topic Re: How Much Does Retinol Cost? in Beauty

How Much Does Retinol Cost?

Sooner — Sun, 20 Mar 2016 15:47:17 GMT

How much do you find that Retinol costs? The kind the derm gives you and OTC ones. . .

I am curious, had a prescription but it was affordable the first fill and NOT the second time. So I am wondering what many of you have found out about costs. I'm not going to pay hundreds of dollars for a little tube. . . YIKES!

THANKS for any thoughts or figures!

Re: How Much Does Retinol Cost?

Ms X — Sun, 20 Mar 2016 15:50:38 GMT

About five years ago, I got a quote of $175 for a tube. I can get a prescription any time from a doctor in the family, but the cost of this has gone way up. Maybe there are some generic variations that are cheaper lately. You can also go through a Canadian pharmacy, which I was going to do, but you had to submit paperwork and it was such a pain that I dropped it. I wouldn't go to some of these pharmacies in far-flung countries because who knows what they're doing. Maybe someone else can suggest a good Candian pharmacy.

Re: How Much Does Retinol Cost?

JeanLouiseFinch — Sun, 20 Mar 2016 16:10:47 GMT

@Sooner wrote:
How much do you find that Retinol costs? The kind the derm gives you and OTC ones. . .

I am curious, had a prescription but it was affordable the first fill and NOT the second time. So I am wondering what many of you have found out about costs. I'm not going to pay hundreds of dollars for a little tube. . . YIKES!

THANKS for any thoughts or figures!

@Sooner I think you mean Retin-A (Tretinoin is the generic name). That's the stronger prescription form. Retinol is the weaker form that's inexpensive and in many OTC preparations.

Retin-A is expensive, no doubt about it. Prices vary based strength, the size tube, and from pharmacy to pharmacy. Some insurances cover it, depending on the reason for needing it and the age of the patient. For those of us that don't qualify or don't have insurance for it, there is a great site called Good Rx where you can get a coupon that gives excellent savings.

As an example, my Tretinoin 0.1% strength in a 45 gram tube would cost $238 at CVS if had to pay cash. With the free coupon from Good Rx, I pay $65.62. A 45 gram tube is a lot so it will last a good, long while.

Re: How Much Does Retinol Cost?

sassenach1 — Sun, 20 Mar 2016 16:14:03 GMT

Prescription Tretinoin, Retin A, must be prescribed by MD's. If you are over a certain age, insurance does not cover it.

However, a drug company has an agreement with Walgreens for a coupon based lower rate. Your derm will be aware if it. Derm sends in Rx. You go on line and get coupon. It is about $70 and should last 3 to 4 months. Coupon is good each time you refill.

It is made in the US.

Re: How Much Does Retinol Cost?

Ms X — Sun, 20 Mar 2016 16:17:35 GMT

Wow, ladies, thanks for that info! I might get a prescription. Does it cover only Retin-A or can some of the other product names be purchased on this coupon?

Re: How Much Does Retinol Cost?

JeanLouiseFinch — Sun, 20 Mar 2016 16:24:35 GMT

@Ms X wrote:
Wow, ladies, thanks for that info! I might get a prescription. Does it cover only Retin-A or can some of the other product names be purchased on this coupon?

@Ms X Good Rx is for all kinds of prescription medications. Go to the Good Rx site. Enter the name of your drug and your location. It will provide whatever is available in your area. You print the coupon at home and bring it to the pharmacy with you. With regards to Retin-A/Tretinoin, there are varying strengths so you have to use the pull-down menu to select the correct one. That may be the case with other drugs as well, but I'm only using a coupon for the Tretinoin so I haven't had reason to look up any others.

Re: How Much Does Retinol Cost?

sassenach1 — Sun, 20 Mar 2016 16:22:58 GMT

The coupon I referred to is for Retin A. Good Rx also has coupons for other drugs.

Re: How Much Does Retinol Cost?

Sooner — Sun, 20 Mar 2016 18:21:22 GMT

Wow thanks for the good information! I'm glad I asked!

Re: How Much Does Retinol Cost?

ECBG — Sun, 20 Mar 2016 18:32:27 GMT

I was on Retin A twice a day during and after treatment for cystic acne along with Accutaine.

I was taken off about four years ago because my derm said the high strength wasn't good for aging facial muscles.

What I had isn't OTC.

If I had bought it without a prescription, it was about $350.00.

Re: How Much Does Retinol Cost?

GrailSeeker — Sun, 20 Mar 2016 22:05:42 GMT

Some one else here on the forums recommended Tara Skincare over a year ago, and I've been using them ever since. The products are quality, the prices unbeatable. The Retin A comes from India. I've tried varous strengths and down to using the .025. All of them fine.

http://www.tarasc.com/

Re: How Much Does Retinol Cost?

susan kay — Sun, 20 Mar 2016 23:22:11 GMT

Wow. Great information about the coupons...and CVS and Walgreens.

Re: How Much Does Retinol Cost?

Day1128 — Mon, 21 Mar 2016 01:17:19 GMT

If you have an Rx, check with your insurance company. When I was on my husband's insurance (Blue Cross) it was covered. My insurance (Aetna) does not cover if you are over 35 yrs. old. The GoodRx coupons sound great.

Re: How Much Does Retinol Cost?

mbee1967 — Mon, 21 Mar 2016 14:03:10 GMT

I use the good rx coupon at Walgreens and buy my generic tretinion cream .025 for $32 for the 20gram tube that lasts 3-5 months. I find that tretinion cream is less expensive and more effective than retinol products. It is pure retinoic acid. There is no conversion like there is with retinol. Therefore, you know what you are getting. You only use a pea size amount because it is potent stuff. I mix the tretinion cream with my moisturizer to buffer it so that it is less irritating yet still effective. I got my prescription from my dermatologist. I have been using it since September and just opened my second tube last month. I use it almost every night. In my opinion, tretinion cream is more effective and less expensive than good retinol products.

Re: How Much Does Retinol Cost?

Judalee0810 — Sat, 16 Apr 2016 03:16:23 GMT

This product group has gotten SO confusing for me that I gave up and went back to WHAT I used and my FAVES: Renova .025 for under and around my eyes; Retin A gel pump for the rest of my face. I studied this subject for MONTHS !! Now that the derms sell it, they are "into" retinol---THEIR RETINOL, OF COURSE ! LOL ! (Basic small Retin A brand: Est 25-30.00 dollars !!)

Read online by derms NOT trying to sell their own products:

Use the highest percentage you can stand. Start low and go up. Maybe .5 on the Retin A, which is STILL the gold standard brand. (Acne --- not so much) I moisturize early in the evening and then apply above before bedtime. OH, I use Canadian sites checked out by going to the credentials required by the government. So far, allll name brand. (Ive been purchasing there for my meds for years) Try Northwest, theyve aleays come through with flying colors. You can check any site out by going to the Canadian governments website for the authorized pharmacies. Fax or scan and send your prescription. By law, the government will not allow mark ups like we have to live with !! R E A D ! Do homework! Gel reaches deep but might be more drying for some. Do a day, skip 2, build up. Lots of info online. Good luck. Small tube to try out might be 25.00 on Retin A. Renova is pricey, no generic BUT I love it. Also known as Retrieve or Retrieva in UK and AU, as I recall. BUT the same thing. Australia requires an Australian prescription, if you go to their sites. (Which I found many to be quite odd.) BUT odd things happpen I suspect when going to Candadian sites Ive used for years. Suspect lobbyists for the Pharm companies in the US behind those scary messages. I found my choices via a Senior Citizens online blog/newsletter. They go by buss and load up regularly on what they need and cant afford in the US. I'm very comfortable with our friends to the North. Delivery on my "have to stay alive" meds usually about 3 weeks, exc 1, which had a return address in West Virginia ! Ha !! Skin "stuff" much faster esp if made in Canada. Perhaps request those brands. Keep us posted ! Nearly all work 24/7 !!

Judalee

Re: How Much Does Retinol Cost?

Judalee0810 — Sat, 16 Apr 2016 03:22:24 GMT

India is great on medical care and product costs.Ive received MANY medications from India (originating in the UK) via reputable Canadian websites. Heck, many/most (?) of the doctors came here for education. school.Thailand is the vacation/surgery mecca. ( I saw a great documentary on this by a CNN "traveling" reporter last year. Facilities are BEAUTIFUL ! Cost is so low you'll want to slug the President of the AMA ! Ha ha ha, My own doctor is ticked at what our costs are here.

Judalee

Re: How Much Does Retinol Cost?

QVCPhobe — Sat, 16 Apr 2016 08:13:59 GMT

I use SkinMedica from CSC website and it is about 45.00. My dermatologist suggested this brand.

Re: How Much Does Retinol Cost?

winamac1 — Sat, 16 Apr 2016 11:57:15 GMT

@sassenach1 wrote:
Prescription Tretinoin, Retin A, must be prescribed by MD's. If you are over a certain age, insurance does not cover it.

However, a drug company has an agreement with Walgreens for a coupon based lower rate. Your derm will be aware if it. Derm sends in Rx. You go on line and get coupon. It is about $70 and should last 3 to 4 months. Coupon is good each time you refill.

It is made in the US.

Hi Sass. Insurance often will pay for it even if over a certain age. BUT..the Dr's. office must do a prior auth and have a good reason. My 51 year old friend just got branded Retin A approved due to some condition (not even an acne condition). It can be done, but there has to be a good reason such as adult onset acne or other skin conditions and pa's have to be done. Dr.'s hate doing PA's as the staff has to take time out to file with insurance Companies, etc.

Re: How Much Does Retinol Cost?

Gorgf — Sat, 16 Apr 2016 12:56:26 GMT

I always amazes me how people can go into a Derm for JUST aging/wrinkled skin!!!

In my area a Derm is used for skin issues like acne, possible cancerous age spots, exema etc. Even to get in would take months and a long drive. Much less the money to cover the appointment which is not medically needed. To see a doctor for sagging and wrinkled skin that would not be a medically needed for reason other than our vanity..!???

With that said... I did get some Retin A from a cousin who went to Mexico. Basically write your own RX. These tips here are good..

What is a CSC Website???