AKLIEF Cream for topical administration contains 0.005% (50 mcg/g) trifarotene. Trifarotene is a terphenyl acid derivative and is a retinoid. Trifarotene is an agonist of retinoic acid receptors (RAR), with particular activity at the gamma subtype of RAR. Stimulation of RAR results in modulation of target genes which are associated with various processes, including cell differentiation and mediation of inflammation. The exact process by which trifarotene ameliorates acne is unknown.