Skip to main content
HomeDrug Comparisons
Drug bottle and Pill

Compare Arazlo vs. Tretinoin

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

Key takeaways

Arazlo (tazarotene) and Retin-A (tretinoin) are both topical retinoid medications used to treat acne. They work by promoting the growth of new skin cells and reducing oil and inflammation. Arazlo is approved for use in people as young as 9 years old, while Retin-A is approved for those ages 12 and older. Arazlo is available as a lotion with a concentration of 0.045%, whereas Retin-A comes in cream or gel form. Both medications are applied once daily, but Arazlo is typically used during the day, and Retin-A is applied at bedtime. Common side effects for both include skin irritation and increased sensitivity to sunlight, but Retin-A may also cause your skin color to temporarily change. Retin-A is available in a lower-cost generic form, while Arazlo is only available as a brand-name medication.

  • Arazlo (tazarotene)
    Retin-a (tretinoin)
  • Arazlo (tazarotene)
    Retin-a (tretinoin)

  • Summary of Arazlo vs. Tretinoin

    Summary for Retinoid
    Prescription only

    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.

    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 Arazlo vs. Tretinoin

    Indications for
    •Acne
    Indications for
    •Acne

  • Pros and Cons of Arazlo vs. Tretinoin

    Pros and Const for Retinoid
    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
    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 Arazlo vs. Tretinoin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Stinging, burning, or pain on the skin (5%)
    •Dry skin (4%)
    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 Arazlo vs. Tretinoin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Harm to unborn baby
    •Skin irritation
    •Risk for sunburn
    Common Side Effects for
    •Sunburns
    •Skin irritation in extreme weather
    •Skin reactions

  • Prices with our coupons for Arazlo vs. Tretinoin

    Learn more about Arazlo
    Learn more about Retin-a

Compare other Acne drugs

Aklief vs ArazloArazlo vs TazoracArazlo vs TretinoinAccutane vs TretinoinAdapalene vs TretinoinAklief vs TretinoinAltreno vs TretinoinAmzeeq vs AkliefAzelaic Acid vs TretinoinAzelaic Peroxide vs Benzoyl PeroxideBenzoyl Peroxide vs Salicylic AcidClindamycin vs TretinoinDapsone vs TretinoinDifferin vs TretinoinEpiduo vs TretinoinHumira vs TazoracHydroquinone vs TretinoinIsotretinoin vs TretinoinRenova vs TazoracRenova vs TretinoinRetin A Micro vs TretinoinSalicylic Acid vs TretinoinSpironolactone vs TretinoinTazarotene vs TretinoinTretinoin vs Benzoyl PeroxideTretinoin vs BotoxTretinoin vs TriamcinoloneTretinoin vs Vitamin CTwyneo vs TretinoinWinlevi vs Tretinoin
View More

Browse medications

View All

Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.