Skin Health Acne Treatment What's the Difference Between Tretinoin and Isotretinoin? Differences Between Topical Tretinoin and Oral Isotretinoin Acne Treatments By Angela Palmer facebook Angela Palmer is a licensed esthetician specializing in acne treatment. Learn about our editorial process Angela Palmer Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Casey Gallagher, MD on November 03, 2019 Casey Gallagher, MD, is board-certified in dermatology and works as a practicing dermatologist and clinical professor. Learn about our Medical Review Board Casey Gallagher, MD Updated on January 04, 2020 Print Table of Contents View All Similarities Differences More About Tretinoin More About Isotretinoin Tretinoin and isotretinoin are the sound-alike generic names for two different medications. Both medications are used to treat acne, and they both belong to a group of medications called retinoids. Retinoids are medications that are derived from vitamin A. But despite similar names, tretinoin and isotretinoin medications are not interchangeable when it comes to treating acne. They are used in different ways and for different reasons. JGI / Getty Images Similarities The confusion around tretinoin and isotretinoin isn't just the sound-alike names, but because there are some similarities between the two medications. Both medications are: Prescription-only medicationsUsed to treat acneDerived from vitamin ASimilar in their molecular make-up Differences Tretinoin Topical Treats mild to moderate acne plus sun damage and wrinkles Isotretinoin Oral Prescribed for severe or stubborn inflammatory acne Tretinoin is used to treat mild to moderate acne, but it's also used to treat age spots, sun damage, and wrinkles. Isotretinoin is prescribed for severe acne. It does not improve signs of aging or hyperpigmentation. More About Tretinoin Tretinoin is the active ingredient in medications prescribed to treat mild pimples to moderate acne and blackheads. Some easily recognizable brand names for drugs containing tretinoin include Retin-A, Retin-A Micro, Renova, Tretin-X, and Ziana. Retinol vs. Retin-A: Demystifying Topical Retinoids These medications are used topically, so they are applied directly to the skin, typically once or twice a day. Topical tretinoin medications come in cream, ointment, and gel. Tretinoin helps to clear acne by speeding up the rate at which skin cells turn over (die and regenerate). This helps to unclog pores, clearing blackheads and inflamed pimples. Topical tretinoin is also used after acne has cleared up, to keep it away and prevent future breakouts. The typical side effects of tretinoin include dry skin, peeling, and redness. It hasn't been studied extensively in pregnant women, though, so if you're pregnant topical tretinoin isn't the best acne treatment choice for you. More About Isotretinoin Isotretinoin is an oral medication, so rather than apply it to your skin you'll swallow it in pill form. It's most often prescribed for severe forms of acne. It's also used to treat milder cases that are stubborn and have not responded to other types of acne medication, and in cases when acne is leaving behind scars. Until 2009, isotretinoin was available in the United States by the brand name Accutane. Today it's sold as Absorica, Amnesteem, Claravis, Myorisan, and Zenatane, and generic isotretinoin. Isotretinoin clears up acne, and in the majority of cases, it stays away even after you stop using it. It's the closest thing we have to an actual cure for acne. (In very specific cases, a low dose of isotretinoin may be prescribed long term). Unlike with tretinoin (and most acne medications, really), isotretinoin is only used for a finite length of time. In fact, most people only need one or two courses in their lifetime. Isotretinoin is a very beneficial treatment for certain people, but it isn't right for everyone. It can cause side effects, some of which are potentially serious. Your doctor will monitor your skin and health during the entire time you're using isotretinoin. Know that most serious side effects are very rare. Isotretinoin can't be used by pregnant women because it causes severe birth defects. The drug also increases the risk of miscarriage and premature birth. Women taking isotretinoin who can get pregnant must first register with a program called iPledge Program. The goal of this program is to prevent fetal exposure to isotretinoin. The requirements include using two methods of contraception or practicing complete abstinence during treatment, having negative pregnancy tests each month (for women of childbearing potential), seeing a doctor monthly, and submitting to regular blood tests as needed. A Word From Verywell Although they have very similar-sounding names, isotretinoin and tretinoin are very different medications. Your dermatologist will help you decide if either is the right treatment option for your acne. There are many other acne treatments available, too. These can be just as effective and may be a better fit in your case. The bottom line, though: If you need help treating acne, call a dermatologist. There are many treatment options that can help you get clearer skin. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Dealing with acne can be frustrating. Our free guide provides expert tips to help you take control. Sign up and get yours today. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit Article Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. UW Health. Retinoids: defining the difference. Updated 2020. U.S. National Library of Medicine. Tretinoin topical. Medline Plus. Updated March 15, 2019. U.S. National Library of Medicine. Medline Plus. Isotretinoin. Updated August 15, 2018. Multum, C. Claravis. Drugs.com. Updated June 11, 2018. Additional Reading Zaenglein AL, Pathy AL, Schlosser BJ, et al. "Guidelines of Care for the Management of Acne Vulgaris."Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 2016 May;74(5):945-73.