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Aklief vs. Tretinoin

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

Key takeaways

Aklief (trifarotene) and tretinoin (Retin-A) are both retinoids, which are forms of vitamin A. They are used to treat acne. Aklief (trifarotene) is a topical cream used to treat acne in people aged 9 years and older,, while tretinoin (Retin-A) is an topical medication used to treat acne in adults and children 12 years and older. Both medications are applied once daily. Aklief is only available as a brand-name medication, while tretinoin (Retin-A) is available in generic form. Common side effects of Aklief include skin irritation and sun sensitivity, while tretinoin ((Retin-A) can cause skin irritation, redness, and peeling. You should not use Aklief with other retinoids like tretinoin (Retin-A) cream to prevent side effects.

Aklief

(trifarotene)

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Retin-A

(tretinoin)

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Summary for Aklief

Prescription only

Aklief (trifarotene) is used to treat acne in people ages 9 years and older. It's a prescription retinoid cream. Aklief (trifarotene) is applied directly to the affected area(s) once each evening. Common side effects include dry skin, peeling, and itching. Your skin might get more irritated during the first month of treatment before your acne starts to get better.

Indications for Aklief

  • Acne in people ages 9 years and older

Pros and Cons for Aklief

Pros

  • Comes in an easy-to-use pump
  • Only need to use once per day
  • Can treat acne on many areas of the body (the face, chest, shoulders, and back)
  • Safe to use for children ages 9 years and older

Cons

Common Side Effects for Aklief

  • Irritation where it's applied (8%)
  • Sunburn (3%)
  • Itchiness where it's applied (2%)

Warnings for Aklief

  • Skin irritation
  • Sunburn

Summary for Tretinoin

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 for Tretinoin

  • Acne

Pros and Cons for Tretinoin

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 for Tretinoin

  • 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 for Tretinoin

  • Sunburns
  • Skin irritation in extreme weather
  • Skin reactions

Prices with our coupons for Aklief vs. Tretinoin

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Aklief1 pump / 45g of 0.005%
$693.04$927.42
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Price Card Drug Icon
Tretinoin1 tube / 45g of 0.025%
$35.83$287.44
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