Tretinoin, Treclin Gel and Ketrel Compared

In this article, we'll explore the key differences between Tretinoin, Treclin Gel and Ketrel, all of which are common medications used to treat acne. We’ll cover what acne is, how these treatments work and what active ingredients they contain. We’ll also look at the strengths of these medications, whether they require a prescription and which option might be most suitable for your skin type or condition.

Key Takeaways

Here are the 5 biggest takeaways from this article about Tretinoin, Treclin Gel and Ketrel:

• All three medications require a prescription in the UK, as they contain powerful active ingredients that need to be monitored by a healthcare professional.

• Tretinoin is the key active ingredient in both Tretinoin and Ketrel, while Treclin Gel combines tretinoin with clindamycin, an antibiotic that targets acne-causing bacteria.

• In addition to treating acne, Tretinoin is also used to improve fine wrinkles, dark spots and rough skin caused by sun damage.

• Tretinoin is available in a 0.05% strength from UK Meds, while Treclin Gel contains 10 mg of clindamycin and 0.25 mg of tretinoin per gram.

• Treclin Gel is recommended for moderate acne, while Ketrel and Tretinoin are used for moderate to severe acne.

What is acne?

Acne is a common skin condition that occurs when hair follicles become blocked with oil, dead skin cells and bacteria. This can lead to the formation of spots such as blackheads, whiteheads, pimples and sometimes more severe issues like cysts or nodules. Acne typically appears on the face, chest, back and shoulders and is most commonly seen in teenagers, though it can affect people of all ages [1]. 

Hormonal changes, genetics and environmental factors can contribute to the development of acne. While it is not usually a serious condition, acne can cause discomfort, inflammation, and, in some cases, scarring, whilst also often having an impact mentally on sufferers, creating issues with body image and confidence.

What is Tretinoin?

Tretinoin is a medication commonly used to treat acne and other skin conditions. It works by helping to keep skin pores clear, reducing the likelihood of blockages that cause spots. As well as treating acne, tretinoin cream can also be prescribed to improve the appearance of fine wrinkles, dark spots, and rough skin that can be caused by sun damage. Tretinoin promotes the turnover of skin cells, helping to smooth the skin’s texture to improve acne and the effects of ageing [2].

What is Treclin Gel?

Treclin Gel is a prescription treatment for acne that combines two active ingredients, clindamycin and tretinoin. This combination helps reduce both inflamed and non-inflamed spots, making Treclin Gel effective for managing breakouts and preventing new spots from forming. It is applied directly to the affected areas of the skin and is usually recommended for moderate cases of acne.

What is Ketrel?

Ketrel is a prescription-only treatment used to manage acne and has the active ingredient tretinoin. By speeding up the renewal of skin cells, Ketrel can reduce both inflamed and non-inflamed acne, such as black and whiteheads. It is applied topically to the skin and is generally recommended for moderate to severe acne or when other treatments have not been effective.

Active Ingredients

What is the active ingredient in Tretinoin?

The active ingredient in Tretinoin is tretinoin itself [3]. Tretinoin is a derivative of vitamin A and works by promoting the turnover of skin cells, helping to clear blocked pores and preventing the formation of new acne breakouts. It also has anti-ageing properties, as it can reduce fine wrinkles and improve skin texture by encouraging the production of new skin cells.

What are the active ingredients in Treclin Gel?

The active ingredients in Treclin Gel are tretinoin and clindamycin. Tretinoin promotes skin cell turnover and helps prevent blocked pores. Clindamycin is an antibiotic that targets the bacteria responsible for acne, helping to reduce inflammation and the number of acne-causing bacteria on the skin. These ingredients work together to treat existing spots and prevent new breakouts.

What is the active ingredient in Ketrel?

The active ingredient in Ketrel is also tretinoin. As previously mentioned, tretinoin promotes the turnover of skin cells, helping to unclog pores and reduce the formation of acne. Ketrel is the name of a branded version of tretinoin. 

Strengths

What strengths is Tretinoin available in?

Tretinoin is available in several strengths [4], commonly in the form of a cream. The dosage of Tretinoin you should use will depend on your specific condition. The strength of medication you can purchase from UK Meds is 0.05%. This means that there is 0.5mg of tretinoin per gram of cream.

What strengths is Treclin Gel available in?

Treclin Gel contains two active ingredients: clindamycin and tretinoin. The strengths of these active ingredients in Treclin Gel are as follows [5]:

• 10 mg of clindamycin

• 0.25 mg of tretinoin

What strengths is Ketrel available in?

The strength of Ketrel is the same as the strength of Tretinoin. Ketrel is a brand name for tretinoin, so its strength is the same [6]. Tretinoin from UK Meds is available to purchase in a strength of 0.05mg, meaning that there is 0.5mg per gram of cream.

Prescription Requirements

Does Tretinoin require a prescription?

Yes, Tretinoin requires a prescription in the UK. It should be used under the supervision of a healthcare professional to ensure it is safe and suitable for your skin type and condition. 

A qualified healthcare provider will assess your needs and determine the appropriate strength and dosage for effective treatment before providing you with a prescription for the medication. You can get a free private prescription for tretinoin online from UK Meds once your online consultation has been approved by one of our registered prescribers.

Does Treclin Gel require a prescription?

Yes, Treclin Gel requires a prescription in the UK. It contains clindamycin and tretinoin, both of which need to be used under the guidance of a healthcare professional. A doctor will prescribe it based on the severity of your acne and individual skin needs. You can purchase treclin gel online from UK Meds with a free private prescription provided to you once your consultation has been approved.

Does Ketrel require a prescription?

Yes, Ketrel requires a prescription in the UK. Like tretinoin, its use must be overseen by a healthcare professional to ensure it is suitable for your skin type and condition. A doctor will determine whether Ketrel is the appropriate treatment for you based on your individual needs.

Sources

[1] Acne - NHS.

[2] Tretinoin (topical route) - Mayo Clinic

[3] Tretinoin - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf

[4] Tretinoin: Package Insert / Prescribing Information

[5] Treclin 1 %/0.025 % w/w Gel - Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) - (emc)

[6] How to get a Tretinoin prescription in the UK | UK Meds