Is Arazlo (tazarotene) a retinoid?

Yes, Arazlo (tazarotene) is a [retinoid](https://www.goodrx.com/classes/retinoids). It helps [treat and prevent acne](https://www.goodrx.com/classes/retinoids/are-retinoids-safe) by lessening inflammation and the amount of oil on your skin. The medication also helps exfoliate the skin by getting rid of dead skin cells and promoting new skin cells to grow.

Can you use vitamin C with Arazlo (tazarotene)?

Ask a dermatologist about whether you can use Arazlo (tazarotene) with [skin products that contain vitamin C](https://www.goodrx.com/health-topic/dermatology/vitamin-c-for-skin). When applied to the skin, vitamin C has anti-aging benefits and can help [protect the skin against sun damage](https://www.goodrx.com/health-topic/dermatology/skincare-basics-clear-skin). Even if you use a vitamin C-containing skin product with Arazlo (tazarotene), be sure to wear [sunscreen](https://www.goodrx.com/health-topic/dermatology/should-you-wear-sunscreen-everyday) and [protective clothing](https://www.goodrx.com/health-topic/dermatology/how-to-protect-your-skin-from-the-sun-without-sunscreen) to minimize exposure to the sun. This is especially important since Arazlo (tazarotene) can raise the risk for sunburns. Keep in mind that some strengths of topical vitamin C can cause [skin irritation](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5605218/), which could worsen side effects from Arazlo (tazarotene).

Does Arazlo (tazarotene) lotion get rid of dark spots?

It's possible for Arazlo (tazarotene) to treat [dark spots](https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/skin-discoloration/hyperpigmentation-darker-skin-tones-treatments) that are common in people with darker skin tones. Since Arazlo (tazarotene) is only approved for treating acne, using the medication for improving dark spots is considered [off-label](https://www.goodrx.com/drugs/medication-basics/off-label-drug-prescriptions). Don't apply Arazlo (tazarotene) on dark spots unless your dermatologist instructed you to. Speak with your dermatologist about your options for treating dark spots, such as a similar product called [tazarotene 0.1% cream](https://www.goodrx.com/avage/what-is) that's specifically approved for this purpose.

Does Arazlo (tazarotene) lotion help with acne scars?

It's possible that you might notice [improved appearance](https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne/derm-treat/scars/treatment#:~:text=Medication%20applied%20to%20the%20skin%3A%20If%20you%20have%20mild%20acne%20scarring%2C%20a%20retinoid%20or%20salicylic%20acid%20can%20make%20scarring%20less%20noticeable.) of mild acne scars while you're using Arazlo (tazarotene) on your face, but it isn't a primary treatment option. Talk to your dermatologist if you have bothersome acne scars that you'd like to receive treatment for.

Can you use breastfeed while you're using Arazlo (tazarotene)?

Ask a healthcare professional or an obstetrician-gynecologist (OB-GYN) about whether you can breastfeed while you're using Arazlo (tazarotene). It's not clear whether the medication can get into breast milk and have negative effects on the baby. To be safe, use Arazlo (tazarotene) for the shortest amount of time possible while you're breastfeeding. Don't apply Arazlo (tazarotene) directly to the nipple, its surrounding area, and any other areas of skin that your baby can touch. This helps prevent the medication from getting onto your baby.

Arazlo

tazarotene

Used for Acne

Arazlo, the brand name for tazarotene 0.045% lotion, is a retinoid that's approved for treating acne. It can be prescribed for people ages 9 years and older. This medication is applied directly to the affected areas of skin once per day. Side effects include dry skin and skin pain (such as burning or stinging). It also can raise your risk for sunburns. Even though Arazlo (tazarotene) is applied directly to the skin, it's not safe to use while pregnant.

Reviewed by:

Robert Chad Hakim, PharmD, BCCCP

Cydnee Ng, PharmD

Last reviewed on November 18, 2024

What is Arazlo (tazarotene)?

What is Arazlo (tazarotene) used for?

Acne

How Arazlo (tazarotene) works

Arazlo (tazarotene) is a retinoid, which is a form of vitamin A. It helps promote new, healthy skin cells to grow. It also helps get rid of dead skin cells and lessen oil and inflammation on the skin. This treats acne and prevents more pimples from forming.

Are you looking for information on tazarotene (Tazorac), Fabior (tazarotene), or tazarotene cream for wrinkles instead?

When does Arazlo (tazarotene) start working?Time passed since treatment started:

HOURS

DAYS

WEEKS

MONTHS

Full effect

Drug facts

Common BrandsArazlo

Drug ClassRetinoid

Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication

Generic StatusNo lower-cost generic available

AvailabilityPrescription only

Side effects of Arazlo (tazarotene)

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

Stinging, burning, or pain on the skin (5%)
Dry skin (4%)

Less Common Side Effects

Skin peeling
Scaly skin
Skin redness
Skin itching

When do Arazlo (tazarotene) possible side effects begin and end?

Time passed since treatment started:

HHOURS

DDAYS

WWEEKS

MMONTHS

Stinging or burning

Dry skin

Skin redness

Skin peeling

Source: DailyMed

The following Arazlo (tazarotene) side effects have also been reported

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
Burning, itching, crusting, or peeling of treated skin

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

Mild skin irritation, redness, or dryness
Sensitivity to light

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Avg retail price

$660.85(Save 21.00%)

GoodRx discount

$522.05

See prices

Pros and cons of Arazlo (tazarotene)

Pros

A first-choice option for treating acne
Only applied once a day
Approved for children as young as 9 years old

Cons

Can make you sunburn more easily
Available by prescription only
Not safe to use while pregnant

Pharmacist tips for Arazlo (tazarotene)

Gently wash the affected area(s) of your face with a mild cleanser and warm water before you apply Arazlo (tazarotene). Pat the skin completely dry before applying the medication.
Apply Arazlo (tazarotene) directly on your skin only. Don't put the medication in or near your eyes, nose, mouth, or vagina because these areas are sensitive and can easily get irritated. If Arazlo (tazarotene) gets in or near your eyes, rinse your eyes well with water.
How to use Arazlo (tazarotene): Apply a thin layer of the lotion on the affected area(s) of the skin on the face once a day. Make sure to apply just enough medication to cover the affected skin. Wash your hands well afterwards.
Your skin can get red or dry or it can start to peel during the first few weeks of treatment. These side effects should get better as you continue using Arazlo (tazarotene). Talk to your care team if you're concerned about any skin reactions or if they get too bothersome.
Use a mild moisturizer to help prevent dry and irritated skin. Also, use sunscreen and wear protective clothing, like a wide-brimmed hat or long-sleeve shirt, when going outside because Arazlo (tazarotene) can make your skin more sensitive to light and raise your risk for sunburns.
Don't use Arazlo (tazarotene) and benzoyl peroxide together unless your prescriber recommends you to. Benzoyl peroxide can make Arazlo (tazarotene) work less well to treat your acne. If you're prescribed both medications, space out when you use them (for example, one product in the morning and the other in the evening).
If you can become pregnant, you should use birth control while you're taking Arazlo (tazarotene). This medication isn't safe to use if you're pregnant because it can harm an unborn baby. Tell your prescriber if you get pregnant during treatment. They can recommending safer options for treating acne during pregnancy.
Store Arazlo (tazarotene) at room temperature (up to 77 degrees Fahrenheit). Avoid letting the medication freeze as well. Keep the medication tightly closed and out of reach from children.

Common questions about Arazlo

Yes, Arazlo is a retinoid. It helps treat and prevent acne by lessening inflammation and the amount of oil on your skin. The medication also helps exfoliate the skin by getting rid of dead skin cells and promoting new skin cells to grow.

Ask a dermatologist about whether you can use Arazlo with skin products that contain vitamin C. When applied to the skin, vitamin C has anti-aging benefits and can help protect the skin against sun damage. Even if you use a vitamin C-containing skin product with Arazlo, be sure to wear sunscreen and protective clothing to minimize exposure to the sun. This is especially important since Arazlo can raise the risk for sunburns. Keep in mind that some strengths of topical vitamin C can cause skin irritation, which could worsen side effects from Arazlo.

It's possible for Arazlo to treat dark spots that are common in people with darker skin tones. Since Arazlo is only approved for treating acne, using the medication for improving dark spots is considered off-label. Don't apply Arazlo on dark spots unless your dermatologist instructed you to. Speak with your dermatologist about your options for treating dark spots, such as a similar product called tazarotene 0.1% cream that's specifically approved for this purpose.

It's possible that you might notice improved appearance of mild acne scars while you're using Arazlo on your face, but it isn't a primary treatment option. Talk to your dermatologist if you have bothersome acne scars that you'd like to receive treatment for.

Arazlo and tretinoin are both topical retinoids that can treat acne. Arazlo is a lotion. Tretinoin has many different forms, including a lotion under the brand name Altreno. Arazlo lotion and Altreno (tretinoin) lotion are both applied onto the affected area(s) of skin once per day. They're approved for people ages 9 years and older. The biggest difference is that people who are allergic to fish must be careful using Altreno (tretinoin) since it contains fish proteins. Talk to your dermatologist if you have specific questions about comparing the two medications.

Yes, it's best to use Arazlo once every day unless your prescriber gave you other directions. Using the medication every day helps raise the chance that your acne improves or clears up. Your prescriber might suggest using Arazlo less often, though, if your skin gets too irritated from the medication. Talk to your prescriber if you're not sure how often you should use Arazlo.

Ask a healthcare professional or an obstetrician-gynecologist (OB-GYN) about whether you can breastfeed while you're using Arazlo. It's not clear whether the medication can get into breast milk and have negative effects on the baby. To be safe, use Arazlo for the shortest amount of time possible while you're breastfeeding. Don't apply Arazlo directly to the nipple, its surrounding area, and any other areas of skin that your baby can touch. This helps prevent the medication from getting onto your baby.

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Risks and warnings for Arazlo (tazarotene)

Arazlo (tazarotene) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

Harm to unborn baby

Risk factors: Currently pregnant or planning to become pregnant

Animal studies suggest that other topical forms of tazarotene can cause harm to an unborn baby when they're used during pregnancy. To be safe, you shouldn't use Arazlo (tazarotene) if you're pregnant.

If you're able to become pregnant, you'll need to take a pregnancy test within 2 weeks of starting Arazlo (tazarotene) to confirm that you're not pregnant. Your prescriber will have you start using Arazlo (tazarotene) during your menstrual period. Then, you'll need to use an effective form of birth control to prevent pregnancy while you're using the medication.

Skin irritation

Risk factors: Eczema | Sunburned skin | Using skin products containing alcohol

Arazlo (tazarotene) can cause skin irritation and skin reactions, like itchiness, dry skin, redness, stinging, burning, and peeling. Windy and cold weather can irritate the skin even more while you're using this medication.

Avoid applying Arazlo (tazarotene) on any areas of sunburned skin or skin with eczema because it can cause severe irritation. Also avoid using other skin products that have similar effects on the skin or a strong drying effect because it can worsen irritation. Let your prescriber know if you notice any skin reactions that aren't getting better over time.

Risk for sunburn

Risk factors: Exposure to sunlight | Taking medications that raise the risk of sunburn

Arazlo (tazarotene) can make your skin more sensitive to the sun and raise your risk of sunburn. The risk is higher if you're taking other medications that raise your risk for sun sensitivity, such as certain diuretics (water pills) and certain antibiotics.

Try to limit the amount of time that your skin is exposed to sunlight. Use sunscreen and wear protective clothing when you're going outside. If you get sunburned, ask your prescriber whether you should stop using Arazlo (tazarotene) until your skin heals.

Arazlo (tazarotene) dosage

The average cost for 1 tube of 45g of 0.045% of Arazlo (tazarotene) is $522.05 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 21.00% off the average retail price of $660.85.

Tube of lotion

Dosage	Quantity	Price as low as	Price per unit
45g of 0.045%	1 tube	$522.05	$522.05

Typical dosage for Arazlo (tazarotene)

Arazlo contains 0.045% of tazarotene.

Apply a thin layer of lotion to the entire affected areas of skin once per day.

How much does Arazlo (tazarotene) cost?

To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.

Arazlo (brand)

GoodRx lowest price

$522.05

(save 21.00%)

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Arazlo (tazarotene) contraindications

Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Arazlo (tazarotene) will not be safe for you to take.

Currently pregnant

What are alternatives to Arazlo (tazarotene)?

There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Arazlo (tazarotene). Compare a few possible alternatives below.

Arazlo (tazarotene)

Used for:

Acne

$522.05Lowest GoodRx priceView prices

Benzoyl peroxide

Used for:

Acne

$9.31Lowest GoodRx priceView prices

Retin-A (tretinoin)

Used for:

Acne

$20.89Lowest GoodRx priceView prices

News about Arazlo (tazarotene)

How Much Is Arazlo Without Insurance?

Arazlo is a retinoid medication that treats acne. A tube of this prescription lotion can cost more than $500 without insurance. Here’s how you can save on Arazlo.

Arazlo