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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 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.

Indications for Aklief

  • Treatment of acne in people ages 9 years and older

Pros and Cons for Aklief

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

Common Side Effects for Aklief

  • Irritation at application site (8%)
  • Sunburn (3%)
  • Skin itching (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%
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Tretinoin1 tube / 45g of 0.025%
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