Tazarotene (Tazorac®) and tretinoin (Retin-A®) are two clinically proven topical anti-aging treatments available by prescription online with RedBox Rx. Learn more about their effectiveness, side effects and costs to make an informed decision about your skincare.

• Tazarotene (Tazorac®, Arazlo®) is a third-generation prescription retinoid that targets photo-aging with deep collagen renewal and wrinkle smoothing.

• Tretinoin (Retin-A®) is a first-generation prescription retinoid backed by decades of research for refining fine lines, evening skin tone and smoothing texture.

• Tazarotene can deliver results a bit sooner but causes more redness, peeling and dryness. Tretinoin’s gentler profile suits beginners or sensitive skin even if improvements take a few extra weeks.

• Both retinoids work best with a gradual introduction, moisturizer buffering and daily broad-spectrum sunscreen to keep irritation low and maintain gains.

What is tazarotene (Tazorac^®)?

Tazarotene (a generic version of Tazorac® and Arazlo®) is a prescription topical treatment used to treat acne, psoriasis, and signs of aging like wrinkles and dark spots. It comes in foam, gel, cream and lotion formulations.¹ All versions of tazarotene come in 0.1% strength, except for one brand of lotion, Arazlo®, which is 0.045%.²

Tazarotene belongs to a class of medications called retinoids, which work to treat acne and psoriasis by slowing skin cell overgrowth and reducing inflammation. For signs of aging, tazarotene works by thickening the outer layers of skin for a smoother appearance.³

What is tretinoin (Retin-A^®)?

Tretinoin is a generic form of Retin-A®, which is prescribed to treat skin conditions like acne and signs of aging. It comes in four formulations:⁴

• Gel in strengths of 0.01% and 0.025%.

• Cream in strengths of 0.025%, 0.05% and 0.1%.

• Lotion in 0.05% strength.

• Solution in 0.05% strength.⁵

Tretinoin is also a retinoid that replaces older skin with new skin to lighten dark spots, unclog pores and smooth out fine lines and wrinkles.⁶

What’s the difference between the types of tazarotene and tretinoin?

From varying strengths and how quickly they work, to cost and side effects, understanding the key differences between tazarotene and tretinoin (and their brand-name versions) can help you make the best choice for your skin and budget.

Tazarotene and tretinoin are both retinoids and function similarly. The main differences are strength and potency.

Tazarotene

• 0.1% is the strongest retinoid currently available – developed to more selectively bind to retinoid receptors in the skin.

• Studies have shown that it works faster and more effectively on sun-damaged skin.

• More reported side effects than tretinoin.

• More expensive.

• Less light-sensitive (meaning they can become less effective when exposed to sunlight and artificial light sources) than tretinoin.

Tretinoin

• The first topical retinoid introduced and therefore has a long history of use and research, and a proven track record in treating acne and visible signs of aging.

• Less potent than tazarotene.

• More affordable.

• Better for sensitive skin.

• Light-sensitive.

In general, tretinoin is more affordable than tazarotene.⁷ Prices vary, but with RedBox Rx, tazarotene cream costs $75 for a 30 g tube (45-day supply), $140 for a 60 g tube (90-day supply) and $215 for a 90 g tube (135-day supply). Tretinoin with RedBox Rx is $20 to $35 per month depending on your treatment plan.

Tazorac® vs. Arazlo®

Tazorac and Arazlo are two name brands of tazarotene. Both products have the same active ingredient and work similarly, with some key differences. Arazlo is a lotion while Tazorac is available in a cream or gel.⁸

Side effects can vary between the two options. In clinical trials, fewer patients reported adverse effects on Arazlo lotion than with Tazorac cream.⁹

Arazlo® vs. Tretinoin

Beyond the differences of tazarotene and tretinoin previously mentioned, there is a significant price gap between name brand Arazlo and generic tretinoin. Arazlo can cost upwards of $500 for one 45 gram tube without insurance coverage.¹⁰ A tube of tretinoin starts at just $20 per month with RedBox Rx.

How effective are tazarotene and tretinoin for wrinkles, age spots and hyperpigmentation?

Tazarotene has been clinically shown to improve wrinkles, age spots and hyperpigmentation. In one study, 63% of participants reported improvement in fine lines and wrinkles, and 87% saw improvement in hyperpigmentation after 24 weeks of tazarotene use.¹¹

Tretinoin, the first and oldest topical retinoid treatment, has a robust library of clinical trials showing its effectiveness in treating signs of aging. One comprehensive study showed that tretinoin significantly improved wrinkles, hyperpigmentation and sallowness. In another study, 72% of participants saw an improvement in their hyperpigmentation after 24 weeks of tretinoin use.¹²

Overall, tazarotene has been shown to work faster than tretinoin for sun-damaged skin. In one clinical study, tazarotene was more effective than tretinoin at treating photodamage, fine wrinkling, hyperpigmentation, and wrinkling.¹³

Can tazarotene and tretinoin be used together?

Tazarotene and tretinoin are both retinoids, and using two retinoid products at the same time could increase side effects. Excessive retinoid use can thin the skin barrier, leading to sensitivity, peeling, flaking and irritation.¹⁴

What are the side effects of tazarotene and tretinoin?

Because tazarotene and tretinoin are both retinoids, they share some side effects, including:

• Itching.

• Burning.

• Redness.

• Rash.

• Peeling.

• Stinging.

• Pain.

• Dryness and flaking.

• Swelling.

• Skin discoloration, lightening or darkening of skin.

Side effects exclusive to tazarotene include:¹⁵

• Irritation or swelling of the eyelid or eye.

• Chapped or inflamed lips.

• Swelling in arms or legs.

Side effects exclusive to tretinoin include:¹⁶

• Increase in acne sores.

• Blistering or crusting of the skin.

Are tazarotene and tretinoin available over the counter?

Both tazarotene¹⁷ and tretinoin¹⁸ require a prescription and are not available over the counter.

How do costs compare for tazarotene and tretinoin?

Tretinoin usually costs less than tazarotene.¹⁹ Prices for both products vary depending on location and provider. With RedBox Rx, tazarotene cream costs $75 for a 30 g tube (45-day supply), $140 for a 60 g tube (90-day supply) and $215 for a 90 g tube (135-day supply). Depending on your treatment plan, tretinoin with RedBox Rx is $20 to $35 per month.

Tazarotene is more expensive than tretinoin because it is a third-generation retinoid, meaning it is newer to the market than tretinoin. Tazarotene is also stronger than tretinoin, which could account for its higher price tag.²⁰

What should I know if I switch from tretinoin to tazarotene?

While tretinoin and tazarotene have proven to be effective at reducing signs of aging, tazarotene could get results faster than tretinoin. Additionally, there is a possibility you will experience more side effects or skin sensitivity with the stronger tazarotene.²¹

Tazarotene (Tazorac^®, Arazlo^®) vs. Tretinoin (Retin-A^®) Comparison Chart

How RedBox Rx can help

RedBox Rx makes it easy and affordable to receive topical retinoids, such as tretinoin cream, tretinoin gel or tazarotene cream, for signs of aging or melasma.

Benefits of RedBox Rx include:

• Transparent, affordable, flat rates for medications starting at $20/month.

• $25 consultation with a U.S. licensed medical professional.

• No insurance required. FSA and HSA eligible.

• No office wait times or scheduling issues typical with physical medical practices.

• FREE shipping directly to you. One-time, monthly and quarterly subscriptions available.

Get started on your journey toward better skin with our online anti-aging assessment.