Acne & Hormonal Acne Support
CreamTopicalNon sterile Rx only

Tretinoin Topical Cream (ExoBlue™)

Peptide and Zinc Hyaluronate Cream Base (ExoBlue™)

A compounded tretinoin cream in PCCA's ExoBlue base, prepared in Chino, CA to a prescriber's order. Not FDA approved.

Reviewed by Linda Pungpravat, Compounding Pharmacist, RPh Mixwell Compounding Pharmacy, Chino, CA

  • USP <795> compliant
  • USP <800> hazardous drug lab
  • PCCA member

Clinical Advantages

  • Custom strength available
  • Applied topically
  • Non sterile preparation

How It Works

What is tretinoin?

Tretinoin is a prescription form of vitamin A acid that is applied to the skin. FDA approved Retin-A cream, in 0.025%, 0.05%, and 0.1% strengths, is labeled for the topical treatment of acne vulgaris [1]. Renova cream, 0.02%, is labeled as an adjunct for the mitigation of fine facial wrinkles in patients who use a comprehensive skin care and sunlight avoidance program [2].

What ExoBlue is, and what compounding in it provides

ExoBlue is a topical base made by PCCA. PCCA calls it a cosmetic base for skincare and anti aging use, and lists tretinoin among the common active ingredients used in it. Mixwell prepares tretinoin in ExoBlue at the strength the prescriber orders. PCCA describes ExoBlue as follows [5]:

  • A light blue, smooth cream. The blue color comes from its copper peptide
  • Built on a core system of acetyl hexapeptide 8, GHK copper peptide, zinc hyaluronate, and a Centella asiatica derived exosome and peptide complex
  • Designed to support overall skin conditioning and visible skin renewal
  • Described as improving the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and skin texture
  • Described as enhancing hydration and supporting a balanced skin environment
  • Light and moisturizing, for use on oily, normal, or dry skin
  • Designed to maintain peptide stability and support consistent performance

Compounding puts tretinoin at a strength the prescriber sets into this base, in place of the fixed strengths and bases of commercial creams. These are the manufacturer's descriptions of a cosmetic base. They are not findings by the FDA, and they are not claims about tretinoin. The Renova label states that tretinoin cream does not eliminate wrinkles, repair sun damaged skin, reverse photoaging, or restore more youthful skin [2].

When prescribers choose it

  • Dermatology and aesthetic practices prescribing tretinoin
  • Prescribers who want a tretinoin strength other than the fixed commercial strengths
  • Prescribers whose patients want tretinoin in a different base than the commercial creams

Clinical Details

What does the evidence show?
  • FDA approved Retin-A cream (0.1%, 0.05%, and 0.025%) is indicated for the topical treatment of acne vulgaris. Generic tretinoin cream labels state that the safety and efficacy of long term use for other disorders have not been established [1][3].
  • Renova (tretinoin cream 0.02%) is indicated as an adjunct for the mitigation (palliation) of fine facial wrinkles in patients who use comprehensive skin care and sunlight avoidance programs. Its label states that it does not eliminate wrinkles, repair sun damaged skin, reverse photoaging, or restore more youthful skin [2].
  • No FDA approved tretinoin product is made in ExoBlue, which its maker describes as a cosmetic base [5]. The FDA has not reviewed this preparation.

Findings come from the cited studies and do not promise any individual outcome.

Why is it compounded, and how is it typically used?

Why it is compounded

Tretinoin cream is FDA approved in fixed strengths and in the bases of the approved products [1][2]. A prescriber who wants a different strength, or tretinoin in a different base, orders it compounded. Federal law restricts compounding preparations that are essentially copies of approved products unless the prescriber documents a significant difference for the patient, such as a different strength or base [6].

Dosage forms and strengths

  • Strength set by the prescriber
  • ExoBlue base, a light blue cream
  • Quantities matched to the prescription

Dosing and monitoring are the prescriber's decision.

How Mixwell prepares it

Mixwell compounds this cream in Chino, California under USP 795 standards for non sterile preparations [7]. Our pharmacist confirms the strength and base with the prescriber before compounding. Batch records document every preparation, and finished creams ship across California.

Safety information

Tretinoin labeling says to minimize exposure to sunlight, including sunlamps. Patients with sunburn should not use it until fully recovered, and sunscreen and protective clothing are recommended [3]. Tretinoin has been reported to cause severe irritation on eczematous skin and should be used with utmost caution in patients with that condition. If irritation is significant, the label says to use it less often, stop temporarily, or stop altogether, and to avoid wind and cold [4].

The Renova label says not to use tretinoin cream during pregnancy or while attempting to become pregnant, and not if the skin is sunburned or has eczema or another chronic condition of the face. It also says not to use it if you are allergic to any of its ingredients [2]. Tell your prescriber about any ingredient allergies. Mixwell can provide the ingredient list for your preparation.

No FDA labeling states how much tretinoin is absorbed from this preparation, or how the base affects irritation. Patient selection, dosing, and monitoring are the prescriber's responsibility.

References
  1. RETIN-A (tretinoin) cream and gel. Prescribing information. DailyMed. DailyMed
  2. RENOVA (tretinoin cream) 0.02%. Prescribing information. DailyMed. DailyMed
  3. Tretinoin cream USP, 0.025%. Prescribing information. DailyMed. DailyMed
  4. Tretinoin cream USP, 0.05%. Prescribing information. DailyMed. DailyMed
  5. ExoBlue. Product information. PCCA. PCCA product page PCCA base technologies
  6. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Compounding when drugs are on FDA's drug shortages list. FDA human drug compounding
  7. United States Pharmacopeia. General Chapter 795, Pharmaceutical Compounding: Nonsterile Preparations. USP NF. Official November 1, 2023.

What to include on the prescription

  • APIs and strengths
  • Base or vehicle
  • Quantity
  • Directions for use
  • Refills
  • Allergies or dye free needs
Call (909) 378-7301 Fax (909) 378-7071

Related Solutions

Hydroquinone / Tretinoin / Hydrocortisone Topical CREAM Hydroquinone / Tretinoin / Azelaic Acid / Hydrocortisone GelAnhydrous Gel Commonly prescribed for Acne & Hormonal Acne Support

Compounded in Chino, CA. Delivered across California.

  • Chino
  • Chino Hills
  • Ontario
  • Pomona
  • Diamond Bar
  • Rancho Cucamonga
  • Eastvale
Mixwell Compounding Pharmacy 13788 Roswell Ave, Ste 158, Chino, CA 91710
(909) 378-7301

Compounded medications are not reviewed or approved by the FDA. Dispensed only with a valid prescription. Mixwell is a non sterile pharmacy and does not prepare sterile products or injectables. Compounded preparations are not presented as superior to commercially available products, and nothing here promises a specific result. Mixwell does not accept insurance. Call for pricing.

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Want to learn more about Tretinoin Topical Cream (ExoBlue™)

Are you a healthcare provider or patient in Chino, Chino Hills, Ontario, Eastvale, Rancho Cucamonga, or Upland? Mixwell Pharmacy provides specialized pharmaceutical support throughout San Bernardino, Los Angeles, and Orange Counties. Contact our Chino laboratory to learn how we facilitate customized Tretinoin Topical Cream (ExoBlue™)for practitioners across Southern California.

(909) 378-7301

Serving Los Angeles County, Orange County, San Bernardino County, Riverside County, Ventura County, and the Inland Empire