Comprehensive medication guide to Aklief including estimated pricing, availability information, side effects, and how to find it in stock at your local pharmacy.
Estimated Insurance Pricing
$20–$75/month
Estimated Cash Pricing
$90–$1,080/month
Medfinder Findability Score
58/100
Summarize with AI
On this page
Aklief (Trifarotene) is a prescription topical retinoid cream used to treat acne vulgaris in patients 9 years of age and older. It is the first new retinoid molecule approved for acne treatment in over 20 years and is manufactured by Galderma Laboratories.
Unlike older retinoids that are typically limited to facial acne, Aklief was specifically studied for use on the face, chest, shoulders, and back — making it a unique option for patients dealing with truncal (body) acne. It is also used off-label for post-acne hyperpigmentation and acne scarring prevention.
Aklief Cream 0.005% — cream
45g airless pump bottle (the only available formulation)
![Why Is Aklief So Hard to Find? [Explained for 2026]](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.sanity.io%2Fimages%2Fvur4atr4%2Fproduction%2Fda84ff5bb293d1238ae8bf9a6d42d317716a1298-1024x1024.png%3Frect%3D0%2C256%2C1024%2C512%26w%3D400%26h%3D200%26auto%3Dformat&w=828&q=75)
![How to Find a Doctor Who Can Prescribe Aklief Near You [2026 Guide]](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.sanity.io%2Fimages%2Fvur4atr4%2Fproduction%2Fb4652a9b903def52cf15d182cc632a5d323727c1-1024x1024.png%3Frect%3D0%2C256%2C1024%2C512%26w%3D400%26h%3D200%26auto%3Dformat&w=828&q=75)
![Why Is Aklief So Hard to Find? [Explained for 2026]](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.sanity.io%2Fimages%2Fvur4atr4%2Fproduction%2Fcbf7240ead82b59753adfe121f0cc15a9f482047-1024x1024.png%3Frect%3D0%2C256%2C1024%2C512%26w%3D400%26h%3D200%26auto%3Dformat&w=828&q=75)
We have a 99% success rate finding medications, even during nationwide shortages.
Need this medication?
Like all topical retinoids, Aklief may cause skin irritation, especially during the first few weeks of treatment. Common side effects include:
Most side effects improve as your skin adjusts to the medication over 2–4 weeks. Using a moisturizer from the start of treatment and applying sunscreen daily can help minimize irritation. In rare cases, severe skin irritation may require stopping the medication.
Know what you need? Skip the search.
Tretinoin (Retin-A)
A first-generation topical retinoid available as a generic. Very effective for acne and anti-aging. Generic versions cost as low as $15–$50.
Adapalene (Differin)
A third-generation retinoid available over-the-counter at 0.1% strength ($10–$30) or by prescription at 0.3%. Generally well-tolerated and an excellent budget-friendly option.
Tazarotene (Tazorac, Arazlo)
A potent third-generation retinoid available as cream, gel, or lotion. Brand-name only, with cash prices of $400–$700.
Benzoyl Peroxide
A non-retinoid topical treatment available OTC for $5–$20. Works by killing acne-causing bacteria and can be used alongside retinoids.
Prefer Aklief? We can find it.
Other topical retinoids
moderateDo not use Aklief with other retinoid products (Tretinoin, Adapalene, Tazarotene) as this increases irritation risk
Drying or irritating topical agents
moderateUse caution combining Aklief with Benzoyl Peroxide, Salicylic Acid, sulfur, or resorcinol-containing products
Photosensitizing medications
moderateDrugs like Tetracyclines, Thiazide diuretics, Fluoroquinolones, and Sulfonamides can increase sun sensitivity when combined with Aklief
Medfinder Editorial Standards
Our medication guides are researched and written to help patients make informed decisions. All content is reviewed for accuracy and updated regularly. Learn more about our standards
ChatGPT
Claude
Perplexity
Grok
Gemini