Tretinoin and isotretinoin are prescription drugs used to treat acne.[1][2][3] They contain types of vitamin A — all-trans retinoic acid (tretinoin) and 13-cis-retinoic acid (isotretinoin) — and can have serious side effects, particularly in the skin.[4][5] Furthermore, isotretinoin is not advised for use in pregnant or lactating women because it can cause severe birth defects and growth defects.[5] Some evidence also shows that isotretinoin use is associated with an increased risk of depression and suicide in people with acne.[6][7][8][9] However, this association is not shown in all studies,[10][11] and the causal link is unclear because acne is independently associated with these mental health conditions,[12][7][8][13][14][15] and because some evidence suggests that other underlying mood disorders in people with acne (e.g., bipolar disorder) may play a role.[13][9][15]
What are the drawbacks of tretinoin and isotretinoin?
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•Last Updated: May 16, 2025
Tretinoin and isotretinoin, which are vitamin A derivatives used to treat acne, can cause serious skin side effects and are not recommended for pregnant or lactating individuals due to the risk of severe birth defects. Additionally, isotretinoin may be associated with an increased risk of depression and suicide, although this association is not consistently supported by all studies.