Stiva-A Is Gone: Retinoid Alternatives to Tretinoin

This is an English adaptation of a clinical article Dr. SangYoul Yun — board-certified dermatologist and Medical Director of Delight Dermatology in Gangnam, Seoul — originally published in Korean. Read the Korean original on Naver. It has been restructured and translated for international readers.

As collagen declines with age, skin loses firmness and fine lines appear — and many people used the Stiva-A ointment for home anti-ageing care. Stiva-A was a well-known retinoid cream, famous for both acne and anti-ageing (brightening and photoageing). Sadly, it was discontinued in 2023. So — is there a way to replace it? Below I go through the retinoid family and the practical alternatives.

What is a retinoid?

Retinoids are vitamin-A derivatives. In the skin they convert along the path retinol → retinal → retinoic acid. Retinol and retinal are available over the counter, so they are often formulated into cosmetics; retinoic acid is available by prescription. Retinoids speed up the shedding and renewal of keratin, clearing stagnant dead skin and suppressing the formation of comedones — which is why they are used for both acne and photoageing.

Retinoids exist across four generations:

• 1st generation — the representative agent is tretinoin; the familiar Stiva-A cream (a low-concentration topical tretinoin) belongs here.
• 2nd generation — not produced as a topical.
• 3rd generation — includes adapalene and tazarotene; Differin gel (0.1%) and Epiduo gel (adapalene 0.1% + benzoyl peroxide 2.5%) are representative.
• 4th generation — trifarotene, drawing attention recently, as in Aklief cream.

As newer generations have been developed, the long-standing problem of irritation has gradually been reduced.

What did Stiva-A do?

Stiva-A cream was an FDA-approved acne treatment. It broadly blocks the causes of acne, improves pigmentation, and can reduce the formation of scars. Because it also works on photoaged skin, it gives firmness and helps with fine wrinkles and brightening. Another topical with the same tretinoin ingredient is Toanti cream.

Alternatives to Stiva-A

1. Toanti cream

A topical with the same tretinoin ingredient as Stiva-A. These are generally applied once, before bed; because they cause photosensitivity, applying them in the morning should be avoided.

2. Differin gel (adapalene)

Differin gel is more stable to sunlight than Stiva-A, so a small amount can be applied even during the day, and many find it less irritating. Still, applying a lot or too frequently can cause irritation, so start with a small amount and increase gradually. It is FDA-approved for acne and, like Stiva-A, can be used for anti-ageing, pigmentation and fine wrinkles.

3. Aklief (trifarotene)

A 4th-generation retinoid containing trifarotene. It is good at promoting the shedding of epidermal keratin, so it is used for acne on the face and trunk. It is approved from age 9 and up, allowing safer use at a younger age. It is also effective for fine wrinkles, skin texture and pigmentation, so it can be used for melasma and pigment conditions. Aklief cream is applied at about half a pinky-nail's worth, mixed into your usual moisturiser, before bed — once a week for one month, then gradually increasing the frequency if there is no irritation.

Side effects of retinoid ointments

Dryness, stinging and sun sensitivity can occur. Pay attention to moisturising while using them, and take care as irritation symptoms may appear.

How much, how often?

Start with only a small amount on your fingertip, mixed with your usual cosmetic, applied twice a week for 2–3 weeks. If there is no irritation, gradually increase the frequency.

Bottom line: for those looking for the now-discontinued Stiva-A, there are topical alternatives you can use. But because retinoic acid is a prescription medicine, it is best to choose the formulation through a consultation at a clinic and use it carefully according to the instructions. Alongside topical care, in-clinic basic skin care and, for active breakouts, acne treatment can support your routine.

Medical disclaimer. This article is general information and does not replace individual consultation. Topical retinoic acid (tretinoin, and formulations like adapalene and trifarotene as prescribed) is a prescription medicine — the strength, formulation and regimen must be chosen and monitored by a doctor, and it should not be used in pregnancy. Because retinoids increase sun sensitivity, daily sunscreen is essential; decide your plan after a consultation with a dermatologist.