Tazarotene Topical Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Philip Thornton, DipPharm. Last updated on Jan 8, 2025.

Applies to tazarotene topical: topical cream, topical foam, topical gel/jelly, topical lotion.

Serious side effects of tazarotene topical

Along with its needed effects, tazarotene topical may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking tazarotene topical:

More common side effects

• burning or stinging of the skin (severe)
• changes in color of the treated skin
• deep grooves or lines in the skin
• dryness, itching, peeling, or redness of the skin (severe)
• pain or swelling of the treated skin
• skin rash (in patients with psoriasis only)

Incidence not known

• blistering, crusting, or irritation of the skin
• cracked, dry, scaly skin
• flaking and falling off of the skin
• swelling at or near the application site

Other side effects of tazarotene topical

Some side effects of tazarotene topical may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common side effects

• burning or stinging after application
• dryness, itching, peeling, or redness of the skin (mild)

For healthcare professionals

Applies to tazarotene topical: topical cream, topical foam, topical gel, topical lotion.

Dermatologic adverse events

• Very common (10% or more): Desquamation (29%), dry skin (27%), erythema (21%), burning sensation (14%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Pruritus, irritation, nonspecific rash, irritant contact dermatitis, skin pain, worsening of psoriasis, stinging sensation, inflammation
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Cheilitis, excoriated skin, eczema, erythema sun-induced, papules, skin tightness, worsened acne
• Postmarketing reports: Blister, dermatitis, urticaria, skin exfoliation, swelling at or near application sites, skin discoloration (including skin hyperpigmentation or skin hypopigmentation)^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Common (1% to 10%): Hypertriglyceridemia^[Ref]

Other

• Common (1% to 10%): Facial pain^[Ref]

Ocular

• Common (1% to 10%): Eyelid edema, eyelid irritation, eyelid inflammation^[Ref]

Immunologic

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Infection^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Pharyngitis^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Headache, hypesthesia^[Ref]

Frequently asked questions

• Is tazarotene better than tretinoin?
• What does tazarotene do to your skin?
• How long should you use Duobrii?
• What happens if you use too much Duobrii?
• What are the different brands of tazarotene?
• Can Tazorac and Differin be used together?

Further information

Tazarotene topical side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer