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Original poster

Using The Ordinary Retinal 0.2% daily no issues - which tretinoin?

9 replies

thestudio · 13/02/2026 13:56

Hello S&B - I know the 'which strength tretinoin' q has been done to death but I can't see any threads about my specific situation..

I've never had any issues with a retinoid and have now been using TO Retinal 0.2% (strongest available without prescription in UK I think) daily for the last three months with no issues at all.

I'm broke so I'd like to get the highest strength poss (and use less than a pea if necessary!)

Has anyone been in a similar situation, and if so, what did you choose and did your face fall off?

OP posts:
bryceQ · 13/02/2026 22:22

I started with 0.025 then moved to 0.05 then 0.1. I never had irritation with the two lower. I choose to use 0.05 as 0.1 makes me too dry and I dont want to have to moisturise constantly. I went from medik8 to 0.025 with no issues. I would always just start there then move up. You can see results on this dose.

Original poster
thestudio · 14/02/2026 00:48

Thanks @bryceQ

the corner-cutter in me thinks ‘buy the .1 and just use it less frequently’ 😬😁

OP posts:
Witsends123 · 14/02/2026 00:59

Hi girls where are you getting your tretinion from

Peachesandcream444 · 14/02/2026 01:34

Dermatica. I use that and get my tret from them now after starting with retinol. Started on 0.25 and build up very very slowly.
My face didn’t fall off, I had a few very slight flakes around my nose for a week but nothing at all you’d notice unless you were as close as possible to my face! It’s great because you only need a pea size and you can delay the monthly order if you aren’t using it every night, which you shouldn’t be to start with anyway, so a months supply can last you a while.
If you do decide to go with them pm me or use this code at checkout and you’ll get £10 off. I will too for full transparency! The code is 5EW47R

ImPamDoove · 14/02/2026 07:09

I bought 0.1 from pharmasonline which was recommended on here. It was 27.99 (no subscription) and it was delivered very quickly.

bryceQ · 14/02/2026 08:01

I don’t find stronger less frequently the best method…. I would say the opposite lower strength but every day is best.
once I have damaged my skin barrier and it took 4 weeks to repair. It’s not worth it.

I have been with Dermatica for 7 years. Happy no plans to change.

Witsends123 · 15/02/2026 00:32

Peachesandcream444 · 14/02/2026 01:34

Dermatica. I use that and get my tret from them now after starting with retinol. Started on 0.25 and build up very very slowly.
My face didn’t fall off, I had a few very slight flakes around my nose for a week but nothing at all you’d notice unless you were as close as possible to my face! It’s great because you only need a pea size and you can delay the monthly order if you aren’t using it every night, which you shouldn’t be to start with anyway, so a months supply can last you a while.
If you do decide to go with them pm me or use this code at checkout and you’ll get £10 off. I will too for full transparency! The code is 5EW47R

Hi, how do I go about getting it, do I have to fill in a questionnaire or just ask for it

Original poster
thestudio · 15/02/2026 11:54

I can't see tretinoin on the dermatica site @Peachesandcream444, only retinal, am I being stupid?

OP posts:
Original poster
thestudio · 15/02/2026 11:56

ImPamDoove · 14/02/2026 07:09

I bought 0.1 from pharmasonline which was recommended on here. It was 27.99 (no subscription) and it was delivered very quickly.

How long did it last you @ImPamDoove

OP posts:
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