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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)

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Retin-A

(tretinoin)

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Summary for Epiduo

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.

Indications for Epiduo

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

Pros and Cons for Epiduo

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

Common Side Effects for Epiduo

Epiduo:

  • Dry skin (7%)
  • Rash (3%)

Epiduo Forte:

  • Skin irritation (4%)

Warnings for Epiduo

  • Sunburn
  • Skin irritation

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 Epiduo vs. Tretinoin

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Adapalene/Benzoyl Peroxide1 tube / 45g of 0.1%/2.5%
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Tretinoin1 tube / 45g of 0.025%
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