FAQ
Is this medical advice?
No. It's an educational guide that organises well-sourced, conservative defaults. It doesn't diagnose or treat. Follow your labels and your prescriber, and see a professional if your skin reacts badly.
Which retinol should I buy?
The map shows you how to choose (type, strength, format) and gives examples by category from many countries. It never ranks products and has no affiliate links.
I'm in the EU. Does the 0.3% limit matter?
It means face cosmetics sold in the EU contain at most 0.3% retinol (from November 2025 for new products, May 2027 for all). That's plenty for most people; the map explains it, and what it doesn't cover (retinal).
I use tretinoin / adapalene / isotretinoin. Is this for me?
Not as a dosing plan; your prescriber leads. Worksheet 4 can help you prepare for appointments.
Can I use it while pregnant or breastfeeding?
No. Don't start retinoids then; ask your doctor, midwife or pharmacist.
What do I get, and how?
A PDF (26 pages) plus editable worksheets, delivered instantly after checkout and by email. Print it or fill it in on screen. Each guide is $9.99. Both guides together are $14.99 instead of $19.98 (save 25%), delivered as two PDFs.
What's your refund policy?
If it didn't help, email us within 14 days and we'll refund you.
Is there a Spanish version?
Yes: Mapa de Inicio al Retinol. More languages may follow.
Who runs Routine Map?
An independent beauty and cosmetics project, not a clinic. See About. The guides are educational and cite their sources.
Do you work with brands?
No. No sponsorships, no affiliate links at launch. If that ever changes, every paid link will be labelled.
Will there be an app?
Maybe. Join the waitlist and tell us what you'd use it for.
Do you have something for Korean or Japanese routines?
Yes, coming in 2027: the K-beauty & J-beauty Routine Map. Join the email list to hear first.