Where to Get Tretinoin Cream or Gel Online in the UK

#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 ingredients. After completing an online assessment, customers receive a customised treatment plan designed for their skin concerns. The products are then delivered to their door.

#3 Dermatica

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 recommends a personalised treatment. They then deliver the products directly to your door.

#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 your home.

#5 MedExpress

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)

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 which their healthcare providers (mainly pharmacists) will then review. If approved, you can order the recommended products through their website and they will deliver them to you.

#7 Push Doctor

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

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 includes 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 compounded formulations of tretinoin 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 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 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 depending on the provider. Virtual pharmacies usually prescribe standard tretinoin-antibiotic combinations only, so they 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.

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 antibiotics. There are also pharmacies with walk-in clinics where you can access a consultation with an on-site doctor and obtain a prescription 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 Obagi. You would normally have a consultation in the clinic, then either return to pick up your tretinoin or arrange 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 available 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 hyperpigmentation or photo-ageing. As a result, most people in the UK access it privately through 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 set strengths you get with generic or branded products like Tretinoina, Retirides or Obagi. Compounded formulas offer greater flexibility 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, whereas 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 treatment 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 acne, hyperpigmentation, melasma and skin ageing using ingredients like tretinoin in cream or gel formulas where appropriate. To start your personalised skincare plan, book a video consultation with one of our doctors or use our online consultation form. The journey towards great skin starts here.

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 health concerns or questions you might have.