Fabior is a prescription acne medication that comes as a foam containing 0.1% tazarotene, a type of retinoid. It’s applied once daily to the face or upper trunk to treat acne vulgaris. The foam format was specifically designed to spread more evenly and feel less greasy than traditional retinoid creams or gels.
How Fabior Works
Tazarotene, the active ingredient in Fabior, belongs to a class of medications called retinoids. It works by binding to specific receptors in skin cells that regulate how quickly those cells turn over. In practical terms, it speeds up the shedding of dead skin cells that would otherwise clog pores, while also reducing inflammation in existing breakouts.
Unlike some retinoids that activate multiple receptor types, tazarotene is selective. It targets only two of the three retinoic acid receptor subtypes and leaves a separate family of retinoid receptors untouched entirely. This selectivity is part of what makes it effective for acne without some of the broader effects seen with less targeted retinoids.
Why a Foam Instead of a Cream or Gel
Retinoids have been available in cream and gel forms for years, but those formats have well-known downsides. Gels and creams can leave a sticky or greasy residue and are sometimes difficult to spread evenly across larger areas like the chest or upper back. The foam delivery system was designed to address these issues. Patient surveys across multiple skin conditions have consistently shown that people prefer foam formulations over creams for ease of application, uniform coverage, and cosmetic feel.
How to Apply Fabior
Fabior is used once a day, in the evening. Before applying, wash the affected area with a mild cleanser and let your skin dry completely. Then shake the can, hold it upright at a slight angle, and dispense a small amount into your palm. Use your fingertips to apply a thin layer over the entire affected area, gently rubbing until the foam disappears into the skin. Wash your hands afterward.
The key word is “thin layer.” You only need enough to lightly cover the breakout-prone areas of your face or upper trunk. More product does not mean faster results, and using too much increases the likelihood of irritation.
Common Side Effects
Like all topical retinoids, Fabior can irritate your skin, especially during the first few weeks. In clinical trials, the most frequently reported side effects were irritation at the application site (14% of users), dryness (7%), redness (6%), and peeling or flaking (6%). These effects tend to be most noticeable early in treatment and often improve as your skin adjusts.
Retinoids also increase your skin’s sensitivity to sunlight. Because Fabior is applied in the evening, your skin has overnight to absorb the medication before any sun exposure the next day. Even so, daily sunscreen use is important while you’re on this medication.
Who Should Not Use Fabior
Tazarotene is a retinoid, and retinoids as a class pose serious risks during pregnancy. Fabior should not be used by anyone who is pregnant or planning to become pregnant. This is not a precautionary guideline; retinoids can cause birth defects.
People with eczema or highly sensitive skin may also find Fabior too irritating, since retinoids can worsen barrier-compromised skin. If you’re already using other drying or exfoliating acne products (benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or other retinoids), combining them with Fabior without guidance can lead to significant irritation.
Storage
Fabior comes in a pressurized aerosol canister, so storage matters more than it does with a typical tube of cream. Keep it at room temperature (68°F to 77°F), store it upright, and never expose it to temperatures above 120°F. That means keeping it out of hot cars, direct sunlight, and away from heat sources. Do not freeze it.