
|