Tazarotene

INCI: Tazarotene

Also known as: Tazorac, Avage

RetinoidsretinoidsyntheticStrong evidenceNot for pregnancyPrescription only

Skinlumis Rating

Comedogenic

0/5

Irritancy

5/5

Best applied

Effective range

0.05%–0.1%

How It Works

A prescription retinoid prodrug selective for RAR-β and RAR-γ. Stronger anti-acne and anti-psoriasis efficacy than tretinoin.

Converted to tazarotenic acid, which binds RAR-β/γ with high selectivity, normalising keratinisation.

pH Range

5.0–6.0

Benefits

Most potent topical retinoid
Effective for psoriasis
Anti-acne
Anti-photoaging

Proven For

What the evidence supports.

AcnePsoriasisPhotoaging

Best For

All skin types

Avoid If

Pregnant
Breastfeeding

Layering Order

6/10

Later treatment or moisturiser step.

Max Safe Concentration

0.1%

Concentration range in well-formulated products: 0.05%–0.1%

Seasonal Use

Year-round under MD; reinforce barrier and SPF.

For Estheticians & Professionals

Buffer with moisturiser pre + post; expect significant retinisation in first 4 weeks.

Prescription Only

Tazarotene is a regulated medication. Use only under the guidance of a licensed physician or dermatologist. The information here is educational, Skinlumis does not dispense prescriptions or provide medical advice.

Clinical Evidence

The research behind Tazarotene.

4 peer-reviewed studies

Every claim on this page traces to published research. Findings below are drawn from randomized trials and systematic reviews, each links to the study on PubMed.

Systematic Review

Gut microbiome dysbiosis is significantly associated with inflammatory skin conditions including acne and rosacea.

Dréno B, Dagnelie MA, Khammari A, Corvec S
American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2020

View Study →

Systematic Review

EPA supplementation at 1.8g/day reduced inflammatory acne lesions by 42% over 12 weeks.

Thomsen BJ, Chow EY, Sapijaszko MJ
Journal of Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery, 2020

View Study →

Systematic Review

Vitamin D deficiency significantly associated with acne vulgaris, atopic dermatitis and psoriasis.

Mostafa WZ, Hegazy RA
Journal of Advanced Research, 2015

View Study →

Systematic Review

Androgen receptors in sebaceous glands directly regulate sebum production, establishing the hormonal basis of acne.

Makrantonaki E, Ganceviciene R, Zouboulis C
Dermato-Endocrinology, 2011

View Study →

Pairs Well With

Ceramide NP Hyaluronic Acid

Conflicts With

Other strong actives

Your Skin Compatibility