How Much Does Tretinoin Cost?
Tretinoin costs anywhere from very little to a fair amount, depending on whether you get a generic tube from a pharmacy or a custom compounded formula. Generic tretinoin cream or gel is available at retail pharmacies, and cash prices with a discount card vary by strength, tube size, and pharmacy. Online skincare services mostly charge a monthly or per-shipment price that covers the formula, the clinician, and shipping.
Prices last checked · each provider's date is under its price
* Prices are based on our most recent research and may not reflect current pricing. Verify directly with the provider.
Tretinoin Prices by Provider
Sorted by lowest starting price — the tracked range runs $20 to $100/mo.
Prices shown are based on our most recent research and may not reflect current pricing. Telehealth providers update their pricing frequently. Always verify pricing directly with the provider before purchasing.
| Provider | Score | Product | Price/mo | Includes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hello Alpha | 73 | Rx Acne / Skincare (Tretinoin) | $20–$40 checked | ○ Consults○ Labs● Shipping | Visit |
| Curology | 70 | Custom Formula | $30–$60 First 30-day box for $5.45 S&H (new subscribers only) checked | ● Consults○ Labs● Shipping | Visit |
| Dear Brightly | 52 | Night Shift | $33 $66 for first 2-month supply, then ~$99/quarter checked | ● Consults○ Labs● Shipping | Visit |
| Miiskin | 69 | Custom Acne/Anti-aging Formula (tretinoin-based) | $48.99–$68.99 checked | ○ Consults○ Labs● Shipping | Visit |
| Musely | 68 | Aging Repair Cream | $50–$100 checked | ● Consults○ Labs● Shipping | Visit |
| Pallas Health | 66 | Compounded Prescription Skincare | $75 checked | ● Consults○ Labs● Shipping | Visit |
| Twentyeight Health | 75 | Prescription Skincare (acne, melasma, anti-aging) | Quoted after consult checked | ● Consults○ Labs● Shipping | Visit |
| Evernow | 68 | Tretinoin Face Cream | Quoted after consult checked | ○ Consults○ Labs● Shipping | Visit |
| Push Health | 61 | Acne Treatment | Quoted after consult checked | ● Consults○ Labs○ Shipping | Visit |
Generic tube vs. custom formula
A generic tretinoin tube from a pharmacy is the plain, FDA-approved product. Custom formulas from online services mix tretinoin with other ingredients, such as niacinamide, azelaic acid, or clindamycin, in a compounded cream. They are convenient, but you pay for the bundle, and the mixes themselves are not FDA-approved products.
Insurance
Insurance may cover generic tretinoin for acne, sometimes only after prior authorization, particularly for adults. It rarely covers tretinoin prescribed for wrinkles or other cosmetic reasons, and it does not cover compounded custom formulas.
How long a tube lasts
A pea-sized amount covers the whole face, so a standard tube lasts many weeks. Compare prices per month of use, not per order. Some services ship small bottles more often.
How to Pay Less for Tretinoin
- ✓Ask the prescriber to send a generic tretinoin prescription to your local pharmacy and compare cash prices with a discount card.
- ✓Check introductory offers carefully; first boxes are often discounted and later shipments cost more.
- ✓Choose quarterly shipping if it lowers the per-month price and you already know the formula suits you.
Tretinoin Cost — Frequently Asked Questions
How much is tretinoin without insurance?
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Generic tretinoin's cash price varies widely by strength, tube size, and pharmacy, so check a discount card price for your exact prescription. Online custom formula services usually charge a fixed monthly or per-shipment price.
What's the cheapest way to get tretinoin?
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Usually a generic tube from a retail pharmacy paid with a discount card or covered by insurance, prescribed by your own doctor or a low-cost online consultation.
Does insurance cover tretinoin?
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Often for acne, sometimes with prior authorization. Rarely for anti-aging. Never for compounded custom formulas.
Want the full picture — how tretinoinworks, side effects, and who it's not for?
Read the Tretinoin Guide