Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhat Is Tazarotene?What Is Tretinoin?Similarities and DifferencesSide EffectsPrecautionsWhich Medication Works Better?
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
What Is Tazarotene?
What Is Tretinoin?
Similarities and Differences
Side Effects
Precautions
Which Medication Works Better?
Tazarotene and tretinoin are topicalretinoid medicationsthat you apply to the skin. Healthcare providers prescribe them to treat various skin conditions, including acne vulgaris (commonly known as acne) orplaque psoriasis.
They can also reduce the appearance of wrinkles and other skin changes related to aging and sun damage.
These medications have several similarities, but there are some key differences.
Keep reading for an in-depth comparison of tazarotene versus tretinoin, including who may benefit most from each medication.
Getty Images / Boy_Anupong
Tazarotene belongs to theretinoiddrug class. Brand-name versions include Tazorac, Arazlo, and Avage, among others.
All forms of tazarotene are topical liquids that you apply to your skin. While the active ingredient is the same, the formulations and indications (approved uses) differ. Generic versions of tazarotene are also available, but they aren’t sold over the counter.
The table below shows some of the commonly prescribed tazarotene brands and what the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves each one to treat.
Like tazarotene,tretinoinis a retinoid and an active ingredient in several different prescription medications. All of them are topicals you apply to the skin, with slightly different forms and strengths.
The table below shows examples oftretinoin productsand their FDA-approved uses.
Tazarotene vs. Tretinoin: Similarities and Differences
Though tazarotene and tretinoin products share many similarities, the two medications are unique in several ways. The table below highlights some key information about the two drugs.
TazaroteneTretinoinDrug ClassRetinoidsRetinoidsFDA-approved UsesAcne vulgaris in adults and children ages 9 and up; Plaque psoriasis in adults; Reduce the appearance of fine facial wrinkles and certain types of dark and light spots on the face in people ages 17 and olderAcne vulgaris in adults and children ages 9 and up; Reduce the appearance of fine facial wrinkles, certain types of dark or light spots on the face, and facial roughness in adultsForms and StrengthsCream: 0.05%, 0.1%; Gel: 0.05%, 0.1%; Foam: 0.1%; Lotion: 0.045%Cream: 0.025%, 0.05%, 0.1%; Gel: 0.025%, 0.05%, 0.1%; Microsphere Gel: 0.04%, 0.08%, 0.1%; Lotion: 0.05%CostBrands: $400–$850; Generics: $300Generics: $100–$450These costs reflect the average retail cost for a one-month supply of medication without insurance coverage. Your actual cost may vary.Side Effects of Each: Which Is More Tolerable?Because tazarotene and tretinoin belong to the same class of medications (retinoids), they can cause similar side effects. And because they are topical products, their side effects mainly affect the skin where the medication is applied.Regardless of the brand or strength, the following skin-related side effects may occur with tazarotene or tretinoin:IrritationRednessItchingDrynessor flakinessPainful, burning sensationPhotosensitivity (increased sensitivity to sunlight), which raises the risk of sunburnTemporary worsening of acneTazarotene seems to be easier to tolerate than tretinoin.During the first week of treatment, tazarotene is more likely to cause a painful burning sensation at the site of application than tretinoin, according to comparative studies. However, after the first week of use, both medications may cause this side effect in similar ways.Skin irritation is more likely with higher strengths of either medication, especially if you have sensitive skin.In general, the side effects of topical retinoids are more common when you first start using either medication. To help lessen the side effects, your healthcare provider may instruct you to start with a less frequent application schedule before you use it daily.It’s important to follow the instructions exactly as described on the drug label to help reduce side effects.Precautions While Using Tazarotene or TretinoinLess commonly, tazarotene or tretinoin may cause more severe side effects. However, these are largely preventable when the medication is taken as directed.Animal studies found that both tazarotene and tretinoin could potentiallyharm a developing fetus.Tazarotene showed a significant risk of causing harm, while tretinoin showed some risk but with less certainty. As a result, tazarotene products are contraindicated during pregnancy.Topical tretinoin products also carry a warning about the possible risk of fetal harm. Talk to a healthcare professional about the need for birth control while using either medication. Also, consult a healthcare professional before taking either medication if you’re pregnant or trying to become pregnant.Both tazarotene and tretinoin cause photosensitivity, which increases the risk of sunburn and other sunlight-related skin problems in the application area. To prevent these harmful effects, apply sunscreen every morning and limit exposure to sunlight or sunlamps while using topical retinoids.The risk of photosensitivity increases when taking other medications known to cause the same sensitivity to light, such as certain antibiotics—Levaquin (levofloxacin), for example—orantifungalssuch as ketoconazole.Although uncommon, more severe skin reactions can occur with either tazarotene or tretinoin. This may result in peeling or other skin damage. In the case of severe skin reactions, stop using tazarotene or tretinoin and seek the advice of a healthcare professional.Which Medication Works Better?Tazarotene and tretinoin are both effective treatment options. Here’s an overview of how they compare for treating acne and mitigating skin changes (e.g., wrinkles and sunspots).AcneTopical retinoids, including tazarotene and tretinoin, are first-choice treatments for acne because of their proven effectiveness. Both reduce visible acne lesions, help prevent new breakouts, and reduce inflammation. These medications also promote collagen production and reduce acne-related scarring and discoloration.Across four major clinical trials, both tazarotene and tretinoin improved the severity of acne significantly.So, which one is better for acne? In two head-to-head studies comparing the two products (tazarotene 0.05% versus tretinoin 0.1%, which are considered equal doses) for 12 weeks, researchers found no difference in how well they worked to reduce acne severity.Other comparison studies suggest that the higher strength of tazarotene (0.1%) provides slightly better acne improvement than tretinoin 0.1%.However, the higher strength of tazarotene is associated with more side effects.The timeline for seeing improvement is similar, but tazarotene works slightly faster.Tretinoin products typically start working immediately, with visible results two to three weeks after starting the medication. However, it may take up to six weeks of continuous use before you see the full benefits of the medication.Tazarotene works faster, with visible results expected within one to two weeks.Skin AgingAs we age, our skin eventually shows signs of aging. This natural process can lead to more visible wrinkles, fine lines, anddark spots.Age-related skin changes occur due to changes incollagen. Collagen is a protein that provides strength and elasticity to skin and other connective tissues. It helps maintain the skin’s firmness, but its production decreases with age. Collagen fibers break down faster when exposed to too much sunlight and other ultraviolet (UV) radiation sources, such as tanning lamps.Both tazarotene and tretinoin work to help slow the progression of skin aging. This can help reduce the appearance of newfacial wrinkles.Two studies compared the effects of two medications on skin aging.In the first study, more than half of the participants saw significant improvement in wrinkles and dark spots after six months, with no difference between tazarotene and tretinoin.The second study also found similar improvements with either medication after six months, but tazarotene 0.1% cream showed quicker, more pronounced results than tretinoin 0.05% cream.However, it’s important to set realistic expectations. Neither medication treats deep wrinkles or makes them disappear. Retinoids do not stop or reverse the aging process and won’t help return your skin to its past appearance.What Is Collagen?Collagen is a protein the body naturally makes to provide structure, strength, and elasticity to skin and other connective tissues. Its production decreases with age, leading to wrinkles and other changes in skin texture.SummaryTazarotene (brand names: Tazorac, Arazlo, and others) and tretinoin (brand names:Retin-A, Renova, and others) are topical medications that belong to a drug class called retinoids, with slight differences in their available forms and strengths.Tazarotene and tretinoin are prescribed to treat acne in adults and some children and to help reduce the appearance of age-related skin changes. According to comparison studies, tazarotene and tretinoin produce similarly safe and effective results. Tazarotene may start working slightly faster.To ensure you use the safest and most effective option for your skin, it’s best to consult a healthcare provider ordermatologist. They can assist with appropriate product selection and other important steps for using these medications safely.
*These costs reflect the average retail cost for a one-month supply of medication without insurance coverage. Your actual cost may vary.
Side Effects of Each: Which Is More Tolerable?
Because tazarotene and tretinoin belong to the same class of medications (retinoids), they can cause similar side effects. And because they are topical products, their side effects mainly affect the skin where the medication is applied.
Regardless of the brand or strength, the following skin-related side effects may occur with tazarotene or tretinoin:
Tazarotene seems to be easier to tolerate than tretinoin.
During the first week of treatment, tazarotene is more likely to cause a painful burning sensation at the site of application than tretinoin, according to comparative studies. However, after the first week of use, both medications may cause this side effect in similar ways.
Skin irritation is more likely with higher strengths of either medication, especially if you have sensitive skin.
In general, the side effects of topical retinoids are more common when you first start using either medication. To help lessen the side effects, your healthcare provider may instruct you to start with a less frequent application schedule before you use it daily.
It’s important to follow the instructions exactly as described on the drug label to help reduce side effects.
Precautions While Using Tazarotene or Tretinoin
Less commonly, tazarotene or tretinoin may cause more severe side effects. However, these are largely preventable when the medication is taken as directed.
Animal studies found that both tazarotene and tretinoin could potentiallyharm a developing fetus.
Tazarotene showed a significant risk of causing harm, while tretinoin showed some risk but with less certainty. As a result, tazarotene products are contraindicated during pregnancy.
Topical tretinoin products also carry a warning about the possible risk of fetal harm. Talk to a healthcare professional about the need for birth control while using either medication. Also, consult a healthcare professional before taking either medication if you’re pregnant or trying to become pregnant.
Both tazarotene and tretinoin cause photosensitivity, which increases the risk of sunburn and other sunlight-related skin problems in the application area. To prevent these harmful effects, apply sunscreen every morning and limit exposure to sunlight or sunlamps while using topical retinoids.
The risk of photosensitivity increases when taking other medications known to cause the same sensitivity to light, such as certain antibiotics—Levaquin (levofloxacin), for example—orantifungalssuch as ketoconazole.
Although uncommon, more severe skin reactions can occur with either tazarotene or tretinoin. This may result in peeling or other skin damage. In the case of severe skin reactions, stop using tazarotene or tretinoin and seek the advice of a healthcare professional.
Tazarotene and tretinoin are both effective treatment options. Here’s an overview of how they compare for treating acne and mitigating skin changes (e.g., wrinkles and sunspots).
Acne
Topical retinoids, including tazarotene and tretinoin, are first-choice treatments for acne because of their proven effectiveness. Both reduce visible acne lesions, help prevent new breakouts, and reduce inflammation. These medications also promote collagen production and reduce acne-related scarring and discoloration.
Across four major clinical trials, both tazarotene and tretinoin improved the severity of acne significantly.
So, which one is better for acne? In two head-to-head studies comparing the two products (tazarotene 0.05% versus tretinoin 0.1%, which are considered equal doses) for 12 weeks, researchers found no difference in how well they worked to reduce acne severity.
Other comparison studies suggest that the higher strength of tazarotene (0.1%) provides slightly better acne improvement than tretinoin 0.1%.However, the higher strength of tazarotene is associated with more side effects.
The timeline for seeing improvement is similar, but tazarotene works slightly faster.
Tretinoin products typically start working immediately, with visible results two to three weeks after starting the medication. However, it may take up to six weeks of continuous use before you see the full benefits of the medication.
Tazarotene works faster, with visible results expected within one to two weeks.
Skin Aging
As we age, our skin eventually shows signs of aging. This natural process can lead to more visible wrinkles, fine lines, anddark spots.
Age-related skin changes occur due to changes incollagen. Collagen is a protein that provides strength and elasticity to skin and other connective tissues. It helps maintain the skin’s firmness, but its production decreases with age. Collagen fibers break down faster when exposed to too much sunlight and other ultraviolet (UV) radiation sources, such as tanning lamps.
Both tazarotene and tretinoin work to help slow the progression of skin aging. This can help reduce the appearance of newfacial wrinkles.
Two studies compared the effects of two medications on skin aging.
In the first study, more than half of the participants saw significant improvement in wrinkles and dark spots after six months, with no difference between tazarotene and tretinoin.
The second study also found similar improvements with either medication after six months, but tazarotene 0.1% cream showed quicker, more pronounced results than tretinoin 0.05% cream.
However, it’s important to set realistic expectations. Neither medication treats deep wrinkles or makes them disappear. Retinoids do not stop or reverse the aging process and won’t help return your skin to its past appearance.
What Is Collagen?Collagen is a protein the body naturally makes to provide structure, strength, and elasticity to skin and other connective tissues. Its production decreases with age, leading to wrinkles and other changes in skin texture.
What Is Collagen?
Collagen is a protein the body naturally makes to provide structure, strength, and elasticity to skin and other connective tissues. Its production decreases with age, leading to wrinkles and other changes in skin texture.
Summary
Tazarotene (brand names: Tazorac, Arazlo, and others) and tretinoin (brand names:Retin-A, Renova, and others) are topical medications that belong to a drug class called retinoids, with slight differences in their available forms and strengths.
Tazarotene and tretinoin are prescribed to treat acne in adults and some children and to help reduce the appearance of age-related skin changes. According to comparison studies, tazarotene and tretinoin produce similarly safe and effective results. Tazarotene may start working slightly faster.
To ensure you use the safest and most effective option for your skin, it’s best to consult a healthcare provider ordermatologist. They can assist with appropriate product selection and other important steps for using these medications safely.
15 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.DailyMed.Arazlo (tazarotene) lotion. September 2023.U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Avage (tazarotene) cream. July 2017.DailyMed.Fabior (tazarotene) foam. May 2024.DailyMed.Tazorac (tazarotene) cream. December 2022.DailyMed.Altreno (tretinoin) lotion. March 2020.DailyMed.Retin-A (tretinoin) gel. May 2024.DailyMed.Renova (tretinoin) cream. September 2019.GoodRx.Tazarotene cost.GoodRx.Tretinoin cost.Milosheska D, Roškar R.Use of retinoids in topical antiaging treatments: a focused review of clinical evidence for conventional and nanoformulations.Adv Ther.2022; 39(12):5351-5375. doi:10.1007/s12325-022-02319-7Kowalska J, Rok J, Rzepka Z, Wrześniok D.Drug-induced photosensitivity—from light and chemistry to biological reactions and clinical symptoms.Pharmaceuticals (Basel). 2021;14(8):723. doi:10.3390/ph14080723Reynolds RV, Yeung H, Cheng CE, et al.Guidelines of care for the management of acne vulgaris.J Am Acad Dermatol.2024;90(5):1-30. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2023.12.017Rittié L, Fisher GJ.Natural and sun-induced aging of human skin.Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med.2015;5(1). doi:10.1101/cshperspect.a015370.Lowe NJ, Gifford M, Tanghetti E, et al.Tazarotene 0.1% cream versus tretinoin 0.05% emollient cream in the treatment of photodamaged facial skin: a multicenter, double-blind, randomized, parallel-group study.J Cosmet Laser Ther. 2004;6(2):79-85. doi:10.1080/14764170410032406Kang S, Leyden JJ, Lowe NJ, et al.Tazarotene cream for the treatment of facial photodamage: a multicenter, investigator-masked, randomized, vehicle-controlled, parallel comparison of 0.01%, 0.025%, 0.05%, and 0.1% tazarotene creams with 0.05% tretinoin emollient cream applied once daily for 24 weeks.Arch Dermatol. 2001;137(12):1597-604. doi: 10.1001/archderm.137.12.1597
15 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.DailyMed.Arazlo (tazarotene) lotion. September 2023.U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Avage (tazarotene) cream. July 2017.DailyMed.Fabior (tazarotene) foam. May 2024.DailyMed.Tazorac (tazarotene) cream. December 2022.DailyMed.Altreno (tretinoin) lotion. March 2020.DailyMed.Retin-A (tretinoin) gel. May 2024.DailyMed.Renova (tretinoin) cream. September 2019.GoodRx.Tazarotene cost.GoodRx.Tretinoin cost.Milosheska D, Roškar R.Use of retinoids in topical antiaging treatments: a focused review of clinical evidence for conventional and nanoformulations.Adv Ther.2022; 39(12):5351-5375. doi:10.1007/s12325-022-02319-7Kowalska J, Rok J, Rzepka Z, Wrześniok D.Drug-induced photosensitivity—from light and chemistry to biological reactions and clinical symptoms.Pharmaceuticals (Basel). 2021;14(8):723. doi:10.3390/ph14080723Reynolds RV, Yeung H, Cheng CE, et al.Guidelines of care for the management of acne vulgaris.J Am Acad Dermatol.2024;90(5):1-30. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2023.12.017Rittié L, Fisher GJ.Natural and sun-induced aging of human skin.Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med.2015;5(1). doi:10.1101/cshperspect.a015370.Lowe NJ, Gifford M, Tanghetti E, et al.Tazarotene 0.1% cream versus tretinoin 0.05% emollient cream in the treatment of photodamaged facial skin: a multicenter, double-blind, randomized, parallel-group study.J Cosmet Laser Ther. 2004;6(2):79-85. doi:10.1080/14764170410032406Kang S, Leyden JJ, Lowe NJ, et al.Tazarotene cream for the treatment of facial photodamage: a multicenter, investigator-masked, randomized, vehicle-controlled, parallel comparison of 0.01%, 0.025%, 0.05%, and 0.1% tazarotene creams with 0.05% tretinoin emollient cream applied once daily for 24 weeks.Arch Dermatol. 2001;137(12):1597-604. doi: 10.1001/archderm.137.12.1597
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
DailyMed.Arazlo (tazarotene) lotion. September 2023.U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Avage (tazarotene) cream. July 2017.DailyMed.Fabior (tazarotene) foam. May 2024.DailyMed.Tazorac (tazarotene) cream. December 2022.DailyMed.Altreno (tretinoin) lotion. March 2020.DailyMed.Retin-A (tretinoin) gel. May 2024.DailyMed.Renova (tretinoin) cream. September 2019.GoodRx.Tazarotene cost.GoodRx.Tretinoin cost.Milosheska D, Roškar R.Use of retinoids in topical antiaging treatments: a focused review of clinical evidence for conventional and nanoformulations.Adv Ther.2022; 39(12):5351-5375. doi:10.1007/s12325-022-02319-7Kowalska J, Rok J, Rzepka Z, Wrześniok D.Drug-induced photosensitivity—from light and chemistry to biological reactions and clinical symptoms.Pharmaceuticals (Basel). 2021;14(8):723. doi:10.3390/ph14080723Reynolds RV, Yeung H, Cheng CE, et al.Guidelines of care for the management of acne vulgaris.J Am Acad Dermatol.2024;90(5):1-30. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2023.12.017Rittié L, Fisher GJ.Natural and sun-induced aging of human skin.Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med.2015;5(1). doi:10.1101/cshperspect.a015370.Lowe NJ, Gifford M, Tanghetti E, et al.Tazarotene 0.1% cream versus tretinoin 0.05% emollient cream in the treatment of photodamaged facial skin: a multicenter, double-blind, randomized, parallel-group study.J Cosmet Laser Ther. 2004;6(2):79-85. doi:10.1080/14764170410032406Kang S, Leyden JJ, Lowe NJ, et al.Tazarotene cream for the treatment of facial photodamage: a multicenter, investigator-masked, randomized, vehicle-controlled, parallel comparison of 0.01%, 0.025%, 0.05%, and 0.1% tazarotene creams with 0.05% tretinoin emollient cream applied once daily for 24 weeks.Arch Dermatol. 2001;137(12):1597-604. doi: 10.1001/archderm.137.12.1597
DailyMed.Arazlo (tazarotene) lotion. September 2023.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Avage (tazarotene) cream. July 2017.
DailyMed.Fabior (tazarotene) foam. May 2024.
DailyMed.Tazorac (tazarotene) cream. December 2022.
DailyMed.Altreno (tretinoin) lotion. March 2020.
DailyMed.Retin-A (tretinoin) gel. May 2024.
DailyMed.Renova (tretinoin) cream. September 2019.
GoodRx.Tazarotene cost.
GoodRx.Tretinoin cost.
Milosheska D, Roškar R.Use of retinoids in topical antiaging treatments: a focused review of clinical evidence for conventional and nanoformulations.Adv Ther.2022; 39(12):5351-5375. doi:10.1007/s12325-022-02319-7
Kowalska J, Rok J, Rzepka Z, Wrześniok D.Drug-induced photosensitivity—from light and chemistry to biological reactions and clinical symptoms.Pharmaceuticals (Basel). 2021;14(8):723. doi:10.3390/ph14080723
Reynolds RV, Yeung H, Cheng CE, et al.Guidelines of care for the management of acne vulgaris.J Am Acad Dermatol.2024;90(5):1-30. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2023.12.017
Rittié L, Fisher GJ.Natural and sun-induced aging of human skin.Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med.2015;5(1). doi:10.1101/cshperspect.a015370.
Lowe NJ, Gifford M, Tanghetti E, et al.Tazarotene 0.1% cream versus tretinoin 0.05% emollient cream in the treatment of photodamaged facial skin: a multicenter, double-blind, randomized, parallel-group study.J Cosmet Laser Ther. 2004;6(2):79-85. doi:10.1080/14764170410032406
Kang S, Leyden JJ, Lowe NJ, et al.Tazarotene cream for the treatment of facial photodamage: a multicenter, investigator-masked, randomized, vehicle-controlled, parallel comparison of 0.01%, 0.025%, 0.05%, and 0.1% tazarotene creams with 0.05% tretinoin emollient cream applied once daily for 24 weeks.Arch Dermatol. 2001;137(12):1597-604. doi: 10.1001/archderm.137.12.1597
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