Menarini Tretinoin Gel 0.05% Versus Menarini A-Ret Tretinoin Gel 0.025%
Updated on May 27, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both prescription. They have a total of 10 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain exfoliants and retinoid
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, reducing pores, scar healing, dark spots and better texture
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, fragrances, silicones or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain oils and parabens
We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that needs an update? Let us know.
Ingredient Info
Menarini Tretinoin Gel 0.05% 11 ingredients
Menarini A-Ret Tretinoin Gel 0.025% 11 ingredients
What's inside (and what isn't)
What's inside (and what isn't)
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Menarini Tretinoin Gel 0.05% 11 ingredients
Menarini A-Ret Tretinoin Gel 0.025% 11 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Tretinoin is the best retinoid due to its proven skin benefits. It only available with a prescription in many countries.
All retinoids goes through a conversion line until it can become effective. The final step of conversion is retinoic acid; retinoic acid IS Tretinoin.
This is why tretinoin is so effective; it gets to work immediately on the skin.
Research on tretinoin has found it to be incredibly effective for reducing the signs of aging. It helps improve damage from the sun, even the skin tone, and smooth out wrinkles. It is also an effective acne treatment by reducing and balancing out sebum production in pores.
Tretinoin, like other forms of Vitamin A, increases the turnover cycle of skin cells. This helps the skin create newer and healthier skin cells faster.
It can cause irritation, redness, and dry skin because it is considered a "strong" ingredient. Those with sensitive skin should consult a professional about using tretinoin.
Using retinoids will increase sun-sensitivity in the first few weeks of use. Though studies show retinoids increase your skin's natural SPF with continuous use, it is best to always wear sunscreen and sun-protection.
Read about a form of retinoid you can purchase at the store, retinol.
Learn more about TretinoinPEG-4 Olivate isn't fungal acne safe.
Olive Oil PEG-7 Esters is an oil and isn't fungal acne safe.
Propylparaben is a preservative and is a paraben with antifungal and antimicrobial properties.
This ingredient can be naturally found in plants and insects, but most of it is synthetically manufactured for human use. In cosmetics, it is usually created by reacting para-aminobenzoic acid and propanol (an alcohol).
You can usually find this ingredient in water-based products.
Parabens have come under controversy due to the claim they are hormone disruptors. Studies show conflicting results. We recommend speaking with a professional if you have any concerns.
Propylparaben is commonly found in food, medicine, and cosmetics.
Learn more about PropylparabenPropylene Glycol is an odorless, colorless liquid. As a humectant, it helps skin retain moisture. It also aids in delivering active ingredients.
Another role of this ingredient is preventing a product from melting or freezing. Propylene glycol also adds antimicrobrial properties to a product, elongating product lifespan.
This ingredient is considered an organic alcohol and commonly added into both cosmetics and foods.
Those with sensitive skin or conditions may develop a rash when using this ingredient.
Learn more about Propylene GlycolSilicon is an abrasive as an INCI ingredient. In tools, it is a material.
This ingredient is an emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping the skin prevent moisture loss.
It helps thicken a product's formula and makes it easier to spread by dissolving clumping compounds.
Caprylic Triglyceride is made by combining glycerin with coconut oil, forming a clear liquid.
While there is an assumption Caprylic Triglyceride can clog pores due to it being derived from coconut oil, there is no research supporting this.
Learn more about Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideCarbomer is a polymer of acrylic acid. Its main role is to create a gel consistency.
A high amount of carbomer can cause pilling or balling up of products. Don't worry, most products contain 1% or less of carbomer.
Triethanolamine is an emulsifier and pH adjuster. It is created using ethylene oxide and ammonia. This gives Triethanolamine a nitrogen core and a similar scent to ammonia.
As an emulsifier, it prevents ingredients from separating and enhances texture by adding volume to a product.
PH adjusters are common in cosmetic products. The pH of a product can affect the effectiveness of other ingredients. A product with a high pH may also irritate the skin.
Learn more about TriethanolamineWater. It's the most common cosmetic ingredient of all. You'll usually see it at the top of ingredient lists, meaning that it makes up the largest part of the product.
So why is it so popular? Water most often acts as a solvent - this means that it helps dissolve other ingredients into the formulation.
You'll also recognize water as that liquid we all need to stay alive. If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about WaterIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Menarini Tretinoin Gel 0.05% 11 ingredients
Menarini A-Ret Tretinoin Gel 0.025% 11 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Menarini Tretinoin Gel 0.05% 11 ingredients
It is amazing for acne. I had forehead acne where it was cysts, comedies, fungal acne. It went all away using this. I had deep rooted scarring and hyperpigmentation marks and scars and this helped heal it all. Problem is you can burn yourself if you don’t use it sparingly, in a consistent routine. It also is very very drying so you need to moisture a lot. It also causes ur skin to flake as this Show more
Menarini A-Ret Tretinoin Gel 0.025% 11 ingredients
Between tretinoin and adapalene, adapalene is generally gentler since it's a synthetic retinoid designed to mimic the effects of retinoic acid while being more stable and less irritating. But because I don't like waiting too long for results, I chose to use tretinoin instead; starting with a low percentage of course, since I didn’t want to go through a prolonged purging phase. It's been four weeks Show more
BESTTT Tretinoin to buy. You can tell it works even after a week because your skin will be glowing flawlessly. Ive not even noticed a purge from using this one despite having acne prone skin (it will dry your skin slightly though so start slow).
