Telehealth vs derm vs pharmacy, what's tretinoin actually going to cost you?
Compare up to 5 sources side by side over 1-10 years. Includes consult fees, generics, and international pricing.
Compare sources
Pick 2-5Can't get a script? Start here.
OTC retinoids on Amazon
Differin
Under $25Adapalene Gel 0.1%
Prescription-strength retinoid, OTC
Buy on Amazon →
SkinMedica
10%Retinol Complex 0.5
Pharma-grade OTC retinol
Buy on Amazon →
CeraVe
Under $25Resurfacing Retinol Serum
Encapsulated retinol + ceramides
Buy on Amazon →
CeraVe
Under $25PM Moisturizer (sandwich method)
Essential pairing for any retinoid
Buy on Amazon →
Affiliate links, we earn a small commission at no cost to you.
How we calculated this
Monthly prices are direct from each service's public pricing page as of our last refresh. Visit/consult fees are the one-time charges that apply in year one. We assume continuous use without skipping months.
Frequently asked
What's the cheapest legit way to get tretinoin? +
If insured, a dermatologist + generic tretinoin from a pharmacy usually runs $15-20/month. Without insurance, Curology (under $50) and Apostrophe (under $50) are the cheapest telehealth routes.
Is telehealth tretinoin the same strength as pharmacy? +
Yes, telehealth services use the same 0.025%, 0.05%, or 0.1% formulas. Curology and Musely compound theirs with other actives; Apostrophe and Nurx send standard tretinoin.
Should I buy tretinoin from an international pharmacy? +
Legally gray, medically risky. Counterfeit products are common, and without a consult you might pick the wrong strength. Not worth saving $15/month.
Heads up: this post has affiliate links. We may earn a small commission if you buy something, at no extra cost to you. We only link to stuff we'd actually tell a friend about. Prices shown are approximate and change often; check the retailer for current pricing.
