Skip to main content
HomeDrug Comparisons
Drug bottle and Pill

Compare Epiduo vs. Tretinoin

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

Key takeaways

Adapalene/benzoyl peroxide (Epiduo, Epiduo Forte) and tretinoin (Retin-A) are both retinoids, which are forms of vitamin A, but there are some differences. Adapalene/benzoyl peroxide is a topical medication used to treat acne in people 9 years and older, while tretinoin (Retin-A) is an topical medication used to treat acne in adults and children 12 years and older. Adapalene/benzoyl peroxide is applied once daily as a gel, while Tretinoin (Retin-A) is available as a cream or a gel. Both medications are available as a lower-cost generic. Adapalene/benzoyl peroxide can cause side effects like dry skin and irritation, while tretinoin can cause skin irritation, redness, and peeling. Tretinoin may cause your acne to get worse at the beginning of treatment, but it should get better as you continue using the medication.

  • Epiduo (adapalene / benzoyl peroxide)
    Retin-a (tretinoin)
  • Epiduo (adapalene / benzoyl peroxide)
    Retin-a (tretinoin)

  • Summary of Epiduo vs. Tretinoin

    Summary for Retinoid / Topical antibiotic
    Prescription only

    Epiduo (adapalene / benzoyl peroxide) is a topical gel that contains two active ingredients: adapalene (a retinoid) and benzoyl peroxide (an antiseptic). It's FDA approved to treat acne (pimples) in adults and children. The gel is typically applied to the skin once a day. Side effects aren't common, but can include dry skin, skin irritation, and skin burning. The medication is available as a generic and under two brand names: Epiduo and Epiduo Forte.

    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 Epiduo vs. Tretinoin

    Indications for
    •Acne in
    •People 9 years and older - Epiduo
    •People 12 years and older - Epiduo Forte
    Indications for
    •Acne

  • Pros and Cons of Epiduo vs. Tretinoin

    Pros and Const for Retinoid / Topical antibiotic
    Pros
    •Combination of two medications in a single product
    •Only needs to be applied once a day
    •Easy to apply
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Can make your skin more sensitive to the sunlight
    •Can bleach clothing and bed sheets
    •Can make skin dry or irritated
    •Your skin might look worse before it starts looking better
    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 Epiduo vs. Tretinoin

    Common Side Effects for

    Epiduo:

    •Dry skin (7%)
    •Rash (3%)

    Epiduo Forte:

    •Skin irritation (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 Epiduo vs. Tretinoin

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

  • Prices with our coupons for Epiduo vs. Tretinoin

    Learn more about Epiduo
    Learn more about Retin-a

Compare other Acne drugs

Accutane vs EpiduoEpiduo vs Benzoyl PeroxideEpiduo vs ErygelEpiduo vs FinaceaEpiduo vs MinocyclineEpiduo vs TretinoinKeflex vs EpiduoTwyneo vs EpiduoAccutane vs DifferinAccutane vs TretinoinAugmentin vs KeflexBactrim vs KeflexCeftin vs KeflexCleocin vs KeflexFinacea vs ClindesseFinacea vs DoxycyclineFinacea vs MinocyclineFinacea vs TindamaxFlagyl vs KeflexFlagyl vs MinocyclineKeflex vs FinaceaMetrogel vs FinaceaMinocycline vs BactrimMinocycline vs ClindesseMinocycline vs MalaroneMinocycline vs TindamaxRenova vs AccutaneRenova vs MinocyclineTetracycline vs AccutaneZiana vs Accutane
View More

Browse medications

View All

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