Tazarotene-or-tretinoin

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POSTED: 1 Jan 2023

Is Tazarotene Better Than Tretinoin?

In the world of skincare, retinoids are still the most effective product to treat skin ageing, acne and scarring. are available in a variety of formulations. Some retinoids are available , whilst more active (stronger) ones are available on prescription. Tretinoin is probably the most famous of the retinoids. It has a solid body of evidence showing it , improves skin texture, and . There is, however, another prescription that is less known but rumoured to be more powerful. In this article, we will discuss the key differences between the two medications and whether tazarotene is better than tretinoin.

What are Tazarotene and Tretinoin?

, like , is a topical prescription that is usually available as a cream. It also treats acne, evens out skin tone and improves the appearance of wrinkles. There’s a lot of marketing that describes tazarotene as "stronger than tretinoin". However, although they have a similar mechanism of action, there are some important differences.


Tazarotene is a topical retinoid commonly available under the brand names Tazorac, Avage, Zorac and Arazlo. When applied to the skin, it is . Tazarotene is a third-generation that can treat acne, sun-damage and photo-ageing but only has . Like all retinoids, it works by regulating the activity of your skin cells. This cell turnover and decreases inflammation in the skin. Tazarotene helps improve the appearance and texture of the skin. It does so by exfoliating the outer layers of the skin, regulating oil production, fading dark patches and unclogging pores. It is available in a cream, gel, lotion and foam form. Patients typically apply it to the affected area as a thin layer once daily at bedtime.


Tretinoin, also known as all-trans retinoic OnabotulinumtoxinAAbobotulinumtoxinAIncobotulinumtoxinAPrabotulinumtoxinALetibotulinumtoxinARimabotulinumtoxinBHyaluronic Acid FillersCalcium Hydroxylapatite FillersPoly-L-lactic Acid FillersPolymethylmethacrylate FillersAutologous Fat GraftingForehead Lines TreatmentGlabellar Frown Lines TreatmentCrow's Feet TreatmentBunny Lines TreatmentChemical Brow LiftLip FlipGummy Smile CorrectionMasseter ReductionJaw SlimmingDimpled Chin SmoothingCobblestone Chin SmoothingNefertiti Neck LiftMicro-BotoxMesotoxHyperhidrosis TreatmentChronic Migraine ReliefBruxism TreatmentTMJ TreatmentCervical Dystonia TreatmentNeck Spasm TreatmentBlepharospasm TreatmentLip AugmentationLip ContouringCheekbone EnhancementTear Trough FillersNasolabial Fold SofteningMarionette Line FillersLiquid RhinoplastyNon-Surgical Nose JobJawline ContouringJawline DefinitionChin AugmentationTemple VolumisingHand RejuvenationAcne Scar Subcision Filling or Retin-A, is a first-generation topical prescription retinoid. It also works by cell and regulating skin cell activity. Whilst it only has , tretinoin is commonly prescribed to treat scars, hyperpigmentation and skin ageing. Tretinoin is available in a cream, gel and lotion form. Patients also usually apply it once daily at bedtime. Tretinoin comes in a variety of . Tazarotene is available in a compared with tretinoin.

What Do Tazarotene and Tretinoin Have in Common?

There are several similarities between tazarotene and tretinoin. Namely, they both:


Tazarotene and tretinoin are at treating a variety of skin conditions but they can also cause side effects. They may also not be suitable for certain patients such as those with eczema or very sensitive skin. Neither should be prescribed for pregnant or breastfeeding patients and it is advisable to use some form of birth control whilst on them. This is why they are prescription-only medicines. The most common include dryness, redness and irritation of the skin. There’s also a risk of allergic reaction, blistering and potential drug interactions. These adverse effects may be more pronounced with tazarotene due to its higher potency.


It is important to use and tretinoin as directed by your doctor. They will advise which dose and frequency is best for you and adjust according to your skin’s response. You apply both medications to clean and dry skin at night and will likely need a hydrating moisturiser to reduce the risk of dry skin. They’ll also provide advice on the rest of your skincare routine, including how to use actives like benzoyl peroxide alongside these to reduce irritation. You must also use a broad-spectrum with a high SPF of at least 30 and avoid tanning beds to protect against and skin cancer.

What’s the Difference Between Tazarotene and Tretinoin?

Whilst tazarotene and tretinoin are both prescription topical retinoids, there are some key differences between the two medications. One of the most important differences between tazarotene and tretinoin is their . Tazarotene is generally considered more potent than tretinoin and is in fact the strongest topical retinoid on the market. Tazarotene is also available in higher than tretinoin which may be particularly useful in cases of severe acne. It is also the only topical retinoid that is for use in . For hyperpigmentation and treating ageing skin, tazarotene, like tretinoin, is usually used at a maximum concentration of 0.1%.


Another difference between and tretinoin is the type of acne they are most effective at treating. Tazarotene is typically more effective at treating inflammatory acne, whilst tretinoin is more effective at treating non-inflammatory acne. Inflammatory acne is characterised by red, painful bumps that are often accompanied by swelling and inflammation. Non-inflammatory acne, on the other hand, is characterised by and . These do not typically cause as much inflammation or discomfort.


In addition to benefits in treating certain types of acne, tazarotene may also be more effective at sun-damaged skin. Tazarotene also has higher efficacy in treating wrinkles, hyperpigmentation and texture. This is based on that compared the effectiveness of both at the same dose and frequency.


Although tazarotene is stronger than tretinoin, it also has a higher risk of side effects. The most common problem people experience whilst using is skin . This is usually more severe than with tretinoin. It may require stopping the or reducing the dose and frequency so that the skin can tolerate it. For some people, they may not be able to tolerate tazarotene even at lower doses. Instead, they may have to switch to tretinoin or even an over-the-counter retinoid.

Which is Better, Tazarotene or Tretinoin?

So, is tazarotene better than tretinoin? This really on each individual and their specific skin . The truth of the matter is that it’s not so simple. Tazarotene may be more effective at treating certain types of acne and possibly faster at improving skin. This is, however, offset by the fact that it is more irritating to the skin due to its higher potency. This may make it inappropriate for people with sensitive skin. It may also not be the best choice for treating moderate sun-damage, ageing and non-inflammatory acne.


Tretinoin is also probably a better option for those who want to use it to generally improve the quality of the skin or maintain its appearance or for those who are just starting to use a retinoid. Another benefit to using tretinoin is that it comes in a range of doses. It means you can start at a lower dose and gradually increase the strength once your skin adjusts. This helps reduce irritation and makes it easier to tailor the treatment to different people. Tazarotene is probably better for patients who have already used retinoids, do not have sensitive skin or who have severe psoriasis or inflammatory acne.



Ultimately, the best choice between and tretinoin will depend on your specific skin concerns and goals as well as the recommendations of your healthcare provider. Both medications can be effective at improving the of acne, fine lines and uneven skin tone, so the one that will work best for you will be the product that you can use most frequently and consistently.



At City Skin Clinic, we are passionate about personalised skincare. Our online clinic offers safe and treatments using ingredients like and where . Our doctors treat skin conditions like , , , and . To start your personalised plan, book a or use . The towards great skin and hair starts here.



This article is intended for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for advice, diagnosis or . Always consult a qualified medical professional with any concerns about your skin or treatment options.


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