For a long time, tretinoin has been used as a gold standard in anti-aging skincare. In 2025, the market is full of innovative formulas that incorporate tretinoin into their products. All types of creams, from prescription to over-the-counter alternatives that are infused with soothing ingredients, are in high demand among consumers.
With so many options now available, it can be very difficult to choose the right anti-aging product that’s suitable for certain skin types and needs.
Keep reading to find out which tretinoin anti-aging products are the most in demand in 2025.
Table of Contents
What is tretinoin?
How long does it take to see results with tretinoin?
What concentration is best?
What is the global market value of tretinoin?
Best tretinoin anti-aging products
Tretinoin serum
Tretinoin cream
Final thoughts
What is tretinoin?
Tretinoin is a powerful retinoid that’s derived from vitamin A. It’s predominantly used in dermatology due to its ability to speed up cell turnover. Tretinoin works by increasing collagen production and reducing fine lines. It also improves the texture of the skin and can be used for acne treatment by preventing pores from clogging and promoting younger-looking skin.
Since tretinoin is prescription-strength and more potent than over-the-counter retinol, users will see faster results. However, potential side effects such as skin irritation or dryness can occur until the skin adjusts. Tretinoin should be used in combination with sun protection and hydration products to maintain healthy skin cells, as recommended by a dermatologist.
How long does it take to see results with tretinoin?
Using tretinoin anti-aging products is very popular today, and it’s known for having great effects on the skin. This is especially true for reducing fine lines, wrinkles, and improving skin texture. But how long does it take to see results?
Most people will notice an improvement in their skin within 4 to 6 weeks, but very significant changes can take anywhere between 3 to 6 months to appear. At the start of the treatment, it’s very common to experience redness, peeling, or dryness while the skin adjusts. This will often subside after a period of regular application, so it’s important to be patient and use the product as directed to see the full benefits.
To get the most out of the tretinoin anti-aging product, it’s recommended to pair it with a very gentle skincare routine. This routine should include products such as moisturizer and sunscreen to help prevent irritation and to protect the skin from outdoor elements.
What concentration is best?
Using products that have a concentration of between 0.025% to 0.05% is recommended to ensure that long-term use will be safe for the skin. The lower concentrations are good at improving skin texture and reducing fine lines while minimizing the risk of irritation.
Those who have more resilient skin or who have been using tretinoin products on a regular basis can use a stronger concentration. This will provide more dramatic results, but it can also increase the likelihood of peeling and skin irritation.
Tretinoin is an FDA-approved ingredient, and although there are some concerns with it thinning the skin, it actually does the opposite and thickens skin over time by stimulating collagen production. As with all skin care products, it’s important to consult a dermatologist for the right concentration and to make sure it works effectively.
What is the global market value of tretinoin?
Over the past decade, there has been a steady increase in awareness of the importance of skin health, especially among older consumers. There are many products on the market that contain tretinoin as one of the main ingredients. This includes anti-aging products, acne treatments, and creams recommended for dermatological disorders. Tretinoin is becoming more common in skincare, and it’s especially sought after in the North American market.
In 2024, the global market value of tretinoin reached USD 2.5 billion. This number is expected to grow by a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.1% between 2024 and 2031. This will bring the total market value up to around USD 7.5 billion by the end of this period.
Best tretinoin anti-aging products
The good thing about anti–aging products that contain tretinoin is that they’re available in a variety of forms. This means that certain products will be more suitable for specific skin types and skin concerns. Buyers may need a prescription for certain products, though, depending on the strength of the tretinoin.
According to Google Ads, “tretinoin” had an average monthly search volume of 823,000 in 2024. The most searches appeared in May when they hit 1,000,000, which can be put down to buyers wanting to improve their skin health leading up to the summertime. Searches didn’t drop below 673,000 monthly for the remainder of the year.
Keep reading to find out which tretinoin products are the most popular among buyers, and what key features make them such a big hit in 2025.
Tretinoin serum
Tretinoin serums are very popular among people with oily or acne-prone skin. These serums are known for being lightweight and fast-absorbing, and they’re designed to deliver skin-renewing and anti-aging properties with very little greasiness. They provide the same wrinkle-reducing effects as other products but without the worry of clogging pores.
These serums pair very well with hydrating ingredients such as niacinamide and hyaluronic acid to help counteract irritation and dryness. Buyers should be aware that sunscreen is essential when using tretinoin serums, as the skin will be more sensitive to light. Skincare enthusiasts looking for a potent alternative to traditional anti-aging creams can’t get enough of these serums.
Tretinoin cream
Tretinoin creams are among the most widely used formulations for both acne treatments and anti-aging skincare routines. They offer a moisturizing base that helps eliminate irritation and dryness over time. These creams are available in a variety of strengths, ranging from 0.025% to 0.1%, so buyers are able to start with a lower concentration. Once the skin adjusts, it’s recommended to gradually increase the concentration for the best results.
For people with dry or normal skin, tretinoin creams are ideal as they provide much-needed hydration while delivering collagen-boosting and powerful cell-renewing benefits. These creams are very popular among dermatologists, and they’re growing in popularity around the world, especially for patients with older skin.
Final thoughts
Using tretinoin in anti-aging products remains one of the most effective options on the market. Although it requires a prescription from a doctor to acquire, there are plenty of options for consumers of all skin types and concerns. Creams and serums with tretinoin as the main ingredient are among the most popular with buyers, but anti–aging gels and other products combined with additional active ingredients such as hydroquinone are proving to be just as high in demand.
Common side effects, such as skin Irritation, may occur with the use of tretinoin. With a well-rounded tretinoin regimen and patience, users will find that they’ll be able to achieve maximum results within weeks, with very minimal effort.
