Tretinon Cream
Tretinon Cream
Product Description
YSP Tretinon Cream 0.05% by YSP (Y.S.P. Industries) is a prescription-strength topical retinoid. Each 20 g tube delivers 0.05% tretinoin โ all-trans-retinoic acid, the only FDA-approved gold-standard retinoid โ in a simple, fragrance-free 10-ingredient cream base built to clear acne, fade post-acne marks, refine texture and soften early fine lines. It is a medicine rather than a cosmetic and is best used under a doctor's or pharmacist's guidance.
โจ Texture & Feel
Gold-Standard Retinoid
Tretinoin is all-trans-retinoic acid, the only topical retinoid FDA-approved for both acne and photoaging, backed by decades of clinical evidence.
True Multi-Tasker
Targets active acne, clogged pores, post-inflammatory marks, uneven texture and early fine lines in a single nightly step.
Minimalist Base
Just 10 ingredients, fragrance-free and free of parabens, silicones, sulfates and drying alcohols.
Night Treatment
Tretinoin degrades in sunlight, so this is strictly a PM step applied to clean, dry skin and always paired with daytime SPF.
๐ก๏ธ Safety & Compatibility
Not safe. Topical retinoids are avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding; stop use before trying to conceive and consult your doctor.
Not safe. The base contains fatty alcohols, isopropyl myristate and a PEG-stearate that can feed malassezia. Adapalene is a better choice for fungal acne.
Tretinoin increases UV sensitivity. Daily broad-spectrum SPF 30+ is mandatory, and the cream itself should only be used at night.
Avoid using on the same night as benzoyl peroxide, AHAs/BHAs, strong vitamin C or other exfoliants to limit irritation.
Expect an initial 2โ6 week purge with dryness and flaking as skin-cell turnover speeds up before it improves.
Classified as prescription-only in most markets (ATC D10AD01). Use under the guidance of a doctor or pharmacist.
๐ฌ Ingredient Breakdown
๐ Tretinoin 0.05% Proven
The hero active and the reason this is a medicine. Tretinoin is the acid form of vitamin A that binds retinoic-acid receptors and tells skin cells to behave normally โ speeding turnover, unclogging pores and boosting collagen.
- Mechanism: Decreases cohesiveness of follicular cells, reducing the microcomedones that start acne.
- Evidence: The only FDA-approved retinoid for both acne vulgaris and photoaging, with decades of randomized-trial data.
- Anti-aging: Stimulates new collagen, helping fade marks and soften fine lines over months of use.
๐งด Isopropyl Myristate Emollient Promising
A lightweight ester that softens skin and helps the formula spread and penetrate, contributing to the cream's fast, non-greasy feel.
- Function: Emollient and penetration enhancer that improves texture and absorption.
- Note: Carries a high comedogenic rating, which is the main reason this formula scores 3/5 rather than 0.
๐ง Stearyl Alcohol Emollient Proven
A fatty alcohol โ not the drying kind โ that conditions skin and helps emulsify and stabilize the cream so the active stays evenly dispersed.
- Function: Emollient, emulsifier and thickener that gives the cream its smooth body.
- Comfort: Unlike volatile alcohols, fatty alcohols soften rather than dry the skin.
๐ก๏ธ BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene) Trace Proven
A long-established antioxidant used in tiny amounts to protect the easily-oxidized tretinoin from breaking down inside the tube.
- Function: Antioxidant stabilizer that preserves the potency of the active over the product's life.
- Usage: Present at very low, well-studied concentrations typical of topical medicines.
โช Titanium Dioxide Opacifier Proven
Here it acts as an opacifier and colorant rather than a sunscreen, giving the cream its white appearance and helping shield the light-sensitive active.
- Function: Opacifying and coloring agent in this leave-on cream (it is not providing SPF in this product).
- Benefit: Adds opacity that helps limit light exposure to the tretinoin in the tube.
๐งซ Sorbic Acid Preservative Proven
A gentle, widely used preservative that keeps the cream free of microbial growth throughout its shelf life.
- Function: Mild preservative effective against mold and yeast at low concentrations.
- Profile: Considered low-irritation and is paraben-free.
10 ingredients
Tretinoin 0.05%, Stearyl Alcohol, Isopropyl Myristate, PEG-40 Isostearate, Xanthan Gum, Sorbic Acid, Stearic Acid, BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene), Titanium Dioxide, Water (Purified Water).
๐ Where It Fits in Your Routine
Strictly a PM step. Cleanse, wait 20โ30 minutes until skin is fully dry, apply a pea-sized amount, then seal with moisturizer. Always follow with broad-spectrum SPF 30+ the next morning.
๐ How to Use
Cleanse & dry
Remove makeup with a mild cleanser, pat dry, then wait 20โ30 minutes until skin is completely dry to reduce irritation.
Apply a pea-sized amount
Dot a quarter-inch (pea-sized) amount over the whole affected area at night. More product means more irritation, not faster results.
Start slow
Use 2โ3 nights a week for the first 2โ4 weeks, then build up to nightly as your skin tolerates it.
Moisturize & protect
Follow with a bland moisturizer, wash your hands after use, and apply broad-spectrum SPF 30+ every morning.
๐ค Who Is It For?
โ Perfect for you if:
- You have persistent acne, blackheads or congestion
- You want to fade post-acne marks and smooth texture
- You're targeting early fine lines and photoaging
- You can commit to nightly SPF and a slow ramp-up
- You have access to medical guidance for a prescription retinoid
โ Consider alternatives if:
- You are pregnant, breastfeeding or trying to conceive
- You have very sensitive, eczema-prone or rosacea skin
- You're dealing with fungal acne (malassezia)
- You can't commit to daily sun protection
- You want a quick, irritation-free fix
๐ฏ Skin Type Compatibility
Lightweight cream and turnover-boosting tretinoin suit oily, acne-prone skin especially well.
Clears congested zones while the simple base stays comfortable on the rest of the face.
Effective for texture, tone and prevention; introduce slowly to avoid early flaking.
Powerful but drying; needs a rich moisturizer and buffering, and may be too much for very dry skin.
Tretinoin is among the more irritating retinoids; reactive, rosacea- or eczema-prone skin should consider adapalene instead.
๐ Results Timeline
Purge & adjustment
Possible breakouts, dryness, redness and flaking as skin-cell turnover accelerates. This phase is normal and temporary.
Most users notice purgingSkin starts to settle
Active breakouts begin to calm and overall texture starts to even out as the skin adapts.
~50% see early clearingVisible acne control
Clear reduction in lesions and more refined-looking pores, in line with clinical timelines for tretinoin.
Most see clearer skinAnti-aging benefits
Brighter tone, faded marks and softened fine lines emerge as new collagen builds with continued use.
Long-term glowโญ Ratings by Platform
โ๏ธ Pros & Cons
โ Praised
- Contains true 0.05% tretinoin โ the gold-standard, FDA-approved retinoid
- Clears acne and improves texture, tone and fine lines
- Fragrance-free, minimalist 10-ingredient base
- Low cost per gram versus Western branded tretinoin
- Backed by decades of clinical evidence on the active
โ Criticized
- Prescription-only in most markets; some resellers skip medical oversight
- Base contains comedogenic isopropyl myristate
- Not pregnancy-safe and not fungal-acne safe
- Causes purging, dryness and irritation, especially early on
- Small 20 g tube with limited availability outside Asia
๐ฐ Budget-Friendly Alternatives (Dupes)
OTC prescription-strength retinoid that is photostable and gentler than tretinoin. Slightly slower on fine lines but excellent for acne, and it's fungal-acne friendly.
A gentle, no-prescription retinoid for beginners. Weaker and slower than tretinoin, but far less irritating and easy to source.
Near-identical active and base โ the same hydrophilic cream vehicle. Differs mainly by region, brand and price rather than performance.
๐ Comparison with Competitors
YSP Tretinon 0.05% (Featured)
~$12Retacnyl 0.05% (Galderma)
~$20Differin (Adapalene 0.1%)
$13.48The Ordinary Retinal 0.2% Emulsion
$9.80๐ฆ Storage & Shelf Life
Around 6 months after opening, as tretinoin is light- and air-sensitive once exposed.
Store below 25โ30 ยฐC, away from direct light and heat, with the tube tightly closed.
Aluminium tube, 20 g net weight.
Yes โ the 20 g tube is well under 100 ml, but keep it cool and out of direct sun.
โ Frequently Asked Questions
No. Topical retinoids such as tretinoin are routinely avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding. If you are pregnant, planning to conceive or nursing, stop using it and speak to your doctor about safer alternatives.
No. The base contains fatty alcohols, isopropyl myristate and a PEG-stearate that can feed malassezia yeast. If fungal acne is your main concern, a simple adapalene gel is usually a better-tolerated retinoid option.
Generally not on the same night. Stacking tretinoin with other retinoids, strong vitamin C, AHAs/BHAs or benzoyl peroxide raises the risk of irritation. Use vitamin C in the morning and reserve exfoliating acids for non-tretinoin nights.
It performs best on oily, combination and acne-prone skin. Very dry, sensitive, rosacea- or eczema-prone skin may struggle with the dryness and irritation and should buffer with moisturizer or choose a gentler retinoid.
Expect a purge with dryness in the first 2โ6 weeks, clearer acne around 8โ12 weeks, and anti-aging benefits such as fading marks and smoother texture over 3โ6 months of consistent use.
At night only. Cleanse, wait 20โ30 minutes until skin is completely dry, apply a pea-sized amount, then follow with moisturizer. Never use it in the morning, and always apply broad-spectrum SPF 30+ the next day.
The tretinoin itself is anti-comedogenic and actively helps unclog pores. However, the base includes isopropyl myristate, which has a high comedogenic rating, so we rate the overall formula about 3/5. Most acne-prone users tolerate it, but watch for congestion.
About 6 months once opened. Tretinoin is sensitive to light and air, so keep the tube tightly closed and stored somewhere cool and dark to preserve its potency.
Verdict: YSP Tretinon Cream 0.05% from YSP (Y.S.P. Industries, Malaysia) is a no-frills way to get genuine prescription-strength tretinoin โ the most evidence-backed retinoid available โ at a low price per gram. It clears acne, fades marks and improves texture and fine lines over a few months. The trade-offs are real: it is prescription-only, the simple base includes comedogenic isopropyl myristate, it is not pregnancy- or fungal-acne-safe, and it brings the usual tretinoin purge, dryness and sun sensitivity. Use it at night, ramp up slowly, moisturize well, never skip SPF, and ideally begin under a doctor's or pharmacist's guidance. Ratings shown are indicative of tretinoin 0.05% user sentiment and reseller listings rather than standardized retailer reviews, since this is a regional medicine.
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 skinโs 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 ยซpromisesยป 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 1 ingredient(s):
Brightening from 1 ingredient(s):
Promotes Wound Healing from 1 ingredient(s):
Ache-fighting from 1 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 |
Stearyl Alcohol
Emulsion Stabilising, Fragrance, Emulsifying, Surfactant, Viscosity Increasing Agent, Emollient, Foam Boosting, Masking, Opacifying, Refatting, Viscosity Controlling
|
|
|
| 1 |
Isopropyl Myristate
Solvent, Skin Conditioning, Perfuming, Emollient, Fragrance, Binding Agent, Binding
|
|
|
| 1 |
Xanthan Gum
Binding Agent, Emulsion Stabilising, Skin Conditioning, Surfactant -Emulsifying Agent, Viscosity Increasing Agent, Binding, Gel Forming, Viscosity Controlling
|
|
|
| 0 |
Sorbic Acid
Preservative
|
|