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aklief

Aklief (Trifarotene) is a medication used to treat Acne Vulgaris.

Trifarotene · by Galderma Labs LP

Not yet rated· sourced from the FDA label
Rated against independent regulatory sources·Last updated June 7, 2026·How we rate
Verified againstopenFDANIH DailyMedRxClass
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Key facts

Active ingredient
Trifarotene
Form
Topical
Strength
Trifarotene 0.005%
Type
Prescription (Rx)
Brand or generic
Brand-name
May treat
acne vulgaris
Manufacturer
Galderma Labs LP
FDA application
NDA211527

What is Aklief?

From the FDA label:AKLIEF Cream for topical administration contains 0.005% (50 mcg/g) trifarotene. Trifarotene is a terphenyl acid derivative and is a retinoid. The chemical name of trifarotene is 3”-tert-Butyl-4’-(2-hydroxy-ethoxy)-4”-pyrrolidin-1-yl-[1,1’,3’,1”]terphenyl-4- carboxylic acid. Trifarotene has the molecular formula of C 29 H 33 NO 4 , the molecular weight of 459.58, and the following structural formula: Trifarotene is a white to off-white to slightly yellow powder with the melting point of 245°C. It is practically insoluble in water with pKa1 of 5.69 and pKa2 of 4.55. AKLIEF (trifarotene) Cream 0.005% contains the following inactive ingredients: allantoin, copolymer of acrylamide and sodium acryloyldimethyltaurate dispersion 40% in isohexadecane, cyclomethicone, 95% (v/v) ethanol, medium-chain triglycerides, phenoxyethanol, propylene glycol, purified water. trifarotene chemical structure

How to use

Apply a thin layer of AKLIEF Cream to the affected areas once daily, in the evening, on clean and dry skin. One pump actuation should be enough to cover the face (i.e., forehead, cheeks, nose, and chin). Two actuations of the pump should be enough to cover the upper trunk (i.e., reachable upper back, shoulders and chest). One additional pump actuation may be used for middle and lower back if acne is present. The use of a moisturizer is recommended as frequently as needed from the initiation of treatment. Avoid contact with the eyes, lips, paranasal creases, mucous membranes. AKLIEF Cream is for topical use only. Not for oral, ophthalmic, or intravaginal use. For topical use only. Not for oral, ophthalmic or intravaginal use. Apply a thin layer of AKLIEF Cream to the affected areas of the face and/or trunk once a day, in the evening, on clean and dry skin. Avoid contact with the eyes, lips, paranasal creases, and mucous membranes. ( 2 )

Side effects

Most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥ 1%) in patients treated with AKLIEF Cream were application site irritation, application site pruritus, and sunburn ( 6 ). To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Galderma Laboratories, L.P. at 1-866-735-4137 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch . 6.1 Clinical trials experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared with rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect rates observed in practice. In the three Phase 3 clinical trials, 1673 subjects with acne vulgaris on the face and trunk, 9 years and older were exposed to AKLIEF Cream. Of these, 1220 subjects were treated once daily for up to 12 weeks and 453 were treated once daily for up to 1 year. Adverse reactions reported in the 2 randomized, double-blind, vehicle-controlled 12-week clinical trials in ≥ 1.0% of subjects treated with AKLIEF Cream (and for which the rate exceeded the rate for vehicle), as well as the corresponding rates reported in subjects treated with the vehicle cream are presented in Table 1. Table 1. Adverse Reactions Occurring in ≥ 1.0% of Subjects with Acne Vulgaris of the Face and Trunk in the Two 12-week Phase 3 Clinical Trials Preferred Term AKLIEF Cream (N=1220) Vehicle Cream (N=1200) Application…

Warnings

Important safety information

Skin irritation: Erythema, scaling, dryness, and stinging/burning may be experienced with use of AKLIEF Cream. Use a moisturizer from the initiation of treatment, and, if appropriate, reduce the frequency of application of AKLIEF Cream, suspend or discontinue use. ( 5.1 ) Ultraviolet Light and Environmental Exposure: Minimize exposure to sunlight and sunlamps. Use sunscreen and protective clothing over treated areas when exposure cannot be avoided. ( 5.2 ) 5.1 Skin Irritation Patients using AKLIEF Cream may experience erythema, scaling, dryness, and stinging/burning. Maximum severity of these reactions typically occurred within the first 4 weeks of treatment, and severity decreased with continued use of the medication. Depending upon the severity of these adverse reactions, instruct patients to use a moisturizer, reduce the frequency of application of AKLIEF Cream, or suspend use temporarily. If severe reactions persist the treatment may be discontinued. 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. 5.2 Ultraviolet Light and Environmental Exposure Minimize unprotected exposure to ultraviolet rays (including sunlight and sunlamps) during treatment with AKLIEF Cream. Warn patients who normally experience high levels of sun exposure and those with inherent sensitivity to sun to exercise caution. Use of sunscreen products and protective clothing over treated areas is recommended when exposure cannot be avoided.

Who should not take Aklief

None None ( 4 )

Interactions

Topical application of AKLIEF Cream is not expected to affect the circulating concentrations of oral hormonal contraceptives containing ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel.

Storing Aklief, and how long it keeps

Quoted from this product’s own FDA label. Storage belongs to the product and its device, not to the drug in general — a pen and a tablet of the same medicine are kept completely differently.

  • Store AKLIEF Cream at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F); excursions permitted to 15° to 30°C (59° to 86°F) Keep AKLIEF Cream away from heat.

May treat (source: NIH RxClass)

Dosage forms

Topical

The forms currently marketed in the U.S., per the FDA National Drug Code Directory.

Ways to save

Ask for the generic

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Request a 90-day supply

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Use copay cards

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Frequently asked questions

What does Aklief treat?
Aklief (Trifarotene) may be used to treat acne vulgaris, based on NIH RxClass drug-classification data (conditions a drug may treat — not a verbatim copy of the FDA-approved label). This is general reference, not medical advice.
Is there a coupon or discount for Aklief?
pharmaranks is an independent ratings site, not a pharmacy — we don't issue coupons or sell Aklief. To pay less, ask your prescriber or pharmacist whether a generic equivalent exists, check the manufacturer's copay/savings card and patient-assistance program, and compare a pharmacy discount card against your insurance copay. Prices vary by pharmacy, insurance, and location, so always confirm at the counter. This is general reference, not medical or financial advice.
Who makes Aklief?
Aklief is marketed by Galderma Labs LP. You can see Galderma Labs LP's full profile, rating, and other products on pharmaranks.
Is Aklief a brand-name or generic drug?
Aklief is a brand-name product with the active ingredient Trifarotene.
Is Aklief available over the counter?
No. Aklief is a prescription (Rx) medication in the US — you need a prescription from a licensed clinician (in person or via telehealth); it isn't sold over the counter. For some conditions there are OTC alternatives — ask your pharmacist.
What forms does Aklief come in?
Aklief is currently marketed as topical, per the FDA's National Drug Code Directory.
Is Aklief FDA-registered?
Aklief is on record with the U.S. FDA under application number NDA211527. You can verify this on its official FDA label.
Is Aklief safe?
There's no single safe-or-not verdict, and we don't yet have a composite recall-safety score for Aklief. Review its FDA-label side effects and warnings below, and always consult a licensed professional.
What are the side effects of Aklief?
Aklief's side effects are taken directly from its FDA label. From the label: Most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥ 1%) in patients treated with AKLIEF Cream were application site irritation, application site pruritus, and sunburn ( 6 ). To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Galderma Laboratories, L.P.… Both common and serious reactions are documented in full on this page. This is general reference from the FDA, not medical advice — always consult a professional.

Clinical content sourced from the FDA label via openFDA (U.S. FDA). View the FDA label on DailyMed → Provided for general reference only — not medical advice. Always consult a licensed professional and the current prescribing information.

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