Tazarotene Cream and Gel
Looking for tazarotene cream in the UK? This category lists a 0.1% tazarotene cream (Tazorac) and a 0.05% tazarotene gel. Tazarotene is a topical retinoid, from the same family of medicines as tretinoin. Patient.info notes that Zorac gel was discontinued in the UK in 2021 and that no tazarotene skin preparations were available here when it reviewed the topic in October 2024. Speak to a GP, pharmacist or prescriber before using either product. Do not use tazarotene during pregnancy, and ask a prescriber first if you are planning a pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Before you order a retinoid
Read our beginner's guide to strengths, cream or gel, and how to start slowly.
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Tazarotene cream and gel options
The two products differ in format and strength. The table lists each one alongside the indications on the US labels for Tazorac, the brand named in those labels.
| Product | Strength | Form | Indications in the US Tazorac labels |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tazorac tazarotene cream | 0.1% | Cream | Plaque psoriasis (0.05% and 0.1% cream) and acne vulgaris (0.1% cream) |
| Tazarotene gel, 20g | 0.05% | Gel | Stable plaque psoriasis (0.05% and 0.1% gel); facial acne is listed for the 0.1% gel only |
These are the indications in the US Tazorac labels for those formulations, not directions for the products listed here. The label describes the gel as a translucent, water-based gel. Matching an active ingredient does not make a cream and a gel interchangeable, so the form and strength should come from a prescriber who knows your skin and what you are treating.
How tazarotene compares with tretinoin
Both are topical retinoids, but they are different molecules. The US Tazorac cream label explains that tazarotene's active form binds retinoic acid receptors, with relative selectivity for the beta and gamma types.
Researchers have compared specific tazarotene and tretinoin products for acne and for sun-damaged skin. Those studies tested particular formulations, so they do not tell you which retinoid suits your skin. Our tazarotene vs tretinoin comparison covers that research, and the tretinoin range lists the strengths available.
Side effects and sun sensitivity
In the trials behind the US cream label, itching, redness and burning were the most frequent reactions in psoriasis (10 to 23% of patients), and peeling, dry skin, redness and burning in acne (10 to 30%). These figures come from trials of the US products, so your own experience may differ.
Tazarotene can also make skin burn more easily in the sun. The labels advise sunscreen and protective clothing and keeping sun and sunlamp exposure to a minimum. Our guide to managing retinoid irritation covers the practical side.
Pregnancy and tazarotene
Do not use tazarotene during pregnancy. The US labels for both the cream and the gel list pregnancy as a contraindication because tazarotene may cause harm to an unborn baby. If you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy or breastfeeding, speak to a prescriber before using any retinoid.
Is tazarotene cream available in the UK?
Patient.info records that Zorac gel was discontinued in the UK in 2021, and that no skin preparations containing tazarotene were available in the UK at its October 2024 review. The US Tazorac labels cover cream and gel formulations of tazarotene. A GP, pharmacist or dermatologist can tell you whether tazarotene, or another retinoid, makes sense for you.
Frequently asked questions
Is tazarotene the same as tretinoin?
No. Both are topical retinoids, but tazarotene is a different molecule that acts on retinoic acid receptors in a more selective way. Studies have compared specific products for acne and sun-damaged skin; the comparison article covers them in detail.
What is the difference between tazarotene cream and gel?
They use different bases. In the US labels, the cream comes in 0.05% and 0.1% for psoriasis, with the 0.1% cream also labelled for acne; the gel is a translucent, water-based gel, and only the 0.1% gel is labelled for facial acne.
Can I get tazarotene in the UK?
Patient.info reported in October 2024 that no tazarotene skin preparations were available in the UK after Zorac gel was discontinued in 2021. Ask a GP, pharmacist or dermatologist about your options.
Can you get tazarotene over the counter in the UK?
Patient.info reported in October 2024 that no tazarotene skin preparations were available in the UK at its review. Ask a pharmacist or prescriber about current supply and whether a particular product needs a prescription.
Can I use tazarotene while pregnant?
No. The US labels contraindicate tazarotene in pregnancy because it may cause fetal harm. Speak to a prescriber if you are planning a pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Does tazarotene make skin sensitive to the sun?
Yes. The labels warn of a higher risk of sunburn and advise sunscreen, protective clothing and limited sun exposure while using it.