Tretinoin alternatives: What can I take instead of tretinoin?

In this article:

• What can I take instead of tretinoin?
• Tretinoin alternatives cost comparison
• Top 5 tretinoin alternatives
• Natural alternatives to tretinoin
• How to switch to a tretinoin alternative

In this article

• What can I take instead of tretinoin?
• Tretinoin alternatives cost comparison
• Top 5 tretinoin alternatives
• Natural alternatives to tretinoin
• How to switch to a tretinoin alternative

If you are one of the millions of Americans who have lived with acne vulgaris (acne), you are well aware of the multitude of products available for its management. One option is prescription tretinoin, a generic topical retinoid. Retinoids fight acne by accelerating skin cell turnover and helping prevent dead skin cells from clogging pores. But they can also cause side effects, like burning, irritation, UV sensitivity, and blistering. In some cases, tretinoin may not be effective enough to resolve acne problems. Because dermatologists typically start other acne products before recommending a retinoid like tretinoin, standard acne treatments may not be suitable alternatives. Instead, the most appropriate options may be newer retinoids, antibiotics, or combination medications. 

What can I take instead of tretinoin?

Although tretinoin may be successful for managing acne, the medication may not work for everyone, or its side effects may be difficult for some people to tolerate. When that happens, there are many alternative acne treatments that can decrease acne in various ways. The majority are available over the counter (OTC). 

Tretinoin is the first retinoid on the market and was FDA approved to treat acne in 1971. Now there are newer retinoid medications that are either more effective or are less likely to cause side effects. Another possibility is to switch to or add a topical antibiotic, like clindamycin. Most likely, the dermatologist will suggest using several drugs, sometimes combined in a single drug with tretinoin or another retinoid.

Tretinoin and other retinoids are also prescribed off-label to smooth facial wrinkles. Alternatives to tretinoin for wrinkle treatment include newer retinoids and moisturizing agents.

Prescription drug prices often change. These are the most accurate medication prices at the time of publishing in ZIP code 23666 as of March 17, 2026. The listed price without insurance references the price of brand-name drugs (unless otherwise specified). The listed SingleCare price references the price of generic drugs if available.

Top 5 tretinoin alternatives

1. Differin (adapalene)

Differin (adapalene topical) is a third-generation retinoid and an effective tretinoin OTC alternative. The Food and Drug Administration approved it for treating acne vulgaris, but it is also commonly used for wrinkles, facial dark spots called melasma, and rough skin due to actinic keratosis. Available preparations include a gel, cream, or lotion. Adapalene is not as potent as tretinoin and is less likely to cause skin irritation and other side effects. It can be applied at any time of day, whereas tretinoin should only be applied at night because it increases the skin’s sensitivity to UV light and increases the chance of sunburns.

2. Tazorac (tazarotene)

Another third-generation topical retinoid is Tazorac (tazarotene topical). This retinoid is approved for the management of acne vulgaris as well as plaque psoriasis. Pediatric patients as young as 12 years old are able to use this topical medication when indicated. It’s sold as either a cream or gel in 0.05% or 0.1% concentrations. Tazarotene is a more potent alternative to tretinoin and is more effective at reducing pimples. It’s also more likely to cause skin irritation. Tazorac is contraindicated in pregnancy due to the risk of birth defects. It should be avoided in women of childbearing potential who are pregnant or may become pregnant.

3. Aklief (trifarotene)

Aklief (trifarotene topical) is a fourth-generation topical retinoid. It is approved for the management of acne vulgaris on the face and trunk in adults and children as young as 9 years old. It’s available as a 0.005% concentration cream. Studies show it is very effective at treating mild to moderate acne. Some side effects include local skin irritation and itching of the skin, but trifarotene is safer than other retinoids in terms of side effects.

4. Epiduo (adapalene/benzoyl peroxide)

Combination retinoid therapy is available as well. Many people use two, three, or more skin treatments, so manufacturers often mix them into a single topical medication. Tretinoin can be found mixed with drugs such as benzoyl peroxide, antibiotics, antiseptics, corticosteroids, skin whitening agents, skin hydration agents, peeling agents, niacinamide, or other acne treatments. All of these are suitable substitutes for tretinoin when treatment outcomes are disappointing.

Epiduo (adapalene topical/benzoyl peroxide topical) combines the third-generation retinoid adapalene with benzoyl peroxide, an OTC acne medication that can kill bacteria and reduce skin swelling. Epiduo is only available in a gel (0.1%/2.5%). Both medications found in this preparation are known for causing skin irritation and peeling. The combination of both may make these side effects worse.

5. Arazlo

Arazlo (tazarotene topical) is another third-generation retinoid available for the treatment of acne vulgaris. It can be used in pediatric patients as young as 9 years old. It is only available as a 0.045% lotion. Application site redness, pain, dryness, and itching have all been associated with the use of Arazlo. Arazlo, like all tazarotene medications, is contraindicated in pregnancy as it may cause birth defects. 

Natural alternatives to tretinoin

If you’re not ready to take tretinoin or want to try natural treatment options first, you have a few options. 

Natural retinoids for acne

Some natural retinoids are becoming more popular alternatives to manufactured retinoids. Some examples include bakuchiol (a botanical extract derived from bakuchi plant seeds), rambutan (a bright red fruit that boosts skin’s natural collagen production), and rosehip (oil from the rosa canina rose bush containing trans-retinoic acid). 

Other natural topical treatments for acne

Other, more traditional alternatives are seaweed extract, sunflower seed oil, and tea tree oil. Tea tree oil has been cited as a good natural alternative to benzoyl peroxide for acne and can also be used as a spot treatment. Apple cider vinegar and green tea have antibacterial properties that may be helpful when tackling acne instead of antibiotics. Other topical solutions for acne include witch hazel, which has a soothing effect on irritated, inflamed skin. It is believed to dry out acne, acting as an astringent. Aloe vera has salicylic acid and sulfur in its gel, which is also a popular acne treatment.

Supplements for acne

Vitamin supplements for acne include Vitamin A and zinc. Proper hydration and having a well-balanced diet, preferably a low glycemic diet, which focuses on foods high in lycopene (tomatoes and red fruits), are also helpful tips for skin renewal. A good skincare routine with skincare products that are the right fit for your skin type is just as important, along with choosing oil-free creams. Lastly, reducing stress in your life and remaining active with exercise and yoga are also linked to having healthier skin.

How to switch to a tretinoin alternative

Topical tretinoin can be stopped at any time with no negative impact. The effects of using the medication may reverse themselves over time, such as acne or fine lines returning. If you are switching to a different medication that can potentially cause peeling, you will want to monitor your skin closely, as sometimes the combination of a retinoid and other skin products causes excessive peeling and skin irritation. Whether you decide to continue your tretinoin or switch to one of its alternatives, SingleCare coupons may help lower the cost at participating pharmacies.

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