Retin-A Micro is a topical medication prescribed to teenagers and adults for the treatment of acne. It is one of the widest and most effective treatments for the condition, which the American Academy of Dermatologists estimates affects between 40 to 50 million Americans. Retin-A Micro's manufacturer, OrthoNeutrogena, reports that the gel works beneath the skin to cleanse clogged pores. Pores that are clogged by excess sebum, or skin oil, will develop acne pustules.
Tretinoin
The active ingredient in Retin-A Micro is tretinoin at either a .04 or .01 percent concentration. It is part of the retinoid class of drugs, which are made from a derivation of vitamin A. As a topical application, it can be used to treat fine lines and wrinkles, dark spots on the face and acne. According to the Mayo Clinic, it works to replace older skin cells with newer, healthier skin. Excess dead cells on the outer surface of the skin is one of the causes of acne. It also slows down the cycle of skin-cell death, which helps to clear skin and prevent pore clogging.
Carbomers
The carbomer is a molecularly dense agent used to create gels for medications. In Retin-A Micro, two carbomers are used. Carbomer 974P is used in the .04 percent blend, while 934P is used in the .01 percent gel. Global trade website Libraw Pharma describes both carbomers as water soluble thickeners that suspend nonsoluble ingredients in applications that must be rubbed into the skin to work. It is considered versatile as it is not temperature sensitive, has no shelf life and is resistant to bacterial or mold growth.
Glycerin
Listed fourth in the ingredients is glycerin. An odorless organic compound created from simple sugars. It is often found in skincare products as it attracts water and makes skin appear more supple. In Retin-A Micro, its water-attracting abilities helps keep the skin from drying out quickly. The website ScienceDaily published an article on a study at the Medical College of Georgia, which examined how glycerine worked on the skin. The research showed that glycerine may help skin cells as a teaching agent, guiding the cells through the four stages of life at a normal pace; as most people with acne have accelerated skin cell life cycles.
Disodium EDTA
Also known as acetic acid, disodium EDTA is a widely used ingredient in the cosmetic industry. According to the Environmental Working Group's Cosmetic Safety Database, disodium EDTA enhances skin absorption of topicals. Tretinoin works best from underneath the skin and disodium EDTA facilitates maximum absorption by the skin.
Moisturizers and Skin Conditioners
One of tretinoin's main side effects is dry skin. As a result, Retin-A Micro has four different skin conditioners as identified in the EWG Cosmetic Safety Database. Propylene glycol is a humectant, which preserves the skin's water content and prevents further moisture loss. PPG-20 methyl glucose ether distearate is a skin conditioning agent that softens the skin, while trolamine acts as a pH balancer that keeps the skin from growing too acidic or metallic. Butylated hydroxytoluene is a man-made antioxidant that works to prevent inflammation from the medication.
Preservatives
Retin-A Micro contains two different preservatives to prevent degradation from air exposure: sorbic acid and benzyl alcohol.
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