← Back to Directory

Tazarotene (Topical)

Tazorac, Arazlo, Fabior, Avage

Visual ViewRaw Data

Meta Information

ID:tazarotene
Name:Tazarotene
Schema Version:1.5

Alternate Names

  • Tazorac
  • Arazlo
  • Fabior
  • Avage

Active Compound

tazarotene

Intervention Type

therapeutic_agent

Delivery

Route:
topical_skin
Scope:
  • local

Is Skin Health

True

Regulatory Status

  • us:rx_drug
  • eu:rx_drug

Indication

Focus:
healthspan
Description:
Used to treat skin photoaging by improving fine wrinkles, skin texture, and mottled hyperpigmentation.

Typical Protocol

  • Apply a pea-sized amount of 0.05% or 0.1% cream or gel to the face once daily in the evening.
  • Start with application every second or third night to build tolerance before increasing frequency.
  • Use a moisturizer before or after application to mitigate irritation and dryness.

Expected Cost Mean

Low Cost:
50
High Cost:
250
Cost Type:
monthly
Description:
Cost for a 30g tube; generic is cheaper, insurance may cover for acne/psoriasis.

Summary

Tazarotene is a third-generation, receptor-selective topical retinoid. It binds to retinoic acid receptors (RARs) to modulate gene expression, which increases skin cell turnover, stimulates new collagen production, and normalizes keratinocyte differentiation. This mechanism effectively reduces fine lines, smooths skin texture, and corrects uneven pigmentation caused by sun damage.

Purpose

A potent topical retinoid for reversing photoaging and improving skin health.

Card Summary

A potent prescription retinoid for improving skin texture, wrinkles, and tone.

Drug Class

retinoid

Drugs In Class

Empty Array

Impact

Score:
7.5
Justification:
Highly effective for improving skin texture, fine lines, and hyperpigmentation via collagen synthesis.

Evidence

Grade:
A
Score:
9.2
Justification:
Multiple high-quality human RCTs demonstrate strong efficacy for treating photodamaged skin.

Safety

Score:
4.8
Justification:
Common local side effects include significant skin irritation, peeling, redness, and photosensitivity.

Flags

  • Contraindicated during pregnancy due to teratogenic risk (Pregnancy Category X).
  • Causes significant photosensitivity; daily use of broad-spectrum sunscreen is mandatory.
  • Often causes an initial 'retinization' period of dryness, peeling, and irritation.
  • Should not be applied to eczematous, sunburned, or otherwise compromised skin.

Verdict

A powerful, evidence-based topical for significant skin health and anti-aging benefits.

Created

2026-05-15T02:49:10.354127Z

Ai Model

Gemini 2.5 Pro (High)