Tretinoin Topical Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Sep 7, 2024.

Applies to tretinoin topical: topical cream, topical gel/jelly, topical lotion.

Serious side effects of tretinoin topical

Along with its needed effects, tretinoin topical may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking tretinoin topical:

More common side effects

• burning, stinging, peeling, redness, or unusual dryness of the skin (severe)

Less common side effects

• dryness, pain, redness, irritation, or peeling at the application site

Other side effects of tretinoin topical

Some side effects of tretinoin topical may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common side effects

• burning, itching, stinging, scaling, or redness of the skin
• chapping or slight peeling of the skin (mild)
• darkening of the skin
• lightening of normal skin color
• lightening of treated areas of dark skin
• redness of skin (mild)
• unusual dryness of skin (mild)
• unusually warm skin (mild)

For healthcare professionals

Applies to tretinoin topical: topical cream, topical gel, topical kit, topical liquid, topical lotion.

Dermatologic adverse events

Cream:

• Very common (10% or more): Severe skin irritation (Up to 32%)
• Frequency not reported: Mild irritation, peeling/skin exfoliation, erythema, pruritus, blistering, pain, crusting, tenderness, dry skin, burning/warmth/stinging, photosensitivity/increased sensitivity to light
• Postmarketing reports: Temporary hyper/hypopigmentation, rash, skin atrophy

Gel:

• Very common (10% or more): Dry skin (Up to 16%), peeling/scaling/flaking skin (Up to 12%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Burning sensation, erythema, pruritus, skin pain, sunburn
• Frequency not reported: Blistering/crusting skin
• Postmarketing reports: Temporary hypo/hyperpigmentation, increased susceptibility to sunlight

Microsphere Gel:

• Common (1% to 10%): Skin irritation, skin burning, erythema, dermatitis
• Frequency not reported: Peeling, dryness, stinging, itching
• Postmarketing reports: Temporary hypo/hyperpigmentation^[Ref]

Erythema, peeling, dryness, burning/stinging, and/or itching occurred most frequently during the first 2 weeks of therapy.

Most of the dermatologic side effects were mild in severity (approximately 63%), and approximately 34% were of moderate severity.

Dry, peeling, scaling, and/or flaking skin occurred most often in the gel formulation.^[Ref]

Hepatic

Cream:

• Frequency not reported: Reversible liver function test changes (bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, ALT, AST)^[Ref]

Metabolic

Cream:

• Frequency not reported: Thymol turbidity elevations, increased flocculation^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

Cream:

• Postmarketing reports: Edema/swelling of application site^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

Cream:

• Frequency not reported: Allergic contact dermatitis
• Postmarketing reports: Allergic reaction^[Ref]

Further information

Tretinoin topical side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.

Medical Disclaimer