retin-a rx: generic or brand?
EDS Skin Care Forums Forum Index » Skin Care and Makeup Forum

free skin care · Wed May 28, 2008 9:26 pm

Has anyone noticed a difference in quality using the generic form of retin-a? I've been using the generic 3xs weekly for about a month--not sure if it is doing anything, but this might be my imagination.

any opinions would be appreciated, as always!

--avalange

free skin care · Wed May 28, 2008 10:12 pm

I tried both, no difference to what I find.

Wed May 28, 2008 10:54 pm

I agree with mrspiggy, I've also tried both and found no difference.

free skin care · Thu May 29, 2008 1:40 am

It usually takes a few months to see visable results with Retin-A products. they usually say 6 months but some people see results sooner than that. Stick with it, it's worth it.

free skin care · Thu May 29, 2008 2:26 am

There should be no difference between a generic drug and a brand name one. A brand name drug is usually more expensive because they have paid for the R & D and own the patent. After a certain amount of time the patent expires which allows other companies to manufacture that drug using exactly the same ingredients.

I use a generic form of Tretinoin and IMO it's fine.

free skin care · Thu May 29, 2008 4:11 am

I prefer generic, coz it is cheaper and have the same effect as brand.

free skin care · Thu May 29, 2008 4:28 am

I just ordered some tubes of generic tretinoin. They were $2 each! The price is almost to good to be true, but I can only hope they will be effective as I am not able to get hold of "the real thing".

free skin care · Thu May 29, 2008 4:42 am

Septembergirl wrote:

I just ordered some tubes of generic tretinoin. They were $2 each! The price is almost to good to be true, but I can only hope they will be effective as I am not able to get hold of "the real thing".

Where did you find it for $2.00?!

free skin care · Thu May 29, 2008 4:58 am

I ordered from [url]alldaychemist.com[/url]. I believe the company is located in India (if I remember correctly). It will probably still take a week or two before the package arrives. I saw on another thread that someone recommended this company.

free skin care · Thu May 29, 2008 5:21 am

That is so cheap - just shows you what a racket the pharmaceuticals industry is.

free skin care · Thu May 29, 2008 5:38 am

Septembergirl wrote:

I ordered from [url]alldaychemist.com[/url]. I believe the company is located in India (if I remember correctly). It will probably still take a week or two before the package arrives. I saw on another thread that someone recommended this company.

Septembergirl, how much was the shipment to Norway?
and would you please update your experience with this company and the product when you`ll receive it?

free skin care · Thu May 29, 2008 6:54 am

I use the generic because I can afford it but I just read this article a few days ago. Thought ya'll might find it interesting.It says the brand name has a better delivery system. Wondering if I should switch but don't like paying sooo much. Neutral

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/11/30/fashion/30skin.html?_r=1&oref=slogin

free skin care · Thu May 29, 2008 7:30 am

I have been posting the above article from NY Times in a couple of threads here lately, but please share, it's an interesting read.

Quote from the article:
Brand name prescription versions contain emollient moisturizers and have more advanced delivery systems for getting the active ingredients into the skin. These additions are the main difference between generic Retin-A and the pricier brand-name versions (a large tube of a brand name will run about $150 versus about $80 for a generic).

Aiva - shipping to Norway was about $25 for six tubes (20 grams each). I promise to report back about my experience with alldaychemist. If you don't hear from me again, I have probably been killed by the delivery system in the generic cream. Shock

free skin care · Thu May 29, 2008 7:41 am

Septembergirl wrote:

I have been posting the above article from NY Times in a couple of threads here lately, but please share, it's an interesting read.

Quote from the article:
Brand name prescription versions contain emollient moisturizers and have more advanced delivery systems for getting the active ingredients into the skin. These additions are the main difference between generic Retin-A and the pricier brand-name versions (a large tube of a brand name will run about $150 versus about $80 for a generic).

Aiva - shipping to Norway was about $25 for six tubes (20 grams each). I promise to report back about my experience with alldaychemist. If you don't hear from me again, I have probably been killed by the delivery system in the generic cream. Shock

you`ll survive, I`m sure!! you`re so funny! Laughing

thanks!

free skin care · Thu May 29, 2008 8:18 am

Septembergirl, thank you for providing your info...I love money saving Very Happy

free skin care · Thu May 29, 2008 8:23 am

Oppsss, i forgot something to ask..When I check the website, it only has Retin A gel type for 0.025g. Can i use gel retin A?? How it is different from cream type?? I don't want to be extreme (scared to use higher dose)

free skin care · Thu May 29, 2008 8:59 am

azumma wrote:

Oppsss, i forgot something to ask..When I check the website, it only has Retin A gel type for 0.025g. Can i use gel retin A?? How it is different from cream type?? I don't want to be extreme (scared to use higher dose)

I bought three of the tubes you mention and three tubes of 0.050 strength. I have normal skin with some dryness and have no idea if the gel type will be suitable for my skin. I am sorry I cannot end this post with "HTH".

free skin care · Thu May 29, 2008 10:34 am

I've tried both and haven't noticed a difference. Retin-A takes at least a month for results, so you might just need to wait longer.

free skin care · Tue Jul 01, 2008 4:21 am

I do have a dilemma.

I have been using a generic brand of 0.025 tretinoin gel from the online pharmacywww.alldaychemist.com on my chest for a week now. It does not sting, neither does it cause flaking or redness. The gel is white with a faint smell. I had expected some reactions on my skin, but nothing happens.

The tubes were only a couple of $ each.

My question is: Does it work? It's said on the package that you need to wait at least three months to see results. My dilemma is that I don't want to use it for many months, not knowing if this really is a genuine tretinoin product.

Any input will be highly appreciated. Smile

free skin care · Tue Jul 01, 2008 5:39 am

i have been using the same tretonin 1% from ADC or however you spell it lol

it works fine for me exactly the same as the branded one the only difference is the texture the branded is better as it leaves to a powder dry finish whereas the generic is oily and takes a while to sink in without it feeling tacky on the skin

spetembergirl im guessing that % you are using is maybe to weak for your chest i peeled on the 3rd day of using the 1%

free skin care · Tue Jul 01, 2008 5:57 am

I use a generic tretinoin 0.1% purchased from Medsmex. It works fine - I do get peeling but I have never experienced any stinging or redness. In my experience Retin-A is nowhere near as irritating as AHAs. Maybe you could step up to 0.05% or 0.1%.

free skin care · Tue Jul 01, 2008 7:17 am

Septembergirl wrote:

I do have a dilemma.

I have been using a generic brand of 0.025 tretinoin gel from the online pharmacywww.alldaychemist.com on my chest for a week now. It does not sting, neither does it cause flaking or redness. The gel is white with a faint smell. I had expected some reactions on my skin, but nothing happens.

The tubes were only a couple of $ each.

My question is: Does it work? It's said on the package that you need to wait at least three months to see results. My dilemma is that I don't want to use it for many months, not knowing if this really is a genuine tretinoin product.

Any input will be highly appreciated. Smile

I also use the 0.025% gel from ADC, about 1-2/wk. I buffer with moisturiser first and still get red and flaky the next day, so I'm pretty sure it's doing something. My son is using the 0.1% gel and it's definitely helping with his acne.

It sounds like the 0.025 is too mild for you and you could move up to a stronger dosage.

free skin care · Tue Jul 01, 2008 11:09 am

Many thanks, ladies.
I feel more reassured that the product is ok now. Smile

free skin care · Tue Jul 01, 2008 1:04 pm

Would those of you who patrinize http://www.alldaychemist.com please tell me which manner of payment you advise? Have any used the 'Pay by Check' option rather than CC? I have no idea what's the safest (if there is such a thing.. Shock

)

Also, do they require a prescription at this site for the Retin-A knock off?

Thanks a bunch!

free skin care · Tue Jul 01, 2008 2:34 pm

Kassy_A wrote:

Would those of you who patrinize http://www.alldaychemist.com please tell me which manner of payment you advise? Have any used the 'Pay by Check' option rather than CC? I have no idea what's the safest (if there is such a thing.. Shock

)

Also, do they require a prescription at this site for the Retin-A knock off?

Thanks a bunch!

I used my visa card without any problems. You don't need a prescription. HTH. Smile

Automatic Message

If this is your first visit to the EDS Forums please take the time to register. Registration is required for you to post on the forums. Registration will also give you the ability to track messages of interest, send private messages to other users, participate in Gift Certificates draws and enjoy automatic discounts for shopping at our online store. Registration is free and takes just a few seconds to complete.

Click Here to join our community.

If you are already a registered member on the forums, please login to gain full access to the site.