RENOVA (tretinoin cream) 0.02% contains the active ingredient tretinoin in a cream base. Tretinoin is a yellow- to light-orange crystalline powder having a characteristic floral odor. Tretinoin is soluble in dimethylsulfoxide, slightly soluble in polyethylene glycol 400, octanol, and 100% ethanol. It is practically insoluble in water and mineral oil, and it is insoluble in glycerin. The chemical name for tretinoin is (all-E)-3,7-dimethyl-9-(2,6,6-trimethyl-1 -cyclonexen-1 -yl)-2,4,6,8-nonatetraenoic acid. Tretinoin is also referred to as all-trans-ret inoic acid and has a molecular weight of 300.44. The structural formula is represented below.

Tretinoin is available as RENOVA (tretinoin cream) at a concentration of 0.02% w/w in an oil-in-water emulsion formulation consisting of benzyl alcohol, butylated hydroxytoluene, caprylic/capric triglyceride, cetyl alcohol, edetate disodium, fragrance, methylparaben, propylparaben purified water, stearic acid, stearyl alcohol, steareth 2, steareth 20: and xanthan gum.

Last reviewed on RxList: 12/10/2008
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.