Ingredients

Tazarotene

Written by Reviewed by the SYNC editorial team Published Last reviewed Editorial standards

Tazarotene — a potent synthetic retinoid used by prescription for acne, psoriasis, and signs of photoaging. It is converted in the skin to its active form, tazarotenic acid, and is regarded as one of the stronger topical retinoids available.

Key points

  • Tazarotene is a prescription retinoid studied for acne, plaque psoriasis, and photoaging concerns like fine lines and dark spots.
  • It is considered highly potent, which can mean strong results alongside a greater likelihood of irritation.
  • It works by binding retinoid receptors that regulate skin cell growth and differentiation.
  • Because of its strength, it is used under professional supervision with careful attention to sun protection.

Frequently asked

Is tazarotene stronger than tretinoin?

Tazarotene is often described as one of the most potent topical retinoids, and some find it stronger and potentially more irritating than tretinoin. Individual tolerance varies, and a clinician can advise on suitability.

What is tazarotene used to treat?

It is prescribed for acne, plaque psoriasis, and photoaging concerns such as fine lines and uneven pigmentation. This is educational information only and not a recommendation to use any specific medication.

Related topics

This is a foundational entry in the SYNC Skin Encyclopedia and is expanded over time. Educational information only — not medical advice.

Encyclopedia

Further reading

This entry was written and checked against the sources below. They are published by clinical and scientific bodies, they are listed most readable first, and each one opens in a new tab. They are background for the whole entry rather than footnotes to individual sentences.

  1. Tazarotene Topical: MedlinePlus Drug Information MedlinePlus Clinical guidance medlineplus.gov
  2. Topical retinoids (vitamin a creams) DermNet NZ Clinical guidance dermnetnz.org
  3. Psoriasis treatment: A retinoid you apply to the skin American Academy of Dermatology Clinical guidance aad.org
  4. A review of tazarotene in the treatment of photodamaged skin PubMed Central Peer-reviewed, open access pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  5. A Clinician’s Guide to Topical Retinoids PubMed Central Peer-reviewed, open access pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  6. Maintenance Acne Treatment with Topical Tazarotene after Oral Isotretinoin: Overview and Case Reports PubMed Central Peer-reviewed, open access pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

SYNC does not publish medical advice. Nothing here replaces a consultation with a doctor or a pharmacist about your own skin.