Acids

Tretinoin: Comedogenic Rating & Safety Profile

Also known as: All-trans Retinoic Acid · Retin-A

The prescription gold-standard retinoid. The active form of Vitamin A — no conversion required by the skin.

Comedogenic

0/5

Safe

0 = won't clog pores · 5 = highly pore-clogging

Irritancy

4/5

Moderate Risk

0 = inert · 5 = often irritating

Function

Acids

Pregnancy

Generally considered safe

Vegan

Typically yes

Also Known As

All-trans Retinoic Acid, Retin-A

Quick verdict

Tretinoin is a acid with a safe comedogenic profile (0/5) and moderate risk irritancy (4/5). The prescription gold-standard retinoid. The active form of Vitamin A — no conversion required by the skin.

Benefits for skin

Most thoroughly studied anti-ageing active
Reverses sun damage and reduces wrinkles
Treats moderate-to-severe acne
Improves skin texture and tone

Best for

Mature
Acne-prone
Photoaged

Avoid if

Pregnancy
Breastfeeding
Eczema
Sensitive/compromised barrier

How to use Tretinoin safely

Start at 0.025% twice weekly, building tolerance over 12+ weeks. Sandwich with moisturiser to reduce irritation. Daily SPF is mandatory.

Found Tretinoin in your skincare?

Paste the full ingredient list into our INCI Analyser to see how this ingredient interacts with everything else in the formula.

Frequently asked questions

Is Tretinoin comedogenic?

Tretinoin has a comedogenic rating of 0/5 on the dermatologist-developed Fulton scale (0 = no risk, 5 = high risk of clogging pores). This is non-comedogenic and considered safe for acne-prone and oily skin.

Is Tretinoin safe for sensitive or acne-prone skin?

Tretinoin has an irritancy rating of 4/5 and a comedogenic rating of 0/5. It is best avoided if you have: Pregnancy, Breastfeeding, Eczema, Sensitive/compromised barrier. It is best suited to: Mature, Acne-prone, Photoaged.

Can I use Tretinoin every day?

Tretinoin has a higher irritancy profile (4/5). Start 2–3 times per week and only increase frequency if your skin tolerates it well. Start at 0.025% twice weekly, building tolerance over 12+ weeks. Sandwich with moisturiser to reduce irritation. Daily SPF is mandatory.

Who should avoid Tretinoin?

Avoid Tretinoin if you have any of the following: Pregnancy, Breastfeeding, Eczema, Sensitive/compromised barrier.

What is the comedogenic scale?

The 0–5 comedogenic scale was developed by dermatologists Dr. James Fulton and Dr. Albert Kligman. 0 = no risk; 1–2 = low; 3 = moderate; 4–5 = high. See the full pore-clogging ingredients guide for the complete list and methodology.

Other acids to know

Retinol

A Vitamin A derivative that accelerates cell turnover, boosts collagen and is the gold-standard ingredient for reducing wrinkles and acne.

Salicylic Acid

An oil-soluble exfoliant that penetrates into pores to dissolve sebum, dead skin and the plugs that cause blackheads and acne.

Glycolic Acid

The smallest AHA molecule, derived from sugarcane. It exfoliates the surface of the skin to reveal smoother, brighter, more even-toned skin.

Benzoyl Peroxide

An over-the-counter antibacterial that kills C. acnes bacteria and reduces inflammation. Often the first-line treatment for inflammatory acne.

Want the full picture on pore-clogging ingredients? Read our complete guide to comedogenic ingredients for the dermatology research behind the 0–5 scale and the full list of high-risk ingredients to avoid.

Written by ScanSkinAI Cosmetic Science Team · Last updated June 2026

This information is for educational purposes only. Always patch-test new products and consult a dermatologist if you have specific skin concerns.