What Is Aklief?

Aklief is a prescription topical retinoid cream used to treat acne vulgaris in patients 9 years of age and older.

Its active ingredient is Trifarotene, a fourth-generation retinoid and the first new retinoid molecule approved for acne treatment in over 20 years. Aklief is manufactured by Galderma Laboratories and comes as a 0.005% cream in a 45g airless pump.

What makes Aklief different from older retinoids like Tretinoin (Retin-A) or Adapalene (Differin)? It's the first retinoid that selectively targets retinoic acid receptor gamma (RAR-γ) — the most common retinoid receptor found in human skin. This selective binding was designed to effectively treat acne while potentially reducing the irritation that comes with less targeted retinoids.

Aklief was FDA-approved in October 2019 and is not available as a generic. Galderma holds patents that extend through approximately 2031 to 2033.

What Is Aklief Used For?

FDA-Approved Use

Aklief is FDA-approved for the topical treatment of acne vulgaris in patients 9 years of age and older. This includes acne on the face as well as the trunk (chest, shoulders, and back).

In fact, Aklief is notable for being studied and approved for truncal acne — acne on the body, not just the face. This makes it particularly useful for patients who deal with acne on their chest, shoulders, or back, which many other topical retinoids weren't specifically tested for.

Off-Label Uses

While not FDA-approved for these uses, some dermatologists may prescribe Aklief for:

• Post-acne hyperpigmentation: Dark spots left behind after acne heals, particularly in patients with darker skin tones
• Acne scarring prevention: By treating acne more effectively, Aklief may help reduce the risk of permanent scarring

How Is Aklief Taken?

Aklief is applied once daily in the evening. Here's the step-by-step:

1. Cleanse: Wash the affected area with a gentle cleanser and pat dry. Wait 15 to 20 minutes until your skin is completely dry — applying to damp skin increases irritation.
2. Apply: Pump a small amount of cream and apply a thin layer sparingly to all affected areas. This can include your face, chest, shoulders, and back.
3. Moisturize: Apply a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer. Galderma recommends using moisturizer from the very start of treatment to minimize dryness and irritation.
4. Morning routine: In the morning, apply sunscreen SPF 30 or higher. Aklief increases your skin's sensitivity to sunlight.

Important Application Tips

• Use a thin, even layer — more product does not mean faster results
• Avoid applying to cuts, scrapes, eczema patches, or sunburned skin
• Do not wax skin areas where you apply Aklief
• If you miss a dose, apply it the next evening — don't double up
• One 45g pump typically lasts about one month with daily use

Who Should Not Take Aklief?

Aklief is not appropriate for everyone. Do not use Aklief if you have:

• Hypersensitivity to Trifarotene or any component of the cream
• Active eczema, sunburn, or open wounds in the treatment area

Use with Caution

• Pregnancy: Animal studies showed adverse fetal effects at high systemic exposures. Topical use results in minimal absorption, but there is no adequate human data. Discuss with your doctor if you are pregnant or planning pregnancy.
• Breastfeeding: It's not established whether Trifarotene passes into breast milk. Talk to your doctor before using Aklief while nursing.
• Children under 9: Aklief is not approved for children younger than 9 years old.

How Does Aklief Compare to Other Retinoids?

If you're wondering how Aklief stacks up against other acne retinoids, here's a quick comparison:

Aklief vs. Tretinoin (Retin-A)

• Tretinoin is a first-generation retinoid available as a generic for $15 to $50
• It works well for facial acne and anti-aging but isn't specifically studied for truncal acne
• Generally causes more irritation than Aklief due to less selective receptor binding

Aklief vs. Adapalene (Differin)

• Adapalene is available over the counter (0.1%) for $10 to $30 — no prescription needed
• Prescription-strength Adapalene (0.3%) is also available
• Well-tolerated and effective for mild to moderate acne, but Aklief may be more effective for moderate to severe or truncal acne

Aklief vs. Tazarotene (Tazorac, Arazlo)

• Tazarotene is a potent third-generation retinoid, available as brand-name Tazorac or Arazlo
• Effective but tends to cause more irritation
• Brand-name pricing is also high: $400 to $700

For a detailed comparison, read our article on alternatives to Aklief.

How Much Does Aklief Cost?

Aklief is one of the more expensive topical acne treatments on the market:

• Cash price (no insurance): $760 to $1,080 for a 45g pump
• With Galderma CareConnect savings card (insured): As low as $20
• With Galderma CareConnect savings card (cash-paying): No more than $90
• With discount coupons (GoodRx, SingleCare): $670 to $760

There is no generic version of Aklief available, and Galderma's patents extend through approximately 2031 to 2033.

Insurance Coverage

Most insurance plans and Medicare do not cover Aklief, or require prior authorization and step therapy (trying cheaper retinoids like Tretinoin or Adapalene first). If your insurance does cover it, your copay will depend on your plan's formulary tier.

How to Save

The Galderma CareConnect Patient Savings Card is the best way to reduce your cost. Enroll at galdermacc.com/patients or call 855-280-0543. It's valid for up to 15 uses per calendar year but not available for patients with government insurance (Medicare, Medicaid, Tricare).

For a complete guide to savings options, read how to save money on Aklief.

Final Thoughts

Aklief (Trifarotene) is a modern, targeted acne treatment that offers real advantages — especially for patients with truncal acne or those who haven't responded well to older retinoids. It's the first new retinoid molecule for acne in over two decades, and its selective RAR-γ mechanism represents a genuine advancement in topical acne therapy.

The main barriers are cost and availability. At $760 or more without savings, it's a significant investment. But with the Galderma savings card, most patients can get it for $20 to $90. Use Medfinder to find a pharmacy that stocks it near you, and read our guides on side effects and how Aklief works to get the most from your treatment.