Acne Cream
Triple-action topical for acne: antibiotic (clindamycin + erythromycin) and antifungal (ketoconazole). Covers bacterial and fungal acne.
Cream
from $139/mo
Applied to the skin · Once a day
Topical retinoidAcne & photoaging
Tretinoin 0.15% Gel
A prescription-strength topical retinoid for acne and sun-damaged skin, used nightly to improve skin texture, clarity and firmness.
- Gold-standard for acne and photoaging
- Results appear over 8–12 weeks of consistent use
- Apply nightly; start slowly to let skin adapt
- Monthly$129/mo
- Free, discreet shipping
- Licensed U.S. pharmacy
- Board-certified physicians
Disclaimer: Prescription products require an online evaluation with a licensed medical professional who will determine if a prescription is appropriate. Products are compounded by a licensed pharmacy. The FDA has not reviewed or approved compounded products for any use for safety, efficacy, or quality. Compounded medications are not FDA-approved brand-name products.
- How
- Applied to the skin
- How often
- Once a day
- Each shipment
- 1 tube
- Strength
- 0.15%
What is tretinoin?
(all-trans retinoic acid, ATRA)
Tretinoin is the active form of vitamin A, a gold-standard medicine for acne and photoaging. It works directly inside skin cells to speed turnover, increase collagen, and reduce sebum production. At 0.15%, this concentration is prescription-strength and requires a physician's guidance on use and sun protection.
What's in it
- TretinoinSpeeds skin renewal
70+ yrs
of established evidence for tretinoin in dermatology
Tretinoin is Category C in pregnancy (risk not ruled out); avoid during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Requires consistent sun protection (SPF 30+) and moisturizing.
Is it right for you?
Who it's for
People with oily skin already used to tretinoin.
What sets it apart
A gel at 0.15%, stronger than the commercial 0.1%.
Worth knowing before you start
Not a first retinoid. Start lower and work up.
Results you will see
Clearer skin
acne clears and pores appear smaller
Better texture
roughness and fine lines smooth out
Firmness
collagen and elastin rebuild over time
Patience required
12 weeks minimum to see full improvement
How tretinoin works
Week 1–2
A US-licensed physician prescribes the formulation, reviews the adjustment period, and emphasizes sun protection. The gel arrives; you review the instructions.
1Week 2–8
Adjustment phase: mild dryness and peeling are normal. Many people experience purging (acne worsens briefly). This is expected; keep the routine.
2Week 8–12
Skin texture improves, acne starts to clear, and pores look smaller. Stick to the routine; results keep building.
3Month 3+
Full results: clearer skin, firmer texture, reduced fine lines from photoaging. Maintain SPF and moisturizer always; tretinoin is a long-term routine.
4
Individual results vary. Benefits reflect what Zepym Health members commonly report to their physician at check-ins; they are not the results of a clinical trial.
How you use it
This is the starting dose the pharmacy prints on the label. Your physician sets yours and adjusts it with you.
- How
- Applied to the skin
- Dose
- 1 mL (a pea-sized amount)
- How often
- Once a day
- When
- At bedtime
- Each shipment
- 1 tube
- Pharmacy label
- Apply 1 mL (a pea-sized amount) to the face at bedtime once daily for 30 days.
A sample week
- M
- T
- W
- T
- F
- S
- S
Once a day
The science of tretinoin
Tretinoin binds retinoid receptors in skin cells, speeding up skin cell turnover, unclogging pores and, over months, stimulating new collagen.
Results for acne appear in 6–12 weeks; photoaging improvement takes 12 weeks or more. Sun protection and a good moisturizer are not optional; they are essential to your protocol.
Learn moreImportant safety information and common side effects
Tretinoin is safe for most people when used correctly, but requires care. Do not use during pregnancy or breastfeeding (Category C). Start low and go slow: even at 0.15%, your skin needs a 4–8 week adjustment period with possible dryness, peeling, or purging (temporary worsening of acne before clearing). Sun protection is not optional: SPF 30+ every morning, even on cloudy days and indoors. Certain medications (doxycycline, some antibiotics, quinolones) increase photosensitivity with tretinoin; tell your physician. Stop and seek care if you develop severe irritation, blistering, or signs of an allergic reaction. Tell your physician about every medication you take.
Every plan includes
- Personalized, physician-guided plan
- Monthly plan
- Dispensed by a US-licensed compounding pharmacy
- Unlimited protocol adjustments and messaging
- Ongoing support and check-ins
- Pause or cancel anytime
- Reviewed by our in-house physicians
How it works
1.Connect with a physician
Answer a few questions online and a US-licensed physician reviews your health, history and goals to make sure treatment is right for you. 100% online. No in-person visit required.
2.Get your discreet shipment
If approved, your treatment is compounded by a US-licensed, LegitScript-certified pharmacy, inspected for quality, and shipped discreetly to your door.
3.Receive continuous support
Start with one goal, then keep building over time. Unlimited physician messaging, easy refills and dose adjustments, all from the Zepym Health app.
Tretinoin educational content reviewed by our physician
Scott Nass, MDDoctor of Medicine, board-certified in Family Medicine
Charles R. Drew University and David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. Family Medicine residency at Ventura County Medical Center.
Frequently asked questions
How do I use Tretinoin 0.15% Gel?
Applied to the skin, once a day, at bedtime. The starting prescription is 1 mL (a pea-sized amount) each time. Your physician sets your own dose and it is printed on your label.
How much arrives in each shipment?
1 tube at the starting strength, shipped to your door from a licensed US pharmacy.
How do I use tretinoin?
Start with the smallest amount (pea-sized, rice-grain size). Apply once nightly to clean, completely dry skin. Wait 20 minutes after cleansing. Use SPF 30+ every morning, and a good moisturizer every morning and night. Your skin will go through an adjustment phase (dryness, mild peeling, possible purging) for the first 4–8 weeks.
Can I use tretinoin with other actives?
Keep it simple during the adjustment phase (weeks 1–8). Avoid vitamin C, niacinamide, AHAs, BHAs, and benzoyl peroxide while your skin adapts. After 8 weeks, ask your physician which are safe to add. Less is more.
What if my skin gets too irritated?
Reduce frequency (use 2–3 times a week instead of nightly) or skip a night. Use a heavy moisturizer right after tretinoin. If irritation is severe or persistent, contact your physician; they can adjust your routine or the strength.
How long do I use it?
Tretinoin is typically a long-term treatment. Acne-prone skin stays on it as long as results matter. For photoaging, many people use it indefinitely. Your physician guides this based on your goals.
Tretinoin, done right.
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Acne treatment combining antibiotics (clindamycin/erythromycin/ketoconazole) with tretinoin for faster clearance and post-acne healing.
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Clarity Cream
Acne and post-acne formula combining azelaic acid, niacinamide, clindamycin, and tretinoin. Anti-inflammatory and cell-renewing.
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The above statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Prescription products require an online evaluation with a licensed medical professional who will determine if a prescription is appropriate. Individual results vary.
Sources
- 1
Topical tretinoin improves photoaged skin. A double-blind vehicle-controlled study.
JAMA, 1988 - 2
Topical Retinoids in Acne Vulgaris: A Systematic Review.
Am J Clin Dermatol, 2019 - 3
Guidelines of care for the management of acne vulgaris.
J Am Acad Dermatol, 2024
Tretinoin 0.15% Gelfrom $129/mo