Can you use Retinol with Tretinoin?
No. Do not layer Retinol and Tretinoin; they are both retinoids.
Why
Retinol converts in the skin to retinoic acid, and tretinoin is retinoic acid itself. Using both just stacks the same mechanism, adding irritation with no meaningful benefit. If you have a tretinoin prescription, it already does everything retinol would.
How to use them together
- Pick one retinoid. If a dermatologist prescribed one, follow their plan.
- If switching from one to the other, stop the first before starting the second.
Who should be careful
Retinoids, including prescription ones, should not be used during pregnancy without medical advice.
About the ingredients
Retinol: An over-the-counter vitamin A derivative (retinoid) used for fine lines, texture and uneven tone. It converts to retinoic acid in the skin, so it is milder and slower than prescription tretinoin.
Tretinoin: Prescription retinoic acid (Retin-A and others), used for acne and photoaging. The strongest common topical retinoid; dryness and irritation are common early on.
FAQ
Can I use Retinol and Tretinoin together?
No. Do not layer Retinol and Tretinoin; they are both retinoids.
Should I use Retinol or Tretinoin in the morning or at night?
Pick one retinoid. If a dermatologist prescribed one, follow their plan. If switching from one to the other, stop the first before starting the second.
Who should be careful combining Retinol and Tretinoin?
Retinoids, including prescription ones, should not be used during pregnancy without medical advice.
What if my skin gets irritated using Retinol and Tretinoin?
Stop the stronger active, keep a gentle cleanser, moisturizer and sunscreen, and reintroduce one product at a time once skin calms down. See a dermatologist if irritation persists.
Sources
Studies and reviews on these ingredients and, where available, on this specific combination.
- Kafi R, et al. Improvement of naturally aged skin with vitamin A (retinol). Arch Dermatol. 2007;143(5):606-612.
- Zaenglein AL, et al. Guidelines of care for the management of acne vulgaris. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2016;74(5):945-973.
- Martin B, et al. Chemical stability of adapalene and tretinoin when combined with benzoyl peroxide in presence and in absence of visible light and ultraviolet radiation. Br J Dermatol. 1998;139 Suppl 52:8-11.
Related combinations
- Can you use Retinol with Vitamin C?
- Can you use Retinol with Niacinamide?
- Can you use Retinol with Salicylic Acid?
- Can you use Retinol with Hyaluronic Acid?
- Can you use Tretinoin with Vitamin C?
- Can you use Tretinoin with Niacinamide?
- Can you use Retinol with Glycolic Acid?
- Can you use Retinol with Benzoyl Peroxide?