Compare Supplements

Prescription topical: a pea-sized amount of 0.025%-0.1% cream or gel applied to clean, dry skin once nightly. Start low-strength and every-other-night to build tolerance. A prescription drug used under clinician direction — not a supplement regimen.

Before bed

Topical cream or gel, 0.025%-0.1% (prescription)

2500-5000 IU daily (retinol); up to 25000 IU (beta-carotene)

With meals · with food

Mixed carotenoids or low-dose retinyl palmitate

• Pregnancy and planning pregnancy (topical retinoid — avoid)
• Breastfeeding (avoid application near areas of infant contact)
• Eczema / rosacea-prone or broken/sunburned skin (irritation)

• Benzoyl peroxide
• Other topical exfoliants (AHAs / BHAs, abrasives)
• Photosensitizing drugs

• Pregnancy (high-dose retinol is teratogenic)
• Liver disease

• Retinoid medications (Accutane)
• Orlistat
• isotretinoin