Tretinoin Cream Price South Africa | 2026 Updated Guide

Tretinoin is one of the most used skin treatments in South Africa. People buy it for acne, pigmentation, and fine lines. Before choosing a strength or brand, most users first check the tretinoin cream price in South Africa; therefore, this guide thoroughly explains the basics, and many buyers start their search on tretinoin for updated prices.

What Tretinoin Is and Why People Use It

Tretinoin is a vitamin A cream that speeds up skin renewal. It helps clear breakouts, fade dark marks, and smooth texture. Our analysis reveals that these three skin concerns account for the majority of demand in South Africa, and many users get free consultation before starting treatment, especially when searching for where to buy tretinoin in south africa.

Acne

Tretinoin keeps pores clear and reduces new spots. Many teens and adults use it when regular products stop working, and they often switch to Tretinoin Creams for stronger results. We found that results improve after steady use.

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Pigmentation

Dark marks from the sun or past acne are common in South Africa. Tretinoin helps fade them by removing older skin layers, which is why many users also check Skin Brightening & Hyperpigmentation treatments for extra support. Users see better results when they also use sunscreen.

Fine Lines

Adults use tretinoin to soften early lines and improve texture. It supports collagen renewal and gives the skin a smoother look over time, and many buyers explore Anti-Acne & Anti-Wrinkle Treatments when comparing long-term results.

Difference Between Tretinoin, Retin-A, and Retinol

• Retinol is a mild cosmetic ingredient. It works slowly.

• Retin-A is a prescription brand with higher pricing.

Tretinoin (generic versions) gives the same active effect as Retin-A but at a lower cost. According to tretinoins.co.za, most buyers prefer generics because they offer better value, and many users read our tretinoin-buying-guide before choosing a strength.

How Much Tretinoin Costs in South Africa

 

Product	Strength	Price	Size	Type	Delivery	Notes
Tretiheal Tretinoin Cream (Healing Pharma)	0.025%	R449.99	20g	Cream	Nationwide	Best for beginners
Tretiheal Tretinoin Cream (Healing Pharma)	0.05%	R479.99	20g	Cream	Nationwide	Balanced strength for acne & marks
Tretiheal Tretinoin Cream (Healing Pharma)	0.1%	R499.99	20g	Cream	Nationwide	Strong option for stubborn concerns
Tretinoin Cream USP (H&H)	0.025%	R579.99	30g	Cream	Nationwide	Larger tube; strong value
Tretinoin Cream USP (H&H)	0.05%	R599.99	30g	Cream	Nationwide	Anti-acne & anti-wrinkle
A-Ret Tretinoin Gel (Menarini)	0.01%	R549.99	20g	Gel	Nationwide	Mild gel for sensitive beginners
A-Ret Tretinoin Gel (Menarini)	0.025%	R499.99	20g	Gel	Nationwide	Light gel texture; quick absorption
A-Ret Tretinoin Gel (Menarini)	0.05%	R519.99	20g	Gel	Nationwide	Strong gel option for acne
Azelaic Acid Cream	20%	R499.99	20g	Cream	—	Gentle alternative for acne & redness
Hydroquinone Cream	4%	R499.99	30g	Cream	Nationwide	Strong option for melasma & dark marks

 

Why Prices Change

Tretinoin prices in South Africa shift for a few key reasons. Our analysis shows that most changes come from strength, brand, and product type, not the ingredient itself.

Strength

• Higher strengths cost a little more.
• 0.025% is usually the cheapest, while 0.1% sits at the higher end.
• The difference is small, but it still affects final pricing.

Brand

Brands like Tretiheal, A-Ret, and H&H have different production and import costs.
We found that branded items such as Retin-A sit higher because of name value and pharmacy markup.
Generic brands offer better pricing while keeping the same active ingredient.

Gel vs Cream

• Gel versions cost more because of their formula and lower availability.
• They suit oily or humid-area users, so demand also raises prices.
• Creams remain the most affordable option across all strengths.

Tube Size

• 20g tubes cost less upfront.
• 30g tubes cost more but last longer, giving better value per month.
• Many South African users choose 20g because of the lower starting cost.

Import Rules

SAHPRA guidelines, shipping timelines, and batch availability affect the final price.
If a brand has limited stock in a certain month, prices may rise slightly.

Pharmacy vs Online Differences

Pharmacies add retail markup, which increases cost.

Online dermatology stores working with direct suppliers, including tretinoins.co.za, often offer lower and more stable pricing.

Strength Comparison and Pricing

Tretinoin strengths work differently depending on your skin needs. Our analysis shows that most South African buyers choose between 0.025%, 0.05%, and 0.1%, with only a small tretinoin cream price South Africa between them.

Best for Beginners

• 0.025% is the easiest to start with.
• It causes fewer side effects and helps the skin adjust slowly.
• It’s also the most affordable strength, which makes it popular with first-time users.

Best for Acne

• 0.05% works well for mild to moderate acne.
• It clears pores faster and smooths bumps better than 0.025%.

We found that most acne-prone users in South Africa choose this level for balanced speed and comfort.

Best for Pigmentation

• Pigmentation often needs deeper skin renewal.
• 0.05% works for light marks, while 0.1% helps with older or darker spots.
• Users with sun-related marks often see better progress with stronger strengths, but only after their skin adjusts.

Price Impact of Each Strength

• The price jump between strengths is small.
• 0.025% is usually R449–R550 cheaper.
• 0.1% may cost slightly more, especially in gel form.

Our comparison shows that brand and formula type affect cost more than the percentage.

Cream vs Gel Cost Differences

Tretinoin comes in cream and gel forms. Both work well, but each suits different skin types. Our findings show that texture and skin type play a big role in choosing the right option.

Oily Skin

• Gel absorbs fast and feels lighter.
• It works better for oily or humid-area users, especially in Durban or coastal regions.
• Many acne-prone users prefer gel because it keeps the skin less greasy.

Dry Skin

• Cream suits dry or sensitive skin.
• It reduces irritation and adds a bit more comfort during the early weeks.
• Users in colder or dry areas often choose this version.

Price Difference

• Gel usually costs a little more because of its formula and lower stock availability.
• Cream remains the cheapest and easiest to tolerate for beginners.

Who Should Pick What

• Pick gel if you have oily skin or want fast absorption.
• Pick cream if you are new to tretinoin or if your skin gets dry easily.

Our analysis shows that comfort matters more than price when choosing between the two.

Brand Comparison - Tretiheal, A-Ret, Retin-A

Tretinoin brands in South Africa sit in different price ranges. Our analysis shows that Tretiheal and A-Ret stay affordable, while Retin-A sits higher because it's a branded prescription option.

Why Prices Differ Per Brand

Tretiheal and A-Ret are generic brands with lower production and import costs. Retin-A costs more because pharmacies add markup, and the brand name carries extra value. We found that users get similar results from Tretiheal and A-Ret without paying the higher Retin-A cost, which also helps buyers compare the tretinoin cream price in South Africa across different brands.

Retin-A Price vs Generic Tretinoin

Retin-A is always the most expensive. Generic tretinoin offers the same active ingredient at a lower cost.
Most shoppers compare Retin-A first, then switch to generics when they see the price gap.

Why 0.05% Retin-A Is Searched Most in SA

0.05% is the strength dermatologists commonly recommend for acne and pigmentation.
It works faster than 0.025% and suits most adult skin types.
This makes “Retin-A 0.05” one of the most searched terms when users check pricing.

How Long Does a Tube Last and the Monthly Cost

Most buyers want to know how long a tube will last before checking the price. Our analysis shows that tretinoin tubes stretch well because you only need a small amount each night.

Daily Usage

• A pea-sized amount covers the whole face.
• Using more does not speed results.
• It only increases dryness.
• This small amount helps the tube last much longer.

8–12 Week Estimate

• A 20g tube usually lasts 8 to 12 weeks.
• Beginners use it every second night, so their tube often lasts longer.
• Regular users finish it faster because they apply it daily.
• Most users on tretinoins.co.za say their tubes last about 10 weeks.

Cost-Per-Month Breakdown

Here’s the simple monthly estimate based on the average 10-week lifespan:

• 0.025%: About R180–R220 per month
  

• 0.05%: About R190–R230 per month
  

• 0.1%: About R200–R240 per month
  

Does Tretinoin Really Work? What South Africa Users Say

Most South African buyers want to know if tretinoin delivers real results before they spend money on it. Our analysis shows that it works well for acne, dark marks, and early aging when used the right way and with patience.

Acne

• Tretinoin keeps pores clear and reduces new breakouts.
• Users with mild to moderate acne report smoother skin after a few weeks.
• Many adults in Johannesburg, Durban, and Cape Town say bumps and clogged pores improve once they use it consistently.

Dark Marks

• Dark marks from the sun or past acne fade slowly with tretinoin.
• It helps remove older skin cells and brings fresh ones to the surface.

Users at tretinoins.co.za see the best change when they pair it with sunscreen every morning.

Anti-Aging

• Tretinoin softens early lines and improves texture.
• It supports collagen renewal, which gives a smoother look over time.

Many users between 28–45 pick tretinoin instead of retinol because results appear faster.

Realistic Expectations

• Tretinoin works, but not overnight.
• Most changes appear between 8–12 weeks.
• Dryness in the early weeks is normal.

We found that users who stay steady with their routine see the best long-term results.

FAQ

How much is tretinoin in SA?

Most tubes cost R449 to R550, depending on strength and brand. According to our checks on tretinoins.co.za, 0.025% is the lowest, while gel versions sit slightly higher.

Why is Retin-A more expensive?

Retin-A is a branded product with a higher retail markup. Our comparison shows that generic tretinoin offers the same active ingredient at a lower price.

Is it 0.025% cheaper?

Yes, It is usually the most affordable strength because it is gentler and widely available.
Many beginners choose it for both comfort and cost.

Why do gel prices differ?

Gel formulas cost more due to their ingredients and lower stock availability. We found that 0.1% gel is often the highest-priced item because it suits oily skin and has strong demand.

Why do prices change between pharmacies?

Pharmacies add markup, which raises the final price. Online stores working with direct suppliers often keep prices lower. Import timing, stock levels, and SAHPRA rules also affect pricing.