The Ultimate Guide to Finding the Best Tretinoin Cream in 2024

For decades, finding the best tretinoin cream was, in theory, simple enough: Schedule an appointment with your dermatologist for a prescription. But with time and energy at a premium these days, brands have pivoted to delivering this prescription-strength retinoid directly to you, making the process seamless—and incredibly convenient. An answer to fussy potions with mystery ingredients, tretinoin—the more potent counterpart to over-the-counter [retinol](https://www.vogue.com/article/best-retinol-serums-creams)—has ample research and years of use to back up its efficacy, held back in part because of its inaccessibility. But now, instead of sitting in a waiting room, you meet with a provider in a quick and virtual consultation (if that, as some brands don't even require a meeting).

In This Article:

tretinoin cgel be recepto * [What is tretinoin?](#whatistretinoin) * [Is tretinoin more effective than traditional retinol?](#istretinoinmoreeffective) * [What is the best form of tretinoin?](#bestform) * [Who should use tretinoin?](#whoshoulduseit) * [Who shouldn't use tretinoin?](#whoshouldntusit) * [How often should you use tretinoin?](#oftentouse) * [Can you use tretinoin with other active ingredients?](#usewithotheringredients) * [Meet the Experts](#meettheexperts)

Vogue's Top Tretinoin Cream Picks

Best Overall: [Curology Custom FormulaRx](https://cna.st/p/bvaxwx9ZxZzcQ41TxLF7vKTzRiQzyi5XX1VucWqcN8TCWazvZdVsoctU4uBUCXWQenbpouzD45np5dmKskNhSNcmMr6hzAD5g4UQ5kX465PPKTeSj21eRN6SDSzVhKqEqhjfJMdGdo25VYATm26yAt2NRecCH2BmTtM7NX51s48Ji8pxpJRAMqdeANFonanEHcZbmBQ9iPV8U6V6v6vkURSuXTG23fGvAurpZh9h1fWaK36HxHX3LukAao8) - $35

* **Why it's worth it:** A pioneer in telemedicine, Curology was the first to pair customers with a dermatology-trained provider, who assesses photos and learns about your skin during an online consultation before creating a personalized formula. The company is hands-on, with providers checking in through a chat and tweaking your formula (if needed) based on your feedback and results. While Curology's creams tend to be formulated to target acne and dark spots, the brand launched a spin-off, [Agency Skincare](https://cna.st/affiliate-link/7EaqjGTiGVEZLp1xbKaXd4fMU8REVu1qPFyvcXtZVSfHzj99mzKbvAPUDzFADyr15Eryzjz1ggRaSpjbdHQKc4GvkRxABYSv3e2Zi1GAe7ptnh4JWpieLXHartR6jDVZ4DnZSCnY27W7Dz2w83ftJ), in 2021 to appeal to those using tretinoin to target signs of aging. * **Key Ingredients:** Azelaic acid, clindamycin * **Subscription option:** Yes * **Supply:** 60 days

Best for Aging: [Musely The Anti-Aging Cream](https://cna.st/p/YugL81LJJg6NKrUkYG2UVZ2FxvJ7T5zbde2wUH1A9oxqsiq7vaGwwSwG9z2zZtAsqS9WWMym7qBRadSiRqLZJ5J3whSB8szkTj2Pc3YjJMkgsyUnqL7fNXba5YSMsDgHQUJq6vtdL1VKeaTWauimeqCwW9S6B2QuUrQKKbnTzJcv3RF7xko9aw7k7qBPjws87mhMjFzXGpjhtfNY7SoVLpDjiXTJRRenXXvqk1nDC5bL) - $85

* **Why it's worth it:** It may be billed as a way to address wrinkles and fine lines, but this cream also makes quick work of breakouts and hyperpigmentation, too—making it a versatile addition to your routine. The brand pairs it with hyaluronic acid (for hydration and immediate plumping) and niacinamide (to brighten and soothe); the latter also buffers the potential irritation and redness associated with retinoids. It comes in three concentrations, ranging from 0.025 to 0.1% tretinoin—and a board-certified dermatologist will determine which is best for you during a brief virtual visit. * **Key Ingredients:** Hyaluronic acid, niacinamide * **Subscription option:** Yes * **Supply:** 60 days

Best for Acne: [Hers Prescription Acne Cream](https://cna.st/p/YugL81LJJg6NKrUkYG2UVZ2FxvJ7T5zbde2wUH1A9oxqsiq7vaGwwSwG9z2zZtAsoJ3T5e7k4VSuJVeKtg1dzEiKWvscDmw77aNbFP2dn7ieqcqq1cv9s13bRbubnnJF5m7NQLyZHwpwsmZrpwKbaA3TezRgq95VXv1zs3nDsWiNXkyhckKhBJiczACsdEDfsuztNYvTM3aew1Afq1vvtWHAFbKJZaxYZLUo8m52Ubnn) - $29 and up

* **Why it's worth it:** Hers was among the first brands to make typically prescription-only products, such as oral minoxidil (for hair loss) and Latisse (for lash growth), available via the internet, so it's little surprise that it would offer not one, but two tretinoin-based cream. This acne cream pairs tretinoin—up to 0.055%—with clindamycin, which is a topical antibiotic that targets acne-causing bacteria, and azelaic acid, which dials down the inflammation that contributes to both redness and acne scars. (Hers also offers a [wrinkle-targeting tretinoin cream](https://www.forhers.com/skin-care/anti-aging), too; it contains a similar lineup of actives, but is formulated without clindamycin.) * **Key Ingredients:** Clindamycin, niacinamide, azelaic acid * **Subscription option:** Yes * **Supply:** 30 days

Best for Dark Spots: [Wisp Firm Up! Wrinkle Cream](https://cna.st/p/6LYtxUeZ61vbLW4BRUUHxchxT9eV61ibRqYgW8F1oEJmLVUrqb3Di2kenFPRTRv4Qb6ddaXTYDuuCc3K9M21wRQbjY497qsRfQJHMLKrkDhdDD5GDzpjavQ5Tu8dH3DwKdEcDrUQnJ8z9wa9ixrGAs8U91VYxzqK2hdQkoGQWVn6fks6JRqQoCeSdbNn6o8D1gpZmhdw