Tazarotene: uses, strength, evidence, and side effects

At a glance

U.S. status

Prescription (U.S.)

Jobs

Acne · Photodamage · Psoriasis plaques · Fine wrinkles and mottled pigmentation

Watch for

The most irritating retinoid at equal strength; the 0.045% lotion was designed to soften that. Contraindicated in pregnancy, not just discouraged.

Access

Generic 0.05% and 0.1% cream and gel are available; the lotion and foam are brand-only and costly. Insurance often requires a tretinoin trial first.

Evidence by use

A Acne

Randomized trials found tazarotene 0.1% gel at least as effective as tretinoin, with more irritation in some comparisons; the 0.045% lotion trades some potency for tolerability.

A Photodamage (fine wrinkles, mottled pigmentation, roughness)

Multicenter 24-week and 12-month randomized trials of 0.1% cream showed improvement versus vehicle, comparable to tretinoin 0.05%; the cream carries an FDA indication.

A Plaque psoriasis

FDA-approved indication, usually combined with a topical steroid.

Forms and strengths

0.045% lotion (Rx)
0.05% and 0.1% cream and gel (Rx, generic)
0.1% foam (Rx)

How to use it

Thin layer at night on dry skin, starting every other night; many people need a moisturizer buffer for the first month. Short-contact application (rinse after 20–60 minutes) is a recognized tolerability strategy.

Side effects and cautions

Burning, stinging, and peeling
Dryness and redness
Photosensitivity

Get advice first if

Contraindicated in pregnancy; the label advises a pregnancy test before starting in people who can become pregnant. Avoid on eczematous skin and with other drying agents until tolerated.

Regulatory status

FDA-approved prescription drug for acne, psoriasis, and (0.1% cream) facial photodamage. Prescription-only in the U.S., U.K., E.U., and Canada.

In the trends

Tazarotene is having a moment on social media as the 'strongest retinoid'; strength without tolerance produces quitting, not results.

Sources on file

These links support the claims above. Reviewed September 1, 2026. Drug labels link to DailyMed searches so the current label is always one click away.