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Tazarotene vs. Adapalene

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

Tazarotene

(Tazorac)

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Differin

(adapalene)

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Summary for Tazarotene

Prescription only

Tazarotene (Tazorac) is a topical retinoid that's used for treating acne and plaque psoriasis. It helps exfoliate the skin and lessen skin inflammation. Tazarotene (Tazorac) is available as a cream and a gel that's applied directly to the affected areas of skin once per day. Adults can use either the cream or gel. Certain children can also use this medication depending on how old they are, whether they have acne or psoriasis, and whether they're using the cream or gel. Side effects include skin irritation and itching. It can also raise your risk for sunburns.

Indications for Tazarotene

Pros and Cons for Tazarotene

Pros

  • Works well for treating acne and plaque psoriasis
  • Used once per day
  • Available as a gel and cream

Cons

  • Can take a few months to see significant skin improvement
  • Can make your skin more irritated or more likely to burn
  • Not safe to use while pregnant

Common Side Effects for Tazarotene

  • Dry skin
  • Skin peeling or flaking
  • Itching
  • Skin redness
  • Burning or stinging feeling on the skin

Warnings for Tazarotene

  • Harm to unborn baby
  • Risk for sunburn
  • Skin irritation

Summary for Adapalene

Prescription or over-the-counter

Differin (adapalene) works well for treating mild-to-moderate acne. Differin (adapalene) can cause skin irritation, burning, and itching right after using it, so make sure you have moisturizer with you to help with this side effect. This acne treatment has different strengths and formulations (e.g., cream, gel, lotion). But only the lower strength gel is available over the counter.

Indications for Adapalene

  • Acne

Pros and Cons for Adapalene

Pros

  • A first-choice option for treating acne
  • Only need to apply once a day
  • Safe to use for acne in children 12 and older
  • The 0.1% gel is available without a prescription.

Cons

  • Can get sunburns more easily
  • Can make skin dry, itchy, and flaky
  • Can take up to 12 weeks to see full effects
  • Skin might look worse before it starts looking better

Common Side Effects for Adapalene

  • Dry skin (up to 45%)
  • Scaling or peeling (up to 44%)
  • Stinging or burning (up to 29%)
  • Skin redness (up to 26%)

Warnings for Adapalene

  • Allergic reactions
  • Sunburn
  • Skin irritation

Prices with our coupons for Tazarotene vs. Adapalene

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Tazarotene1 tube / 30g of 0.1%
$53.04$70.77
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Adapalene1 tube / 45g of 0.3%
$37.35$270.27
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