On this page
Retin-A MICRO
Tretinoin · Gel
Overview
Active ingredients
Source: NDC DirectoryForms, strengths and routes
Source: NDC DirectoryPharmacologic classes are listed in the class section below.
Pharmacologic class
Source: NDC Directory| Class | Type | Browse |
|---|---|---|
| Retinoid [EPC] | EPC | All 35 members |
| Retinoids [CS] | CS | All 35 members |
Regulatory status
Source: Drugs@FDANDC Directory| Product | Trade name | Form | Strength | Ingredient | Status | TE | Flags |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 020475-001 | RETIN-A MICRO | GEL | TRETINOIN | Prescription | — | RLD RS | |
| 020475-002 | RETIN-A MICRO | GEL | TRETINOIN | Prescription | — | RLD RS | |
| 020475-003 | RETIN-A-MICRO | GEL | TRETINOIN | Prescription | AB | RLD RS | |
| 020475-004 | RETIN-A-MICRO | GEL | TRETINOIN | Prescription | AB | RLD RS |
Therapeutic equivalence
Source: Orange BookWhat this rating means: Therapeutically equivalent — bioequivalence demonstrated by in vivo or in vitro testing
Codes beginning with “A” indicate products the FDA considers therapeutically equivalent. Codes beginning with “B” indicate bioequivalence has not been established. See methodology.
Approval history
Source: Drugs@FDA| Type | No. | Action | Status | Date | Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Supplement | 29 | Labeling | Approved | September 10, 2025 | Standard |
| Supplement | 36 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | April 22, 2025 | N/A |
| Supplement | 24 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | August 21, 2014 | Standard |
| Supplement | 23 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | January 29, 2014 | Standard |
| Supplement | 21 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | January 28, 2014 | Standard |
| Supplement | 20 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | January 8, 2013 | Standard |
| Supplement | 13 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | February 26, 2009 | N/A |
| Supplement | 8 | Efficacy | Approved | May 10, 2002 | Standard |
| Supplement | 7 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | March 20, 2001 | Standard |
| Supplement | 6 | Labeling | Approved | April 27, 2000 | Standard |
| Supplement | 5 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | April 5, 2000 | Standard |
| Supplement | 4 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | November 10, 1999 | Standard |
| Supplement | 3 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | April 23, 1999 | Standard |
| Supplement | 2 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | November 13, 1998 | Standard |
| Supplement | 1 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | November 13, 1998 | Standard |
| Original application | 1 | Type 3 - New Dosage Form | Approved | February 7, 1997 | Standard |
Review documents
Prescribing information
Source: openFDA Drug LabelingReproduced verbatim from the Structured Product Labeling submitted to the FDA (effective 20250901). This is the manufacturer's labelling text, not a summary and not advice.
Indications and Usage
openFDA Drug Labeling1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE RETIN-A MICRO ® is indicated for the topical treatment of acne vulgaris in adults and pediatric patients 12 years of age and older. RETIN-A MICRO is a retinoid indicated for the topical treatment of acne vulgaris in adults and pediatric patients 12 years of age and older. ( 1)
Dosage and Administration
openFDA Drug Labeling2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION For topical use only. Not for oral, ophthalmic, or intravaginal use. • Prior to RETIN-A MICRO use, thoroughly cleanse area(s) with a mild, non-medicated cleanser then pat the skin dry. • When applying RETIN-A MICRO, keep away from the eyes, the mouth, paranasal creases of the nose, and mucous membranes. • Apply a thin layer of RETIN-A MICRO (0.04%, 0.06%, 0.08%, or 0.1%) to skin where acne lesions appear (cover the entire affected area), once daily in the evening. Do not apply more than a thin layer [see Warning and Precautions (5.1) ] . Improvements in acne lesions may be noticed after two weeks of RETIN-A MICRO therapy, but more than seven weeks of therapy may be needed for sustained benefit. If RETIN-A MICRO was temporarily discontinued due to local adverse reactions, RETIN-A MICRO therapy may be resumed upon resolution of local adverse reactions. • For topical use only. Not for oral, ophthalmic, or intravaginal use. ( 2 ) • Keep away from eyes, mouth, paranasal creases of the nose, and mucous membranes. ( 2 ) • Apply a thin layer of RETIN-A MICRO to skin where acne lesions appear (cover the entire affected area) (0.04%, 0.06%, 0.08%, or 0.1%) once daily in the evening ( 2 ).
Dosage Forms and Strengths
openFDA Drug Labeling3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS Gel (white to very pale yellow and opaque): • 0.04% (0.4 mg of tretinoin per gram) • 0.06% (0.6 mg of tretinoin per gram) • 0.08% (0.8 mg of tretinoin per gram) • 0.1% (1 mg of tretinoin per gram). Gel: 0.04%, 0.06%, 0.08%, and 0.1% ( 3 )
Contraindications
openFDA Drug Labeling4 CONTRAINDICATIONS None. None. ( 4 )
Warnings and Cautions
openFDA Drug Labeling5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS • Local Skin Irritation : RETIN-A MICRO can cause local skin irritation, including excessive dryness, redness, swelling, peeling, itching, blistering, burning, or stinging ( 5.1 ) • Avoid use on eczematous skin or during weather extremes, such as severe wind or cold. • To reduce the risk of local skin irritation, wash the treated skin gently, using a mild, non-medicated soap, avoid washing the treated skin too often or scrubbing it hard when washing, and apply a topical moisturizer. • If severe local skin irritation occurs, discontinue use temporarily or permanently. • Initial Worsening of Inflammatory Acne Vulgaris : During the early weeks of RETIN-A MICRO treatment, an apparent exacerbation of inflammatory lesions may occur. If RETIN-A MICRO is tolerated, this should not be considered a reason to discontinue therapy. ( 5.2 ) • Photosensitivity : RETIN-A MICRO can cause photosensitivity. Advise patients to avoid or minimize unnecessary exposure to UV light, including sunlight and sunlamps. Advise patients to use sunscreen (SPF ≥15) and sun-protective clothing if UV light exposure cannot be avoided. Avoid use on sunburn skin. ( 5.3 ) 5.1 Local Skin Irritation RETIN-A MICRO can cause local skin irritation, including excessive dryness, redness, swelling, peeling, itching, blistering, burning, or stinging [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) ] . Use of RETIN-A MICRO in greater than the recommended dosage (more frequent than once daily application or excessive application) will not result in more rapid or improved acne results and may result in marked redness, peeling, or discomfort. Tretinoin has been reported to cause severe local skin irritation on eczematous skin. Weather extremes, such as severe wind or cold, may increase the risk of skin irritation in patients using RETIN-A MICRO. To reduce the risk of local skin irritation, instruct RETIN-A MICRO-treated patients to: • Avoid use of RETIN-A MICRO in areas affected by eczema. • Minimize or avoid use of RETIN-A MICRO with weather extremes. • Wash the treated skin gently, using a mild, non-medicated soap, pat it dry, and avoid washing the treated skin too often or scrubbing it hard when washing. RETIN-A MICRO is not recommended with concomitant use of medicated or abrasive soaps and cleansers, products that have a strong drying effect, products with high concentrations of alcohol, astringents, spices, or lime peels. • Apply a topical moisturizer. Advise patients that concomitant use of topical over the counter (OTC) acne products containing benzoyl peroxide, sulfur, resorcinol, or salicylic acid with RETIN-A MICRO may increase the risk for local skin irritation including dryness, erythema, and peeling. Consider withholding the use of topical OTC acne products if signs of skin irritation develop. Advise patients to allow the skin irritation effects of the topical OTC acne products to subside before initiation of RETIN-A MICRO treatment. If severe local skin irritation occurs, discontinue RETIN-A MICRO use temporarily or permanently. Efficacy of RETIN-A MICRO at reduced frequencies of application has not been established. 5.2 Initial Worsening of Inflammatory Acne Vulgaris During the early weeks of RETIN-A MICRO treatment, an apparent exacerbation of inflammatory acne vulgaris lesions may occur. If RETIN-A MICRO is tolerated, initial worsening of inflammatory acne vulgaris lesions should not be considered a reason to discontinue therapy. 5.3 Photosensitivity RETIN-A MICRO can cause photosensitivity. Advise patients to avoid or minimize unnecessary exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light, including sunlight and sunlamps, while using RETIN-A MICRO. Advise patients with sunburn to not use RETIN-A MICRO until the sunburn fully recovers. Advise patients, especially those who may be required to have extended periods of UV light exposure (e.g., due to occupation or sports), those with inherent sensitivity to the sun, or those using drugs that cause photosensitivity, to use …
Adverse Reactions
openFDA Drug Labeling6 ADVERSE REACTIONS Most common adverse reactions were skin irritation, skin burning, erythema, peeling, dryness, itching, and dermatitis. (6.1) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Bausch Health US, LLC at 1-800-321-4576 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. RETIN-A MICRO, 0.1% The safety of RETIN-A MICRO, 0.1% for the treatment of acne vulgaris was evaluated in two multicenter, double-blind, randomized, vehicle-controlled clinical trials (Studies 1 and 2). A total of 347 subjects with acne vulgaris were treated in Studies 1 and 2 in which 172 subjects received RETIN-A MICRO, 0.1% and 175 subjects received vehicle, applied topically once daily in the evening, for 12 weeks. Mean age was 19 years (range 11-40) and 55% were female [see Clinical Studies (14.1) ] . RETIN-A MICRO is not approved for use in pediatric patients younger than 12 years of age [see Indications and Usage (1) ] . In Studies 1 and 2, subjects treated with RETIN-A MICRO, 0.1% had increased cutaneous irritation scores for erythema, peeling, dryness, burning/stinging, or itching that peaked during the initial two weeks of therapy and decreased thereafter, compared to those treated with vehicle [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . During the 12-week treatment period, no more than 3% of RETIN-A MICRO, 0.1%-treated subjects had cutaneous irritation scores indicative of severe cutaneous irritation and 6% (14/224) of RETIN-A MICRO 0.1%-treated subjects discontinued treatment due to cutaneous irritation. Of these 14 subjects, four had severe cutaneous irritation after 3 to 5 days of treatment, with blistering in one subject. RETIN-A MICRO, 0.04% The safety of RETIN-A MICRO, 0.04% for the treatment of acne vulgaris was evaluated in two multicenter, double-blind, randomized, vehicle-controlled clinical trials (Studies 3 and 4). A total of 451 subjects with acne vulgaris were treated in Studies 3 and 4 in which 225 subjects received RETIN-A MICRO, 0.04% and 226 subjects received vehicle, applied once daily in the evening, for 12 weeks. Mean age was 19 years (range 11-49) and 57% were female [see Clinical Studies (14.2) ] . RETIN-A MICRO is not approved for use in pediatric patients younger than 12 years of age [see Indications and Usage (1) ] . In Studies 3 and 4, subjects treated with RETIN-A MICRO, 0.04% had increased cutaneous irritation scores for erythema, peeling, dryness, burning/stinging, or itching that peaked during the initial two weeks of therapy and decreased thereafter, compared to those treated with vehicle [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . Approximately half of the 225 subjects in the RETIN-A MICRO, 0.04%-treated group had cutaneous irritation at Week 2. Of the subjects who experienced cutaneous irritation, most had signs or symptoms that were mild in severity (severity was ranked on a 4-point ordinal scale: 0=none, 1=mild, 2=moderate, and 3=severe). Less than 10% of RETIN-A MICRO, 0.04%-treated subjects experienced moderate cutaneous irritation, and none had severe cutaneous irritation at Week 2. In Studies 3 and 4, during the 12-week treatment period, the majority of RETIN-A MICRO, 0.04%-treated subjects experienced cutaneous irritation (mild, moderate, or severe), of which, 1% (2/225) of subjects had cutaneous irritation scores indicative of a severe irritation and 1.3% (3/225) of subjects discontinued treatment due to cutaneous irritation, which included dryness in one subject and peeling and urticaria in another. RETIN-A MICRO, 0.04% and 0.1% In a double-blind trial, 156 subjects with acne vulgaris were treated for 12-weeks with RETIN-A MICRO 0.04% (n=78) or 0.1% (n=78) topically once daily. In this trial, the most frequently rep …
Use in Specific Populations
openFDA Drug Labeling8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS 8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Available data from published prospective observational studies and retrospective cohort studies over decades of use of topical tretinoin in pregnant women have not established a drug-associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage, or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes (see Data) . In animal reproduction studies with pregnant rats, alterations in the vertebrae and ribs of offspring were observed with daily topical dosing of 0.1% tretinoin gel (microsponge) during organogenesis at 5 to 10 times the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD). In animal reproduction studies with pregnant rabbits, fetal malformations, such as domed head and hydrocephaly, were observed in the offspring with daily topical dosing of 0.1% tretinoin gel (microsponge) during organogenesis at 10 to 19 times the MRHD [ see Data ]. The background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the US general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2% to 4%, and 15% to 20%, respectively. Data Human Data: Published data from prospective observational studies and retrospective cohort studies on the use of topical tretinoin products during pregnancy have not identified an association with topical tretinoin and major birth defects or miscarriage. The available studies have methodologic limitations, including potential misclassification of exposure, small sample size and in some cases, lack of physical exam by an expert in birth defects. Animal Data: For purposes of comparison of the animal exposure to systemic human exposure, the MRHD applied topically is defined as 1 gram of Retin-A Micro (tretinoin) Gel microsphere, 0.1%, applied daily to a 60 kg person (0.017 mg tretinoin/kg body weight). Pregnant rats were treated with 0.1% tretinoin gel (microsponge) at daily dermal doses of 0.2, 0.5, and 1 mg/kg/day tretinoin on gestation days 6-15. Alterations were seen in the vertebrae and ribs of the affected offsprings at 0.5 mg/kg/day tretinoin, 5 to 10 times the MRHD based on body surface area (BSA) comparison. Pregnant rabbits were treated with 0.1% tretinoin gel (microsponge) at daily dermal doses of 0.2, 0.5, and 1 mg/kg/day tretinoin on gestation days 7-19. Doses were administered topically for 24 hours a day while wearing Elizabethan collars to prevent ingestion of the drug. Increased incidences of certain alterations, including domed head and hydrocephaly, typical of retinoid-induced fetal malformations in this species were observed at doses of 0.5 and 1 mg/kg/day. Similar malformations were not observed in the offspring at 0.2 mg/kg/day, 4 times the MRHD based on BSA comparison. In a second rabbit study, pregnant rabbits were treated with 0.1% tretinoin gel (microsponge) at daily dermal doses of 0.5 or 1 mg/kg/day tretinoin on gestation days 7-19. Doses were administered topically for six hours per day while pregnant rabbits were restrained in stocks to prevent ingestion. The offspring of pregnant rabbits exposed to 0.5 or 1 mg/kg/day tretinoin did not show any malformations at doses up to 19 times (1.0 mg/kg/day) the MRHD based on BSA comparison, but fetal resorptions were increased at 0.5 mg/kg (10 times the MRHD based on BSA comparison). Malformations (shortened or kinked tail) were observed in the offspring of pregnant rats treated with topical tretinoin at doses greater than 1 mg/kg/day during the period of organogenesis (10 times the MRHD based on BSA comparison). Anomalies (humerus: short 13%, bent 6%, os parietal incompletely ossified 14%) have also been reported in offspring when 10 mg/kg/day was topically applied to pregnant rats during the period of organogenesis. Supernumerary ribs have been a consistent finding in newborn rats when dams were treated topically or orally with retinoids. …
Mechanism of Action
openFDA Drug Labeling12.1 Mechanism of Action Although tretinoin activates three members of the retinoic acid (RAR) nuclear receptors (RARα, RARβ, and RARγ) which may act to modify gene expression, subsequent protein synthesis, and epithelial cell growth and differentiation, it has not been established whether the clinical effects of tretinoin are mediated through activation of retinoic acid receptors and/or other mechanisms. The exact mechanism of action of topical tretinoin for treatment of acne vulgaris is unknown. Current evidence suggests that topical tretinoin decreases cohesiveness of follicular epithelial cells with decreased microcomedone formation. Additionally, tretinoin stimulates mitotic activity and increased turnover of follicular epithelial cells causing extrusion of the comedones.
Description
openFDA Drug Labeling11 DESCRIPTION Chemically, tretinoin is all-trans-retinoic acid, also known as (all-E)-3,7-dimethyl-9-(2,6,6-trimethyl-1-cyclohexen-1-yl)-2,4,6,8-nonatetraenoic acid. Tretinoin is a retinoid and a metabolite of naturally occurring Vitamin A. Tretinoin has a molecular weight of 300.44, a molecular formula of C 20 H 28 O 2 and the following chemical structure: RETIN-A MICRO (tretinoin) gel is for topical use. Each gram of RETIN-A MICRO gel: • 0.04%, contains 0.4 mg of tretinoin • 0.06%, contains 0.6 mg of tretinoin • 0.08%, contains 0.8 mg of tretinoin • 0.1%, contains 1 mg of tretinoin The formulation contains methyl methacrylate/glycol dimethacrylate crosspolymer (MICROSPONGE ® System), propylene glycol dicaprylate/dicaprate and butylated hydroxytoluene. Other components consist of benzyl alcohol, butylated hydroxytoluene, carbomer 974P, cyclomethicone and dimethicone copolyol, disodium EDTA, glycerin, PPG-20 methyl glucose ether distearate, propylene glycol, purified water, sorbic acid, and trolamine. Tretinoin Chemical Structure
Overdosage
openFDA Drug Labeling10 OVERDOSAGE Oral ingestion of large amounts of RETIN-A MICRO may lead to the same adverse reactions as those associated with excessive oral intake of Vitamin A. Consider contacting the Poison Help Line (1-800-222-1222) or a medical toxicologist for overdose recommendations.
How Supplied / Storage and Handling
openFDA Drug Labeling16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING How Supplied RETIN-A MICRO (tretinoin) gel is opaque and white to very pale yellow in color and is supplied as follows: Strength Amount of Tretinoin in One Gram of Gel Quantity/Package Type NDC 0.04% 0.4 mg 20 gram tube 0187-5144-20 45 gram tube 0187-5144-45 50 gram pump 0187-5144-50 0.06% 0.6 mg 50 gram pump 0187-5146-50 0.08% 0.8 mg 50 gram pump 0187-5148-50 0.1% 1 mg 20 gram tube 0187-5140-20 45 gram tube 0187-5140-45 50 gram pump 0187-5140-50 Storage and Handling Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F); excursions permitted from 15° to 30°C (59° to 86°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Store pump upright.
Adverse event reports
Source: openFDA FAERSAttributed to this product's most-reported active ingredient: TRETINOIN. Combination products with more than six active ingredients are not attributed, because a report count summed across a long ingredient list measures the list, not the medicine.
Packaging and NDCs
Source: NDC Directory| Package NDC | Product NDC | Labeler | Description | Marketing start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0187-5146-02 | 0187-5146 | Bausch Health US LLC | 24 TUBE in 1 TRAY (0187-5146-02) / 2 g in 1 TUBE | October 23, 2017 |
| 0187-5146-50 | 0187-5146 | Bausch Health US LLC | 1 BOTTLE, PUMP in 1 CARTON (0187-5146-50) / 50 g in 1 BOTTLE, PUMP | October 23, 2017 |
| 0187-5148-02 | 0187-5148 | Bausch Health US LLC | 24 TUBE in 1 CARTON (0187-5148-02) / 2 g in 1 TUBE | January 28, 2014 |
| 0187-5148-50 | 0187-5148 | Bausch Health US LLC | 1 BOTTLE, PUMP in 1 CARTON (0187-5148-50) / 50 g in 1 BOTTLE, PUMP | January 28, 2014 |
| 0187-5140 | 0187-5140 | Bausch Health US LLC | — | February 7, 1997 |
| 0187-5144 | 0187-5144 | Bausch Health US LLC | — | May 10, 2002 |
| 0187-5146 | 0187-5146 | Bausch Health US LLC | — | October 23, 2017 |
| 0187-5148 | 0187-5148 | Bausch Health US LLC | — | January 28, 2014 |
Sources for this page
| Dataset | Agency | Used for |
|---|---|---|
| NDC Directory | FDA | Identity, ingredients, strengths, forms, routes, labelers, packages |
| Drugs@FDA | FDA | Application, sponsor, submissions, review documents, marketing status |
| Orange Book | FDA | Therapeutic equivalence codes, reference drug flags, patents, exclusivity |
| Drug Labeling | FDA / NLM | Prescribing information reproduced above |
| FAERS | FDA | Adverse event report counts |
Generated September 25, 2026 · 11 sections on this page.