- 30 Moore Ave, Lindfield NSW 2070
- Receive your order within 24-48 hours of sending your script!
Tretinoin cream is a prescription-only topical retinoid medication compounded to your prescriber’s exact instructions. Our licensed compounding pharmacists prepare each formulation with care, with a standard preparation time of 24–48 hours and Australia-wide delivery available.
Loved by locals for over 25 years.
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Tretinoin is a topical retinoid medication — a synthetic derivative of Vitamin A — classified as a Schedule 4 (Prescription Only) medicine in Australia. It is one of dermatology’s most extensively studied topical agents, with a clinical history spanning nearly 50 years.
As a topical retinoid, tretinoin works at a cellular level. It binds to specific nuclear retinoic acid receptors within skin cells, influencing gene expression involved in how skin cells grow, differentiate, and shed. This activity is associated with accelerated epidermal cell turnover, normalised follicular activity, and stimulation of collagen synthesis in the dermis.
Tretinoin cream is available only with a valid prescription from a registered Australian medical practitioner or specialist. It is not available for over-the-counter purchase.
Tretinoin may be prescribed by a medical practitioner for certain dermatological conditions. When it forms part of a treatment plan, the prescribing clinician will determine the appropriate concentration, formulation, and duration of use based on the individual patient’s clinical presentation and medical history.
Commercially manufactured tretinoin products are available in fixed concentrations and standard bases. However, for patients whose prescriber determines that a custom formulation is clinically appropriate — whether due to skin type, tolerability requirements, or the need for a combination preparation — a compounding pharmacy can prepare tretinoin cream according to the precise specifications set out in the prescription.
Our compounding pharmacy prepares tretinoin formulations in a quality-controlled environment in accordance with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) and Quality Care Pharmacy Program (QCPP) standards. Every formulation is prepared under pharmacist supervision using pharmaceutical-grade ingredients from verified suppliers.
For further information about tretinoin as a therapeutic medicine, refer to the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) and DermNet NZ.
The following information is educational in nature and does not constitute medical advice. A registered medical practitioner or dermatologist will determine whether tretinoin is appropriate for your individual circumstances.
Topical tretinoin has been used in the management of acne vulgaris for decades. It may be prescribed as part of a broader acne treatment plan, where it is thought to support the normalisation of follicular activity and the reduction of comedone formation. Tretinoin may be used alone or in combination with other topical or oral agents, as directed by the prescribing clinician. It may take 12 weeks or longer before any change is apparent. (DermNet NZ — Topical Retinoids)
Longer-term topical tretinoin therapy may form part of a clinician-directed programme for managing the visible signs of photoaged skin, including fine surface wrinkling, roughness, and solar lentigines caused by cumulative UV exposure. Tretinoin works by lightening the skin, replacing older skin cells with newer ones, and slowing the removal of cells that have been affected by sun damage. It does not fully reverse deep structural changes to the skin. (Mayo Clinic — Tretinoin Topical Route)
Tretinoin may be prescribed as part of a clinician-directed treatment plan for certain forms of hyperpigmentation, including post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation associated with acne or melasma. It is thought to support the dispersal of melanin deposits and accelerate the turnover of pigmented surface skin cells. In some cases, tretinoin may be combined with other active ingredients as part of a compounded formula directed by the prescriber.
Tretinoin may be prescribed by dermatologists or medical practitioners as part of broader, clinician-managed skin treatment plans. The specific indications, dosage, duration, and formulation will always be determined by the prescriber. Patients should follow their prescriber's instructions carefully and attend any recommended follow-up appointments.
Commercially available tretinoin products are manufactured in a limited range of fixed concentrations and standard delivery vehicles. For some patients, the prescribing clinician may determine that a commercially available formulation is not suitable — and may instead prescribe a custom-compounded preparation.
There are several clinical reasons why a prescriber may choose a compounded tretinoin formulation:
Commercial tretinoin is available in fixed strengths. Compounding allows a prescriber to specify concentrations that fall outside the commercially available range, supporting a more gradual introduction to retinoid therapy where clinically appropriate.
The base in which tretinoin is delivered affects absorption and tolerability. A compounding pharmacist can prepare tretinoin in a cream, gel, lotion, or ointment base as specified by the prescriber — which may be relevant for patients with sensitive or reactive skin.
Where clinically directed, compounding allows tretinoin to be prepared alongside other prescribed active ingredients in a single topical formulation. This may include combinations with antibacterials, pigment-modifying agents, or soothing actives — each formulated precisely to the prescriber's instructions.
Each compounded formulation is prepared individually, to order, based on the specific instructions provided in the patient's prescription. This means the preparation is not pre-manufactured or stored in bulk — it is made specifically for the individual patient.
All compounded tretinoin preparations from our pharmacy require a valid prescription from a registered Australian healthcare provider. Our pharmacists work in accordance with the prescription provided and do not alter or substitute any component without prescriber authorisation.
Our pharmacy prepares compounded tretinoin cream to the exact specifications set out in each patient’s prescription. The following options reflect the range of preparation variables that a prescriber may specify.
Prepared precisely to prescription instructions, compounded tretinoin can be formulated to concentrations specified by the prescribing clinician — supporting treatment plans that require strengths outside the commercially available range.
Where prescribed, tretinoin can be prepared in a range of base vehicles, including cream, gel, lotion, or ointment formulations. The choice of base is determined by the prescribing clinician in accordance with the patient's skin type and clinical needs.
Where clinically directed, our pharmacists can incorporate additional prescribed active ingredients into a single topical formulation. Combination preparations must be clearly specified in the prescription and are prepared in accordance with the prescribing clinician's instructions.
For patients whose prescribers have identified tolerability as a consideration, customised preparations can be formulated with specific base ingredients — such as those suited to reactive or compromised skin barriers — as directed in the prescription.
All formulations are prepared on a patient-specific basis in response to a valid prescription from a registered Australian healthcare practitioner.
Established in 1998, our pharmacy has built a trusted reputation for professional compounding services across Australia. When you submit a prescription to our team, you can expect consistent quality, pharmacist oversight, and careful preparation at every step.
Our team includes pharmacists with extensive experience in dermatology compounding. Each prescription is reviewed and prepared by qualified professionals in a quality-controlled environment.
Our pharmacy has been operating for over 25 years and has developed significant expertise across a broad range of compounding disciplines, including dermatology compounding. That depth of experience informs every preparation we produce.
We adhere to GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) and QCPP (Quality Care Pharmacy Program) standards. Pharmaceutical-grade ingredients are sourced from reputable, verified suppliers, and every formulation is prepared to the exact specifications outlined in the patient's prescription.
We provide prescription compounding services to patients across Australia. Regardless of where your treating prescriber or specialist is located, you can submit your prescription online and receive your compounded medication via secure delivery.
Our pharmacists work in accordance with the instructions provided by prescribing clinicians. If our team has questions about a prescription, we will contact the prescriber directly before proceeding with compounding.
I was looking for a compounding chemist when my local one discontinued its compounding services. This is a friendly pharmacy who was able to make my compounding cream with a one-day turnaround.
Nicole L
I was in desperate need my of medication and West Lindfield Pharmacy were able to compound it straight away and sent it express post to QLD. Thank you so much guys – you are the best!!
Steph C
Best customer service. They make an effort to get to know the locals and are always friendly even when busy.
Neta A
We love this chemist. All staff are helpful and the convenience of ordering over the phone, when they have your script is fantastic.
Peta-Jane M
Obtaining your compounded tretinoin cream is a straightforward process. Here is what to expect.
Speak with your medical practitioner or dermatologist about whether tretinoin cream is appropriate for your condition. Your prescriber will determine the formulation, concentration, and any combination ingredients.
Once your prescriber has written your prescription, you will need to submit it to our pharmacy before we can begin preparation.
Upload your valid prescription through our secure online form, or visit us in person at our Lindfield NSW pharmacy. Our team will review your prescription and confirm the details with you.
Choose secure Australia-wide delivery to your door, or collect your order directly from our Lindfield pharmacy. We dispatch promptly and use secure packaging on all orders.
What is tretinoin cream used for? Tretinoin cream is a prescription-only topical retinoid medication. It may be prescribed by a medical practitioner for certain dermatological conditions, which can include acne, photoaged skin, and pigmentation disorders. The specific indication, dosage, and duration will always be determined by the prescribing clinician based on the individual patient’s circumstances. For further clinical information, refer to DermNet NZ.
Is tretinoin cream available over the counter? No. Tretinoin is a Schedule 4 (Prescription Only) medicine in Australia and is not available for over-the-counter purchase. It must be prescribed by a registered Australian medical practitioner or specialist before a pharmacy can dispense or prepare it.
Do I need a prescription for tretinoin? Yes. A valid prescription from a registered Australian healthcare provider is required before our pharmacy can prepare or dispense a compounded tretinoin formulation. We are unable to process orders without a valid prescription.
Can tretinoin cream be compounded? Yes. Where a prescribing clinician determines that a commercial formulation is not suitable — or specifies a concentration, base, or combination not available commercially — a licensed compounding pharmacy can prepare tretinoin cream to the exact specifications set out in the prescription.
How long does compounding take? Our standard preparation time for compounded tretinoin cream is 24–48 hours after receipt and review of a valid prescription. You will be contacted to confirm the details of your order before preparation begins.
Is delivery available across Australia? Yes. We offer secure Australia-wide delivery for all compounded prescription medications. Orders are dispatched from our Lindfield NSW pharmacy using express post. You may also choose to collect your order in person during our opening hours.
If your medical practitioner has prescribed compounded tretinoin cream, our pharmacy is equipped to prepare your formulation to the exact instructions provided. Every preparation is made to order, reviewed by a qualified pharmacist, and prepared in a quality-controlled environment.
Before submitting a prescription, please ensure you have consulted with a registered medical practitioner or dermatologist. Our pharmacists are available to answer any questions you may have about the compounding process. Contact us through the form below or call us directly.
Monday 9 am–6 pm
Tuesday 9 am–6 pm
Wednesday 9 am–6 pm
Thursday 9 am–6 pm
Friday 9 am–6 pm
Saturday 9 am–1 pm
Sunday Closed
30 Moore Ave,
Lindfield NSW 2070
Call us today on
(02) 9416 2642
