Last reviewed 2026-04-22 · How we verify

Retin-A Micro Microsphere 0.1%

Retin-A Micro delivers tretinoin (a vitamin A derivative) in microsphere form to normalize skin cell turnover and reduce comedone formation.

Retin-A Micro delivers tretinoin (a vitamin A derivative) in microsphere form to normalize skin cell turnover and reduce comedone formation. Used for Acne vulgaris, Photoaged skin (fine wrinkles, mottled hyperpigmentation, roughness).

At a glance

Mechanism of action

Tretinoin is a retinoid that binds to nuclear retinoid receptors, promoting keratinocyte differentiation and increased cell turnover. The microsphere formulation provides controlled release of tretinoin into the skin, reducing irritation while improving acne lesions and photoaged skin. It works by decreasing cohesiveness of follicular epithelial cells and increasing skin cell renewal.

Approved indications

• Acne vulgaris
• Photoaged skin (fine wrinkles, mottled hyperpigmentation, roughness)

Common side effects

• Erythema
• Peeling/desquamation
• Dryness
• Burning/stinging
• Photosensitivity

Key clinical trials

• Split-face Tolerability Comparison Between Adapalene-Benzoyl Peroxide Gel Versus Tretinoin Gel (PHASE4)
• A Study Comparing Tretinoin Gel Microsphere, 0.1% and RETIN-A MICRO ® Gel Microsphere, 0.1% in the Treatment of Acne Vulgaris (EARLY_PHASE1)
• Bioequivalence Study of Generic Tretinoin 0.1% Microsphere Gel, 0.1% Retin-A Micro® and Placebo (PHASE3)

Primary sources

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Competitive intelligence

For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:

• Retin-A Micro Microsphere 0.1% CI brief — competitive landscape report
• Retin-A Micro Microsphere 0.1% updates RSS · CI watch RSS
• Galderma R&D portfolio CI