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Compare Isotretinoin vs. Tretinoin

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

Isotretinoin
Retin-a (tretinoin)
Isotretinoin
Retin-a (tretinoin)

Summary of Isotretinoin vs. Tretinoin

Summary for Retinoic acid derivative
Prescription only

Isotretinoin is used to treat nodular acne that can't be cleared up by other acne treatments, including antibiotics. It's taken by mouth twice daily, typically for 4 to 5 months at a time. Because of the risk of serious birth defects, people who can get pregnant need to take pregnancy tests and use birth control before, during, and after treatment. Some common side effects include dry lips, dry skin, back pain, and dry eye. While isotretinoin is no longer available as brand name Accutane, you can still find it under other brands (e.g., Claravis and Amnesteem) and also as lower-cost generics.

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 Isotretinoin vs. Tretinoin

Indications for
•Nodular acne that hasn't responded well to other treatments
Indications for
•Acne

Pros and Cons of Isotretinoin vs. Tretinoin

Pros and Const for Retinoic acid derivative
Pros
•Works well to clear your skin of severe acne when other treatments haven't worked as well
•Most people experience clearer skin after just one course of treatment
•Only need to take for 4 to 5 months for each treatment
•Clearer skin can last for a while even after you've stopped taking isotretinoin
Cons
•Can cause serious birth defects
•Might be at higher risk of bone fractures if you play sports a lot
•Can raise your blood sugar levels, and you might need to monitor your sugar levels more often
•Not a good choice if you have a history of mental health problems, including depression, hallucinations, or suicidal thoughts
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 Isotretinoin vs. Tretinoin

Common Side Effects for
•Dry skin
•Worsening acne when first starting treatment
•Dry lips
•Chapped lips or swelling of the lips
•Dry eyes
•Eye problems, including blurry vision
•Back pain
•Joint pain
•Nose bleeds
•Headache
•Cold-like symptoms
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 Isotretinoin vs. Tretinoin

Common Side Effects for
•Harm to unborn baby
•Depression and thoughts of self-harm
•Higher pressure in the brain
•Serious skin reaction
•Inflammation of the pancreas
•High cholesterol and triglycerides
•Hearing problems
•Liver problems
•Inflammation of the gut
•Bone fractures and muscle pain
•Eye problems
Common Side Effects for
•Sunburns
•Skin irritation in extreme weather
•Skin reactions

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