# Mylan Tretinoin for oily skin

**Lovi Fit: Low fit for oily skin.**
Oily Skin Fit: High · Effectiveness: Average · Safety: High.

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/mylan/tretinoin/for/oily-skin

The Lovi Fit is the same in every country; only the stores and prices differ, and the ones here are for the United Arab Emirates.

Brand: [Mylan](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/brands/mylan)
Category: [Serums and treatments](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/best/serums)

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with oily skin: shine, enlarged pores, blackheads, and blemishes. For scores based on a full skin profile (12D face scan, goals, preferences), use the Lovi app.

A weak match for oily skin; the serums alongside fit it better.

## Why this fit

- Offers moderate exfoliation and seboregulation for your oily skin due to the presence of tretinoin, which helps manage oiliness and skin cell turnover. Alcohol in the formula can be drying, which may not be ideal for maintaining optimal skin hydration.
- The formulation provides general skincare benefits that are supportive for oily shine, though the primary active ingredient is focused on exfoliation rather than direct oil control.
- The safety profile is good, with no risks of irritation for your oily skin due to the absence of prohibited or harsh ingredients.

## Fit by skin type

- [Oily skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/mylan/tretinoin/for/oily-skin): Low (this page)
- [Dry skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/mylan/tretinoin/for/dry-skin): Caution
- [Combination skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/mylan/tretinoin/for/combination-skin): Low
- [Sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/mylan/tretinoin/for/sensitive-skin): Caution
- [Acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/mylan/tretinoin/for/acne-prone-skin): Average
- [Skin with dark spots](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/mylan/tretinoin/for/dark-spots): Caution
- [Mature skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/mylan/tretinoin/for/mature-skin): Caution
- [Dry sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/mylan/tretinoin/for/dry-sensitive-skin): Caution
- [Oily acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/mylan/tretinoin/for/oily-acne-prone-skin): Average

## Key ingredients

Tretinoin, Alcohol, Butylated Hydroxytoluene

## What the research says

- A galenic compound containing essential oils and tretinoin demonstrated anti-acne efficacy and anti-inflammatory activity, significantly reducing papular erythema and retinoid-induced rashes compared to clindamycin-tretinoin gel in sixty volunteers over 30 days. ([Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32210603/))
- Topical tretinoin improves clinical appearance of photoaging in terms of wrinkling, mottled hyperpigmentation, sallowness, and lentigines and is safe and well tolerated. ([International Journal of Women's Dermatology, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35620028/))
- Topical tretinoin daily application for 10 to 12 months produced an 80 percent increase in collagen I formation in photodamaged human skin compared with a 14 percent decrease with vehicle alone. ([The New England Journal of Medicine, 1993](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8336752/))
- Topical cyproterone acetate alcohol lotion at 0.5% and 1% reduced total acne lesions and acne severity index significantly more than placebo in female patients with mild to moderate acne vulgaris. ([Dermatology Online Journal, 2006](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16638440/))
- Topical patchouli alcohol significantly accelerated the recovery of UV-induced skin lesions in mice through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions and down-regulation of MMP-1 and MMP-3 expression compared to vehicle. ([European Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2014](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25033712/))

## What reviewers say

Users report significant improvements in skin texture and clarity for acne and photoaging after an adjustment period. The cream formulation is generally well-tolerated and smooth, while the gel formulation is frequently described as having a poor, glue-like consistency that pills and has a strong alcohol smell.

- Disliked: Gel pills (mostly mentioned)
- Liked: Clears acne (often mentioned)
- Disliked: Severe dryness/peeling (often mentioned)
- Disliked: Strong alcohol smell (often mentioned)
- Liked: Anti-aging results (sometimes noted)
- Liked: Smooth cream (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Initial purging (sometimes noted)

## How to apply

- Use this serum in your PM routine. Start by applying it 3 times a week and build up to daily use if your skin tolerates it well.
- Apply the serum after cleansing and toning, but right before your moisturizer for the best results.
- Gently press 2-3 drops of the serum into your skin. Let it absorb ⏱ for a minute before applying the next product.
- Apply the serum on clean and dry skin since your skin is not sensitive and you want to target oily shine. This helps control excess oil throughout the night.
- Avoid the delicate eye area and do a patch test before using the serum for the very first time.
- Video: https://storage.pora.ai/c879dda8655a61c19d3d8c9ebad6b06d.mp4

## Questions and answers

### Why is Mylan Tretinoin cream a weak match for oily skin?

Mylan Tretinoin is a weak match because its alcohol content can be too drying, and while tretinoin helps manage oil and skin cell turnover, the formula lacks direct oil control and hydration ingredients. A better product for oily skin needs ingredients like niacinamide, zinc PCA, and soothing extracts to control shine and support hydration comfortably.
Sources: [Archives of Dermatological Research, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34146120/), [Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32210603/)

### Which ingredients make this cream a poor fit for oily skin?

Alcohol in this cream can be drying, which may not be ideal for maintaining optimal skin hydration on oily skin. Treatments that are a better fit for oily skin need ingredients like niacinamide, zinc PCA, and ferulic acid to control extra oil and refine pores, along with soothing extracts and lightweight hydrators to keep skin comfortable.

### What does Tretinoin do for oily skin?

Tretinoin helps keep oily skin clear by reducing blemishes and clearing clogged pores. It speeds up skin renewal, which may reduce breakouts and leave your skin looking smoother over time.
Sources: [Archives of Dermatological Research, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34146120/), [Clinical Therapeutics, 1992](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1283729/)

### What does Alcohol do for oily skin?

Alcohol helps reduce excess oil by acting as a solvent in formulations, but it can dry out the skin and may cause irritation. Regular use on oily skin needs gentle balancing ingredients that soothe and hydrate to keep the skin barrier healthy.
Sources: [Pharmaceutics, 2025](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40006563/)

### Where does this cream go in a skincare routine for oily skin?

This treatment goes in the evening routine after cleansing and before your moisturizer. Oily skin of this type needs products with oil-controlling and exfoliating ingredients like niacinamide or gentle acids, along with hydrating components that do not dry out the skin.

### Can I use it with benzoyl peroxide, and in what order?

You can use it with benzoyl peroxide by applying them at different times, such as benzoyl peroxide in the morning and this treatment at night, to help prevent excessive dryness. Because this product is a weak match for oily skin, an ideal product for this skin type needs gentle exfoliating ingredients alongside hydrating elements that keep the skin comfortable without the drying alcohol found here.
Sources: [American Family Physician, 2012](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23062156/), [Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37356627/)

### How often should I use it?

Use this treatment in your evening routine, starting just once a week to see how your skin reacts. Since it contains drying alcohol alongside the active ingredient, oily skin needs a gentle formula that balances oil control with extra hydration.
Sources: [Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36798538/), [The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2005](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16019621/)

### Can this cream clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for oily skin?

Yes, this treatment may cause initial purging and breakouts when you start using it due to the cell-renewing tretinoin. A product for oily skin should ideally be alcohol-free to prevent severe dryness while managing oiliness.
Sources: [Archives of Dermatological Research, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34146120/), [Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32210603/)

## Alternatives for oily skin

- [Clinique Fresh Pressed Daily Booster with Pure Vitamin C 10%](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/clinique/fresh-pressed-daily-booster-with-pure-vitamin-c-10/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — AED 365.22 at Amazon
- [SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/skinceuticals/c-e-ferulic/for/oily-skin) — High fit — AED 715.99 at Amazon
- [NEOGEN DERMALOGY REAL VITA C SERUM](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/neogen-dermalogy/real-vita-c-serum/for/oily-skin) — High fit — AED 89.30 at Amazon

## Routine for oily skin

### AM

- Cleanser: [CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/cerave/foaming-facial-cleanser/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — AED 49.95 at Amazon
- Hydrating Toner: [SOME BY MI Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/some-by-mi/snail-truecica-miracle-repair-toner/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — AED 49.99 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion with Birch Sap](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/cosrx/oil-free-ultra-moisturizing-lotion-with-birch-sap/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — AED 33.40 at Amazon
- SPF: [d'Alba UVessence Mild Waterfull Sun Cream SPF 50](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/d-alba/uvessence-mild-waterfull-sun-cream-spf-50/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — AED 92.70 at Amazon

### PM

- Pre-Cleanser: [Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/shu-uemura/ultime8-sublime-beauty-cleansing-oil/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — AED 179.45 at Amazon
- Cleanser: [CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/cerave/foaming-facial-cleanser/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — AED 49.95 at Amazon
- Cleansing Toner: [Pixi Glow Tonic](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/pixi/glow-tonic/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — AED 120.00 at Amazon
- Serum or Treatment: [Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/peach-and-lily/glass-skin-refining-serum/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — AED 168.76 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion with Birch Sap](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/cosrx/oil-free-ultra-moisturizing-lotion-with-birch-sap/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — AED 33.40 at Amazon

### Weekly

- Pre-Cleanser: [Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/shu-uemura/ultime8-sublime-beauty-cleansing-oil/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — AED 179.45 at Amazon
- Cleanser: [CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/cerave/foaming-facial-cleanser/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — AED 49.95 at Amazon
- Enzyme Powder: [Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/dermalogica/daily-microfoliant/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — AED 101.09 at Amazon
- Cleansing Mask: [Revision Skincare Black Mask](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/revision-skincare/black-mask/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — AED 204.00 at Amazon
- Hydrating Toner: [SOME BY MI Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/some-by-mi/snail-truecica-miracle-repair-toner/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — AED 49.99 at Amazon
- Serum or Treatment: [Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/peach-and-lily/glass-skin-refining-serum/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — AED 168.76 at Amazon

## Where to buy

No store in United Arab Emirates has a checked price for this product, so the page shows none.

## Ingredients

Tretinoin, Alcohol, Butylated Hydroxytoluene, Hydroxypropyl Cellulose
## About the Lovi Fit

Lovi: Unbiased, science-based skincare AI trained on real user outcomes.

Lovi calculates every fit score from the full ingredient list with brand-independent rules its dermatologists and cosmetic chemists build and review, and personalizes every pick with AI trained on the real results of millions of users. Lovi trains its fit score models on a proprietary dataset built from more than 10,000 expert-labeled products and more than 100,000 simulated examples, following an internally consistent methodology presented at Cosmoprof, AMWC, and Skin of Color Update. Levels from best to worst: Superior, High, Average, Low, Caution, Warning.

Behind this fit score: Nadia Kapleva, MS (Co-founder, Medical Director); Alexey Shagraev, PhD (Co-founder, CEO and CTO); Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc (Medical Board); Aishani Shah, MD (Medical Board); Asya Zubkova, MS (Medical Board); Hanna Kurets, MD (Medical Board, Medical Advisor); Elina Nazarenko, MD (Medical Board); Victoria Derkova, MS (Medical Board).

Page built Nov 8, 2026.

More from Lovi: https://lovi.care/skincare/llms.txt

## This page in other countries

- United States: https://lovi.care/skincare/p/mylan/tretinoin/for/oily-skin
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/mylan/tretinoin/for/oily-skin
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/mylan/tretinoin/for/oily-skin
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/mylan/tretinoin/for/oily-skin
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/mylan/tretinoin/for/oily-skin
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/mylan/tretinoin/for/oily-skin
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/mylan/tretinoin/for/oily-skin
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/mylan/tretinoin/for/oily-skin
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/mylan/tretinoin/for/oily-skin
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/mylan/tretinoin/for/oily-skin
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/mylan/tretinoin/for/oily-skin
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/mylan/tretinoin/for/oily-skin
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/mylan/tretinoin/for/oily-skin (this page)
