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Compare Aklief vs. Tretinoin

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Aklief (trifarotene)
Retin-a (tretinoin)
Aklief (trifarotene)
Retin-a (tretinoin)

Summary of Aklief vs. Tretinoin

Summary for Retinoid
Prescription only

Aklief contains trifarotene 0.005% topical cream. It's a retinoid used to treat acne in people ages 9 years and older. Aklief (trifarotene) is applied directly to the affected area(s) once per day in the evening. Some of the more common effects include dry skin, peeling, and itching. Your skin will likely experience more irritation during the first month of treatment, before it starts to improve.

Summary for Retinoid
Prescription only

Retin-A (tretinoin) is a retinoid medication that's used to treat acne in adults and children 12 years and older. It's available as a cream or a gel that's applied onto the skin once a day. Side effects include skin irritation, redness, and peeling. Your acne might get worse at the beginning of treatment, but it should get better as you continue using the medication. You must have a prescription for Retin-A (tretinoin) from your primary care provider or dermatologist; this medication isn't available over the counter.

Indications of Aklief vs. Tretinoin

Indications for
•Treatment of acne in people ages 9 years and older
Indications for
•Acne

Pros and Cons of Aklief vs. Tretinoin

Pros and Const for Retinoid
Pros
•Available as a cream in an easy-to-use pump
•Only need to use once per day
•Treats acne on the face, chest, shoulders, and back
•Safe to use in children ages 9 years and older
Cons
•Only available as a brand-name medication
•Skin might look worse during the first month of treatment, before it starts to improve
•Can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, which can lead to sunburns
•Must use mild, non-medicated soaps, cleansers, and shampoos to prevent skin irritation
Pros and Const for Retinoid
Pros
•Easy to apply onto your skin
•Only need to apply once nightly
•Available in a lower-cost generic form
Cons
•Makes your skin more sensitive to sunlight, which can lead to sunburns
•Can cause your skin color to temporarily become lighter or darker
•Might worsen your acne during the first few weeks of treatment

Common Side Effects of Aklief vs. Tretinoin

Common Side Effects for
•Irritation at application site (8%)
•Sunburn (3%)
•Skin itching (2%)
Common Side Effects for
•Skin peeling or discomfort
•Warm feeling or stinging after applying
•Skin redness
•Sensitivity to sunlight (sunburns)
•Worsening of acne in the first few weeks of treatment

Warnings of Aklief vs. Tretinoin

Common Side Effects for
•Skin irritation
•Sunburn
Common Side Effects for
•Sunburns
•Skin irritation in extreme weather
•Skin reactions

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