Prescription-strength retinoid (vitamin A derivative); the most evidence-backed topical for fine lines, texture, and acne — the benchmark other retinoids are compared against.
Pea-sized amount, 2-3x/week initially, building to nightly as tolerated (0.025-0.1% strength)
Typical cycle length
Ongoing — visible results typically take 3-6 months
BioHack Track models Tretinoin (Retin-A) at a half-life of 4 hours, so every dose you log is decayed against that curve and the app shows estimated active levels — not just what you typed.
No approved product cited
No FDA-approved product for this compound is cited on this page, and no approved human dose is quoted. Treat the range below as research and community practice rather than a prescribed dose.
Reconstitution
Topical cream/gel; no reconstitution needed.
Storage
Store away from light and heat; degrades with sun exposure.
Cautions
Prescription medication. Causes purging, peeling, and sun sensitivity (daily SPF is mandatory); not for use during pregnancy.
Track Tretinoin (Retin-A) in BioHack Track. Half-life, dose range and route come
pre-filled from this library — log a dose and the app counts your vial down, models what is
in your system, and puts it on the same chart as your labs and body composition.
Evidence Check asks 10 questions about every compound. For Tretinoin (Retin-A) it can answer 3 of them, from the papers we hold — graded by how strong the study design is, not by whether the findings are flattering. These are the same verdicts the app gives.
Strongest EvidenceLongevity
Meta-analyses or systematic reviews exist — the highest grade of evidence there is, whatever they conclude. Read them.
Comparing Tretinoin to Other Topical Therapies in the Treatment of Skin Photoaging: A Systematic ReviewSystematic Review · Am J Clin Dermatol · 2024 · PMID 39348007
Efficacy and tolerability of a double-conjugated retinoid cream vs 1.0% retinol cream or 0.025% tretinoin cream in subjects with mild to severe photoagingRandomized Controlled Trial · J Cosmet Dermatol · 2017 · PMID 28762645
Strongest EvidenceSkin & collagen
Meta-analyses or systematic reviews exist — the highest grade of evidence there is, whatever they conclude. Read them.
Comparing Tretinoin to Other Topical Therapies in the Treatment of Skin Photoaging: A Systematic ReviewSystematic Review · Am J Clin Dermatol · 2024 · PMID 39348007
A double-blind randomized study comparing the association of Retinol and LR2412 with tretinoin 0.025% in photoaged skinRandomized Controlled Trial · J Cosmet Dermatol · 2015 · PMID 25603890
Superficial dermabrasion versus topical tretinoin on early striae distensae: a randomized, pilot studyRandomized Controlled Trial · Dermatol Surg · 2014 · PMID 24612027
Some Clinical EvidenceWound healing
Clinical trials in humans have looked at this.
Low levels of alitretinoin in seminal fluids after repeated oral doses in healthy menRandomized Controlled Trial · Clin Exp Dermatol · 2011 · PMID 21443599
Research references only. Not medical advice, and not a recommendation to take anything.
Look up the research
These open a search of each database for Tretinoin (Retin-A) — they are not citations, and nothing here is evidence for any particular dose. The same links are in the app.
11 papers naming Tretinoin (Retin-A) in the title, drawn from PubMed and limited to reviews, meta-analyses and trials. Each was checked against PubMed’s own record for its title, journal and year. This is a starting point, not an evidence review — nothing here is offered as support for the dose range above, and the list is not exhaustive. See the editorial policy.
The half-life, route and dose range on this page are compiled from published
pharmacokinetic literature, manufacturer and product monographs where one exists, and the
ranges commonly reported in clinical and research use. They are kept as a range
rather than a single figure because that is what the sources actually support — a
half-life varies with route, formulation and the person.
These are not citations, and this page is not a review of the evidence. Where a
number matters to you, follow the database links above and read the source. We say so
plainly rather than dressing a compiled reference up as one.
Nothing on this page has been reviewed by a named clinician. It is a reference for
people already tracking a protocol, not a recommendation to start one.
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Last updated ·
Corrections: support
General reference compiled for use
inside the app, not medical advice and not a recommendation to take anything. Dose ranges are
what is commonly discussed, not a prescription. Talk to a qualified healthcare professional.