Two medicines, side by side
Benzoyl peroxide vs tretinoin
Benzoyl peroxide and tretinoin are both labeled for acne. Drugs@FDA records approvals of benzoyl peroxide since 2022 and of tretinoin since 1971. Pharmacies paid $0.0469 per gram (Benzoyl peroxide 10% wash) and $0.506 per gram (Tretinoin 0.025% cream) (NADAC, October 7, 2026); the strengths differ, so the two prices are not like for like.
Check it at the source: the benzoyl peroxide FDA label on DailyMed (effective July 31, 2026); the tretinoin FDA label on DailyMed (effective May 17, 2024).
Highlights of the benzoyl peroxide record
Benzoyl peroxide (Epsolay) · label of July 31, 2026
Used for
From the label: indicationsfor the treatment of acne
On the market
- Earliest approval on file
- April 22, 2022
- Generic labelers
- none listed
- Pharmacy cost
- $0.0469 per gram
Supply and safety
- Shortage
- No current entry
- Recalls
- 0
Highlights of the tretinoin record
Tretinoin (Retin-A) · label of May 17, 2024
Used for
From the label: indicationsRETIN-A is indicated for topical application in the treatment of acne vulgaris. The safety and efficacy of the long-term use of this product in the treatment of other disorders have not been established.
On the market
- Earliest approval on file
- October 20, 1971
- Generic labelers
- 23 labelers
- Pharmacy cost
- $0.506 per gram
Supply and safety
- Shortage
- No current entry
- Recalls
- 2
Source: FDA drug labels via openFDA (Benzoyl peroxide label of July 31, 2026, Tretinoin label of May 17, 2024); NDC Directory, Drugs@FDA, NADAC, FDA shortages and recalls (October 8, 2026)
How do benzoyl peroxide and tretinoin differ on the record?
Generics: benzoyl peroxide none approved; tretinoin since 1998 (Drugs@FDA).
| Benzoyl peroxide | Tretinoin | |
|---|---|---|
| Labeled for | Acne | Acne |
| Pharmacologic class | n/a | Retinoid |
| How it works (label) | n/a | n/a |
| Half-life (label) | n/a | n/a |
| Earliest approval on file (Drugs@FDA) | April 22, 2022 | October 20, 1971 |
| First generic approved | none | June 19, 1998 |
| Generic labelers (NDC) | none listed | 23 labelers |
| Pharmacy cost (NADAC, each one's most listed form; strengths differ) | $0.0469 per gram (Benzoyl peroxide 10% wash) | $0.506 per gram (Tretinoin 0.025% cream) |
| 12-month price change | +5% | -49% |
| Boxed warning | No | No |
| Shortage now | No current entry | No current entry |
| Recalls recorded | 0 | 2 |
| FAERS reports (a report is not proof of cause; counts follow how widely a medicine is used) | 6,709 | 8,069 |
| DEA schedule | none | none |
Source: Drugs@FDA, FDA NDC Directory, CMS NADAC of October 7, 2026, FDA shortages and recalls, FAERS via openFDA (FDA files October 8, 2026)
Do their labels mention each other?
Tretinoin label, warnings and precautionsAdvise patients that concomitant use of topical over the counter (OTC) acne products containing benzoyl peroxide, sulfur, resorcinol, or salicylic acid with RETIN-A MICRO may increase the risk for local skin irritation including dryness, erythema, and peeling.
Source: FDA drug labels via openFDA
What next?
- Alternatives to benzoyl peroxide
- every medicine labeled for the same conditions