Compound library / Topical / Skincare
Over-the-counter retinoid that converts to retinoic acid in the skin; milder and slower than tretinoin but with far less irritation for beginners.
| Category | Topical / Skincare |
|---|---|
| Regulatory standing | No approved product cited |
| Typical route | Topical |
| Half-life | N/A — topical, minimal systemic absorption |
| Common dose range | Pea-sized amount, 2-3x/week initially, building up as tolerated (0.25-1% strength) |
| Typical cycle length | Ongoing — visible results typically take 8-12 weeks |
BioHack Track models Retinol (OTC) at a half-life of 4 hours, so every dose you log is decayed against that curve and the app shows estimated active levels — not just what you typed.
No FDA-approved product for this compound is cited on this page, and no approved human dose is quoted. Treat the range below as research and community practice rather than a prescribed dose.
Topical cream/serum; no reconstitution needed.
Store in an opaque, airtight container away from light — retinol degrades quickly with air/light exposure.
Can cause dryness, peeling, and increased sun sensitivity; daily SPF strongly recommended. Avoid combining with other strong actives (e.g. AHA/BHA) on the same night when starting.
Track Retinol (OTC) in BioHack Track. Half-life, dose range and route come pre-filled from this library — log a dose and the app counts your vial down, models what is in your system, and puts it on the same chart as your labs and body composition.
These open a search of each database for Retinol (OTC) — they are not citations, and nothing here is evidence for any particular dose. The same links are in the app.
The half-life, route and dose range on this page are compiled from published pharmacokinetic literature, manufacturer and product monographs where one exists, and the ranges commonly reported in clinical and research use. They are kept as a range rather than a single figure because that is what the sources actually support — a half-life varies with route, formulation and the person.
These are not citations, and this page is not a review of the evidence. Where a number matters to you, follow the database links above and read the source. We say so plainly rather than dressing a compiled reference up as one.
Nothing on this page has been reviewed by a named clinician. It is a reference for people already tracking a protocol, not a recommendation to start one.
General reference compiled for use inside the app, not medical advice and not a recommendation to take anything. Dose ranges are what is commonly discussed, not a prescription. Talk to a qualified healthcare professional.