Active Compound

Tretinoin (0

Keratolytic; normalizes keratinization; accelerates cell turnover; stimulates fibroblast collagen production. Used for atrophic acne scar treatment, photoaging, acne.
Limited Data
Insufficient safety data available. Consider enriching this ingredient.
Details

Description

Keratolytic; normalizes keratinization; accelerates cell turnover; stimulates fibroblast collagen production. Used for atrophic acne scar treatment, photoaging, acne.

Purpose

Function

Keratolytic; normalizes keratinization; accelerates cell turnover; stimulates fibroblast collagen production. Used for atrophic acne scar treatment, photoaging, acne.
Profile

Properties

Silicone
Silicone free
Compliance

Regulatory Status

EU
Banned
Safety
POOR
US
Banned
Absorptionhigh
Sensitizationhigh
MoSnot established
NOAEL2 mg/kg
ConcernHigh
Flags
rx-onlynot-a-cosmetic-ingredienteu-banned-in-cosmeticsteratogenicscar-benchmarkpost-epithelialization-onlypharmaceutical-referenceprop65eu_banned_cosmeticseu_cosing_listed
Verdict

Tretinoin (all-trans retinoic acid, CAS 302-79-4) is a prescription-only pharmaceutical in both the US and EU, not a cosmetic ingredient. Documented 0.05% tretinoin improves atrophic acne scars via normalized keratinization and accelerated cell turnover. Included in the database as a benchmark reference for formulators comparing cosmetic retinoid actives. EU: Prohibited in cosmetics. US: Prescription-only drug. Contraindicated in pregnancy due to teratogenic risk. Avoid application to open wounds.

US Note

Prescription-only drug (Rx) in the US for acne and photoaging treatment. Not permitted in OTC cosmetics under FDA classification. Requires CDER approval as a new drug application. Used clinically at 0.025–0.1% for acne; 0.05% shown to improve atrophic acne scars.

Assessment

Ratings

Comedogenic0/5
LowHigh
Irritancy0/5
LowHigh
Reference

Identifiers

Category
Active Compound
Updated
Apr 2, 2026

No registry identifiers available for this ingredient.