6 Tazorac (Tazarotene) Side Effects and How to Manage Them

As the body’s largest organ, your skin serves as an important protective barrier to the external world. Conditions such as acne and plaque psoriasis, though different in nature, share a common trait — they disrupt the harmony of the skin.

If you’re managing either of these skin conditions, Tazorac (tazarotene) is a topical retinoid your dermatologist may consider. It comes in a few different concentrations and forms, including a cream and gel.

Tazorac causes your skin cells to grow at a normal rate and exfoliate properly. This can result in irritation, redness, and dry, flaky skin — especially within the first few weeks of applying it. While Tazorac side effects usually go away with continued use, there are steps you should take to minimize or manage them in the meantime.

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Tazorac side effects at a glance

Like other topical retinoids, Tazorac can cause side effects where you apply it. Many are temporary and can be managed with proper skin care and sun protection. The likelihood of side effects can depend on the product’s concentration and why you’re using it.

Examples of common Tazorac side effects include:

• Itching

• Redness

• Burning and stinging

• Skin irritation

• Peeling

• Dry skin

• Sun sensitivity

• Worsening of symptoms

So, is there anything you can do to manage Tazorac side effects? And when should you contact your dermatologist for next steps? We cover what you should know about six of these side effects below.

1. Skin irritation

Skin irritation, itching, and redness are common Tazorac side effects. If you’re using a higher-concentration product, or you have sensitive skin, you may be more likely to experience these side effects. But in general, they should improve with continued use.

A few tips for managing itching, redness, and other irritation from Tazorac include:

• Start out slowly. For acne, apply Tazorac every other day for two weeks and then increase to nightly applications when your skin is used to it. 

• Only apply Tazorac where directed by your provider. This can help minimize irritation on otherwise healthy skin.

• Allow your skin to dry completely before applying Tazorac. Applying it to wet skin causes you to absorb more Tazorac, which can worsen irritation.

• Try applying your moisturizer before using Tazorac. This can help buffer some of Tazorac’s irritating effects. Your dermatologist can tell you how to do this properly.

• Avoid using other topical products that dry out or irritate your skin. Using these products with Tazorac may worsen these side effects.

• Ask your dermatologist how to manage irritated skin. They can suggest skincare tips or products that are safe to use for relief, such as anti-itch creams.

If the irritation continues or bothers you too much, inform your dermatologist. They may have you apply Tazorac less frequently or recommend not using it until the irritation resolves. If needed, they may suggest a lower-concentration product.

Good to know: A small amount of Tazorac goes a long way — using more doesn’t help it work any faster. It also helps to slowly ease into treatment, especially if you’re new to retinoids.

2. Dry skin

Dry skin is another common Tazorac side effect, especially if you’re using it to treat acne. In this case, moisturizing is crucial in keeping your skin hydrated. Everyone’s skin is different, so your dermatologist can recommend a moisturizer that’s best for your skin type.

Using thicker moisturizers that are free of fragrance and colorants is also important, since they can irritate the skin and make your dry skin worse. You may also have to moisturize several times throughout the day. It’s also a good idea to keep showers short and use warm (not hot) water. 

Dry skin from Tazorac usually improves over time. But if you’re having difficulty managing this side effect, your dermatologist can help. They may suggest a more hydrating moisturizer if your current one isn’t doing the trick.

If dry skin continues to be a problem or becomes severe, they may have you apply Tazorac less frequently or suggest a lower-concentration product.

3. Burning sensation

Tazorac can cause a local burning sensation. Similar to the other side effects covered above, this should lessen over time. If it’s mild, your dermatologist can give you tips for how to soothe your skin until it resolves. But if the burning feels severe, stop Tazorac and contact them right away.

You can help minimize burning by starting slow and following many of the tips outlined above. Examples include applying Tazorac to skin that’s completely dry, using your moisturizer before application, and opting for gentle cleansers. Sun protection is also key. This is because Tazorac makes you more prone to sunburn, which can worsen inflamed skin.

4. Peeling or flaking skin

Since Tazorac causes skin cells to exfoliate faster, peeling is a common side effect as old cells shed away. During the first few weeks, you may notice flaky skin. Similar to irritation and dryness, peeling usually lessens over time.

If you experience significant peeling and redness, stop taking Tazorac and contact your dermatologist. They may suggest that you hold off until your skin stops peeling.

As a reminder, only use a small amount of Tazorac on the affected areas(s). Using too much can worsen peeling and irritation.

5. Sun sensitivity

Tazorac can make your skin more sensitive to the sun, which can increase your risk of sunburn. 

Other medications, including certain antibiotics, diabetes medications, and diuretics, can also have this effect. Taking them while using Tazorac can increase your risk of sunburn even more.

When using Tazorac, it’s important to use proper sun protection. This includes putting on sunscreen every day and wearing protective clothing (such as hats and sunglasses) when going outside. Avoid being out in the sun for prolonged periods of time, if possible.

If you get a sunburn on areas of skin where you normally apply Tazorac, stop using it until your burn resolves. To help relieve your skin, put a cool wet towel on your skin. It’s also important to drink enough water to avoid dehydration after a sunburn.

If you develop blisters on your skin and start feeling feverish, contact your healthcare provider right away. These symptoms may be a sign of a severe sunburn that requires immediate medical care.

6. Worsening of symptoms

When you first start applying Tazorac, your symptoms may initially get worse before you start seeing some improvement. It usually takes up to 4 weeks before you’ll begin to notice a difference, depending on what you’re treating.

If you don’t observe an improvement after the first few months, or if your symptoms continue to worsen, contact your dermatologist. Together, you can decide if you should keep using Tazorac or switch to another medication.

When should you contact your healthcare provider about Tazorac side effects?

Most Tazorac side effects can be managed at home by slowly easing into treatment with a good skincare routine and proper sun protection. And while irritation, itching, and peeling can be bothersome, they should improve with continued use.

But if any side effects are severe or painful, stop using Tazorac and contact your dermatologist. They can help you manage your symptoms and decide if you should continue or stop Tazorac altogether. They can also give you tips for managing milder side effects that are bothering you.

If you have any questions about Tazorac side effects, ask your dermatologist or pharmacist

Why trust our experts?

Written by:

Sandy P. Bonfin, PharmD, BCPS

Sandy Bonfin has 9 years of experience as a pharmacist and has been working as a clinical pharmacist in a hospital in Florida for the past 7 years after a short stint as a mail-order retail pharmacist. Sandy has worked in pediatric medicine, emergency medicine, internal medicine, and intensive care.

Edited by:

Alyssa Billingsley, PharmD

Alyssa Billingsley, PharmD, is the director of pharmacy content for GoodRx. She has over a decade of experience as a pharmacist and has worked in clinical, academic, and administrative roles.

Reviewed by:

Maria Robinson, MD, MBA

Maria Robinson, MD, MBA, is a board-certified dermatologist and dermatopathologist who has practiced dermatology and dermatopathology for over 10 years across private practice, academic, and telehealth settings. She is a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology and the American Society of Dermatopathology.

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