Common Name(s): Tazarotene,tazarotene,rar-beta/gamma selective retinoid,prescription-class retinoid
CAS Number: N/a
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Provides selective rar-beta and rar-gamma agonism for potent collagen synthesis induction, epidermal cell turnover normalisation, and anti-acne activity with receptor subtype selectivity.
Why It's Used: Tazarotene is selected for rar subtype-selective retinoid activity — the acetylenic moiety provides rar-beta/gamma preference that concentrates retinoid signalling in the specific receptor subtypes most relevant for anti-aging collagen gene activation.
How It Works: Tazarotene → rar-beta/gamma selective binding → retinoic acid response element (rare) activation → collagen i/iii synthesis + tgm1 barrier gene activation; keratolysis via decreased cornification.
Typically Found In: Anti-aging,anti-acne
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Primary Category: Active ingredient – cosmetic active
Secondary Functions: Skin conditioning
Application Areas:
Facial Skincare
Body Care
Hair Care
Beard Care
Color Cosmetics (Makeup)
Dietary/Oral Supplements
Typical Concentration Range: 0.001%–0.1%
SOURCING & ETHICS
Vegan Status: Conditional - supplier confirmation required
Halal Status: Unverified - supplier confirmation required
Source Notes: Commercially produced for cosmetic use. verify vegan/halal status with supplier. [audit 2026-07-29 rev2: the record's own source_notes does not assert a non-animal origin, or instructs the reader to verify with the supplier; "yes" asserts knowledge the record does not hold. determination requires shariah-panel sign-off.]
SKIN COMPATIBILITY
Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low
Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 – non-comedogenic
Sensitivity Concerns: Well-tolerated.
Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes
SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY
Safety Profile: Good safety profile at recommended concentrations. ewg score: 1–2.
Works Well With: Standard skincare actives
Avoid Combining With: No known significant incompatibilities
SCIENTIFIC NOTE
Tazarotene is a prescription retinoid in many markets at therapeutic concentrations — cosmetic formulations use sub-therapeutic concentrations where consumer regulatory classification applies.
Last Verified: 2026-03-22
Primary Sources: Cosing database,tazarotene selective retinoid anti-aging review