FDA Approves New Tretinoin Lotion for Acne—Here's Why Dermatologists Are Excited

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Altreno, a new tretinoin 0.05% lotion that represents the first retinoid treatment available in lotion form for acne vulgaris. This breakthrough formulation promises to deliver the proven effectiveness of tretinoin while addressing the skin irritation that often keeps patients from sticking with retinoid treatments.

What Makes This Tretinoin Lotion Different?

Unlike traditional tretinoin creams and gels that can cause significant dryness and peeling, Altreno incorporates moisturizing ingredients designed to enhance tolerability. The lotion spreads easily and absorbs quickly into the skin, making it more user-friendly than previous formulations. Approved for patients ages nine and older, this new option could make retinoid therapy accessible to people who previously couldn't tolerate other forms.

The formulation includes several skin-friendly components that set it apart from traditional tretinoin products:

• Hyaluronic Acid: A powerful humectant that helps skin retain moisture and reduces dryness
• Glycerin: A gentle moisturizing agent that helps maintain the skin barrier
• Collagen: Added to support skin structure and improve overall texture

How Effective Is the New Tretinoin Lotion?

Two large-scale clinical trials involving 1,640 patients demonstrated the lotion's effectiveness. At week 12, treatment success rates—defined as at least a 2-grade improvement in global severity scores—reached 16.5% and 19.8% in the two studies, compared to just 6.9% and 12.5% with placebo. The studies showed statistically significant reductions in both inflammatory lesions (like pimples and cysts) and noninflammatory lesions (like blackheads and whiteheads) compared to the inactive lotion.

Perhaps most importantly for patient compliance, side effects were minimal. Skin dryness, swelling, irritation, peeling, and pain were reported by fewer than 4% of patients—a dramatic improvement over traditional tretinoin formulations that often cause these issues in much higher percentages.

Why Are Dermatologists Optimistic About This Development?

"With the efficacy expected from a retinoid plus a proven tolerability profile, Altreno will be an ideal choice for many of my patients," said Dr. Joshua Zeichner, director of Cosmetic and Clinical Research in Dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. This enthusiasm stems from a long-standing challenge in dermatology: retinoids work exceptionally well for acne, but many patients discontinue treatment due to irritation.

Tretinoin belongs to a class of medications called retinoids, which are derived from vitamin A and work by speeding up skin cell turnover and preventing clogged pores. While highly effective, traditional tretinoin formulations often cause initial redness, dryness, and peeling that can last several weeks. This new lotion formulation appears to minimize these barriers to treatment success.

The approval builds upon existing acne treatment options, providing dermatologists with a trusted retinoid in a more tolerable format. Expected to reach the market by the fourth quarter of 2018, Altreno represents a significant advancement in making proven acne treatments more accessible to patients who need them.