Tretinoin from Mexican pharmacies?

I (F54) go visit a friend in Mexico once or twice a year, and thought I'd try the Tret sold in the pharmacies that seem to be mostly geared at visitors. You can get a tube of 0.05 cream for $30, no prescription needed. The previous one I used was ok, but this one has such an odd consistency, and doesn't behave like Tret. It spreads out *really* thick, like a white firm layer that doesn't really absorb into the skin. It also appears the oil and the solids have separated when it comes out of the tube (heat damage?). I put my night cream on top of it hoping it will "dissolve" that non-absorbing layer, but it gets a bit messy. (And then I sleep on my stomach or side with my face buried in the pillow, and probably rubbing most of it off anyway... 😬) What are your thoughts on these types of tret products? A tourist trap hoax, or the real deal? I used to buy Curology and had worked my way up to .1%, but hated the expensive subscription model. Are there other brands out there that have documented results without breaking the bank?