Tretinoin / Retinoids
Evidence: ★★★★★ · Status: FDA Approved
In plain English
Switches on skin's collagen-building and cell-renewal genes — the single most evidence-backed ingredient for wrinkles and acne. Everything else in skincare is secondary.
How it works
Vitamin-A acids bind nuclear retinoic acid receptors (RARA/RARB), driving epidermal turnover, collagen (COL1A1) synthesis, and reduced matrix metalloproteinases — the most proven anti-aging/acne topical.
Molecular target & official sources
RARA retinoic acid receptor (NCBI Gene) · Tretinoin (PubChem CID 444795)
Bottom line
The gold-standard skin actives; introduce slowly (irritation).
Helps with: Live Longer · Skin & Hair
Stacks with
Shares a pathway — often paired with: Omega-3 (EPA/DHA), Vitamin D3 (+ K2), Testosterone (TRT), Finasteride / Dutasteride.
Availability & where to buy
Available over the counter. Widely available OTC — e.g. iHerb (ships worldwide); in Singapore also Guardian, Watsons, GNC, Shopee / Lazada. Look for a third-party-tested / GMP mark and check the dose per serving.
How it works: the Nuclear receptors pathway →
Used in these protocols
Compare Tretinoin / Retinoids
- Tretinoin / Retinoids vs Creatine Monohydrate
- Tretinoin / Retinoids vs Omega-3 (EPA/DHA)
- Tretinoin / Retinoids vs Vitamin D3 (+ K2)
- Tretinoin / Retinoids vs Rapamycin (Sirolimus)
- Tretinoin / Retinoids vs Metformin
- Tretinoin / Retinoids vs PDE-5 Inhibitors (Sildenafil / Tadalafil)
- Tretinoin / Retinoids vs N-Acetylcysteine (NAC)
- Tretinoin / Retinoids vs Finasteride / Dutasteride
Common questions
Does Tretinoin / Retinoids actually work?
Human-evidence rating: 5 of 5. The gold-standard skin actives; introduce slowly (irritation).
Is Tretinoin / Retinoids legal or approved?
Regulatory status: FDA Approved.