Key takeaways
Tazarotene (Tazorac) and adapalene (Differin) are both topical retinoids used to treat acne. However, they differ in several ways. Tazarotene is also FDA-approved for treating plaque psoriasis, while adapalene is only approved for acne. Tazarotene is available by prescription only, whereas adapalene is available by prescription or it can be purchased over-the-counter in its lower strength gel form. Tazarotene comes in cream and gel forms, while adapalene is available as a cream, gel, lotion, and swabs. Both medications can cause skin irritation and can increase the risk of sunburn. Additionally, tazarotene is not safe to use during pregnancy, while adapalene's safety in pregnancy is less clear, so you should consult your prescriber. Lastly, tazarotene should not be used with benzoyl peroxide, while adapalene should not be used with products containing resorcinol or alpha hydroxy, salicylic, or glycolic acids.
