Ta
Tazarotene
TazaroteneActive
Prescription third-generation retinoid for acne and psoriasis. The most strictly labelled topical retinoid in pregnancy.
What it does
Tazarotene is a synthetic retinoid available by prescription for acne and plaque psoriasis, usually at 0.045–0.1%. Like other retinoids it speeds up how fast skin cells turn over. It tends to sting more than most. Its pregnancy labelling is the strictest of any topical retinoid. That is why Drop flags it the way it flags tretinoin, not the way it flags a cosmetic-strength ingredient.
The evidence, graded
strongNo topical retinoid is recommended in pregnancy. The class covers tretinoin, adapalene, tazarotene, trifarotene, retinol, retinaldehyde, retinyl palmitate and hydroxypinacolone retinoate. Direct human data exist mainly for tretinoin and adapalene. The caution extends to the rest as a class-effect. Data on accidental exposure reassure, but are not strong enough to recommend any retinoid here. Oral isotretinoin is a separate case, with an absolute contraindication.Kaplan 2015 · British Journal of Dermatology ↗
Graded per the methodology: strong · moderate · emerging · expert consensus. A weak source on a strong claim gets the weaker label.
Also known as
tazorac, arazlo, fabior
Pairs worth knowing
This page is public and indexed on purpose (unlike profiles and drops, which are unlisted) — it’s the citation behind shared ingredient cards, and it should be findable.
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