What Is Tazarotene?

Tazarotene is a prescription topical retinoid used to treat plaque psoriasis, acne vulgaris, and signs of sun-damaged skin like fine wrinkles and dark spots.

It belongs to the third generation of retinoids — a class of medications derived from vitamin A that change how skin cells grow and shed. Tazarotene is available as a generic and under the brand names Tazorac (cream and gel), Avage (cream for photoaging), and Fabior (foam for acne). It's manufactured by Allergan (Tazorac/Avage), Stiefel/GSK (Fabior), and several generic manufacturers.

Tazarotene is not a controlled substance and is available by prescription only.

What Is Tazarotene Used For?

Tazarotene is FDA-approved for three main conditions:

1. Plaque Psoriasis

Tazarotene cream and gel (0.05% and 0.1%) are approved for treating stable plaque psoriasis. It helps normalize the rapid skin cell growth that causes thick, scaly plaques. It's typically used on localized psoriasis patches — not for widespread coverage.

2. Acne Vulgaris

Tazarotene cream, gel, and foam (0.1%) are approved for mild to moderate acne. It works by reducing comedone (clogged pore) formation and calming inflammation. It's often used alongside other acne treatments like benzoyl peroxide (applied at different times) or oral antibiotics.

3. Photoaging (Sun Damage)

Avage cream (Tazarotene 0.1%) is specifically approved for treating fine facial wrinkles, mottled skin discoloration (both hyper- and hypopigmentation), and benign facial lentigines (age spots) as part of a comprehensive skin care and sun avoidance program.

Off-Label Uses

Doctors sometimes prescribe Tazarotene off-label for:

• General photoaging and sun-damaged skin beyond FDA-approved indications
• Nail psoriasis
• Keratosis pilaris ("chicken skin")
• Ichthyosis (a group of dry skin disorders)
• Adjunctive treatment for some superficial skin cancers (basal cell carcinoma)

How Is Tazarotene Taken?

Tazarotene is applied topically — meaning you put it on your skin. Here's how to use it properly:

1. Clean and dry the affected area before applying.
2. Apply a thin layer once daily in the evening. A pea-sized amount covers the entire face.
3. For psoriasis, apply only to the psoriatic lesions, avoiding surrounding healthy skin.
4. Avoid contact with eyes, mouth, nostrils, and mucous membranes.
5. Wash your hands after application.
6. Use a moisturizer if you experience dryness — it won't reduce the medication's effectiveness.
7. Apply sunscreen every morning — Tazarotene significantly increases sun sensitivity.

Available Formulations and Strengths

• Cream 0.05% — Lower strength, often used for sensitive skin or to start treatment
• Cream 0.1% — Standard strength for psoriasis, acne, or photoaging
• Gel 0.05% — Lower strength gel formulation
• Gel 0.1% — Standard strength gel, may be preferred for oily or acne-prone skin
• Foam 0.1% (Fabior) — Foam formulation for acne, easy to spread over larger areas

Your doctor will choose the right formulation and strength based on your condition, skin type, and how your skin responds to treatment. Many providers start with 0.05% and increase to 0.1% after a few weeks if tolerated well.

Who Should Not Take Tazarotene?

Tazarotene is not for everyone. You should not use it if:

• You are pregnant or planning to become pregnant — Tazarotene is Pregnancy Category X. It can cause birth defects and must not be used during pregnancy. Women of childbearing potential must use effective contraception and have a negative pregnancy test before starting.
• You are allergic to Tazarotene or any ingredients in the formulation.
• You are breastfeeding — Tazarotene is not recommended for nursing mothers.

Use with caution in children under 12 (for acne) or under 18 (for psoriasis), and in elderly patients with sensitive or thin skin.

Before starting Tazarotene, tell your doctor about all other skin products and medications you're using. Some products can increase irritation or interact with Tazarotene — read more in our guide on Tazarotene drug interactions.

How Much Does Tazarotene Cost?

Cost varies significantly depending on whether you get the brand name or generic:

• Brand-name Tazorac: $250–$600 for a 30-60g tube
• Brand-name Fabior foam: $400–$700
• Generic Tazarotene: $40–$150 for a 30-45g tube, depending on pharmacy and strength

Generic Tazarotene is widely available and significantly cheaper. Always ask your doctor to prescribe generic unless there's a specific reason for the brand.

Insurance Coverage

Many insurance plans cover generic Tazarotene, though prior authorization is commonly required. Brand-name versions often require step therapy (trying generic first) or may be classified as non-preferred with higher copays. Medicare Part D coverage varies by plan.

Ways to Save

There are several ways to lower your out-of-pocket cost:

• Manufacturer copay cards — Allergan has offered savings cards for Tazorac, reducing copays to as low as $0–$35/month for commercially insured patients.
• Coupon cards — GoodRx, SingleCare, and other platforms offer discounts on generic Tazarotene at most pharmacies.
• Patient assistance programs — AbbVie/Allergan Patient Assistance Foundation may provide Tazorac at no cost for qualifying uninsured or underinsured patients.

For a complete guide, see how to save money on Tazarotene.

What Side Effects Should I Know About?

Common side effects include skin peeling, dryness, burning, redness, and itching — especially in the first few weeks. These usually improve as your skin adjusts. Serious side effects like blistering or severe allergic reactions are rare but require medical attention. For a detailed breakdown, read our full guide on Tazarotene side effects.

Final Thoughts

Tazarotene is a well-established, effective topical retinoid for psoriasis, acne, and photoaging. It's available as a generic for a fraction of the brand-name cost, and while it does cause some initial skin irritation, most people adjust within a few weeks. The key is starting slow, moisturizing well, and using sunscreen daily.

If you're ready to start Tazarotene, find a doctor who can prescribe it or use Medfinder to check pharmacy stock near you.