Compositions for topical application for treating a skin disorder (e.g., acne) include a retinoid, which is solubilized completely in alcohol only with the aid of cosolvents such as esters (e.g., alkyl benzoate, isopropyl palmitate, isopropyl myristate, diisopropyl adipate and their derivatives). This completely solubilized retinoid can be used to formulate an emulsion system or liquid to powder suspension containing a second active, such as an antibiotic (e.g., clindamycin).