The Truth
Most “retinol” products aren’t what they seem. They promise transformation, but rely on diluted, cosmetic-grade versions of the real medicine — retinoic acid (tretinoin) — the only form proven in decades of clinical research to change how skin cells behave.
Beauty brands use words like complex, encapsulated, and blend to imply medical power — but most of what’s inside is marketing. Oils, esters, and fillers create the feel of luxury, not the results of prescription-strength therapy.
At The SkinScripted™, we prescribe evidence-based medicine — and explain exactly why it works.
The Retinol Reality Check
A closer look at what popular “retinol” products really contain — and what they don’t.
The Potency Mirage
“Triple Retinol Blend” sounds strong, but none are prescription retinoids. The actives are low-dose cosmetic retinols mixed with hydrators and firming agents. Great moisturizer — not medical-grade retinoid therapy.
The Label vs. the Load
A-Passioni™ claims “1% vegan retinol,” but potency is limited by its plant-oil base. The real concentration of active retinoid is far less predictable — and far weaker — than prescription tretinoin.
Barrier Soothing, Not Breakthrough
A “bio-fermented blend” that adds algae oil and omegas for smoothness. Gentle and hydrating, but delivers micro-doses of retinol rather than measurable anti-aging strength.
When Numbers Mislead
“3.5% retinoid complex” sounds potent, but that figure includes oils, stabilizers, and emollients — not pure active retinoid. It’s a marketing number, not a medical measurement.
Comfort Over Clinical
A comfortable over-the-counter moisturizer featuring cosmetic retinol and hydrators. Nice texture — but not prescription-strength results.
Dilution by Design
Retinol diluted in squalane softens the feel — and the intensity. Useful for beginners, but a very different league than tretinoin.
Headline vs. Formula
“High-Dose” sounds impressive, but most of the power is in the blend’s support oils and esters — not a direct, medical-grade retinoid.
Time-Released, Not Tretinoin
Encapsulation can smooth delivery — but it also lowers peak strength. Elegant formula; still not comparable to prescription tretinoin.
How We Differ from Typical Online “Doctor” Sites
Two common models bundle subscriptions, cosmetic blends, or per-bottle pricing. SkinScripted™ keeps it clinical, transparent, and subscription-free.
Typical “Brand” Subscription Model
Looks medical, but operates like a beauty brand with auto-ship.
- —Per-bottle pricing (often $40–$60) adds up across multiple products.
- —Locked monthly auto-ship; hard to pause or align with actual use.
- —“Complex / encapsulated / blend” claims — usually cosmetic-grade retinoids and oils.
- —Results depend on cosmetic strength, not prescription dosing.
- —Fees scale with how many bottles you’re nudged to add.
Good marketing; inconsistent medical strength.
App–Pharmacy Model
Fast intake, recurring refills; care is optimized for throughput.
- —Subscription or renewal fees every 1–2 months; pricing tied to refill cadence.
- —Often one prescription per visit; follow-ups billed each time.
- —Formulas may mix prescription + cosmetic ingredients to improve “feel.”
- —Education is light; instructions can be generic.
- —Care plans tend to be brand-standard, not protocol-standard.
Convenient, but not designed around protocol clarity.
Evidence-Based, Subscription-Free Care
One intake → a protocol built on real prescription medicine — explained step by step.
- ✓Clear pricing: $135 first cycle; then $85 every 2 months (covers 1–3 prescriptions).
- ✓No subscriptions. Pause anytime. Refills match actual use.
- ✓Prescription-first protocols, not cosmetic blends or per-bottle upsells.
- ✓Stepwise guidance (ramp-up, timing, pauses, adjustments) to protect your skin barrier.
- ✓Doctor review & approval before a script is sent — clarity over hype.
Just medicine, explained — without waitlists, confusion, or fluff.