Retin-A: Q&A

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Continue Using Expired Retin-A?

I have a (very expensive) tube of Retin-A that expired about two months ago. When I use it, I don't get any peeling or redness, but I haven't been using it long enough to see any results either. Is it okay to keep using it? Do you think there's any active ingredient in it? How long can I keep using it after this point?

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3 Doctor Answers | Asked by newtoski in Here

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Expired retin-A should be fine

Although we are stringent in our office not to dispense expired samples (can you believe in Florida this is a criminal offense!), topical medications maintain their potency for at least a year. In fact, Benzoyl Peroxides increase their strength with time. Thus, I see no real problem using a cream two months past the expiration date. In fact, the samples I alluded to coming from my office: I use them on myself and family. I would be much more fastidious with solutions, drops etc. since the... more

Arnold R. Oppenheim, MD

7 reviews

Virginia Beach Dermatologist

Expred retin A: Throw it Away

I don't think you will get any other response on this web site or from any other responsible medical professional. If a medication is expired, and especially if you have used expired meds without intended results, throw the medication away.

Expired Retin A

In compliance with the company's printed information and in light of publishing this in a public forum, it is in your best interest to discard the product and use material that is not expired.

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Retin-A: Q&A