I have a tube of retin a that has a date 4/2012. Today is 7/2014. Does it lose its effectiveness over time?

Question

Jeffrey Zwiren, MD · Answer

After the expiration date most medications will lose some of their potency.  It would not be dangerous to use but may not be as effective.

Robert D. Wilcox, MD · Answer

Dear
Sunnielyons,

Yes,
Retin-A will lose its potency over time. Some medicines such as tetracycline
type antibiotics can actually be quite dangerous to take after expiration date.
I am not aware of any danger with older Retin-A other than the fact it will not
be as effective. Two years seems like the shelf life has been exceeded.

I
hope this has been helpful.

Robert
D. Wilcox, M.D.

F. Victor Rueckl, MD (in memoriam) · Answer

All medication will either lose efficacy over time and/or completely alter. Some medication (not Retin-A) can even become poisonous if taken too far after the expiration date. For Retin-A, yes, it has lost efficacy, which means now when you get a new tube and use it, you will need to be cautious because you will be used to using a much lower potency product. Toss your tube and get a new one. That isn't good to use. "This answer has been solicited without seeing this patient and 
cannot be held as true medical advice, but only opinion. Seek in-person 
treatment with a trained medical professional for appropriate care."

I have a tube of retin a that has a date 4/2012. Today is 7/2014. Does it lose its effectiveness over time?

Answers (3)

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I have a tube of retin a that has a date 4/2012. Today is 7/2014. Does it lose its effectiveness over time?

Answers (3)

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Retin-A

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.