Skip to main content

Compare
Atralin vs. Tretinoin

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

Key takeaways

Atralin and Retin-A are both topical forms of tretinoin, a retinoid medication used to treat acne. They work by unclogging pores and replacing old skin cells with new ones. Both medications are applied topically and require a prescription. Atralin comes as a topical gel, while Retin-A comes as a cream. But Retin-A also comes as a gel in the form of Retin-A Micro. Both medications are also available as lower-cost generics and are typically applied once daily at bedtime. Side effects can include skin irritation, redness, and peeling. Both medications make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, so it's important to use sunscreen and protective clothing when outdoors.

Tretinoin

 

Get free coupons

Retin-A

(tretinoin)

Get free coupons

Summary for Atralin

Prescription only

Tretinoin is a retinoid medication that's used to treat acne. A few brands that are available with a prescription include Atralin (a gel), Avita (a cream), and Retin-A Micro (a gel). They're also available as generics. You typically apply tretinoin once daily to the affected area(s) on your skin. Some side effects of tretinoin include dry skin, peeling skin, and a burning sensation where you apply it.

Indications for Atralin

  • Acne

Pros and Cons for Atralin

Pros

  • Applied once a day
  • Comes as a cream or gel
  • Lower-cost generic versions available

Cons

  • Can cause skin irritation, including burning, redness, and peeling
  • Usually takes weeks to see improvement in acne
  • Not recommended during pregnancy

Common Side Effects for Atralin

  • Dry skin
  • Peeling or flaky skin
  • Skin burning sensation
  • Red skin
  • Itchy skin
  • Skin pain
  • Sunburn

Warnings for Atralin

  • Skin irritation
  • Sunburns
  • Use with caution for people with fish allergies (Atralin gel and its generics only)

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 Atralin vs. Tretinoin

Price Card Drug Icon
Tretinoin1 tube / 45g of 0.05%
$101.78$194.50
Get free coupons
More Information
Price Card Drug Icon
Tretinoin1 tube / 45g of 0.025%
$36.58$202.50
Get free coupons
More Information

Browse medications by letter

Show All

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