Tazarotene
Acetylenic (third-generation) topical retinoid prodrug. FDA-approved for acne, plaque psoriasis and photoaging (Tazorac, Arazlo 0.045% lotion, Fabior foam). More potent and more irritating than tretinoin; strictly prohibited in pregnancy.
Related comparisons
Tretinoin vs Tazarotene vs Azelaic acidWHAT IS TAZAROTENE?
Detailed overview
Tazarotene is an acetylenic, third-generation topical retinoid that, as a prodrug, is rapidly hydrolyzed in the skin to tazarotenic acid. Unlike other retinoids, it binds selectively to the retinoic acid receptor β and γ (RAR-β/γ) subtypes, which normalizes keratinocyte differentiation, reduces hyperproliferation, and is comedolytic plus anti-inflammatory. The FDA approved it for three indications: acne (Tazorac 0.1% gel/cream, Arazlo 0.045% lotion, Fabior 0.1% foam), plaque psoriasis (0.05%/0.1%) and facial photoaging (0.1% cream). In a head-to-head trial, 0.1% tazarotene improved fine wrinkles and mottled hyperpigmentation at least as well as or better than 0.05% tretinoin (PMID 11735710), and in acne the short-contact 0.1% gel was significantly superior to vehicle (PMID 11939810). The modern 0.045% lotion (Arazlo) provides similar efficacy with less irritation.
ATC code
D05AX05 (topical antipsoriatic / retinoid)
Prescription status
Prescription-only (Rx)
Mechanism of action
RAR-β/γ selective retinoid prodrug → tazarotenic acid; keratinization normalization
Strengths
0.045% lotion · 0.05% / 0.1% gel/cream · 0.1% foam
Onset of action
4-8 weeks (acne); 12+ weeks (photoaging, psoriasis)
Data console
Lab data
Safety
Side effects, stop signs, contraindications
Side effects · 4
- Local irritation (the most common): burning/stinging, erythema, peeling, dryness and itching; tazarotene is a more potent and more irritating retinoid than tretinoin, so gradual introduction (alternate days) and a moisturizer are often needed.
- Increased photosensitivity: retinoids thin the stratum corneum, so the skin is more sensitive to sunlight; daily sun protection (SPF 30+) is mandatory and excessive UV exposure and tanning beds must be avoided.
- Initial acne flare ("purging"): in the first weeks acne may transiently worsen as deeper comedones surface; usually settles within a few weeks and is not a treatment failure.
- Contact dermatitis and skin discoloration: rarely allergic or irritant contact dermatitis, plus transient hyper- or hypopigmentation, especially in darker skin types.
Contraindications · 4
- Pregnancy (former FDA X)
- Broken/sunburned skin
- Retinoid-naive/sensitive skin (start with 0.05%)
- Hypersensitivity
Related Hair & Skin
Same therapeutic category
Studies
Related research and clinical findings
Successful treatment of acne vulgaris using a new method: results of a randomized vehicle-controlled trial of short-contact therapy with 0.1% tazarotene gel
Bershad S, Singer GK, Parente JE, et al.
Tazarotene 0.045% Lotion for Once-Daily Treatment of Moderate-to-Severe Acne Vulgaris: Results from Two Phase 3 Trials
Tanghetti EA, Werschler WP, Lain T, et al.
Tazarotene cream for the treatment of facial photodamage: a multicenter, investigator-masked, randomized, vehicle-controlled, parallel comparison of 0.01%, 0.025%, 0.05%, and 0.1% tazarotene creams with 0.05% tretinoin emollient cream applied once daily for 24 weeks
Kang S, Leyden JJ, Lowe NJ, et al.
Tazarotene cream for postinflammatory hyperpigmentation and acne vulgaris in darker skin: a double-blind, randomized, vehicle-controlled study
Grimes P, Callender V.
Telegram
Have a question about Tazarotene?
Educational hair and skin info from official sources (PubMed, FDA, EMA). Does NOT replace medical consultation. Talk to a dermatologist!
Personalized consultation
Want a detailed conversation tailored to your data?
Fill out the prep intake form (your goals, training and health data), and the advisor prepares from it to give genuinely personalized guidance.
Fill out the form~5–7 min · prep questionnaire · confidential · GDPR-compliant
The information here is strictly for educational and scientific purposes. It does not replace medical advice or clinical consultation, and it does not encourage illegal substance or pharmaceutical use. Data is sourced. When in doubt, consult your doctor.