Can you use hyaluronic acid with tazarotene?

Q: Can you use hyaluronic acid with tazarotene?

Yes. Hyaluronic acid is a good partner for tazarotene: it adds hydration without adding irritation, which helps with the dryness and peeling tazarotene often causes.

Yes

Hyaluronic acid is a good partner for tazarotene: it adds hydration without adding irritation, which helps with the dryness and peeling tazarotene often causes.1 2 3

Evidence strength: Moderate

How we grade evidence

The chemistry

Tazarotene is a prescription retinoid used for acne, plaque psoriasis and photodamaged skin, and randomized trials support it for fine wrinkles and mottled pigmentation (Ogden 2008). Its label lists dryness, peeling, redness and burning as the most common side effects and says moisturizers may be used as often as desired (Tazorac label). Hyaluronic acid is a humectant that binds water in the skin (Papakonstantinou 2012). It is not an active treatment and does not change how tazarotene works, so it slots in as a hydration step.

Hydration

Hyaluronic acid eases tazarotene dryness.

Order

Tazarotene on dry skin, hyaluronic acid or moisturizer after.

Pregnancy

Tazarotene must not be used in pregnancy.

Common mistakes

Tazarotene is one of the stronger topical retinoids, and the first month is usually the hardest. A hydrating layer can make that phase easier. Apply tazarotene thinly to clean, fully dry skin once a day in the evening, since damp skin can increase irritation. The label says moisturizers may be used as often as you like, so a hyaluronic acid serum and moisturizer after tazarotene has absorbed are fine for acne or sun damage. For psoriasis the label is more specific: use any emollient at least an hour before tazarotene, and apply tazarotene only to the plaques. In the morning, hyaluronic acid works under any moisturizer and sunscreen. Avoid adding acids, scrubs or other retinoids while you are on tazarotene unless your doctor plans it. If irritation is strong, the label allows cutting back how often you apply it or pausing until your skin settles.

Your routine

Morning

Gentle cleanser
Hyaluronic acid serum
Moisturizer
Sunscreen SPF 30+

Evening

Gentle cleanser
Tazarotene, thin layer on dry skin
Hyaluronic acid serum once absorbed
Moisturizer

Sample week

MonHyaluronic Acid + tazarotene

TueHyaluronic Acid + tazarotene

WedHyaluronic Acid + tazarotene

ThuHyaluronic Acid + tazarotene

FriHyaluronic Acid + tazarotene

SatHyaluronic Acid + tazarotene

SunHyaluronic Acid + tazarotene

Hyaluronic acid every morning and night; tazarotene nightly or as your prescriber directs.

Go slower if

Tazarotene is contraindicated in pregnancy; the label asks for a negative pregnancy test and effective contraception. Avoid sunburn and use sunscreen daily.

Evidence strength

Strong for tazarotene in acne and photodamage (Ogden 2008; Tazorac label). Hyaluronic acid's hydrating role is well described (Papakonstantinou 2012). Using a moisturizer with tazarotene is allowed by the label; no trial isolates hyaluronic acid specifically.

Products with hyaluronic acid

The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5

Picked for hyaluronic acid

Several forms of hyaluronic acid, plus panthenol (vitamin B5).

Buy on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

FAQ

Will hyaluronic acid make tazarotene less effective?

No evidence suggests that. It is a humectant, not an active.

Should hyaluronic acid go before or after tazarotene?

For acne or sun damage, after tazarotene has absorbed is fine. For psoriasis, the label says to apply emollients at least an hour before tazarotene.

Can I use hyaluronic acid in the morning?

Yes, under moisturizer and sunscreen.

Is tazarotene stronger than tretinoin?

It is generally considered at least as strong and often more irritating.

Can I use tazarotene while pregnant?

No. It is contraindicated in pregnancy.

Your skin