What Is Altreno? Uses, Dosage, and What You Need to Know in 2026

Altreno is a prescription topical medication used to treat acne, but it's not just another tretinoin product. It's the first and only tretinoin 0.05% formulated in a lotion — a distinction that makes it meaningfully different from the creams and gels most patients are familiar with. If you've been prescribed Altreno or are considering asking your doctor about it, here's everything you need to know.

What Is Altreno?

Altreno is the brand name for tretinoin lotion 0.05%, manufactured by Ortho Dermatologics (a division of Bausch Health Companies). It was FDA-approved in August 2018 for the topical treatment of acne vulgaris in patients 9 years of age and older.

The active ingredient is tretinoin — also known as all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) — a biologically active form of vitamin A that belongs to the retinoid class of drugs. What sets Altreno apart from other tretinoin products is its lotion vehicle, which includes:

Sodium hyaluronate (hyaluronic acid) — attracts and retains skin moisture

Glycerin — a humectant that helps keep skin hydrated

Soluble collagen — helps support skin texture (note: Altreno contains fish proteins and is not suitable for patients with fish allergies)

This moisturizing base is designed to reduce the dryness and irritation that have historically made tretinoin difficult for many patients to tolerate long-term.

What Is Altreno Used For?

Altreno is FDA-approved for one indication:

Acne vulgaris — in patients 9 years of age and older. This includes blackheads, whiteheads, papules, pustules, and other acne lesions.

Tretinoin (the active ingredient) is also commonly prescribed off-label for:

Fine lines and wrinkles (photoaging)

Melasma (brown patches from sun damage or hormonal changes)

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (dark marks left by acne)

Stretch marks and flat warts (less common off-label uses)

Note: Insurance typically only covers Altreno when prescribed for acne vulgaris, not for off-label uses such as anti-aging.

How Do You Use Altreno?

The correct application technique makes a significant difference in both effectiveness and tolerability:

Wash your face with a gentle cleanser and pat dry.

Wait 20-30 minutes for your skin to dry completely. Applying to damp skin increases absorption and irritation.

Apply a pea-size amount and spread evenly over the affected areas. Avoid the eyes, mouth, nostrils, and mucous membranes.

Let it dry before applying moisturizer or other products.

Apply once daily — typically in the evening. Avoid applying to sunburned, eczematous, or damaged skin.

If you experience significant irritation in the first few weeks, ask your prescriber about starting every other night and gradually working up to daily application.

How Long Does Altreno Take to Work?

In clinical trials, some patients saw improvement as early as 4 weeks of daily use. However, significant acne improvement typically occurs between 8 and 12 weeks of consistent use. Don't be discouraged if your skin looks the same — or even slightly worse — in the first month. An initial "purge" of existing comedones is normal with any retinoid.

Important Warnings and Precautions

Fish allergy: Altreno contains soluble fish proteins. Do not use if you have a severe fish allergy without consulting your doctor.

Pregnancy: Tretinoin may be harmful to a developing fetus. Discuss with your OB-GYN if you are pregnant or may become pregnant.

Sun sensitivity: Altreno makes your skin more sensitive to UV light. Use SPF 30+ sunscreen daily.

Getting Altreno Filled

Once you have a prescription, finding Altreno in stock can be a challenge because it's a brand-name-only product many pharmacies don't routinely carry. medfinder can help — it contacts pharmacies near you to find which ones have Altreno available, then texts you the results.

For cost information, see: How to Save Money on Altreno in 2026 — including the manufacturer copay card that can reduce your cost to as low as $0 with commercial insurance.