In the UK, Tretinoin is available by prescription only because it is a powerful topical retinoid that requires use under medical supervision. In this post we review the most popular online clinics where, if suitable, you can get tretinoin treatment in the UK for acne, hyperpigmentation and skin ageing. We’ll compare these online services for benefits, limits and discuss in-person alternatives.
Where to Get Tretinoin Online in the UK
There are a number of telemedicine companies that offer virtual consultations with a doctor or specialist nurse or pharmacist. Like with in person clinics, these practitioners can then prescribe it if they believe it is the right treatment for you. They treat common conditions like acne, hyperpigmentation, melasma, rosacea and skin ageing. These companies either provide compound formulations of topical Tretinoin in lotion, cream or gel form or offer licensed generic or branded products. They then deliver the product to your home. If you’re looking to buy Tretinoin online in the UK and receive personalised advice on how to use it safely and effectively, telemedicine startups that offer virtual consultations 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.
| Provider | Service Model | Consultation | Treatment Type | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| City Skin Clinic | Online clinic | Online form or video with doctor | Custom cream or gel with Tretinoin ± other actives | High personalisation and long-term optimisation |
| Skin+Me | Subscription skincare | Online form reviewed by clinician | Custom cream with Tretinoin ± actives | Easy access with ongoing platform support |
| Dermatica | Subscription skincare | Online form reviewed by clinician | Custom cream with Tretinoin ± actives | Simple subscription-based treatment |
| Zava | Online clinic | Online form reviewed by doctors | Standard Tretinoin + antibiotic (e.g. Treclin) | Straightforward acne or rosacea treatment |
| MedExpress / Chemist4U | Online pharmacies | Online form reviewed by pharmacists | Tretinoin + antibiotic (Treclin) | Fast access to standard treatments |
| Push Doctor | GP video service | Video consultation with GP | Prescription issued if appropriate | More complex cases needing GP input |
| Newer services (e.g. Renew + Me, Klira, Uncouth) | Subscription skincare | Online form reviewed by clinician | Custom creams with Tretinoin ± actives | Niche focused users |
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 skin clinics. Subscription platforms tend to be easy and relatively cheaper to access but the extent of personalisation can be very limited depending on the provider. Virtual pharmacies usually prescribe standard Tretinoin–antibiotic combinations only and so have fewer treatment options. 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.
#1 City Skin Clinic
City Skin Clinic provides personalised skin and hair using active ingredients like Tretinoin, Hydroquinone, Azelaic acid, Finasteride, Spironolactone and Dutasteride where appropriate. You have the option of either a video consultation or completing an online form consultation with a doctor. They will assess your skin type, concerns and goals then design a bespoke treatment plan. This may include Tretinoin gel or cream either alone or compounded with other actives. The same doctor will then monitor your progress throughout your treatment journey and you can reach out to them at any time by email. Treatments are directly delivered to patients. All face treatments usually last 3 months and your doctor will work with you to adjust the composition of your next formula based on your progress. This is not a subscription service so patients have to request refills when they’re ready.
#2 Skin+Me
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 prescription products. After completing an online assessment, customers receive a customised treatment plan designed specifically for their skin concerns. They deliver the Tretinoin products to their customer’s doorstep.
#3 Dermatica
Dermatica is a 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 found suitable for you, they will provide you with their own formulation of prescription skincare treatments that may include Tretinoin, to address various skin concerns. With Dermatica, you can easily complete a virtual assessment on their website, and their clinical team will review your case and recommend a personalised treatment. They then deliver the products directly to your doorstep.
#4 Zava
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 the customer’s home.
#5 MedExpress
MedExpress is an online pharmacy that provide prescription acne skin 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 prescription skincare treatments through their website. The products are delivered to the customer’s designated address.
#6 Chemist4U (Formerly Doctor4U)
Chemist4U is another reputable online pharmacy offering prescription acne skincare. They provide Tretinoin formulated with Clindamycin. To access their service, you complete an online questionnaire. Their healthcare providers (mainly pharmacists) will then review it. If approved, you can order the recommended products through their website and they will deliver the products to you.
#7 Push Doctor
Push Doctor is a well-established telemedicine platform that offers video virtual consultations with doctors (GPs) through their app. They treat a variety of conditions including acne. If they feel Tretinoin is appropriate for you then they will issue you with a prescription which you can then pay for it and collect it from a pharmacy. For more complex cases, they may refer you to a specialist.
#8 The Online Clinic
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 products like Tretinoin (alone or formulated with Clindamycin) and Pigmanorm. This is for a fee that includes the consultation, prescription and medication. They then deliver the products to the customer from their pharmacy.
#9-11 The New Comers
Since we first wrote this post, a number of new skincare platforms offering compounded formulations of Tretinoin have come up. We’ve grouped these here as they essentially offer a very similar subscription service to Skin+Me and Dermatica but with a slight twist. These companies include And Begin (now rebranded as Renew + Me) which is owned by Skin + Me and aims to target “middle-life” women. Klira is another service that targets the luxury skincare market. Last but not least, Uncouth is another custom skincare service targeting a younger demographic. As these are aimed at different markets, they generally have slightly different subscription costs and frequencies.
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 and buy generic branded Tretinoin. This may or may not be contain other ingredients such as antibiotics. There are also pharmacies that have walk-in clinics where you can also access a consultation with an on-site doctor and obtain a prescription for Tretinoin which you can get from the pharmacy. 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 Obagi. You would normally have a consultation in the clinic and then either return to pick up your Tretinoin or arrange delivery for an extra fee.
Tretinoin is not as widely available in the UK as it is in places like the United States. However, there are several reputable telemedicine startups in the UK that offer online skin assessments. They can provide you with proper medical advice and Tretinoin treatment if they deem it safe and appropriate for you. Some clinics offer video consultations so you can discuss your concerns and treatment plan in real time with a doctor. However, the majority use skin questionnaires which a doctor or other healthcare provider reviews. The type of treatment they offer also differs in terms of whether it is just a basic Tretinoin cream or gel or if it is compounded with other ingredients. When choosing which service to use first consider the type of consultation you’re comfortable with. Then look at factors like 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 acne vulgaris, hyperpigmentation, melasma and skin ageing using ingredients like Tretinoin where appropriate. If you would like to learn more about our personalised skincare treatments please book a video consultation with one of our doctors or use our online skin consultation form. Start your treatment journey today and take your first step towards great skin.
This article is intended for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always consult a qualified medical provider for any medical concerns or questions you might have.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are the most common questions people ask when looking for tretinoin online in the UK, including legality, safety, and how different providers compare.
Tretinoin (all-trans retinoic acid) is a vitamin A derivative that was first approved by the FDA in 1971 for treatment of acne vulgaris. It also helps stimulate skin cells to make collagen and increases cell turnover which is why has off-label uses in photo-ageing.
You can only get tretinoin in the UK through a medical provider because it can cause side effects like irritation and is not safe in certain situations like severe eczema, pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Tretinoin is a prescription-only medicine in the UK and must be prescribed following a medical assessment. You can obtain it online through UK-regulated telemedicine clinics, subscription dermatology services or online pharmacies after review by a clinician if they deem it safe and appropriate.
This depends on your skin concern and overall health. Online dermatology services can be as safe and effective as in-person clinics if they have registered clinicians who conduct a thorough medical assessment. This is the only way to diagnose and determine the correct treatment.
Yes. Although most online pharmacies primarily prescribe Tretinoin containing antibiotics, most doctor-led clinics and subscription services offer more options.
