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POSTED: 12 Jun 2023
Where to Get Tretinoin Cream or Gel Online in the UK
In the UK, tretinoin is available by prescription only because it is a powerful topical retinoid that needs to be used under medical supervision. This means you cannot buy it over the counter. The only legal way to get it is with a prescription from a doctor or other prescriber. The good news is that you can now get online in the UK. A small number of regulated clinics and subscription services offer it for , and . In this post we review the best online clinics for tretinoin cream and gel treatments in the UK. We also them with the in-person alternatives.
Can You Buy Tretinoin Over the Counter in the UK?
You cannot buy tretinoin over the counter in the UK. It is a prescription-only medicine. This means you will not find it on the shelves at Boots, Superdrug or any other pharmacy without a prescription. High street shops and beauty retailers can only sell cosmetic retinoids like retinol, which are much weaker than tretinoin. You may come across websites offering to sell tretinoin directly but buying from these is unsafe and not legal in the UK. The only safe and legal way to get tretinoin is with a prescription. This can come from a doctor or other qualified prescriber who deems it appropriate for you, either in person or through an online medical clinic.
Best Online Tretinoin Clinics in the UK
There are a number of that offer virtual consultations with a doctor, specialist nurse or pharmacist. As with in-person clinics, these medical can prescribe tretinoin if they believe it is the right treatment for you. They treat common conditions like , , , rosacea and skin ageing. These companies either provide formulations of in lotion, cream or gel form, or offer licensed generic or branded products. They then deliver the product to your home. Many people want in the UK alongside personalised advice on how to use it safely. For them, a virtual consultation can be a convenient option. Here are 11 of the most popular telemedicine clinics in the UK that offer virtual consultations and can send tretinoin to you.
#1 City Skin Clinic
provides personalised and treatments using like , , , , and where appropriate. You have the option of either a or with a doctor. They will assess your skin type, concerns and goals, then design a bespoke treatment plan. This may include gel or cream, either alone or compounded with other . The same doctor will then monitor your progress throughout your treatment journey, and you can reach out to them at any time by email. We deliver directly to patients. All face treatments last 3 months, and your doctor will work with you to adjust the composition of your next formula based on your . This is not a subscription service, so patients request refills when they are ready.
Personalised prescription-strength skincare
#2 Skin+Me
is a popular subscription service that offers virtual skin assessments using an online form. This is then reviewed by one of their doctors, nurses or pharmacists. They provide their own brand of personalised skincare formulations that may include tretinoin and other ingredients. After completing an online assessment, receive a customised treatment plan designed for their skin concerns. The products are then delivered to their door.
#3 Dermatica
is another popular subscription skincare service that offers online form skin assessments reviewed by their practitioners. This may be one of their doctors, nurses or pharmacists. If they find it suitable for you, they will provide their own formulation of prescription skincare that may include tretinoin. You complete a virtual assessment on their website and their clinical team reviews your case and a personalised treatment. They then deliver the products directly to your door.
#4 Zava
is a telemedicine platform that offers virtual skin assessments using an online form which their doctors then review. They provide a range of prescription skincare products for acne and rosacea. This includes generic tretinoin formulated with antibiotics (Treclin) that you can order through their website. They will then deliver the products directly to your home.
#5 MedExpress
is an online pharmacy that provides prescription acne treatments including topical tretinoin formulated with clindamycin (e.g. Treclin gel). They offer online form skin assessments which their prescribers (doctors or pharmacists) then review. If your assessment is approved, you can order their recommended treatments through their website. The products are delivered to your designated address.
#6 Chemist4U (Formerly Doctor4U)
is another reputable online pharmacy offering prescription acne skincare. They provide formulated with clindamycin. To access their service, you complete an online questionnaire which their healthcare providers (mainly pharmacists) will then review. If approved, you can order the recommended products their website and they will deliver them to you.
#7 Push Doctor
is a well-established telemedicine platform that offers video consultations with GPs through their app. They treat a variety of conditions including acne. If they feel tretinoin is appropriate for you, they will issue a prescription which you can pay for and collect from a pharmacy. For more complex cases, they may refer you to a specialist.
#8 The Online Clinic
is a telehealth platform that offers virtual assessment questionnaires which their doctors then review. They treat a number of skin conditions including melasma and acne. Based on the online consultation, they may provide prescription skincare like tretinoin (alone or formulated with clindamycin) and pigmanorm. This is for a fee that the consultation, prescription and medication. They then deliver the products to you from their pharmacy.
#9-11 The New Comers
Since we first wrote this post, a number of new skincare platforms offering have come up. We have grouped these here as they offer a very similar subscription service to Skin+Me and Dermatica but with a slight twist. These companies include (now rebranded as ), which is owned by Skin+Me and aims to target “middle-life” women. is service that targets the luxury skincare market. Last but not least, is a custom skincare service aimed at a younger demographic. As these target different markets, they generally have slightly different subscription costs and frequencies.
When it comes to where to get tretinoin online in the UK, most services fall into three categories. These are subscription skincare platforms, virtual pharmacies and online doctor-led skin clinics. Subscription platforms tend to be easier and relatively cheaper to access, though the extent of personalisation can be limited on the provider. Virtual pharmacies usually prescribe standard tretinoin-antibiotic only, so they have fewer treatment . Online doctor-led clinics tend to offer great personalisation and consultation options but may be less accessible. The best option depends on your priorities in terms of convenience, cost or customisation.
How to Get Tretinoin in Person in the UK
Unlike isotretinoin (Roaccutane) or adapalene, tretinoin is generally not available through the NHS. As such, most people would need to see a private dermatologist, aesthetic doctor or GP. The doctor then provides you with a prescription which you can take to the pharmacy to buy generic or branded tretinoin. This may or may not contain other ingredients such as . There are also pharmacies with walk-in clinics where you can access a consultation with an on-site doctor and obtain a for tretinoin. Again, this is usually for generic tretinoin creams. Some aesthetic clinics also provide tretinoin cream or gel for mild acne, hyperpigmentation and photo-ageing. This is usually using brand names like . You would normally have a consultation in the clinic, then either return to pick up your tretinoin or delivery for an extra fee.
Why Isn’t Tretinoin Available Over the Counter in the UK?
Tretinoin is a potent retinoid that needs medical supervision to use safely. That is why the MHRA classes it as a prescription-only medicine. It can cause irritation, peeling and increased sun sensitivity, and it is not safe in pregnancy or breastfeeding. For these reasons it is not licensed for sale as a cosmetic, unlike weaker over-the-counter retinols. Tretinoin is also not as widely here as it is in countries like the United States. There it is still prescription only, though more commonly prescribed. On top of this, the NHS rarely prescribes tretinoin for off-label concerns like or . As a result, most people in the UK access it privately a clinic or an online service.
What Strength of Tretinoin Cream Should You Use?
Standard, off-the-shelf tretinoin comes in a few fixed strengths. Creams are usually 0.025%, 0.05% or 0.1%, whilst the main standard gel comes as 0.05%. These are the you get with generic or branded products like Tretinoina, Retirides or Obagi. offer greater as the prescriber can tailor the exact strength and base to each patient. In compounded formulas, tretinoin can be formulated from 0.001% to 0.1%. These formulas can contain tretinoin by itself or combine it with other actives in a single cream or gel.
The right strength depends on your skin type, your concern and how well your skin tolerates treatment. Most people start on tretinoin 0.025% or lower to let the skin adjust and permit regular use. It is then possible to build up strength gradually if needed. This is something your prescriber will decide with you, rather than a one-size-fits-all choice. The base matters too. Tretinoin gels tend to suit oilier or acne-prone skin, creams work better for drier or more sensitive skin.
When choosing which service to use, first consider the type of medical consultation you are comfortable with as this will form the foundation of your journey. Then look at factors like type of treatments offered, price, customer service quality and aftercare.
At City Skin Clinic, we believe that skincare is personal and should always centre around your needs. Our doctors offer safe and effective custom treatments for , , and using ingredients like tretinoin in cream or gel formulas where appropriate. To start your personalised skincare plan, with one of our doctors or use our . The journey towards great skin starts here.
This article is intended for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or . Always consult a qualified medical provider for any health concerns or you might have.
What is Tretinoin?
Why is Tretinoin a Prescription-Only Medicine?
Can You Buy Tretinoin at Boots?
Is Tretinoin Available on the NHS?
Where Can I Legally Buy Tretinoin Online in the UK?
Is Getting Tretinoin Online as Safe as Seeing a Private GP or Dermatologist in Person?
Can I Get Tretinoin Without Antibiotics Online?
How Long Does Tretinoin Take to Work?
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