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Compare Tazarotene vs. Tretinoin

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

Tazarotene (Tazorac)
Retin-a (tretinoin)
Tazarotene (Tazorac)
Retin-a (tretinoin)

Summary of Tazarotene vs. Tretinoin

Summary for Retinoid
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.

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 Tazarotene vs. Tretinoin

Indications for
•Acne - 0.1% strength only
•Plaque psoriasis - 0.05% and 1% strengths
Indications for
•Acne

Pros and Cons of Tazarotene vs. Tretinoin

Pros and Const for Retinoid
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
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 Tazarotene vs. Tretinoin

Common Side Effects for
•Dry skin
•Skin peeling or flaking
•Itching
•Skin redness
•Burning or stinging feeling on the skin
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 Tazarotene vs. Tretinoin

Common Side Effects for
•Harm to unborn baby
•Risk for sunburn
•Skin irritation
Common Side Effects for
•Sunburns
•Skin irritation in extreme weather
•Skin reactions

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