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Compare Winlevi vs. Tretinoin

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

Key takeaways

Winlevi (clascoterone) and Retin-A (tretinoin) are both topical medications used to treat acne in people ages 12 and older. However, they belong to different medication classes and work in distinct ways. Winlevi reduces acne by blocking hormones that increase oil production in the skin. It's applied twice daily and is only available as a brand-name medication. Common side effects include dry skin, itching, and redness. Retin-A, on the other hand, is a retinoid, a form of vitamin A that helps replace old skin cells and unclog pores. It is applied once daily, usually at bedtime, and is available in both brand-name and generic forms. Retin-A can cause skin irritation, redness, and peeling, and it may initially worsen acne before improvement is seen. Additionally, Retin-A makes your skin more sensitive to sunlight, increasing the risk of sunburns.

  • Winlevi (clascoterone)
    Retin-a (tretinoin)
  • Winlevi (clascoterone)
    Retin-a (tretinoin)

  • Summary of Winlevi vs. Tretinoin

    Summary for Topical skin product
    Prescription only

    Winlevi (clascoterone) is a topical cream used to treat acne in people ages 12 years and older. It's a type of hormonal medication called an androgen receptor inhibitor. It's thought to lessen acne by lowering the amount of oil produced by your skin. Winlevi (clascoterone) is applied to the skin twice daily. Some common side effects of this medication include dry skin, itching, and redness. Winlevi (clascoterone) is only available as brand-name medication.

    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 Winlevi vs. Tretinoin

    Indications for
    •Acne
    Indications for
    •Acne

  • Pros and Cons of Winlevi vs. Tretinoin

    Pros and Const for Topical skin product
    Pros
    •Applied to the skin
    •Only acne medication that's thought to work by blocking hormones can that cause acne
    •Safe to use in young adults and children 12 years or older, who are most commonly affected by acne
    Cons
    •Need to apply twice daily
    •Can cause skin irritation, burning, and peeling
    •Unclear if it's safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding
    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 Winlevi vs. Tretinoin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Skin redness (12%)
    •Skin peeling or dry skin (11%)
    •Itching (8%)
    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 Winlevi vs. Tretinoin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Skin reactions
    •Low hormone levels
    Common Side Effects for
    •Sunburns
    •Skin irritation in extreme weather
    •Skin reactions

  • Prices with our coupons for Winlevi vs. Tretinoin

    Learn more about Winlevi
    Learn more about Retin-a

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