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A CLEAR CHOICE for Targeting Acne at Its Source

AKLIEF (trifarotene) Cream, 0.005% a fourth-generation retinoid, and the first new retinoid option for acne treatment on the market in over 25 years1

How AKLIEF Cream works

Understand how AKLIEF Cream's active ingredient, triferotene, targets the underlying drivers of acne and helps improve skin appearance through skin remodeling and reduction of acne-related pigmentation.11,12

See Real Results with AKLIEF Cream

AKLIEF (triferotene) Cream, 0.005% mechanism of action

Addressing the burden of acne with trifarotene 

Beyond the physical lesions, acne and its long-term sequelae can severely compromise quality of life, mental health, and social functioning.² Addressing both active acne and its lasting effects is essential to reducing the psychosocial burden and achieving more patient-centric outcomes. 2,6,7 

Trifarotene, the active ingredient in AKLIEF Cream, represents an evolved approach to acne management by targeting active lesions while also addressing long-term effects such as scarring and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH)*.3,4,5 

Trifarotene: evolution in RAR targeting

Retinoids are a guideline-recommended acne treatment option targeting retinoic acid receptors (RAR) in the skin.6,7

In a study of human skin biopsies, 87% of RAR found in the skin was RAR-γ†. RAR-α (12–14%) and RAR-β (not detected) were significantly less prevalent.10

Trifarotene is the only topical single agent retinoid to selectively target RAR-γ.11 Unlike other retinoids with broader RAR binding profiles, trifarotene precisely targets the predominant retinoic acid receptor in the skin, bringing the first new topical retinoid innovation in over 25 years.11

Why trifarotene's selective RAR-γ activity matters

Trifarotene is a first-in-class retinoid that selectively targets RAR-γ, the predominant retinoic acid receptor in the skin, delivering powerful, precise activity at a low concentration.

RAR-γ is the predominant retinoid receptor in skin.10

RAR-γ represents 87% of retinoic acid receptors in the skin and plays a central role in regulating retinoic acid signaling, epidermal turnover, inflammation, and normalizes cell growth (keratinization and desquamation).10

High affinity enables precision at low concentrations.

Triferotene has an approximately 20-times greater affinity for RAR-γ, providing highly selective receptor targeting with activity at low concentrations.

Targeted activity across acne and acne sequelae.

Unlike other retinoids, trifarotene selectively targets RAR-γ, driving a focused skin response that modulates inflammation, epidermal turnover, and tissue remodeling associated with acne, atrophic acne scars, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH).11,12

Explore the Results

AKLIEF Cream is formulated for patient satisfaction

AKLIEF Cream delivers triferotene in a refined vehicle tailored to the distinct needs of facial and truncal skin and is paraben free.13

Simulgel® 600 PHA

  • Provides a non-greasy skin feel¹³
  • Offers occlusive properties to help maintain hydration¹³
  • Enables homogeneous dispersion of the active ingredient throughout the formulation¹³
  • Remains stable across pH variations¹³

1 Humectant, 2 Emollients

  • Helps moisturize and support skin hydration¹³
  • Helps attract and retain moisture within the skin¹³
  • Enhances spreadability and cosmetic elegance¹³

Allantoin

  • A recognized skin-conditioning agent and protectant¹³
  • Helps support skin comfort during treatment¹³

100% Patient Satisfaction

  • 100% of patients reported satisfaction with AKLIEF Cream ease of use*¹³
  • 95% found the cream spreads easily
  • Most patients reported rapid absorption and a non-greasy, non-oily finish*¹³
  • 90% reported that the cosmetic qualities supported consistent application*¹³

Designed for diverse patient populations

Retinoids are a standard of care in acne management.6,7AKLIEF Cream has been studied in diverse patient populations and can be used for acne and acne sequelae management in males and females, from pre-teens through adulthood and as monotherapy or combination use.2,3,4,14AKLIEF Cream is approved for use on both the face and trunk and has been shown to be safe and effective across all skin tones and skin types.2,4,14

Explore Safety Profile Download Discussion Guide
View AKLIEF Cream Clinical Data

*PIH, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation

*Based on patient-reported outcomes from clinical studies.

†RAR, retinoic acid receptor

References

  1. Tan J, Thiboutot D, Popp G, et al. Randomized Phase 3 evaluation of trifarotene 50 μg/g cream treatment of moderate facial and truncal acne. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2019;80(6):1691–1699.
  2. Tan J, et al. Acne burden and patient-reported outcomes. JAAD Int. 2021;6:43–50.
  3. Schleicher S, et al. Trifarotene reduces risk for atrophic acne scars: Results from a Phase 4 controlled study. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). 2023;13(12):3085–3096.
  4. Alexis A, et al. Trifarotene for acne-induced post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Int J Dermatol. 2024;63(6):806–815.
  5. Layton A, et al. Long-term impact of acne and treatment outcomes on quality of life. JAAD Int. 2021;5:41–48.
  6. Zaenglein AL, et al. Guidelines of care for the management of acne vulgaris. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2016;74:945–973.
  7. Reynolds RV, et al. Updated guidelines of care for acne vulgaris. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2024;90(5):1006.e1–1006.e30.
  8. NICE. Acne vulgaris: management. 2023. Accessed March 30, 2025. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK573056/
  9. Taylor S, et al. Acne and its sequelae: management considerations. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2023;89(2):316–323.
  10. Fisher GJ, Talwar HS, Xiao J-H, et al. Immunological identification and functional quantitation of retinoic acid and retinoid X receptor proteins in human skin. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 1994;91(6):2062–2066.
  11. Aubert J, et al. Trifarotene: Development of a potent and selective RAR-γ agonist for topical treatment of acne. Br J Dermatol. 2018;179(2):442–456.
  12. Thoreau E, et al. Retinoic acid receptor-γ selective agonists: medicinal chemistry and pharmacology. Bioorg Med Chem Lett. 2018;28(10):1736–1741.
  13. Galderma. Data on file. Clinical Study 202394. Dallas, TX: Galderma Laboratories, L.P.
  14. Blume-Peytavi U, et al. Long-term safety and efficacy of trifarotene 50 μg/g cream, a first-in-class RAR-γ selective topical retinoid, in patients with moderate facial and truncal acne. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2020;34(1):166–173.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Indication: AKLIEF® (trifarotene) Cream, 0.005% is a retinoid indicated for the topical treatment of acne vulgaris in patients 9 years of age and older. Adverse Events: The most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥ 1%) in patients treated with AKLIEF Cream were application site irritation, application site pruritus (itching), and sunburn. Warnings/Precautions: Patients using AKLIEF Cream may experience erythema, scaling, dryness, and stinging/burning. Use a moisturizer from the initiation of treatment, and, if appropriate, depending upon the severity of these adverse reactions, reduce the frequency of application of AKLIEF Cream, suspend or discontinue use. Avoid application of AKLIEF Cream to cuts, abrasions or eczematous or sunburned skin. Use of “waxing” as a depilatory method should be avoided on skin treated with AKLIEF Cream. Minimize exposure to sunlight and sunlamps. Use sunscreen and protective clothing over treated areas when exposure cannot be avoided.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.