Retinoid compounds come in further sub forms, which are divided by “generations” of discovery and formulation. In the first generation they are: retinol, retinal, tretinoin (e.g. brand name Retin-A), isotretinoin (e.g. brand name Accutane), and alitretinoin. In the second generation they are etretinate and acitretin (e.g. brand name Soriatane). In the third generation they are adapalene (e.g. brand name Differin), bexarotene (e.g. brand name Targretin), and tazarotene (e.g. brand name Avage). In the fourth generation there is Trifarotene (e.g. brand name Aklief). The first generation of retinoids perform particularly well in the body, and in the skin, to become retinoic acid. This is why you often hear these terms spoken of by cosmetic aficionados. Or, perhaps you’ve been prescribed medications by these names. The same can be true for all generations, however. They can be prescribed for different skin needs. Please see more on our website.