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Tretinoin vs. Botox

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

Key takeaways

Retin-A (tretinoin) and Botox (onabotulinumtoxinA) are both prescription medications used for skin-related conditions, but they belong to different medication classes and have distinct uses. Retin-A is a retinoid used topically to treat acne, while Botox is a neuromuscular blocker injected to address various conditions, including muscle spasms and excessive sweating. Both medications are also often used to reduce wrinkles. Retin-A is applied as a cream or gel once daily, typically at bedtime. Botox is injected by a healthcare professional, and is only available as a brand-name medication. Common side effects of Retin-A include skin irritation and increased sensitivity to sunlight, whereas Botox can cause urinary tract infections, neck pain, and muscle weakness, among other side effects.

Retin-A

(tretinoin)

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Botox

(onabotulinumtoxinA)

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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

Summary for Botox

Prescription only

Botox (onabotulinumtoxinA) is a prescription injection used for many medical conditions caused by muscle overactivity or nerve problems. It's FDA approved for treating conditions like overactive bladder, excessive armpit sweating, and for preventing migraines. The medication is injected by a trained healthcare professional. Side effects depend on where the injection is given, but they can include urinary tract infections, headache, and neck pain.

Botox (onabotulinumtoxinA) is different from Botox Cosmetic, which is used for facial and neck lines.

Indications for Botox

Pros and Cons for Botox

Pros

  • FDA approved to treat many different conditions
  • Might be a good option when other treatments have failed
  • Injected directly into the area causing trouble
  • Effects last a few months

Cons

  • Needs to be injected by a healthcare professional
  • Injections can be uncomfortable
  • Has serious risks if the toxin spreads to other parts of your body
  • Might need to get repeat treatments

Common Side Effects for Botox

Overactive bladder:

  • Urinary tract infection (18%)
  • Painful urination (9%)
  • Trouble emptying the bladder (6%)

Loss of bladder control:

  • Urinary tract infection (24-26%)
  • Urine left in the bladder (17%)
  • Trouble emptying the bladder (15-17%)
  • Difficulty passing urine (15%)

Chronic migraine:

  • Neck pain (9%)
  • Headache (5%)

Muscle spasms:

  • Pain in the arm or leg (up to 9%)
  • Muscle weakness (up to 4%)

Neck muscle spasm:

  • Trouble swallowing (19%)
  • Upper respiratory infection (12%)
  • Neck pain (11%)
  • Headache (11%)

Excessive armpit sweating:

  • Injection site pain (3-10%)
  • Bleeding (3-10%)
  • Infection (3-10%)

Eyelid twitching:

  • Droopy eyelid (21%)
  • Damage to surface of the eye (6%)
  • Dry eye (6%)

Crossed eyes:

  • Droopy eyelid (1-38%)
  • Eye misalignment (17%)

Warnings for Botox

  • Spread of toxin effect
  • Serious allergic reaction
  • Difficulty swallowing or breathing
  • Lung problems in people with breathing conditions
  • Eye problems and bleeding
  • Bronchitis and upper respiratory tract infections
  • Overactive nervous system
  • Urinary tract infections
  • Trouble emptying the bladder
  • Transmission of diseases

Prices with our coupons for Tretinoin vs. Botox

Price Card Drug Icon
Tretinoin1 tube / 45g of 0.025%
$38.37$287.45
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Botox1 vial / 100 units
$631.21$785.76
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