Arazlo^® lotion: Uses, advantages, side effects, who can use it and how to use it

Arazlo is an efficient acne treatment with a powerful ingredient tazarotene (and some moisturizing ingredients to avoid irritation). Keep reading to learn more about this powerful acne medication which is also used for wrinkles and pigmentation.

Medically reviewed by:
Dr. Anna Chacon
Dermatologist

Our commitment to producing high-quality content:

The information presented in this article is based on scientific research and the professional advice of our Content Medical Reviewers, who are experts in the field of Dermatology. How we write our content →

What is the Arazlo lotion?

Arazlo lotion^® is a prescription medication used for the treatment of acne. Arazlo cream contains tazarotene as the active ingredient and three moisturizers: sebacic acid, light mineral oil and sorbitol. This ingredient combination allows it to be extremely effective against acne while causing minimal skin irritation¹.

What is Arazlo lotion used for?

The Arazlo cream is indicated for the treatment of psoriasis and acne vulgaris in patients 9 years of age and older. In addition to these uses, tazarotene, one of the active ingredients in Arazlo, is also being used for the treatment of wrinkles, hypo and hyperpigmentation and age spots (lentigines)².

How does the Arazlo cream work?

The Arazlo lotion is applied topically on the affected areas and has a dual effect on the skin. Tazarotene (a newer retinoid) works by promoting skin cell turnover and reducing inflammation.

What makes the Arazlo lotion unique?

What makes the Arazlo lotion unique is its patented polymeric emulsion technology (which improves skin absorption and minimizes irritation) in addition to its list of active and moisturizing ingredients: tazarotene, sebacic acid, light mineral oil and sorbitol³.

Consult a Board-Certified Dermatologist Now!

Download the Miiskin app to connect with independent, board-certified dermatologists who are licensed in your state. Answer a few questions, upload some photos and get a treatment plan in 1-2 days. Consultation price is $59 and medication renewals are only $39.

Online dermatology care is ideal for chronic dermatology conditions.

Download Miiskin

What at is the main ingredient of the Arazlo lotion and how does it help with acne?

Tazarotene: Tazarotene is a synthetic acetylenic retinoid that undergoes hydrolysis in the body to its active form called tazarotenic acid. It works by normalizing the skin cell turnover process. It helps to prevent the clogging of pores and promotes the shedding of dead skin cells, which can contribute to the formation of acne. Tazarotene also has anti-inflammatory properties, reducing redness and swelling associated with acne⁴.

Why is Arazlo lotion less irritating than other acne products?

In addition to its acne-fighting ingredient tazarotene, the Arazlo lotion also contains emollient (diethyl sebacate) occlusive (light mineral oil) and humectant (sorbitol) ingredients.

What does this mean?

While all three ingredients contribute to moisturizing the skin, they may have different textures, absorption rates, and additional benefits.

Emollients mainly consist of lipids and ingredients that help fill gaps between skin cells, it helps to soften and hydrate the skin, providing a smooth and moisturized appearance⁶.

Occlusives are another type of moisturizer that is usually oil-based. They create a barrier on the skin, preventing water from escaping and keeping the skin hydrated⁷.

Humectants are moisturizers that contain substances that attract water. They help the outer layer of the skin absorb and retain moisture by drawing water from the deeper layers of the skin and the surrounding environment⁸.

In short, moisturizers can contain emollients, occlusives, and humectants. Emollients make the skin smooth and hydrated, occlusives create a barrier to lock in moisture, and humectants attract and retain water in the skin⁹.

Side effects of the Arazlo cream

Discomfort or soreness of the treated area
Dryness
Skin peeling
Redness of the skin
Irritation or itching sensation¹⁵

Does the Arazlo lotion cause skin purging?

Skin purging (a temporary increase in acne breakouts) is a reported side effect of Arazlo since retinoids are known to cause it.

Is the Arazlo cream a retinoid?

Yes, the active ingredient in Arazlo is tazarotene, which is a retinoid.

Warnings and precautions when using the Arazlo cream

Like all retinoids, Arazlo should not be used by women who are pregnant, want to become pregnant or nursing.

The use of retinoids during pregnancy is associated with fetal retinoid syndrome (birth defects that can occur in babies exposed to retinoids)¹⁶.

It is also recommended that you minimize exposure to ultraviolet light, including sunlight, sunlamps and tanning beds. Retinoids are also known to cause sensitivity to the sun, therefore you should always apply a sunscreen with SPF 50 every morning and reapply every two hours when outdoors¹⁷.

Who can use the Arazlo lotion?

Arazlo can be used by people over 9 years of age with acne¹⁸. It can also be used off-label for the treatment of photoaging and pigmentation.

Need Expert Dermatologist Care?

Get expert advice from a licensed online dermatologist by simply uploading photos from your phone. If needed, a prescription (branded or generic depending on preference) will be sent directly to your favorite pharmacy. Nationwide coverage.

Find dermatologist

How to use the Arazlo cream?

You should always follow the instructions given by your dermatology provider as they know you and your skin. However, as a general rule, you can do the following:

Wash your face with a gentle cleanser
Pat dry your face ad let it fully air dry for 20 minutes or so
Apply Arazlo lotion with your finger tips
If needed, apply an additional moisturizer or hyaluronic acid

If you have sensitive skin and you have never used a retinoid product before, start by applying it every other day until your skin gets used to it and you can use it on a nightly basis.

Don’t forget to tell your doctor in particular about any other skin care products you use, such as moisturizers, creams, gels, lotions, or anything else that can dry out your skin.

Can you buy Arazlo lotion over the counter?

Unfortunately not. Arazlo is not available over-the-counter (OTC). Arazlo is a topical prescription medication and should be used under medical supervision.

How to get Arazlo lotion?

You need a prescription from a dermatologist in order to buy Arazlo.

What is the price for Arazlo?

Ortho Dermatologics, the manufacturer of Arazlo, has developed the RX Access Program where most commercially insured patients may pay 0 – $25.

If Arazlo is not covered by their insurance or if the patient doesn’t have an insurance health plan the maximum price paid by patients will be $65 to $75*.

*The price range listed here is just an estimation. Medication prices may vary depending on the state and the pharmacy selected. Miiskin is not responsible and cannot influence the price of the medication as it is independent from these entities.

Prior to utilizing the coupons provided by Ortho Dermatologics, we strongly recommend reviewing the terms and conditions on their website. It is essential to familiarize yourself with the guidelines and regulations associated with Arazlo coupon usage.

Article References:
https://www.arazlo.com/hcp/
https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2017/208258Orig1s000lbl.pdf
https://www.arazlo.com/hcp/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/pharmacology-toxicology-and-pharmaceutical-science/tazarotene
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537220/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5849435/
https://www.arazlo.com/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6439800/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30586260/
https://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/diseases/517/fetal-retinoid-syndrome