<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>

<!--XBRL Document Created with Wdesk from Workiva-->
<!--Copyright 2020 Workiva-->
<!--r:600b0262-d663-4687-ae47-6802ec869b02,g:c1b67e0b-9b7c-4732-b64c-b3f7b7d96647-->
<link:linkbase xmlns:link="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance" xsi:schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase http://www.xbrl.org/2003/xbrl-linkbase-2003-12-31.xsd">
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://arcutis.com/role/CoverPage" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="arqt-20200331.xsd#CoverPage"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://arcutis.com/role/CoverPage" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_CoverAbstract_2b3ae536-2457-4161-918e-6de937549b6a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_CoverAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_DocumentType_cf2fd039-1a0a-4976-9c1d-7262ca561e04" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_DocumentType"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_CoverAbstract_2b3ae536-2457-4161-918e-6de937549b6a" xlink:to="loc_dei_DocumentType_cf2fd039-1a0a-4976-9c1d-7262ca561e04" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_DocumentQuarterlyReport_474bc2a6-6a93-4425-a17b-29f8b146c1eb" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_DocumentQuarterlyReport"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_CoverAbstract_2b3ae536-2457-4161-918e-6de937549b6a" xlink:to="loc_dei_DocumentQuarterlyReport_474bc2a6-6a93-4425-a17b-29f8b146c1eb" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_DocumentPeriodEndDate_17c32d57-01f2-4904-a586-a09f5ca3c084" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_DocumentPeriodEndDate"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_CoverAbstract_2b3ae536-2457-4161-918e-6de937549b6a" xlink:to="loc_dei_DocumentPeriodEndDate_17c32d57-01f2-4904-a586-a09f5ca3c084" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_DocumentTransitionReport_63770c45-3b4a-4c3a-a4ca-ea26110661e9" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_DocumentTransitionReport"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_CoverAbstract_2b3ae536-2457-4161-918e-6de937549b6a" xlink:to="loc_dei_DocumentTransitionReport_63770c45-3b4a-4c3a-a4ca-ea26110661e9" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityFileNumber_a8931cae-91cd-4352-b2c8-8735a688372e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityFileNumber"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_CoverAbstract_2b3ae536-2457-4161-918e-6de937549b6a" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityFileNumber_a8931cae-91cd-4352-b2c8-8735a688372e" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityRegistrantName_6ea520dd-634a-4c1d-8f9c-905cadc12913" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityRegistrantName"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_CoverAbstract_2b3ae536-2457-4161-918e-6de937549b6a" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityRegistrantName_6ea520dd-634a-4c1d-8f9c-905cadc12913" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityIncorporationStateCountryCode_4dbdce95-2bd6-4991-b8c4-a76ab9cfc557" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityIncorporationStateCountryCode"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_CoverAbstract_2b3ae536-2457-4161-918e-6de937549b6a" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityIncorporationStateCountryCode_4dbdce95-2bd6-4991-b8c4-a76ab9cfc557" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityTaxIdentificationNumber_44360953-4868-4dac-94b8-50f1bc27b1cb" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityTaxIdentificationNumber"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_CoverAbstract_2b3ae536-2457-4161-918e-6de937549b6a" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityTaxIdentificationNumber_44360953-4868-4dac-94b8-50f1bc27b1cb" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityAddressAddressLine1_bbac4422-1088-44a4-a233-11e55ffd0cfd" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityAddressAddressLine1"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_CoverAbstract_2b3ae536-2457-4161-918e-6de937549b6a" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityAddressAddressLine1_bbac4422-1088-44a4-a233-11e55ffd0cfd" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityAddressAddressLine2_90abfa5a-df49-459c-ad06-138755dc5ae9" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityAddressAddressLine2"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_CoverAbstract_2b3ae536-2457-4161-918e-6de937549b6a" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityAddressAddressLine2_90abfa5a-df49-459c-ad06-138755dc5ae9" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityAddressCityOrTown_fe7c3995-4a82-4f56-b53a-baf76552f89e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityAddressCityOrTown"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_CoverAbstract_2b3ae536-2457-4161-918e-6de937549b6a" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityAddressCityOrTown_fe7c3995-4a82-4f56-b53a-baf76552f89e" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityAddressStateOrProvince_135ba487-24eb-4666-b09b-1c3d7347be1b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityAddressStateOrProvince"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_CoverAbstract_2b3ae536-2457-4161-918e-6de937549b6a" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityAddressStateOrProvince_135ba487-24eb-4666-b09b-1c3d7347be1b" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityAddressPostalZipCode_700bcc40-fd52-412e-87b8-d65a78b3eedc" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityAddressPostalZipCode"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_CoverAbstract_2b3ae536-2457-4161-918e-6de937549b6a" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityAddressPostalZipCode_700bcc40-fd52-412e-87b8-d65a78b3eedc" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_CityAreaCode_f79c64c8-038a-4213-b0b5-4f0c194bc803" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_CityAreaCode"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="14" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_CoverAbstract_2b3ae536-2457-4161-918e-6de937549b6a" xlink:to="loc_dei_CityAreaCode_f79c64c8-038a-4213-b0b5-4f0c194bc803" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_LocalPhoneNumber_278c7def-49a8-46b3-891e-536ea6aa486d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_LocalPhoneNumber"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="15" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_CoverAbstract_2b3ae536-2457-4161-918e-6de937549b6a" xlink:to="loc_dei_LocalPhoneNumber_278c7def-49a8-46b3-891e-536ea6aa486d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_Security12bTitle_2e3a5f36-7554-41d1-afbc-39fe54481d3c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_Security12bTitle"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="16" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_CoverAbstract_2b3ae536-2457-4161-918e-6de937549b6a" xlink:to="loc_dei_Security12bTitle_2e3a5f36-7554-41d1-afbc-39fe54481d3c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_TradingSymbol_a85d3b7b-6daa-4453-9fc0-c6f76b8ba3c6" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_TradingSymbol"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="17" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_CoverAbstract_2b3ae536-2457-4161-918e-6de937549b6a" xlink:to="loc_dei_TradingSymbol_a85d3b7b-6daa-4453-9fc0-c6f76b8ba3c6" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_SecurityExchangeName_293769ff-fce0-43ee-b3a8-faaa98771e58" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_SecurityExchangeName"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="18" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_CoverAbstract_2b3ae536-2457-4161-918e-6de937549b6a" xlink:to="loc_dei_SecurityExchangeName_293769ff-fce0-43ee-b3a8-faaa98771e58" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityCurrentReportingStatus_330a4229-4808-43cf-b796-50a2ba17cb04" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityCurrentReportingStatus"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="19" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_CoverAbstract_2b3ae536-2457-4161-918e-6de937549b6a" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityCurrentReportingStatus_330a4229-4808-43cf-b796-50a2ba17cb04" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityInteractiveDataCurrent_8167979e-3bc3-4314-913f-28fe930e5247" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityInteractiveDataCurrent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="20" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_CoverAbstract_2b3ae536-2457-4161-918e-6de937549b6a" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityInteractiveDataCurrent_8167979e-3bc3-4314-913f-28fe930e5247" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityFilerCategory_2bf678c1-99fa-49cb-b8ad-e804fb345193" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityFilerCategory"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="21" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_CoverAbstract_2b3ae536-2457-4161-918e-6de937549b6a" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityFilerCategory_2bf678c1-99fa-49cb-b8ad-e804fb345193" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntitySmallBusiness_64aacd51-92f1-44fd-b685-f9a6f2efc649" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntitySmallBusiness"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="22" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_CoverAbstract_2b3ae536-2457-4161-918e-6de937549b6a" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntitySmallBusiness_64aacd51-92f1-44fd-b685-f9a6f2efc649" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityEmergingGrowthCompany_336156f7-3955-4c4a-8259-b6e89ca69b96" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityEmergingGrowthCompany"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="23" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_CoverAbstract_2b3ae536-2457-4161-918e-6de937549b6a" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityEmergingGrowthCompany_336156f7-3955-4c4a-8259-b6e89ca69b96" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityExTransitionPeriod_eab60774-55c9-4648-b61f-8f25d321af5b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityExTransitionPeriod"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="24" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_CoverAbstract_2b3ae536-2457-4161-918e-6de937549b6a" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityExTransitionPeriod_eab60774-55c9-4648-b61f-8f25d321af5b" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityShellCompany_4a72aad0-1fd6-4559-93c7-3f273f701013" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityShellCompany"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="25" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_CoverAbstract_2b3ae536-2457-4161-918e-6de937549b6a" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityShellCompany_4a72aad0-1fd6-4559-93c7-3f273f701013" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityCommonStockSharesOutstanding_933b089a-1795-4b84-aeea-c2653dfaab4e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityCommonStockSharesOutstanding"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="26" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_CoverAbstract_2b3ae536-2457-4161-918e-6de937549b6a" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityCommonStockSharesOutstanding_933b089a-1795-4b84-aeea-c2653dfaab4e" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityCentralIndexKey_d593c818-30c8-4b72-90e8-5d8af0d0367b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityCentralIndexKey"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="27" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_CoverAbstract_2b3ae536-2457-4161-918e-6de937549b6a" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityCentralIndexKey_d593c818-30c8-4b72-90e8-5d8af0d0367b" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_CurrentFiscalYearEndDate_11295c8b-54a0-40a3-8d60-334062f535ff" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_CurrentFiscalYearEndDate"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="28" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_CoverAbstract_2b3ae536-2457-4161-918e-6de937549b6a" xlink:to="loc_dei_CurrentFiscalYearEndDate_11295c8b-54a0-40a3-8d60-334062f535ff" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_DocumentFiscalYearFocus_2f399162-b643-4083-b220-01ee2c88f759" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_DocumentFiscalYearFocus"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="29" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_CoverAbstract_2b3ae536-2457-4161-918e-6de937549b6a" xlink:to="loc_dei_DocumentFiscalYearFocus_2f399162-b643-4083-b220-01ee2c88f759" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_DocumentFiscalPeriodFocus_95d2244c-6131-4c9e-a6e1-56394dca1d84" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_DocumentFiscalPeriodFocus"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="30" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_CoverAbstract_2b3ae536-2457-4161-918e-6de937549b6a" xlink:to="loc_dei_DocumentFiscalPeriodFocus_95d2244c-6131-4c9e-a6e1-56394dca1d84" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_AmendmentFlag_4501d8d9-7feb-4794-8310-bdd11aa1a067" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_AmendmentFlag"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="31" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_CoverAbstract_2b3ae536-2457-4161-918e-6de937549b6a" xlink:to="loc_dei_AmendmentFlag_4501d8d9-7feb-4794-8310-bdd11aa1a067" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://arcutis.com/role/CondensedBalanceSheets" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="arqt-20200331.xsd#CondensedBalanceSheets"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://arcutis.com/role/CondensedBalanceSheets" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract_9d0d693c-f325-4386-94f0-2fdb9c663074" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_ff3d668e-f1a2-4c78-a2d7-e002a9c12bb4" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsAbstract"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract_9d0d693c-f325-4386-94f0-2fdb9c663074" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_ff3d668e-f1a2-4c78-a2d7-e002a9c12bb4" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_c841cfbe-1ced-4ef3-b2ea-548027ce568c" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_ff3d668e-f1a2-4c78-a2d7-e002a9c12bb4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_c841cfbe-1ced-4ef3-b2ea-548027ce568c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_a8828c31-533d-44dd-a3cf-0d66531a86f4" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_c841cfbe-1ced-4ef3-b2ea-548027ce568c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_a8828c31-533d-44dd-a3cf-0d66531a86f4" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecuritiesCurrent_84c1a438-13b7-4139-b0a6-1a682323c892" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecuritiesCurrent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_c841cfbe-1ced-4ef3-b2ea-548027ce568c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecuritiesCurrent_84c1a438-13b7-4139-b0a6-1a682323c892" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssetsCurrent_9e715001-51af-4f04-93fc-a9c9bc92287c" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssetsCurrent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_c841cfbe-1ced-4ef3-b2ea-548027ce568c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssetsCurrent_9e715001-51af-4f04-93fc-a9c9bc92287c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrent_88ddae65-44d7-4057-8700-f3c26bc0d114" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsCurrent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_c841cfbe-1ced-4ef3-b2ea-548027ce568c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrent_88ddae65-44d7-4057-8700-f3c26bc0d114" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet_2e737cf0-3cf1-4804-ac28-d6f9554928bd" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_ff3d668e-f1a2-4c78-a2d7-e002a9c12bb4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet_2e737cf0-3cf1-4804-ac28-d6f9554928bd" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset_67728a3a-830b-4439-8c5c-b20f5ba8b254" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_ff3d668e-f1a2-4c78-a2d7-e002a9c12bb4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset_67728a3a-830b-4439-8c5c-b20f5ba8b254" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent_2b2b64f7-7bab-4191-8e25-48e249f748dc" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_ff3d668e-f1a2-4c78-a2d7-e002a9c12bb4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent_2b2b64f7-7bab-4191-8e25-48e249f748dc" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Assets_7f062db1-2276-4d58-93f1-827668797fe0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Assets"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_ff3d668e-f1a2-4c78-a2d7-e002a9c12bb4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Assets_7f062db1-2276-4d58-93f1-827668797fe0" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_68cd6808-1129-4867-a36e-5292ca8ea6a7" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract_9d0d693c-f325-4386-94f0-2fdb9c663074" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_68cd6808-1129-4867-a36e-5292ca8ea6a7" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_50f666ea-59f2-4468-b0a4-58e3245e452e" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_68cd6808-1129-4867-a36e-5292ca8ea6a7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_50f666ea-59f2-4468-b0a4-58e3245e452e" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountsPayableCurrent_8e324987-a7ff-483c-9c75-62578ac6fb3d" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsPayableCurrent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_50f666ea-59f2-4468-b0a4-58e3245e452e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccountsPayableCurrent_8e324987-a7ff-483c-9c75-62578ac6fb3d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesCurrent_4dadbc52-1884-4f80-b50f-f72554ecb99e" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesCurrent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_50f666ea-59f2-4468-b0a4-58e3245e452e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesCurrent_4dadbc52-1884-4f80-b50f-f72554ecb99e" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityCurrent_9f236c01-d28f-45ad-9927-a94d697aac71" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityCurrent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_50f666ea-59f2-4468-b0a4-58e3245e452e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityCurrent_9f236c01-d28f-45ad-9927-a94d697aac71" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent_634dca24-7cbc-4cf9-9da2-34678146f2b0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_50f666ea-59f2-4468-b0a4-58e3245e452e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent_634dca24-7cbc-4cf9-9da2-34678146f2b0" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent_b0cf7e60-d199-4c42-aefa-884f06d7c486" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_68cd6808-1129-4867-a36e-5292ca8ea6a7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent_b0cf7e60-d199-4c42-aefa-884f06d7c486" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent_3a5de8b4-d81b-4c85-b3ad-feea5b39d081" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_68cd6808-1129-4867-a36e-5292ca8ea6a7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent_3a5de8b4-d81b-4c85-b3ad-feea5b39d081" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Liabilities_868509ca-17e4-415a-a506-b6b1730db00a" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Liabilities"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_68cd6808-1129-4867-a36e-5292ca8ea6a7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Liabilities_868509ca-17e4-415a-a506-b6b1730db00a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TemporaryEquityCarryingAmountAttributableToParent_f30748bd-7615-4c42-9bc9-61d6ba877234" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TemporaryEquityCarryingAmountAttributableToParent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_68cd6808-1129-4867-a36e-5292ca8ea6a7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TemporaryEquityCarryingAmountAttributableToParent_f30748bd-7615-4c42-9bc9-61d6ba877234" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingencies_11ca23e6-636c-468c-8ff3-a015d6cbc72e" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingencies"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_68cd6808-1129-4867-a36e-5292ca8ea6a7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingencies_11ca23e6-636c-468c-8ff3-a015d6cbc72e" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_edafec28-bbed-4811-a274-62aade19cc20" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_68cd6808-1129-4867-a36e-5292ca8ea6a7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_edafec28-bbed-4811-a274-62aade19cc20" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockValue_dee7bc0d-7c42-49ff-8836-abf6abace9bd" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockValue"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_edafec28-bbed-4811-a274-62aade19cc20" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockValue_dee7bc0d-7c42-49ff-8836-abf6abace9bd" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockValue_2a73c872-8b33-4579-b3c5-1b5a91f5fe75" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockValue"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_edafec28-bbed-4811-a274-62aade19cc20" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockValue_2a73c872-8b33-4579-b3c5-1b5a91f5fe75" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapital_a29fdac4-7c33-441f-848c-c2c2d903af40" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapital"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_edafec28-bbed-4811-a274-62aade19cc20" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapital_a29fdac4-7c33-441f-848c-c2c2d903af40" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_b48583c4-53a5-4e73-9eb0-f4fb81dfbffe" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_edafec28-bbed-4811-a274-62aade19cc20" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_b48583c4-53a5-4e73-9eb0-f4fb81dfbffe" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit_fc6f8dae-5580-43b3-9d90-5d1f80e7394e" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_edafec28-bbed-4811-a274-62aade19cc20" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit_fc6f8dae-5580-43b3-9d90-5d1f80e7394e" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_b2058be1-6c6d-43d9-86a0-a1f06af33b37" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquity"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_edafec28-bbed-4811-a274-62aade19cc20" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_b2058be1-6c6d-43d9-86a0-a1f06af33b37" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity_7281c1fe-8489-4093-b485-badee4e1516b" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_68cd6808-1129-4867-a36e-5292ca8ea6a7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity_7281c1fe-8489-4093-b485-badee4e1516b" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://arcutis.com/role/CondensedBalanceSheetsParenthetical" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="arqt-20200331.xsd#CondensedBalanceSheetsParenthetical"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://arcutis.com/role/CondensedBalanceSheetsParenthetical" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract_a6d32d17-1199-4e2a-b1a9-1b956eb37467" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TemporaryEquityParOrStatedValuePerShare_2bff066d-f77e-4f68-981e-df587671e03b" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TemporaryEquityParOrStatedValuePerShare"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract_a6d32d17-1199-4e2a-b1a9-1b956eb37467" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TemporaryEquityParOrStatedValuePerShare_2bff066d-f77e-4f68-981e-df587671e03b" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TemporaryEquitySharesAuthorized_51686155-320a-4137-828f-065b864be188" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TemporaryEquitySharesAuthorized"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract_a6d32d17-1199-4e2a-b1a9-1b956eb37467" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TemporaryEquitySharesAuthorized_51686155-320a-4137-828f-065b864be188" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TemporaryEquitySharesIssued_afb7139c-10ea-4e62-8086-13ab1b51ba94" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TemporaryEquitySharesIssued"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract_a6d32d17-1199-4e2a-b1a9-1b956eb37467" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TemporaryEquitySharesIssued_afb7139c-10ea-4e62-8086-13ab1b51ba94" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TemporaryEquitySharesOutstanding_6f774a59-7f57-4874-9f34-646800c15cc5" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TemporaryEquitySharesOutstanding"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract_a6d32d17-1199-4e2a-b1a9-1b956eb37467" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TemporaryEquitySharesOutstanding_6f774a59-7f57-4874-9f34-646800c15cc5" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_aab54205-bc17-4448-b3bc-a07bcd726f1e" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract_a6d32d17-1199-4e2a-b1a9-1b956eb37467" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_aab54205-bc17-4448-b3bc-a07bcd726f1e" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesAuthorized_7e65942f-ab76-41b0-be85-62fcc4b1381e" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesAuthorized"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract_a6d32d17-1199-4e2a-b1a9-1b956eb37467" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesAuthorized_7e65942f-ab76-41b0-be85-62fcc4b1381e" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesIssued_4e8cecac-96fa-4949-9f53-36c5650db49e" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesIssued"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract_a6d32d17-1199-4e2a-b1a9-1b956eb37467" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesIssued_4e8cecac-96fa-4949-9f53-36c5650db49e" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesOutstanding_e5b413f0-f39c-4342-997f-952067c058f8" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesOutstanding"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract_a6d32d17-1199-4e2a-b1a9-1b956eb37467" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesOutstanding_e5b413f0-f39c-4342-997f-952067c058f8" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_f6587e32-d5b2-496f-a673-2aa9c330b1d8" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract_a6d32d17-1199-4e2a-b1a9-1b956eb37467" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_f6587e32-d5b2-496f-a673-2aa9c330b1d8" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized_886eb431-173c-400d-8f03-8e4a8e608e58" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract_a6d32d17-1199-4e2a-b1a9-1b956eb37467" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized_886eb431-173c-400d-8f03-8e4a8e608e58" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued_fae26638-0e63-4402-9aca-fe09e033b9eb" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract_a6d32d17-1199-4e2a-b1a9-1b956eb37467" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued_fae26638-0e63-4402-9aca-fe09e033b9eb" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding_379996fb-f7aa-4586-8263-6e11380c58a0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract_a6d32d17-1199-4e2a-b1a9-1b956eb37467" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding_379996fb-f7aa-4586-8263-6e11380c58a0" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://arcutis.com/role/CondensedStatementsofOperationsandComprehensiveLoss" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="arqt-20200331.xsd#CondensedStatementsofOperationsandComprehensiveLoss"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://arcutis.com/role/CondensedStatementsofOperationsandComprehensiveLoss" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfIncomeAndComprehensiveIncomeAbstract_7dcd06c5-85c5-422b-9d80-e4144d153087" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementOfIncomeAndComprehensiveIncomeAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract_96d58892-928f-4c01-8dc6-2edd5e162c3b" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfIncomeAndComprehensiveIncomeAbstract_7dcd06c5-85c5-422b-9d80-e4144d153087" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract_96d58892-928f-4c01-8dc6-2edd5e162c3b" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentExpense_71594006-b476-43e5-9b82-cddc0358adc8" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentExpense"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract_96d58892-928f-4c01-8dc6-2edd5e162c3b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentExpense_71594006-b476-43e5-9b82-cddc0358adc8" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpense_08f7a251-5e8d-44aa-bd01-2229acc9e496" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpense"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract_96d58892-928f-4c01-8dc6-2edd5e162c3b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpense_08f7a251-5e8d-44aa-bd01-2229acc9e496" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingExpenses_0fdb291f-381b-4a75-adde-4897531e4934" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingExpenses"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract_96d58892-928f-4c01-8dc6-2edd5e162c3b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingExpenses_0fdb291f-381b-4a75-adde-4897531e4934" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_05f69c30-071c-42cc-b4f6-6929ea650f3f" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfIncomeAndComprehensiveIncomeAbstract_7dcd06c5-85c5-422b-9d80-e4144d153087" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_05f69c30-071c-42cc-b4f6-6929ea650f3f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpense_d167f486-7714-4113-bddb-68362aa43fa7" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpense"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfIncomeAndComprehensiveIncomeAbstract_7dcd06c5-85c5-422b-9d80-e4144d153087" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpense_d167f486-7714-4113-bddb-68362aa43fa7" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_fe56e065-6b6d-41d3-b42d-a11cd291ad25" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfIncomeAndComprehensiveIncomeAbstract_7dcd06c5-85c5-422b-9d80-e4144d153087" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_fe56e065-6b6d-41d3-b42d-a11cd291ad25" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract_b8fe95bb-6dbe-4e78-bf26-d5b31f522916" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfIncomeAndComprehensiveIncomeAbstract_7dcd06c5-85c5-422b-9d80-e4144d153087" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract_b8fe95bb-6dbe-4e78-bf26-d5b31f522916" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedHoldingGainLossOnSecuritiesArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax_a561c401-6add-4bed-9f9a-a5ec73c1c046" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedHoldingGainLossOnSecuritiesArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract_b8fe95bb-6dbe-4e78-bf26-d5b31f522916" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedHoldingGainLossOnSecuritiesArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax_a561c401-6add-4bed-9f9a-a5ec73c1c046" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax_ac51e917-b048-49ef-b106-6dfd4b73eba1" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract_b8fe95bb-6dbe-4e78-bf26-d5b31f522916" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax_ac51e917-b048-49ef-b106-6dfd4b73eba1" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedAbstract_e2fa5dcc-0c71-458f-ac87-c2ef3639d6dc" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedAbstract"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfIncomeAndComprehensiveIncomeAbstract_7dcd06c5-85c5-422b-9d80-e4144d153087" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedAbstract_e2fa5dcc-0c71-458f-ac87-c2ef3639d6dc" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicAndDiluted_c38b1baf-4453-4407-ab04-d22e95c360f3" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicAndDiluted"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedAbstract_e2fa5dcc-0c71-458f-ac87-c2ef3639d6dc" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicAndDiluted_c38b1baf-4453-4407-ab04-d22e95c360f3" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfShareOutstandingBasicAndDiluted_a83629f3-ebf3-499a-91bf-cd092b96bd0b" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfShareOutstandingBasicAndDiluted"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedAbstract_e2fa5dcc-0c71-458f-ac87-c2ef3639d6dc" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfShareOutstandingBasicAndDiluted_a83629f3-ebf3-499a-91bf-cd092b96bd0b" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://arcutis.com/role/CondensedStatementsofConvertiblePreferredStockandStockholdersEquityDeficit" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="arqt-20200331.xsd#CondensedStatementsofConvertiblePreferredStockandStockholdersEquityDeficit"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://arcutis.com/role/CondensedStatementsofConvertiblePreferredStockandStockholdersEquityDeficit" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfStockholdersEquityAbstract_6c2d4bb0-6a1c-49cb-afb5-f1b560a1628b" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementOfStockholdersEquityAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_e934c51a-ed0f-446d-9fe5-d267c843a595" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfStockholdersEquityAbstract_6c2d4bb0-6a1c-49cb-afb5-f1b560a1628b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_e934c51a-ed0f-446d-9fe5-d267c843a595" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_c8183cd7-646c-4380-a20f-fb31249059d5" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_e934c51a-ed0f-446d-9fe5-d267c843a595" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_c8183cd7-646c-4380-a20f-fb31249059d5" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_591209dd-2986-4e2d-8df9-3b8c9649659f" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_c8183cd7-646c-4380-a20f-fb31249059d5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_591209dd-2986-4e2d-8df9-3b8c9649659f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockMember_5bfd22e2-148a-4dc6-b8f6-6c752e53c37f" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_591209dd-2986-4e2d-8df9-3b8c9649659f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockMember_5bfd22e2-148a-4dc6-b8f6-6c752e53c37f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember_6fec8d39-0a7d-499a-a5a1-a6b95e3415b2" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_591209dd-2986-4e2d-8df9-3b8c9649659f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember_6fec8d39-0a7d-499a-a5a1-a6b95e3415b2" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember_7fbca021-c598-4aef-80ff-643d13098a9a" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_591209dd-2986-4e2d-8df9-3b8c9649659f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember_7fbca021-c598-4aef-80ff-643d13098a9a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember_ea92f2d5-8a1b-48f6-8edf-f9b34dcc4797" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_591209dd-2986-4e2d-8df9-3b8c9649659f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember_ea92f2d5-8a1b-48f6-8edf-f9b34dcc4797" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_84e96e7b-9779-44b4-95af-c219b178d4d4" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_e934c51a-ed0f-446d-9fe5-d267c843a595" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_84e96e7b-9779-44b4-95af-c219b178d4d4" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInTemporaryEquityRollForward_b4d1dc41-1fdd-4b43-890a-30c8c336733a" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInTemporaryEquityRollForward"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_84e96e7b-9779-44b4-95af-c219b178d4d4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInTemporaryEquityRollForward_b4d1dc41-1fdd-4b43-890a-30c8c336733a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TemporaryEquitySharesOutstanding_ab6c9b35-74ab-4bdb-91da-bae4631c1a9f" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TemporaryEquitySharesOutstanding"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInTemporaryEquityRollForward_b4d1dc41-1fdd-4b43-890a-30c8c336733a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TemporaryEquitySharesOutstanding_ab6c9b35-74ab-4bdb-91da-bae4631c1a9f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TemporaryEquityCarryingAmountAttributableToParent_fc87b854-ff4f-4856-b2f7-f2571b3fab52" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TemporaryEquityCarryingAmountAttributableToParent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInTemporaryEquityRollForward_b4d1dc41-1fdd-4b43-890a-30c8c336733a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TemporaryEquityCarryingAmountAttributableToParent_fc87b854-ff4f-4856-b2f7-f2571b3fab52" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_arqt_TemporaryEquitySharesConversionOfConvertibleSecurities_a658f2e7-8bb6-4942-9ad5-6a6d0ef915cd" xlink:href="arqt-20200331.xsd#arqt_TemporaryEquitySharesConversionOfConvertibleSecurities"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInTemporaryEquityRollForward_b4d1dc41-1fdd-4b43-890a-30c8c336733a" xlink:to="loc_arqt_TemporaryEquitySharesConversionOfConvertibleSecurities_a658f2e7-8bb6-4942-9ad5-6a6d0ef915cd" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_arqt_TemporaryEquityValueConversionOfConvertibleSecurities_fffd2cf4-85bf-47d8-898e-fa205504272e" xlink:href="arqt-20200331.xsd#arqt_TemporaryEquityValueConversionOfConvertibleSecurities"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInTemporaryEquityRollForward_b4d1dc41-1fdd-4b43-890a-30c8c336733a" xlink:to="loc_arqt_TemporaryEquityValueConversionOfConvertibleSecurities_fffd2cf4-85bf-47d8-898e-fa205504272e" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TemporaryEquitySharesOutstanding_2f6363b8-ea2f-4d07-9086-65dfb45482f4" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TemporaryEquitySharesOutstanding"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInTemporaryEquityRollForward_b4d1dc41-1fdd-4b43-890a-30c8c336733a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TemporaryEquitySharesOutstanding_2f6363b8-ea2f-4d07-9086-65dfb45482f4" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TemporaryEquityCarryingAmountAttributableToParent_d96cae7e-1ca8-435b-9d0b-1ec4885e9364" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TemporaryEquityCarryingAmountAttributableToParent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInTemporaryEquityRollForward_b4d1dc41-1fdd-4b43-890a-30c8c336733a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TemporaryEquityCarryingAmountAttributableToParent_d96cae7e-1ca8-435b-9d0b-1ec4885e9364" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_175d4e62-de76-439e-987c-6bdff5ed1e7e" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_84e96e7b-9779-44b4-95af-c219b178d4d4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_175d4e62-de76-439e-987c-6bdff5ed1e7e" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SharesOutstanding_dae9f7b1-6640-4183-9f4a-ae8b812a706d" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharesOutstanding"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_175d4e62-de76-439e-987c-6bdff5ed1e7e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SharesOutstanding_dae9f7b1-6640-4183-9f4a-ae8b812a706d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_c963c2b3-da75-41de-885d-ad3f9f512162" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquity"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_175d4e62-de76-439e-987c-6bdff5ed1e7e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_c963c2b3-da75-41de-885d-ad3f9f512162" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_arqt_StockIssuedDuringPeriodVestingOfFounderSharesSubjectToRepurchaseShares_491fddc7-626d-4bb5-856f-bdd245262e7f" xlink:href="arqt-20200331.xsd#arqt_StockIssuedDuringPeriodVestingOfFounderSharesSubjectToRepurchaseShares"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_175d4e62-de76-439e-987c-6bdff5ed1e7e" xlink:to="loc_arqt_StockIssuedDuringPeriodVestingOfFounderSharesSubjectToRepurchaseShares_491fddc7-626d-4bb5-856f-bdd245262e7f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_arqt_StockIssuedDuringPeriodVestingOfFounderSharesSubjectToRepurchaseValue_fc84cc57-ffd2-4a3b-b784-ca990c10a8b6" xlink:href="arqt-20200331.xsd#arqt_StockIssuedDuringPeriodVestingOfFounderSharesSubjectToRepurchaseValue"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_175d4e62-de76-439e-987c-6bdff5ed1e7e" xlink:to="loc_arqt_StockIssuedDuringPeriodVestingOfFounderSharesSubjectToRepurchaseValue_fc84cc57-ffd2-4a3b-b784-ca990c10a8b6" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesConversionOfConvertibleSecurities_47498c99-592a-4daf-8c44-4962d3a2560d" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesConversionOfConvertibleSecurities"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_175d4e62-de76-439e-987c-6bdff5ed1e7e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesConversionOfConvertibleSecurities_47498c99-592a-4daf-8c44-4962d3a2560d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueConversionOfConvertibleSecurities_665c8b85-a238-4c32-b768-300d9b25d9aa" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueConversionOfConvertibleSecurities"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_175d4e62-de76-439e-987c-6bdff5ed1e7e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueConversionOfConvertibleSecurities_665c8b85-a238-4c32-b768-300d9b25d9aa" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod_adfc06c6-d762-4780-bbec-28f5892aabb7" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_175d4e62-de76-439e-987c-6bdff5ed1e7e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod_adfc06c6-d762-4780-bbec-28f5892aabb7" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_arqt_StockIssuedDuringPeriodLapseOfRepurchaseRightsRelatedToCommonStockIssuedPursuantToEarlyExercisesShares_c384b1c8-0745-44df-8e1a-28e07fdabb4d" xlink:href="arqt-20200331.xsd#arqt_StockIssuedDuringPeriodLapseOfRepurchaseRightsRelatedToCommonStockIssuedPursuantToEarlyExercisesShares"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_175d4e62-de76-439e-987c-6bdff5ed1e7e" xlink:to="loc_arqt_StockIssuedDuringPeriodLapseOfRepurchaseRightsRelatedToCommonStockIssuedPursuantToEarlyExercisesShares_c384b1c8-0745-44df-8e1a-28e07fdabb4d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_arqt_StockIssuedDuringPeriodLapseOfRepurchaseRightsPursuantToEarlyStockExercises_a2d1ff06-8021-48c1-b6a7-407f2b063eee" xlink:href="arqt-20200331.xsd#arqt_StockIssuedDuringPeriodLapseOfRepurchaseRightsPursuantToEarlyStockExercises"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_175d4e62-de76-439e-987c-6bdff5ed1e7e" xlink:to="loc_arqt_StockIssuedDuringPeriodLapseOfRepurchaseRightsPursuantToEarlyStockExercises_a2d1ff06-8021-48c1-b6a7-407f2b063eee" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue_5a983b8b-7063-4d1c-b358-a27bdd148c85" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_175d4e62-de76-439e-987c-6bdff5ed1e7e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue_5a983b8b-7063-4d1c-b358-a27bdd148c85" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues_571f1576-f452-4299-add6-ef034a24db63" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_175d4e62-de76-439e-987c-6bdff5ed1e7e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues_571f1576-f452-4299-add6-ef034a24db63" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssues_8a2560a0-028b-4ebc-ba5a-f8c5e515b1e2" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssues"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_175d4e62-de76-439e-987c-6bdff5ed1e7e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssues_8a2560a0-028b-4ebc-ba5a-f8c5e515b1e2" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised_20adf8f9-c098-409c-a047-513c7f87a6fe" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_175d4e62-de76-439e-987c-6bdff5ed1e7e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised_20adf8f9-c098-409c-a047-513c7f87a6fe" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueStockOptionsExercised_21c58dc1-6514-4551-b59b-cd34bda97c7c" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueStockOptionsExercised"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="14" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_175d4e62-de76-439e-987c-6bdff5ed1e7e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueStockOptionsExercised_21c58dc1-6514-4551-b59b-cd34bda97c7c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedHoldingGainLossOnSecuritiesArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax_14622c05-464e-4eb9-b1ae-85bbfb56e450" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedHoldingGainLossOnSecuritiesArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="15" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_175d4e62-de76-439e-987c-6bdff5ed1e7e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedHoldingGainLossOnSecuritiesArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax_14622c05-464e-4eb9-b1ae-85bbfb56e450" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_b6117cbd-8ca0-465f-8657-61005ac2dc3f" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="16" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_175d4e62-de76-439e-987c-6bdff5ed1e7e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_b6117cbd-8ca0-465f-8657-61005ac2dc3f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_2f6033e1-e33a-4823-a698-4571bfe66cdd" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquity"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="17" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_175d4e62-de76-439e-987c-6bdff5ed1e7e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_2f6033e1-e33a-4823-a698-4571bfe66cdd" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SharesOutstanding_ca37a3c8-bcd5-49d3-aaef-7fcafbc1034b" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharesOutstanding"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="18" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_175d4e62-de76-439e-987c-6bdff5ed1e7e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SharesOutstanding_ca37a3c8-bcd5-49d3-aaef-7fcafbc1034b" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://arcutis.com/role/CondensedStatementsofConvertiblePreferredStockandStockholdersEquityDeficitParenthetical" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="arqt-20200331.xsd#CondensedStatementsofConvertiblePreferredStockandStockholdersEquityDeficitParenthetical"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://arcutis.com/role/CondensedStatementsofConvertiblePreferredStockandStockholdersEquityDeficitParenthetical" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfStockholdersEquityAbstract_49142d3a-4a9b-4824-b26c-87f8e18d3567" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementOfStockholdersEquityAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_84ca50fb-44ba-44aa-a5c1-bb1bc000419b" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfStockholdersEquityAbstract_49142d3a-4a9b-4824-b26c-87f8e18d3567" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_84ca50fb-44ba-44aa-a5c1-bb1bc000419b" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_da355292-80ea-492f-8ac5-e4c7d7eadaa7" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_84ca50fb-44ba-44aa-a5c1-bb1bc000419b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_da355292-80ea-492f-8ac5-e4c7d7eadaa7" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_afa549e9-49b1-4d4c-808e-e3af05d8dc74" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_da355292-80ea-492f-8ac5-e4c7d7eadaa7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_afa549e9-49b1-4d4c-808e-e3af05d8dc74" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockMember_45131337-05ef-4c84-893a-2dddc02b5a8b" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_afa549e9-49b1-4d4c-808e-e3af05d8dc74" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockMember_45131337-05ef-4c84-893a-2dddc02b5a8b" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_e5bd7c5a-6520-491e-9e86-a3c105f88d8d" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_84ca50fb-44ba-44aa-a5c1-bb1bc000419b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_e5bd7c5a-6520-491e-9e86-a3c105f88d8d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfStockIssuanceCosts_ec0955cf-c330-42d8-baed-c487e9d5dbf5" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsOfStockIssuanceCosts"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_e5bd7c5a-6520-491e-9e86-a3c105f88d8d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfStockIssuanceCosts_ec0955cf-c330-42d8-baed-c487e9d5dbf5" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://arcutis.com/role/CondensedStatementsofCashFlows" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="arqt-20200331.xsd#CondensedStatementsofCashFlows"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://arcutis.com/role/CondensedStatementsofCashFlows" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_6911347a-efd2-419c-8316-360d25c300f7" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_260ad736-0f78-46a5-bf63-7d01e7efb466" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_6911347a-efd2-419c-8316-360d25c300f7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_260ad736-0f78-46a5-bf63-7d01e7efb466" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_e0cd1e8a-7c18-48b5-8b10-f240ee54aa1d" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_260ad736-0f78-46a5-bf63-7d01e7efb466" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_e0cd1e8a-7c18-48b5-8b10-f240ee54aa1d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_0ccd4845-f773-410e-977f-d18236f02144" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_260ad736-0f78-46a5-bf63-7d01e7efb466" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_0ccd4845-f773-410e-977f-d18236f02144" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Depreciation_0cc05cf2-1cb9-4b59-8fe2-658f5c06643a" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Depreciation"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_0ccd4845-f773-410e-977f-d18236f02144" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Depreciation_0cc05cf2-1cb9-4b59-8fe2-658f5c06643a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_arqt_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAssetAmortizationExpense_c30ee8f0-eef6-40d0-a4a6-79063c7b7224" xlink:href="arqt-20200331.xsd#arqt_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAssetAmortizationExpense"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_0ccd4845-f773-410e-977f-d18236f02144" xlink:to="loc_arqt_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAssetAmortizationExpense_c30ee8f0-eef6-40d0-a4a6-79063c7b7224" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccretionAmortizationOfDiscountsAndPremiumsInvestments_6a98d9fe-6087-41ce-bc4a-f68570d7639b" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccretionAmortizationOfDiscountsAndPremiumsInvestments"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_0ccd4845-f773-410e-977f-d18236f02144" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccretionAmortizationOfDiscountsAndPremiumsInvestments_6a98d9fe-6087-41ce-bc4a-f68570d7639b" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation_6e9823d9-64b3-414d-83c6-2efb7b68a075" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_0ccd4845-f773-410e-977f-d18236f02144" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation_6e9823d9-64b3-414d-83c6-2efb7b68a075" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_748ba772-485f-4821-bf5b-28ac42cdfd49" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_0ccd4845-f773-410e-977f-d18236f02144" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_748ba772-485f-4821-bf5b-28ac42cdfd49" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInPrepaidDeferredExpenseAndOtherAssets_ba96d514-3e06-4864-8bd1-daa59ab72291" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInPrepaidDeferredExpenseAndOtherAssets"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_748ba772-485f-4821-bf5b-28ac42cdfd49" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInPrepaidDeferredExpenseAndOtherAssets_ba96d514-3e06-4864-8bd1-daa59ab72291" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherNoncurrentAssets_95302000-c885-4c46-8446-ac73bbc44d87" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherNoncurrentAssets"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_748ba772-485f-4821-bf5b-28ac42cdfd49" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherNoncurrentAssets_95302000-c885-4c46-8446-ac73bbc44d87" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayable_6ca42b27-96d1-4c1f-b010-c6413b7cbcef" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_748ba772-485f-4821-bf5b-28ac42cdfd49" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayable_6ca42b27-96d1-4c1f-b010-c6413b7cbcef" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccruedLiabilities_e74b8b17-9d32-4467-b388-368642510d7b" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccruedLiabilities"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_748ba772-485f-4821-bf5b-28ac42cdfd49" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccruedLiabilities_e74b8b17-9d32-4467-b388-368642510d7b" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_arqt_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingLeaseLiabilities_0316f431-125f-4ca4-bfa3-f1bd59c0d0f0" xlink:href="arqt-20200331.xsd#arqt_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingLeaseLiabilities"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_748ba772-485f-4821-bf5b-28ac42cdfd49" xlink:to="loc_arqt_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingLeaseLiabilities_0316f431-125f-4ca4-bfa3-f1bd59c0d0f0" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_ff88f670-35d4-4b5a-baa0-abc36dbd3ffa" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_260ad736-0f78-46a5-bf63-7d01e7efb466" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_ff88f670-35d4-4b5a-baa0-abc36dbd3ffa" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_adeaa25d-c80b-4abd-873b-409d11eccff0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_6911347a-efd2-419c-8316-360d25c300f7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_adeaa25d-c80b-4abd-873b-409d11eccff0" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireAvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebt_5e5e1d7a-1dcb-4647-9c3b-7fe9331ceb20" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireAvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebt"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_adeaa25d-c80b-4abd-873b-409d11eccff0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireAvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebt_5e5e1d7a-1dcb-4647-9c3b-7fe9331ceb20" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromMaturitiesPrepaymentsAndCallsOfAvailableForSaleSecurities_7fda2469-e485-47db-88c1-3a753ac70011" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromMaturitiesPrepaymentsAndCallsOfAvailableForSaleSecurities"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_adeaa25d-c80b-4abd-873b-409d11eccff0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromMaturitiesPrepaymentsAndCallsOfAvailableForSaleSecurities_7fda2469-e485-47db-88c1-3a753ac70011" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment_0c4f54dd-19f9-4f81-853d-5018871461bb" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_adeaa25d-c80b-4abd-873b-409d11eccff0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment_0c4f54dd-19f9-4f81-853d-5018871461bb" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities_74d76acf-47eb-46e0-ba76-53cdfa3f99ee" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_adeaa25d-c80b-4abd-873b-409d11eccff0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities_74d76acf-47eb-46e0-ba76-53cdfa3f99ee" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_e0d76ead-86b5-48f9-8ca9-fb3e723ffadd" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_6911347a-efd2-419c-8316-360d25c300f7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_e0d76ead-86b5-48f9-8ca9-fb3e723ffadd" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromStockOptionsExercised_a238922b-b62d-4a45-b795-13f8e4fd222e" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromStockOptionsExercised"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_e0d76ead-86b5-48f9-8ca9-fb3e723ffadd" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromStockOptionsExercised_a238922b-b62d-4a45-b795-13f8e4fd222e" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceInitialPublicOffering_ccadd5fd-ce5c-4130-9bb0-75b58c5d98a6" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceInitialPublicOffering"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_e0d76ead-86b5-48f9-8ca9-fb3e723ffadd" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceInitialPublicOffering_ccadd5fd-ce5c-4130-9bb0-75b58c5d98a6" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities_96b16495-242f-4f37-a27d-0f0103e562bb" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_e0d76ead-86b5-48f9-8ca9-fb3e723ffadd" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities_96b16495-242f-4f37-a27d-0f0103e562bb" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecreaseIncludingExchangeRateEffect_21e6e8a3-e9f3-4436-b005-a5ec8d113558" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecreaseIncludingExchangeRateEffect"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_6911347a-efd2-419c-8316-360d25c300f7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecreaseIncludingExchangeRateEffect_21e6e8a3-e9f3-4436-b005-a5ec8d113558" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents_efaa9d88-4873-406e-9d8e-b483b0501e53" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_6911347a-efd2-419c-8316-360d25c300f7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents_efaa9d88-4873-406e-9d8e-b483b0501e53" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents_0dc83448-a41f-4c3c-9bed-20aa287265a9" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_6911347a-efd2-419c-8316-360d25c300f7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents_0dc83448-a41f-4c3c-9bed-20aa287265a9" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract_47ecf1ad-a0a4-429e-9308-c87f7e2cdae3" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_6911347a-efd2-419c-8316-360d25c300f7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract_47ecf1ad-a0a4-429e-9308-c87f7e2cdae3" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RightOfUseAssetObtainedInExchangeForOperatingLeaseLiability_74b41edb-5472-41fb-82dc-c9db9c40c5fb" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RightOfUseAssetObtainedInExchangeForOperatingLeaseLiability"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract_47ecf1ad-a0a4-429e-9308-c87f7e2cdae3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RightOfUseAssetObtainedInExchangeForOperatingLeaseLiability_74b41edb-5472-41fb-82dc-c9db9c40c5fb" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_arqt_DeferredFinancingCostsIncurredButNotYetPaid_a79ee9fa-0204-48a6-9949-571520f2a07b" xlink:href="arqt-20200331.xsd#arqt_DeferredFinancingCostsIncurredButNotYetPaid"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract_47ecf1ad-a0a4-429e-9308-c87f7e2cdae3" xlink:to="loc_arqt_DeferredFinancingCostsIncurredButNotYetPaid_a79ee9fa-0204-48a6-9949-571520f2a07b" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://arcutis.com/role/OrganizationandDescriptionofBusiness" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="arqt-20200331.xsd#OrganizationandDescriptionofBusiness"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://arcutis.com/role/OrganizationandDescriptionofBusiness" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsAbstract_ad143c40-3f9d-47f3-9744-9f4c54a3a35d" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsDisclosureTextBlock_398d8d42-34eb-47da-95bc-7c7b4deb62e7" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsDisclosureTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsAbstract_ad143c40-3f9d-47f3-9744-9f4c54a3a35d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsDisclosureTextBlock_398d8d42-34eb-47da-95bc-7c7b4deb62e7" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://arcutis.com/role/OrganizationandDescriptionofBusinessDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="arqt-20200331.xsd#OrganizationandDescriptionofBusinessDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://arcutis.com/role/OrganizationandDescriptionofBusinessDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsAbstract_8c612190-caca-4851-a9bf-8a856a3f2e0b" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiaryOrEquityMethodInvesteeSaleOfStockBySubsidiaryOrEquityInvesteeTable_3a156362-2761-4a43-9fa4-df70bf8926c1" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsidiaryOrEquityMethodInvesteeSaleOfStockBySubsidiaryOrEquityInvesteeTable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsAbstract_8c612190-caca-4851-a9bf-8a856a3f2e0b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiaryOrEquityMethodInvesteeSaleOfStockBySubsidiaryOrEquityInvesteeTable_3a156362-2761-4a43-9fa4-df70bf8926c1" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockAxis_6f97af40-c28b-4e17-9172-d8c27bd6139a" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiaryOrEquityMethodInvesteeSaleOfStockBySubsidiaryOrEquityInvesteeTable_3a156362-2761-4a43-9fa4-df70bf8926c1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockAxis_6f97af40-c28b-4e17-9172-d8c27bd6139a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain_e5e9ced7-96b3-4d6e-a16d-6b691a3773e1" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockAxis_6f97af40-c28b-4e17-9172-d8c27bd6139a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain_e5e9ced7-96b3-4d6e-a16d-6b691a3773e1" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IPOMember_e90621ba-53b3-4707-9965-2610673e44c7" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IPOMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain_e5e9ced7-96b3-4d6e-a16d-6b691a3773e1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IPOMember_e90621ba-53b3-4707-9965-2610673e44c7" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OverAllotmentOptionMember_8dd05a2f-acfa-4e1b-995f-479c31f1b2e4" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OverAllotmentOptionMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain_e5e9ced7-96b3-4d6e-a16d-6b691a3773e1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OverAllotmentOptionMember_8dd05a2f-acfa-4e1b-995f-479c31f1b2e4" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_f9017fbe-b3f7-4125-98df-b6ae4b07b2e1" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiaryOrEquityMethodInvesteeSaleOfStockBySubsidiaryOrEquityInvesteeTable_3a156362-2761-4a43-9fa4-df70bf8926c1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_f9017fbe-b3f7-4125-98df-b6ae4b07b2e1" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_45562812-4017-4ede-9dea-7ec5ed04ca30" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_f9017fbe-b3f7-4125-98df-b6ae4b07b2e1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_45562812-4017-4ede-9dea-7ec5ed04ca30" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockMember_94b0e24b-f945-44a9-bda0-a8de45e860bd" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_45562812-4017-4ede-9dea-7ec5ed04ca30" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockMember_94b0e24b-f945-44a9-bda0-a8de45e860bd" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockLineItems_d2bf0852-2383-4e20-8f06-913c294b1c2c" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockLineItems"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiaryOrEquityMethodInvesteeSaleOfStockBySubsidiaryOrEquityInvesteeTable_3a156362-2761-4a43-9fa4-df70bf8926c1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockLineItems_d2bf0852-2383-4e20-8f06-913c294b1c2c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNoteStockSplitConversionRatio1_0ade3f7a-e10f-4b56-8e31-69d70d7d0b8b" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNoteStockSplitConversionRatio1"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockLineItems_d2bf0852-2383-4e20-8f06-913c294b1c2c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNoteStockSplitConversionRatio1_0ade3f7a-e10f-4b56-8e31-69d70d7d0b8b" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SaleOfStockNumberOfSharesIssuedInTransaction_dc832f30-fb89-4fc6-be63-49bca2b19280" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SaleOfStockNumberOfSharesIssuedInTransaction"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockLineItems_d2bf0852-2383-4e20-8f06-913c294b1c2c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SaleOfStockNumberOfSharesIssuedInTransaction_dc832f30-fb89-4fc6-be63-49bca2b19280" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SaleOfStockPricePerShare_45355970-291a-451a-bb63-edd8994c13a5" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SaleOfStockPricePerShare"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockLineItems_d2bf0852-2383-4e20-8f06-913c294b1c2c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SaleOfStockPricePerShare_45355970-291a-451a-bb63-edd8994c13a5" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceInitialPublicOffering_271d2fbe-32f9-4de5-bfa8-1348051ac924" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceInitialPublicOffering"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockLineItems_d2bf0852-2383-4e20-8f06-913c294b1c2c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceInitialPublicOffering_271d2fbe-32f9-4de5-bfa8-1348051ac924" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TemporaryEquitySharesOutstanding_51e9e269-d6fc-4f5a-b783-d1c0951594d8" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TemporaryEquitySharesOutstanding"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockLineItems_d2bf0852-2383-4e20-8f06-913c294b1c2c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TemporaryEquitySharesOutstanding_51e9e269-d6fc-4f5a-b783-d1c0951594d8" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit_1163bed5-40ee-4fa1-9245-564e32bcde50" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockLineItems_d2bf0852-2383-4e20-8f06-913c294b1c2c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit_1163bed5-40ee-4fa1-9245-564e32bcde50" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsAndShortTermInvestments_5497bde1-fe00-4a63-aee8-03d0dbca09a1" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsAndShortTermInvestments"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockLineItems_d2bf0852-2383-4e20-8f06-913c294b1c2c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsAndShortTermInvestments_5497bde1-fe00-4a63-aee8-03d0dbca09a1" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://arcutis.com/role/SummaryofSignificantAccountingPolicies" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="arqt-20200331.xsd#SummaryofSignificantAccountingPolicies"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://arcutis.com/role/SummaryofSignificantAccountingPolicies" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_8842a07e-daf0-43b0-87c7-f87c5f89f1d3" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BasisOfPresentationAndSignificantAccountingPoliciesTextBlock_d5f025db-07c8-47ca-abb5-831dafcdc3e3" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BasisOfPresentationAndSignificantAccountingPoliciesTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_8842a07e-daf0-43b0-87c7-f87c5f89f1d3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BasisOfPresentationAndSignificantAccountingPoliciesTextBlock_d5f025db-07c8-47ca-abb5-831dafcdc3e3" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://arcutis.com/role/SummaryofSignificantAccountingPoliciesPolicies" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="arqt-20200331.xsd#SummaryofSignificantAccountingPoliciesPolicies"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://arcutis.com/role/SummaryofSignificantAccountingPoliciesPolicies" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_ce739df7-fb9b-4e4f-bc16-57cc0c83e370" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BasisOfAccountingPolicyPolicyTextBlock_118138cd-ee6f-4734-bd82-70faeda09b7e" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BasisOfAccountingPolicyPolicyTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_ce739df7-fb9b-4e4f-bc16-57cc0c83e370" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BasisOfAccountingPolicyPolicyTextBlock_118138cd-ee6f-4734-bd82-70faeda09b7e" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UseOfEstimates_c36b7a61-1873-4bc7-b911-a6c9b82ffcc6" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UseOfEstimates"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_ce739df7-fb9b-4e4f-bc16-57cc0c83e370" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UseOfEstimates_c36b7a61-1873-4bc7-b911-a6c9b82ffcc6" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingPolicyPolicyTextBlock_3c035eac-2d62-4405-81fb-6edadfd3a5fb" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingPolicyPolicyTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_ce739df7-fb9b-4e4f-bc16-57cc0c83e370" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingPolicyPolicyTextBlock_3c035eac-2d62-4405-81fb-6edadfd3a5fb" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_arqt_UnauditedInterimCondensedFinancialStatementsPolicyPolicyTextBlock_4fed795a-a1b0-4201-b9cd-2895725c89de" xlink:href="arqt-20200331.xsd#arqt_UnauditedInterimCondensedFinancialStatementsPolicyPolicyTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_ce739df7-fb9b-4e4f-bc16-57cc0c83e370" xlink:to="loc_arqt_UnauditedInterimCondensedFinancialStatementsPolicyPolicyTextBlock_4fed795a-a1b0-4201-b9cd-2895725c89de" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPolicyTextBlock_0ef22df8-5737-4e08-9976-98d1564aed5a" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPolicyTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_ce739df7-fb9b-4e4f-bc16-57cc0c83e370" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPolicyTextBlock_0ef22df8-5737-4e08-9976-98d1564aed5a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MarketableSecuritiesPolicy_723fb1e2-255f-45fa-bd84-823b71fa57ba" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MarketableSecuritiesPolicy"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_ce739df7-fb9b-4e4f-bc16-57cc0c83e370" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MarketableSecuritiesPolicy_723fb1e2-255f-45fa-bd84-823b71fa57ba" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskCreditRisk_ad7c3ef9-7dce-44b2-a798-7badafa4afb2" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskCreditRisk"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_ce739df7-fb9b-4e4f-bc16-57cc0c83e370" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskCreditRisk_ad7c3ef9-7dce-44b2-a798-7badafa4afb2" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementPolicyPolicyTextBlock_ab9b1c18-9172-440b-8262-602f631cefd4" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementPolicyPolicyTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_ce739df7-fb9b-4e4f-bc16-57cc0c83e370" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementPolicyPolicyTextBlock_ab9b1c18-9172-440b-8262-602f631cefd4" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeasesPolicyTextBlock_30eac42e-a3e9-4023-99c6-d7bf3a9927dd" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeLeasesPolicyTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_ce739df7-fb9b-4e4f-bc16-57cc0c83e370" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeasesPolicyTextBlock_30eac42e-a3e9-4023-99c6-d7bf3a9927dd" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_arqt_PreclinicalAndClinicalAccrualsAndCostsPolicyTextBlock_1894cef0-b055-4583-bbe2-92fc0b455b2a" xlink:href="arqt-20200331.xsd#arqt_PreclinicalAndClinicalAccrualsAndCostsPolicyTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_ce739df7-fb9b-4e4f-bc16-57cc0c83e370" xlink:to="loc_arqt_PreclinicalAndClinicalAccrualsAndCostsPolicyTextBlock_1894cef0-b055-4583-bbe2-92fc0b455b2a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNoteRedeemablePreferredStockIssuePolicy_63b19c50-2d42-4bd7-ad04-980dd730a202" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNoteRedeemablePreferredStockIssuePolicy"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_ce739df7-fb9b-4e4f-bc16-57cc0c83e370" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNoteRedeemablePreferredStockIssuePolicy_63b19c50-2d42-4bd7-ad04-980dd730a202" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentExpensePolicy_f2a8b042-ae1e-4ee1-b85e-f25e5e0b8c8f" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentExpensePolicy"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_ce739df7-fb9b-4e4f-bc16-57cc0c83e370" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentExpensePolicy_f2a8b042-ae1e-4ee1-b85e-f25e5e0b8c8f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationOptionAndIncentivePlansPolicy_99e101dd-c5eb-4bd3-b818-c73ca9472622" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationOptionAndIncentivePlansPolicy"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_ce739df7-fb9b-4e4f-bc16-57cc0c83e370" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationOptionAndIncentivePlansPolicy_99e101dd-c5eb-4bd3-b818-c73ca9472622" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxPolicyTextBlock_4a5d3329-7650-430b-832a-7cf962446ecf" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxPolicyTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="14" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_ce739df7-fb9b-4e4f-bc16-57cc0c83e370" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxPolicyTextBlock_4a5d3329-7650-430b-832a-7cf962446ecf" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationVariableInterestEntityPolicy_88333a1b-9c76-4bb0-899d-ace39ed1b5b3" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidationVariableInterestEntityPolicy"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="15" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_ce739df7-fb9b-4e4f-bc16-57cc0c83e370" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationVariableInterestEntityPolicy_88333a1b-9c76-4bb0-899d-ace39ed1b5b3" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerSharePolicyTextBlock_2d7e61cc-3e8f-49e2-a389-31cb012ebc2f" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerSharePolicyTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="16" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_ce739df7-fb9b-4e4f-bc16-57cc0c83e370" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerSharePolicyTextBlock_2d7e61cc-3e8f-49e2-a389-31cb012ebc2f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_arqt_EmergingGrowthCompanyStatusPolicyTextBlock_153d8591-15e4-4c24-8f51-8a07de8d83c5" xlink:href="arqt-20200331.xsd#arqt_EmergingGrowthCompanyStatusPolicyTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="17" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_ce739df7-fb9b-4e4f-bc16-57cc0c83e370" xlink:to="loc_arqt_EmergingGrowthCompanyStatusPolicyTextBlock_153d8591-15e4-4c24-8f51-8a07de8d83c5" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsPolicyPolicyTextBlock_f36e382d-0d53-43b7-8fff-7331b47f63a9" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsPolicyPolicyTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="18" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_ce739df7-fb9b-4e4f-bc16-57cc0c83e370" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsPolicyPolicyTextBlock_f36e382d-0d53-43b7-8fff-7331b47f63a9" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://arcutis.com/role/SummaryofSignificantAccountingPoliciesDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="arqt-20200331.xsd#SummaryofSignificantAccountingPoliciesDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://arcutis.com/role/SummaryofSignificantAccountingPoliciesDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_ffeda867-cabb-4671-9b65-23d18616d8f5" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable_e10441cc-c03d-4b72-8ca7-e7ab90a484e5" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_ffeda867-cabb-4671-9b65-23d18616d8f5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable_e10441cc-c03d-4b72-8ca7-e7ab90a484e5" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_302b5453-74cc-4227-b0fb-bd645a82adea" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable_e10441cc-c03d-4b72-8ca7-e7ab90a484e5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_302b5453-74cc-4227-b0fb-bd645a82adea" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_82516892-1916-4037-84ea-03548a056d00" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_302b5453-74cc-4227-b0fb-bd645a82adea" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_82516892-1916-4037-84ea-03548a056d00" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockMember_f1571f3d-f5fc-4e44-905d-4e36f4aee525" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_82516892-1916-4037-84ea-03548a056d00" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockMember_f1571f3d-f5fc-4e44-905d-4e36f4aee525" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_aa494c2a-bbdd-4344-b168-f0ba7d79d21d" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable_e10441cc-c03d-4b72-8ca7-e7ab90a484e5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_aa494c2a-bbdd-4344-b168-f0ba7d79d21d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NumberOfOperatingSegments_47a37d3c-b307-4088-a0e9-0926de1c2211" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NumberOfOperatingSegments"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_aa494c2a-bbdd-4344-b168-f0ba7d79d21d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NumberOfOperatingSegments_47a37d3c-b307-4088-a0e9-0926de1c2211" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleAllowanceForCreditLoss_c93e2cba-a32d-4c2f-80b7-5e96a14890b0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleAllowanceForCreditLoss"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_aa494c2a-bbdd-4344-b168-f0ba7d79d21d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleAllowanceForCreditLoss_c93e2cba-a32d-4c2f-80b7-5e96a14890b0" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedGainBeforeTax_b9f7d687-cfca-46d1-9ea4-e7b9e56696b5" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedGainBeforeTax"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_aa494c2a-bbdd-4344-b168-f0ba7d79d21d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedGainBeforeTax_b9f7d687-cfca-46d1-9ea4-e7b9e56696b5" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedLossBeforeTax_d93fe186-5408-44e7-b066-c9b548c241e7" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedLossBeforeTax"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_aa494c2a-bbdd-4344-b168-f0ba7d79d21d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedLossBeforeTax_d93fe186-5408-44e7-b066-c9b548c241e7" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleRealizedGainLoss_b7231a94-9bc9-488d-adc7-9ad0a8f00faa" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleRealizedGainLoss"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_aa494c2a-bbdd-4344-b168-f0ba7d79d21d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleRealizedGainLoss_b7231a94-9bc9-488d-adc7-9ad0a8f00faa" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseTermOfContract_d549ed5e-e976-4014-9cbb-9b3f3fb5c535" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseTermOfContract"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_aa494c2a-bbdd-4344-b168-f0ba7d79d21d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseTermOfContract_d549ed5e-e976-4014-9cbb-9b3f3fb5c535" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesConversionOfConvertibleSecurities_a67e1170-7d06-4fbd-bde7-7d17fac354f3" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesConversionOfConvertibleSecurities"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_aa494c2a-bbdd-4344-b168-f0ba7d79d21d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesConversionOfConvertibleSecurities_a67e1170-7d06-4fbd-bde7-7d17fac354f3" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://arcutis.com/role/FairValueMeasurements" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="arqt-20200331.xsd#FairValueMeasurements"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://arcutis.com/role/FairValueMeasurements" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract_0c36ce2f-83f8-40c2-a768-ed86d49882d1" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresTextBlock_915a847c-9fcd-4321-ac18-734a30d25aa7" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract_0c36ce2f-83f8-40c2-a768-ed86d49882d1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresTextBlock_915a847c-9fcd-4321-ac18-734a30d25aa7" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://arcutis.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsTables" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="arqt-20200331.xsd#FairValueMeasurementsTables"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://arcutis.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsTables" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract_f580e1b9-be7e-4b70-9ced-693467bb73bf" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisTextBlock_9f1fed5f-7cb6-40db-99ed-21a8be3961b8" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract_f580e1b9-be7e-4b70-9ced-693467bb73bf" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisTextBlock_9f1fed5f-7cb6-40db-99ed-21a8be3961b8" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleTableTextBlock_e6ad10bb-517c-4946-8f0e-9fd5a614fb46" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleTableTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract_f580e1b9-be7e-4b70-9ced-693467bb73bf" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleTableTextBlock_e6ad10bb-517c-4946-8f0e-9fd5a614fb46" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCashAndCashEquivalentsTableTextBlock_5a6524d5-1009-401a-891a-9e9ba2ada5c2" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfCashAndCashEquivalentsTableTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract_f580e1b9-be7e-4b70-9ced-693467bb73bf" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCashAndCashEquivalentsTableTextBlock_5a6524d5-1009-401a-891a-9e9ba2ada5c2" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://arcutis.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsFairValueofAssetsMeasuredonaRecurringBasisDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="arqt-20200331.xsd#FairValueMeasurementsFairValueofAssetsMeasuredonaRecurringBasisDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://arcutis.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsFairValueofAssetsMeasuredonaRecurringBasisDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract_0c73fe71-c02a-4ca5-97df-bb946602b246" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_64d340c2-b78e-4072-9c7f-e7257fa9bf01" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract_0c73fe71-c02a-4ca5-97df-bb946602b246" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_64d340c2-b78e-4072-9c7f-e7257fa9bf01" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_09cd6f4e-8de5-405e-9dea-ddc15cf851a9" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_64d340c2-b78e-4072-9c7f-e7257fa9bf01" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_09cd6f4e-8de5-405e-9dea-ddc15cf851a9" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_ad8be0b6-6c20-4e1c-b543-4067dde5478a" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_09cd6f4e-8de5-405e-9dea-ddc15cf851a9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_ad8be0b6-6c20-4e1c-b543-4067dde5478a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member_9b0ca00b-6d91-4d13-aba1-223f1fa312df" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_ad8be0b6-6c20-4e1c-b543-4067dde5478a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member_9b0ca00b-6d91-4d13-aba1-223f1fa312df" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member_b65edb43-f03e-4f7c-9cc0-22fdf9862a58" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_ad8be0b6-6c20-4e1c-b543-4067dde5478a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member_b65edb43-f03e-4f7c-9cc0-22fdf9862a58" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member_434a5362-af85-44c3-8821-13e272f4f311" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_ad8be0b6-6c20-4e1c-b543-4067dde5478a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member_434a5362-af85-44c3-8821-13e272f4f311" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAxis_853953fb-6f1d-472e-86b7-30bc988b3eb6" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_64d340c2-b78e-4072-9c7f-e7257fa9bf01" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAxis_853953fb-6f1d-472e-86b7-30bc988b3eb6" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsCashAndCashEquivalentsMember_ef68ceda-725e-4042-82c3-1d01afa02170" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsCashAndCashEquivalentsMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAxis_853953fb-6f1d-472e-86b7-30bc988b3eb6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsCashAndCashEquivalentsMember_ef68ceda-725e-4042-82c3-1d01afa02170" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MoneyMarketFundsMember_d3ef77d3-61e4-4ea2-80f6-a5dce9b3a9bc" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MoneyMarketFundsMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsCashAndCashEquivalentsMember_ef68ceda-725e-4042-82c3-1d01afa02170" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MoneyMarketFundsMember_d3ef77d3-61e4-4ea2-80f6-a5dce9b3a9bc" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_f7eb66f8-9b60-4e0c-bfa1-5b92418f5e23" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_64d340c2-b78e-4072-9c7f-e7257fa9bf01" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_f7eb66f8-9b60-4e0c-bfa1-5b92418f5e23" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_3401c0b4-9de7-419d-a7d0-5a6366a1a690" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_f7eb66f8-9b60-4e0c-bfa1-5b92418f5e23" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_3401c0b4-9de7-419d-a7d0-5a6366a1a690" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommercialPaperMember_87c972f0-f18d-4ca5-a0eb-14fcabbba1c1" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommercialPaperMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_3401c0b4-9de7-419d-a7d0-5a6366a1a690" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommercialPaperMember_87c972f0-f18d-4ca5-a0eb-14fcabbba1c1" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_USGovernmentCorporationsAndAgenciesSecuritiesMember_2cfa28cf-b62c-43c2-b4fe-b94699d6bf04" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_USGovernmentCorporationsAndAgenciesSecuritiesMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_3401c0b4-9de7-419d-a7d0-5a6366a1a690" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_USGovernmentCorporationsAndAgenciesSecuritiesMember_2cfa28cf-b62c-43c2-b4fe-b94699d6bf04" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_d7a3da2d-7fad-4b84-b625-202cff44a084" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_64d340c2-b78e-4072-9c7f-e7257fa9bf01" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_d7a3da2d-7fad-4b84-b625-202cff44a084" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsFairValueDisclosure_03711e31-e32a-4e4b-875d-5fa7e72632e7" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsFairValueDisclosure"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_d7a3da2d-7fad-4b84-b625-202cff44a084" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsFairValueDisclosure_03711e31-e32a-4e4b-875d-5fa7e72632e7" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_arqt_CashAndCashEquivalentsAndDebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleFairValueDisclosure_170704a2-2359-4905-934c-8d59891d5da7" xlink:href="arqt-20200331.xsd#arqt_CashAndCashEquivalentsAndDebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleFairValueDisclosure"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_d7a3da2d-7fad-4b84-b625-202cff44a084" xlink:to="loc_arqt_CashAndCashEquivalentsAndDebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleFairValueDisclosure_170704a2-2359-4905-934c-8d59891d5da7" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosure_f726e43e-c904-4aca-bf22-576e7df12586" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosure"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_d7a3da2d-7fad-4b84-b625-202cff44a084" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosure_f726e43e-c904-4aca-bf22-576e7df12586" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://arcutis.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsEstimatedValueofCashandCashEquivalentsandMarketableSecuritiesDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="arqt-20200331.xsd#FairValueMeasurementsEstimatedValueofCashandCashEquivalentsandMarketableSecuritiesDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://arcutis.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsEstimatedValueofCashandCashEquivalentsandMarketableSecuritiesDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract_be7e5455-c8d8-4b2f-8db7-80210c1cb0b1" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCashAndCashEquivalentsTable_2fa3ddec-08fe-4b4d-b792-49c9fd753fbd" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfCashAndCashEquivalentsTable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract_be7e5455-c8d8-4b2f-8db7-80210c1cb0b1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCashAndCashEquivalentsTable_2fa3ddec-08fe-4b4d-b792-49c9fd753fbd" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAxis_83a6ef8a-84bd-4d8a-9cc5-8499894ba059" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCashAndCashEquivalentsTable_2fa3ddec-08fe-4b4d-b792-49c9fd753fbd" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAxis_83a6ef8a-84bd-4d8a-9cc5-8499894ba059" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsCashAndCashEquivalentsMember_8db3b21a-851b-4f85-a364-10684332e5fd" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsCashAndCashEquivalentsMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAxis_83a6ef8a-84bd-4d8a-9cc5-8499894ba059" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsCashAndCashEquivalentsMember_8db3b21a-851b-4f85-a364-10684332e5fd" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommercialPaperMember_6f5a304e-7800-466c-9b62-3a9e51053678" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommercialPaperMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsCashAndCashEquivalentsMember_8db3b21a-851b-4f85-a364-10684332e5fd" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommercialPaperMember_6f5a304e-7800-466c-9b62-3a9e51053678" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MoneyMarketFundsMember_3e53229f-180d-4709-8e6a-a8aa2ed90a40" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MoneyMarketFundsMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsCashAndCashEquivalentsMember_8db3b21a-851b-4f85-a364-10684332e5fd" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MoneyMarketFundsMember_3e53229f-180d-4709-8e6a-a8aa2ed90a40" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_USGovernmentCorporationsAndAgenciesSecuritiesMember_38495b46-9738-4433-8072-a0916a49b7d7" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_USGovernmentCorporationsAndAgenciesSecuritiesMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsCashAndCashEquivalentsMember_8db3b21a-851b-4f85-a364-10684332e5fd" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_USGovernmentCorporationsAndAgenciesSecuritiesMember_38495b46-9738-4433-8072-a0916a49b7d7" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsLineItems_e5c5d08a-5da8-461c-a57e-e7f92f0694dc" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsLineItems"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCashAndCashEquivalentsTable_2fa3ddec-08fe-4b4d-b792-49c9fd753fbd" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsLineItems_e5c5d08a-5da8-461c-a57e-e7f92f0694dc" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_f144c013-49ba-4dce-bfb8-b32e3c84e4b4" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsLineItems_e5c5d08a-5da8-461c-a57e-e7f92f0694dc" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_f144c013-49ba-4dce-bfb8-b32e3c84e4b4" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsFairValueDisclosure_595cae2b-a3be-4498-ac6b-ccc0e7b327d4" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsFairValueDisclosure"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsLineItems_e5c5d08a-5da8-461c-a57e-e7f92f0694dc" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsFairValueDisclosure_595cae2b-a3be-4498-ac6b-ccc0e7b327d4" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleTable_295a2f15-65a1-459b-91f0-aeafede9b605" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleTable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract_be7e5455-c8d8-4b2f-8db7-80210c1cb0b1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleTable_295a2f15-65a1-459b-91f0-aeafede9b605" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_0c475b97-b488-4728-9650-05066d6d903e" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleTable_295a2f15-65a1-459b-91f0-aeafede9b605" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_0c475b97-b488-4728-9650-05066d6d903e" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_c88b1d7c-cb38-4367-b1d6-1f794841465b" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_0c475b97-b488-4728-9650-05066d6d903e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_c88b1d7c-cb38-4367-b1d6-1f794841465b" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommercialPaperMember_29431661-c219-45eb-a3b0-7343dafc85c7" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommercialPaperMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_c88b1d7c-cb38-4367-b1d6-1f794841465b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommercialPaperMember_29431661-c219-45eb-a3b0-7343dafc85c7" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MoneyMarketFundsMember_816ee23e-7a5e-4da0-a9c6-800cd9915dec" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MoneyMarketFundsMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_c88b1d7c-cb38-4367-b1d6-1f794841465b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MoneyMarketFundsMember_816ee23e-7a5e-4da0-a9c6-800cd9915dec" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_USGovernmentCorporationsAndAgenciesSecuritiesMember_2288c25c-fc27-458d-ba17-9050d763be7c" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_USGovernmentCorporationsAndAgenciesSecuritiesMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_c88b1d7c-cb38-4367-b1d6-1f794841465b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_USGovernmentCorporationsAndAgenciesSecuritiesMember_2288c25c-fc27-458d-ba17-9050d763be7c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_e0248022-6dd3-4caf-953c-6b4416c5e292" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleTable_295a2f15-65a1-459b-91f0-aeafede9b605" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_e0248022-6dd3-4caf-953c-6b4416c5e292" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAmortizedCostBasis_03bd0dcb-61ba-48d7-82b2-d8bd0a84cd02" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAmortizedCostBasis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_e0248022-6dd3-4caf-953c-6b4416c5e292" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAmortizedCostBasis_03bd0dcb-61ba-48d7-82b2-d8bd0a84cd02" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedGainBeforeTax_411f343a-9d19-4464-acd8-9fd3cd5eccd1" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedGainBeforeTax"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_e0248022-6dd3-4caf-953c-6b4416c5e292" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedGainBeforeTax_411f343a-9d19-4464-acd8-9fd3cd5eccd1" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedLossBeforeTax_994998e3-00ad-4ee4-bb33-675a4faeb280" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedLossBeforeTax"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_e0248022-6dd3-4caf-953c-6b4416c5e292" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedLossBeforeTax_994998e3-00ad-4ee4-bb33-675a4faeb280" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities_e0e15d7c-38cd-4e62-8209-a152c32b3056" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_e0248022-6dd3-4caf-953c-6b4416c5e292" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities_e0e15d7c-38cd-4e62-8209-a152c32b3056" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleRealizedGainLoss_8b88facf-78d1-4716-8324-7900d8c800b5" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleRealizedGainLoss"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract_be7e5455-c8d8-4b2f-8db7-80210c1cb0b1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleRealizedGainLoss_8b88facf-78d1-4716-8324-7900d8c800b5" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://arcutis.com/role/BalanceSheetComponents" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="arqt-20200331.xsd#BalanceSheetComponents"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://arcutis.com/role/BalanceSheetComponents" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetRelatedDisclosuresAbstract_6ff6ee79-427a-4161-9a19-4848ab183190" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetRelatedDisclosuresAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SupplementalBalanceSheetDisclosuresTextBlock_3c14450d-ea58-4cbf-82f6-16bc60a00c32" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SupplementalBalanceSheetDisclosuresTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetRelatedDisclosuresAbstract_6ff6ee79-427a-4161-9a19-4848ab183190" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SupplementalBalanceSheetDisclosuresTextBlock_3c14450d-ea58-4cbf-82f6-16bc60a00c32" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://arcutis.com/role/BalanceSheetComponentsTables" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="arqt-20200331.xsd#BalanceSheetComponentsTables"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://arcutis.com/role/BalanceSheetComponentsTables" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetRelatedDisclosuresAbstract_afc7e0d4-eae0-4cd2-b85b-69b4b830df04" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetRelatedDisclosuresAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredCostsCapitalizedPrepaidAndOtherAssetsDisclosureTextBlock_aa6fd8af-70c1-4f22-b3e5-3a87f1cafb3f" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredCostsCapitalizedPrepaidAndOtherAssetsDisclosureTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetRelatedDisclosuresAbstract_afc7e0d4-eae0-4cd2-b85b-69b4b830df04" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredCostsCapitalizedPrepaidAndOtherAssetsDisclosureTextBlock_aa6fd8af-70c1-4f22-b3e5-3a87f1cafb3f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccruedLiabilitiesTableTextBlock_dcd51785-572a-4be6-9c20-42f727a69c49" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccruedLiabilitiesTableTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetRelatedDisclosuresAbstract_afc7e0d4-eae0-4cd2-b85b-69b4b830df04" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccruedLiabilitiesTableTextBlock_dcd51785-572a-4be6-9c20-42f727a69c49" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://arcutis.com/role/BalanceSheetComponentsPrepaidExpensesandOtherCurrentAssetsDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="arqt-20200331.xsd#BalanceSheetComponentsPrepaidExpensesandOtherCurrentAssetsDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://arcutis.com/role/BalanceSheetComponentsPrepaidExpensesandOtherCurrentAssetsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetRelatedDisclosuresAbstract_e8e95351-bde8-4577-a1ba-76bb20c45992" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetRelatedDisclosuresAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PrepaidInsurance_1cc193d8-a629-403d-bd17-492162f2533e" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PrepaidInsurance"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetRelatedDisclosuresAbstract_e8e95351-bde8-4577-a1ba-76bb20c45992" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PrepaidInsurance_1cc193d8-a629-403d-bd17-492162f2533e" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_arqt_PrepaidClinicalTrialTestCostsCurrent_795bcbca-a10e-4c99-964e-ee5fdd948dc6" xlink:href="arqt-20200331.xsd#arqt_PrepaidClinicalTrialTestCostsCurrent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetRelatedDisclosuresAbstract_e8e95351-bde8-4577-a1ba-76bb20c45992" xlink:to="loc_arqt_PrepaidClinicalTrialTestCostsCurrent_795bcbca-a10e-4c99-964e-ee5fdd948dc6" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsCurrentNet_1e888e24-53ac-4565-b5b2-4628ed80c63c" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsCurrentNet"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetRelatedDisclosuresAbstract_e8e95351-bde8-4577-a1ba-76bb20c45992" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsCurrentNet_1e888e24-53ac-4565-b5b2-4628ed80c63c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherPrepaidExpenseCurrent_9d96e242-2a62-4cc0-a870-6d896a95608c" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherPrepaidExpenseCurrent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetRelatedDisclosuresAbstract_e8e95351-bde8-4577-a1ba-76bb20c45992" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherPrepaidExpenseCurrent_9d96e242-2a62-4cc0-a870-6d896a95608c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssetsCurrent_f0016cb7-4f9d-4961-ba00-cc3b9c36818f" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssetsCurrent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetRelatedDisclosuresAbstract_e8e95351-bde8-4577-a1ba-76bb20c45992" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssetsCurrent_f0016cb7-4f9d-4961-ba00-cc3b9c36818f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://arcutis.com/role/BalanceSheetComponentsAccruedLiabilitiesDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="arqt-20200331.xsd#BalanceSheetComponentsAccruedLiabilitiesDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://arcutis.com/role/BalanceSheetComponentsAccruedLiabilitiesDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetRelatedDisclosuresAbstract_60d14203-fb39-4e26-b173-573eb747867b" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetRelatedDisclosuresAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_arqt_ClinicalTrialAccrualCurrent_97b050a2-7561-493c-bc5d-541b58af9f74" xlink:href="arqt-20200331.xsd#arqt_ClinicalTrialAccrualCurrent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetRelatedDisclosuresAbstract_60d14203-fb39-4e26-b173-573eb747867b" xlink:to="loc_arqt_ClinicalTrialAccrualCurrent_97b050a2-7561-493c-bc5d-541b58af9f74" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeRelatedLiabilitiesCurrent_80f9a149-79d2-4418-ae87-e8743d2a7c8d" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeRelatedLiabilitiesCurrent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetRelatedDisclosuresAbstract_60d14203-fb39-4e26-b173-573eb747867b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeRelatedLiabilitiesCurrent_80f9a149-79d2-4418-ae87-e8743d2a7c8d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredCompensationShareBasedArrangementsLiabilityCurrent_670a7ffb-e104-4bcf-aa3f-b877b1f3d834" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredCompensationShareBasedArrangementsLiabilityCurrent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetRelatedDisclosuresAbstract_60d14203-fb39-4e26-b173-573eb747867b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredCompensationShareBasedArrangementsLiabilityCurrent_670a7ffb-e104-4bcf-aa3f-b877b1f3d834" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherAccruedLiabilitiesCurrent_069c97b9-79c2-438e-aae4-4bebf055c612" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherAccruedLiabilitiesCurrent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetRelatedDisclosuresAbstract_60d14203-fb39-4e26-b173-573eb747867b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherAccruedLiabilitiesCurrent_069c97b9-79c2-438e-aae4-4bebf055c612" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesCurrent_21a96568-76d2-49d4-b2ad-a9ea28b8b6b1" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesCurrent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetRelatedDisclosuresAbstract_60d14203-fb39-4e26-b173-573eb747867b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesCurrent_21a96568-76d2-49d4-b2ad-a9ea28b8b6b1" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://arcutis.com/role/LicenseAgreements" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="arqt-20200331.xsd#LicenseAgreements"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://arcutis.com/role/LicenseAgreements" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsAbstract_3a88d524-7492-4b57-a42e-e360c93251a8" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CollaborativeArrangementDisclosureTextBlock_490eb200-f0ee-4b8a-b5ac-dff0368d210e" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CollaborativeArrangementDisclosureTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsAbstract_3a88d524-7492-4b57-a42e-e360c93251a8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CollaborativeArrangementDisclosureTextBlock_490eb200-f0ee-4b8a-b5ac-dff0368d210e" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://arcutis.com/role/LicenseAgreementsAstraZenecaDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="arqt-20200331.xsd#LicenseAgreementsAstraZenecaDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://arcutis.com/role/LicenseAgreementsAstraZenecaDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsAbstract_a3688cc1-07f8-4348-9dbe-6f13e211299c" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfResearchAndDevelopmentArrangementContractToPerformForOthersTable_69561fd2-5c93-44e5-a350-03c2af7462ca" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfResearchAndDevelopmentArrangementContractToPerformForOthersTable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsAbstract_a3688cc1-07f8-4348-9dbe-6f13e211299c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfResearchAndDevelopmentArrangementContractToPerformForOthersTable_69561fd2-5c93-44e5-a350-03c2af7462ca" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_cda3de63-57ca-4165-8ebb-94a43e55438e" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfResearchAndDevelopmentArrangementContractToPerformForOthersTable_69561fd2-5c93-44e5-a350-03c2af7462ca" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_cda3de63-57ca-4165-8ebb-94a43e55438e" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_87f6af91-7372-4cf6-ad1d-ab9b28426871" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_cda3de63-57ca-4165-8ebb-94a43e55438e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_87f6af91-7372-4cf6-ad1d-ab9b28426871" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SeriesBPreferredStockMember_d7bf6398-cedf-46be-8029-bf931184b667" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SeriesBPreferredStockMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_87f6af91-7372-4cf6-ad1d-ab9b28426871" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SeriesBPreferredStockMember_d7bf6398-cedf-46be-8029-bf931184b667" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_CounterpartyNameAxis_1ee5190d-623d-44ad-bbc9-d66ced95600a" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_CounterpartyNameAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfResearchAndDevelopmentArrangementContractToPerformForOthersTable_69561fd2-5c93-44e5-a350-03c2af7462ca" xlink:to="loc_srt_CounterpartyNameAxis_1ee5190d-623d-44ad-bbc9-d66ced95600a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_417e5fc1-4e9f-4775-a56f-206f503c09f8" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_CounterpartyNameAxis_1ee5190d-623d-44ad-bbc9-d66ced95600a" xlink:to="loc_srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_417e5fc1-4e9f-4775-a56f-206f503c09f8" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_arqt_AstraZenecaMember_cd6313ff-18cb-4534-af04-de21f1995bf2" xlink:href="arqt-20200331.xsd#arqt_AstraZenecaMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_417e5fc1-4e9f-4775-a56f-206f503c09f8" xlink:to="loc_arqt_AstraZenecaMember_cd6313ff-18cb-4534-af04-de21f1995bf2" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentArrangementContractToPerformForOthersLineItems_dc8224ea-c6b5-4ad8-9b46-891fb16d8eeb" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentArrangementContractToPerformForOthersLineItems"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfResearchAndDevelopmentArrangementContractToPerformForOthersTable_69561fd2-5c93-44e5-a350-03c2af7462ca" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentArrangementContractToPerformForOthersLineItems_dc8224ea-c6b5-4ad8-9b46-891fb16d8eeb" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentArrangementContractToPerformForOthersCostsIncurredGross_a52900b9-bea8-4c2c-9e4d-22d2f320d6a2" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentArrangementContractToPerformForOthersCostsIncurredGross"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentArrangementContractToPerformForOthersLineItems_dc8224ea-c6b5-4ad8-9b46-891fb16d8eeb" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentArrangementContractToPerformForOthersCostsIncurredGross_a52900b9-bea8-4c2c-9e4d-22d2f320d6a2" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_arqt_TemporaryEquityStockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues_c69b24a7-d491-486a-9498-bf9a1658820b" xlink:href="arqt-20200331.xsd#arqt_TemporaryEquityStockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentArrangementContractToPerformForOthersLineItems_dc8224ea-c6b5-4ad8-9b46-891fb16d8eeb" xlink:to="loc_arqt_TemporaryEquityStockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues_c69b24a7-d491-486a-9498-bf9a1658820b" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TemporaryEquityStockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssues_4cd15573-e605-43ce-9339-2a4dfd286fb9" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TemporaryEquityStockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssues"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentArrangementContractToPerformForOthersLineItems_dc8224ea-c6b5-4ad8-9b46-891fb16d8eeb" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TemporaryEquityStockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssues_4cd15573-e605-43ce-9339-2a4dfd286fb9" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_arqt_ResearchAndDevelopmentArrangementContractToPerformForOthersMaximumProductMilestonePayments_753b1688-5791-4bf5-8495-c025f1a9f363" xlink:href="arqt-20200331.xsd#arqt_ResearchAndDevelopmentArrangementContractToPerformForOthersMaximumProductMilestonePayments"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentArrangementContractToPerformForOthersLineItems_dc8224ea-c6b5-4ad8-9b46-891fb16d8eeb" xlink:to="loc_arqt_ResearchAndDevelopmentArrangementContractToPerformForOthersMaximumProductMilestonePayments_753b1688-5791-4bf5-8495-c025f1a9f363" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_arqt_ResearchAndDevelopmentArrangementContractToPerformForOthersMaximumSalesMilestonePayments_0644d9bd-9d79-40c2-9b30-b7f8fbee38ef" xlink:href="arqt-20200331.xsd#arqt_ResearchAndDevelopmentArrangementContractToPerformForOthersMaximumSalesMilestonePayments"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentArrangementContractToPerformForOthersLineItems_dc8224ea-c6b5-4ad8-9b46-891fb16d8eeb" xlink:to="loc_arqt_ResearchAndDevelopmentArrangementContractToPerformForOthersMaximumSalesMilestonePayments_0644d9bd-9d79-40c2-9b30-b7f8fbee38ef" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://arcutis.com/role/LicenseAgreementsHengruiDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="arqt-20200331.xsd#LicenseAgreementsHengruiDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://arcutis.com/role/LicenseAgreementsHengruiDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsAbstract_8af8b95a-d7c1-421f-8787-7a05b38d42c3" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfResearchAndDevelopmentArrangementContractToPerformForOthersTable_90a6b186-3ffb-43ef-8e4c-f5bf7335a22d" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfResearchAndDevelopmentArrangementContractToPerformForOthersTable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsAbstract_8af8b95a-d7c1-421f-8787-7a05b38d42c3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfResearchAndDevelopmentArrangementContractToPerformForOthersTable_90a6b186-3ffb-43ef-8e4c-f5bf7335a22d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_CounterpartyNameAxis_9f8bd2cb-403c-45b7-8df9-c3a812f527e0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_CounterpartyNameAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfResearchAndDevelopmentArrangementContractToPerformForOthersTable_90a6b186-3ffb-43ef-8e4c-f5bf7335a22d" xlink:to="loc_srt_CounterpartyNameAxis_9f8bd2cb-403c-45b7-8df9-c3a812f527e0" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_12bd3fa3-c0a4-4432-a96d-fbf475269517" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_CounterpartyNameAxis_9f8bd2cb-403c-45b7-8df9-c3a812f527e0" xlink:to="loc_srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_12bd3fa3-c0a4-4432-a96d-fbf475269517" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_arqt_HengruiMember_bd4083c7-cfa4-4fce-85c2-8186b6483479" xlink:href="arqt-20200331.xsd#arqt_HengruiMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_12bd3fa3-c0a4-4432-a96d-fbf475269517" xlink:to="loc_arqt_HengruiMember_bd4083c7-cfa4-4fce-85c2-8186b6483479" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentArrangementContractToPerformForOthersLineItems_6dd7a947-af96-4eca-839b-c3beb2d3d856" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentArrangementContractToPerformForOthersLineItems"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfResearchAndDevelopmentArrangementContractToPerformForOthersTable_90a6b186-3ffb-43ef-8e4c-f5bf7335a22d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentArrangementContractToPerformForOthersLineItems_6dd7a947-af96-4eca-839b-c3beb2d3d856" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentArrangementContractToPerformForOthersCostsIncurredGross_aacfe86d-31f5-447b-b4f2-4f8240a012c3" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentArrangementContractToPerformForOthersCostsIncurredGross"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentArrangementContractToPerformForOthersLineItems_6dd7a947-af96-4eca-839b-c3beb2d3d856" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentArrangementContractToPerformForOthersCostsIncurredGross_aacfe86d-31f5-447b-b4f2-4f8240a012c3" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_arqt_ResearchAndDevelopmentArrangementContractToPerformForOthersMaximumProductMilestonePayments_8fb857f4-3ece-4842-bd66-b489cea696d5" xlink:href="arqt-20200331.xsd#arqt_ResearchAndDevelopmentArrangementContractToPerformForOthersMaximumProductMilestonePayments"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentArrangementContractToPerformForOthersLineItems_6dd7a947-af96-4eca-839b-c3beb2d3d856" xlink:to="loc_arqt_ResearchAndDevelopmentArrangementContractToPerformForOthersMaximumProductMilestonePayments_8fb857f4-3ece-4842-bd66-b489cea696d5" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_arqt_ResearchAndDevelopmentArrangementContractToPerformForOthersMaximumSalesMilestonePayments_22f61a1e-4073-4e31-9d7f-86a57ee3c587" xlink:href="arqt-20200331.xsd#arqt_ResearchAndDevelopmentArrangementContractToPerformForOthersMaximumSalesMilestonePayments"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentArrangementContractToPerformForOthersLineItems_6dd7a947-af96-4eca-839b-c3beb2d3d856" xlink:to="loc_arqt_ResearchAndDevelopmentArrangementContractToPerformForOthersMaximumSalesMilestonePayments_22f61a1e-4073-4e31-9d7f-86a57ee3c587" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://arcutis.com/role/LicenseAgreementsHawkeyeDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="arqt-20200331.xsd#LicenseAgreementsHawkeyeDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://arcutis.com/role/LicenseAgreementsHawkeyeDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsAbstract_62bbefa0-23ac-4848-b6aa-701d3d855f4b" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTable_a8e60e65-768a-4a93-9f4c-d0e90112b4ef" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsAbstract_62bbefa0-23ac-4848-b6aa-701d3d855f4b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTable_a8e60e65-768a-4a93-9f4c-d0e90112b4ef" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_d91a5e37-dbe6-4591-8849-97de98348596" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTable_a8e60e65-768a-4a93-9f4c-d0e90112b4ef" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_d91a5e37-dbe6-4591-8849-97de98348596" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_c98bd814-12d9-433b-84bf-f7e266d8959d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_d91a5e37-dbe6-4591-8849-97de98348596" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_c98bd814-12d9-433b-84bf-f7e266d8959d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_arqt_HawkeyeMember_8fe6f416-22e3-4860-9e5e-c8fe12e7fb6f" xlink:href="arqt-20200331.xsd#arqt_HawkeyeMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_c98bd814-12d9-433b-84bf-f7e266d8959d" xlink:to="loc_arqt_HawkeyeMember_8fe6f416-22e3-4860-9e5e-c8fe12e7fb6f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis_105591ed-d10c-4b07-b4c0-f85b9c5d1824" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTable_a8e60e65-768a-4a93-9f4c-d0e90112b4ef" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis_105591ed-d10c-4b07-b4c0-f85b9c5d1824" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_6fe3f646-b2bb-44fe-ad50-6eec9c44472d" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis_105591ed-d10c-4b07-b4c0-f85b9c5d1824" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_6fe3f646-b2bb-44fe-ad50-6eec9c44472d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityNotPrimaryBeneficiaryMember_1af3ee12-1820-4fba-a24a-d9d19f56c3b4" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityNotPrimaryBeneficiaryMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_6fe3f646-b2bb-44fe-ad50-6eec9c44472d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityNotPrimaryBeneficiaryMember_1af3ee12-1820-4fba-a24a-d9d19f56c3b4" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_CounterpartyNameAxis_40f73396-a520-42d2-b185-047cb05c6416" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_CounterpartyNameAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTable_a8e60e65-768a-4a93-9f4c-d0e90112b4ef" xlink:to="loc_srt_CounterpartyNameAxis_40f73396-a520-42d2-b185-047cb05c6416" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_3e4df0c7-2c35-4364-9bfb-0c71891174d9" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_CounterpartyNameAxis_40f73396-a520-42d2-b185-047cb05c6416" xlink:to="loc_srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_3e4df0c7-2c35-4364-9bfb-0c71891174d9" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_arqt_HawkeyeMember_48bf5d65-6a0c-4157-b1d0-eb67178c1fed" xlink:href="arqt-20200331.xsd#arqt_HawkeyeMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_3e4df0c7-2c35-4364-9bfb-0c71891174d9" xlink:to="loc_arqt_HawkeyeMember_48bf5d65-6a0c-4157-b1d0-eb67178c1fed" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems_98de0aca-6ad7-439e-8e22-82e902189efc" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTable_a8e60e65-768a-4a93-9f4c-d0e90112b4ef" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems_98de0aca-6ad7-439e-8e22-82e902189efc" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_arqt_VariableInterestEntitiesNumberOfSharesHeld_d94c2ef7-3690-4c67-af35-5da154573210" xlink:href="arqt-20200331.xsd#arqt_VariableInterestEntitiesNumberOfSharesHeld"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems_98de0aca-6ad7-439e-8e22-82e902189efc" xlink:to="loc_arqt_VariableInterestEntitiesNumberOfSharesHeld_d94c2ef7-3690-4c67-af35-5da154573210" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_32066422-29ff-460b-92a9-ad5c0cf8e2c4" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems_98de0aca-6ad7-439e-8e22-82e902189efc" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_32066422-29ff-460b-92a9-ad5c0cf8e2c4" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityOwnershipPercentage_79de063d-b97e-44b5-bf0b-33a5dc5761a7" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityOwnershipPercentage"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems_98de0aca-6ad7-439e-8e22-82e902189efc" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityOwnershipPercentage_79de063d-b97e-44b5-bf0b-33a5dc5761a7" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_arqt_CollaborationAgreementThresholdOfProceedsFromStockIssuanceForAdditionalConsideration_8cf29dad-fa2c-45a8-8fee-21d3b3491834" xlink:href="arqt-20200331.xsd#arqt_CollaborationAgreementThresholdOfProceedsFromStockIssuanceForAdditionalConsideration"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems_98de0aca-6ad7-439e-8e22-82e902189efc" xlink:to="loc_arqt_CollaborationAgreementThresholdOfProceedsFromStockIssuanceForAdditionalConsideration_8cf29dad-fa2c-45a8-8fee-21d3b3491834" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_arqt_CollaborativeArrangementNumeratorForDeterminingAdditionalConsideration_90f7ac8e-f0cd-4866-a23c-2873f36ea6fd" xlink:href="arqt-20200331.xsd#arqt_CollaborativeArrangementNumeratorForDeterminingAdditionalConsideration"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems_98de0aca-6ad7-439e-8e22-82e902189efc" xlink:to="loc_arqt_CollaborativeArrangementNumeratorForDeterminingAdditionalConsideration_90f7ac8e-f0cd-4866-a23c-2873f36ea6fd" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_arqt_ResearchAndDevelopmentArrangementPaymentsMilestonesOrRoyalties_829254f7-bda4-4bd9-b446-beb5f25bd78a" xlink:href="arqt-20200331.xsd#arqt_ResearchAndDevelopmentArrangementPaymentsMilestonesOrRoyalties"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems_98de0aca-6ad7-439e-8e22-82e902189efc" xlink:to="loc_arqt_ResearchAndDevelopmentArrangementPaymentsMilestonesOrRoyalties_829254f7-bda4-4bd9-b446-beb5f25bd78a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://arcutis.com/role/CommitmentsandContingencies" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="arqt-20200331.xsd#CommitmentsandContingencies"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://arcutis.com/role/CommitmentsandContingencies" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract_74024220-dfdf-424c-889c-cc9eae38d9c2" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureTextBlock_707db18b-987a-4e6b-b297-a08bea88c938" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract_74024220-dfdf-424c-889c-cc9eae38d9c2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureTextBlock_707db18b-987a-4e6b-b297-a08bea88c938" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://arcutis.com/role/CommitmentsandContingenciesTables" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="arqt-20200331.xsd#CommitmentsandContingenciesTables"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://arcutis.com/role/CommitmentsandContingenciesTables" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract_85105a52-14e6-48ef-a912-79797c279d68" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityMaturityTableTextBlock_91eff3dc-82e8-4b91-bfbd-da6d5a06aa49" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityMaturityTableTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract_85105a52-14e6-48ef-a912-79797c279d68" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityMaturityTableTextBlock_91eff3dc-82e8-4b91-bfbd-da6d5a06aa49" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LeaseCostTableTextBlock_5ee65f78-273d-4eb0-aa09-7c246882c310" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LeaseCostTableTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract_85105a52-14e6-48ef-a912-79797c279d68" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LeaseCostTableTextBlock_5ee65f78-273d-4eb0-aa09-7c246882c310" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://arcutis.com/role/CommitmentsandContingenciesDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="arqt-20200331.xsd#CommitmentsandContingenciesDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://arcutis.com/role/CommitmentsandContingenciesDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract_03f0dd22-2324-4c76-8382-cc0b54afa61e" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionTable_7351f8ac-3f61-4d0b-b07a-9dbbc978013f" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionTable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract_03f0dd22-2324-4c76-8382-cc0b54afa61e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionTable_7351f8ac-3f61-4d0b-b07a-9dbbc978013f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_eadc08e3-d5c6-470f-bbc6-acb75f0c5542" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionTable_7351f8ac-3f61-4d0b-b07a-9dbbc978013f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_eadc08e3-d5c6-470f-bbc6-acb75f0c5542" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_a5f9235d-c4dd-4f86-bb86-ff178faf52b8" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_eadc08e3-d5c6-470f-bbc6-acb75f0c5542" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_a5f9235d-c4dd-4f86-bb86-ff178faf52b8" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BuildingMember_a31f60b1-8254-4d7b-bd6e-6a0c9ceed07f" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BuildingMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_a5f9235d-c4dd-4f86-bb86-ff178faf52b8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BuildingMember_a31f60b1-8254-4d7b-bd6e-6a0c9ceed07f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_f893400d-5d30-4dab-851e-29fd47036fbf" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionTable_7351f8ac-3f61-4d0b-b07a-9dbbc978013f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_f893400d-5d30-4dab-851e-29fd47036fbf" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_arqt_LesseeOperatingLeasesNumberFacilitiesLeased_7bcf7cf6-b150-443a-b70a-c8698620be7c" xlink:href="arqt-20200331.xsd#arqt_LesseeOperatingLeasesNumberFacilitiesLeased"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_f893400d-5d30-4dab-851e-29fd47036fbf" xlink:to="loc_arqt_LesseeOperatingLeasesNumberFacilitiesLeased_7bcf7cf6-b150-443a-b70a-c8698620be7c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseTermOfContract_5c64bccb-ef16-4764-afcd-ac1d6a426cdd" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseTermOfContract"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_f893400d-5d30-4dab-851e-29fd47036fbf" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseTermOfContract_5c64bccb-ef16-4764-afcd-ac1d6a426cdd" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseExpense_a40c679e-422f-461d-ab69-0667d5003db6" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseExpense"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_f893400d-5d30-4dab-851e-29fd47036fbf" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseExpense_a40c679e-422f-461d-ab69-0667d5003db6" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableLeaseCost_67a70e62-3f27-4521-a62e-ead2471c67c5" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableLeaseCost"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_f893400d-5d30-4dab-851e-29fd47036fbf" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableLeaseCost_67a70e62-3f27-4521-a62e-ead2471c67c5" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://arcutis.com/role/CommitmentsandContingenciesOperatingLeasePaymentsDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="arqt-20200331.xsd#CommitmentsandContingenciesOperatingLeasePaymentsDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://arcutis.com/role/CommitmentsandContingenciesOperatingLeasePaymentsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract_a6294d77-9299-4800-bf1e-70ab482b0b15" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsRemainderOfFiscalYear_ae523ff1-6747-48e1-a697-e19886d2af1c" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsRemainderOfFiscalYear"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract_a6294d77-9299-4800-bf1e-70ab482b0b15" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsRemainderOfFiscalYear_ae523ff1-6747-48e1-a697-e19886d2af1c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearTwo_49f63198-8758-425b-8c7f-b59c242eb104" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearTwo"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract_a6294d77-9299-4800-bf1e-70ab482b0b15" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearTwo_49f63198-8758-425b-8c7f-b59c242eb104" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDue_a1dc8b29-6288-49c2-a1a5-ab1ef03c711e" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDue"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract_a6294d77-9299-4800-bf1e-70ab482b0b15" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDue_a1dc8b29-6288-49c2-a1a5-ab1ef03c711e" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityUndiscountedExcessAmount_24ad4567-9108-48c1-a5c1-1e9775fc6fbe" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityUndiscountedExcessAmount"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract_a6294d77-9299-4800-bf1e-70ab482b0b15" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityUndiscountedExcessAmount_24ad4567-9108-48c1-a5c1-1e9775fc6fbe" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiability_2d4612a6-2160-4a24-8f42-9d847a4ab6e3" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiability"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract_a6294d77-9299-4800-bf1e-70ab482b0b15" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiability_2d4612a6-2160-4a24-8f42-9d847a4ab6e3" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityCurrent_1a63a068-dc6c-4e1b-8043-42f96d2835bc" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityCurrent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract_a6294d77-9299-4800-bf1e-70ab482b0b15" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityCurrent_1a63a068-dc6c-4e1b-8043-42f96d2835bc" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent_4334c233-0a33-4f40-8007-c7017d882d34" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract_a6294d77-9299-4800-bf1e-70ab482b0b15" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent_4334c233-0a33-4f40-8007-c7017d882d34" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiability_fec37015-0999-4560-a32e-7d187deab497" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiability"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract_a6294d77-9299-4800-bf1e-70ab482b0b15" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiability_fec37015-0999-4560-a32e-7d187deab497" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://arcutis.com/role/CommitmentsandContingenciesOperatingLeasePaymentsDetails_1" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="arqt-20200331.xsd#CommitmentsandContingenciesOperatingLeasePaymentsDetails_1"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://arcutis.com/role/CommitmentsandContingenciesOperatingLeasePaymentsDetails_1" xlink:type="extended"/>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://arcutis.com/role/CommitmentsandContingenciesOperatingLeaseSupplementalCashFlowInformationDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="arqt-20200331.xsd#CommitmentsandContingenciesOperatingLeaseSupplementalCashFlowInformationDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://arcutis.com/role/CommitmentsandContingenciesOperatingLeaseSupplementalCashFlowInformationDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract_504605d1-8ab0-4e53-9416-4fc6db73eb48" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasePayments_3e0053f8-2028-4cb5-a3a7-203bc53e88cf" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeasePayments"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract_504605d1-8ab0-4e53-9416-4fc6db73eb48" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasePayments_3e0053f8-2028-4cb5-a3a7-203bc53e88cf" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://arcutis.com/role/CommitmentandContingenciesOperatingLeaseAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="arqt-20200331.xsd#CommitmentandContingenciesOperatingLeaseAdditionalInformationDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://arcutis.com/role/CommitmentandContingenciesOperatingLeaseAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract_c4cfe0f9-8ec0-4430-8f8d-8ab367f0ee06" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseWeightedAverageRemainingLeaseTerm1_5a129563-1b39-4ca4-ba2c-41a263b20b0a" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseWeightedAverageRemainingLeaseTerm1"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract_c4cfe0f9-8ec0-4430-8f8d-8ab367f0ee06" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseWeightedAverageRemainingLeaseTerm1_5a129563-1b39-4ca4-ba2c-41a263b20b0a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseWeightedAverageDiscountRatePercent_13d788ef-2ad1-4018-bc3d-1d6eccd35d6b" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseWeightedAverageDiscountRatePercent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract_c4cfe0f9-8ec0-4430-8f8d-8ab367f0ee06" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseWeightedAverageDiscountRatePercent_13d788ef-2ad1-4018-bc3d-1d6eccd35d6b" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://arcutis.com/role/ConvertiblePreferredStockandStockholdersEquityDeficit" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="arqt-20200331.xsd#ConvertiblePreferredStockandStockholdersEquityDeficit"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://arcutis.com/role/ConvertiblePreferredStockandStockholdersEquityDeficit" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityAbstract_e1e0db4c-38e7-48e5-921f-a7c5594d7995" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNoteDisclosureTextBlock_4dc55e27-25e6-46b5-bb66-caa08ad1ff81" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNoteDisclosureTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityAbstract_e1e0db4c-38e7-48e5-921f-a7c5594d7995" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNoteDisclosureTextBlock_4dc55e27-25e6-46b5-bb66-caa08ad1ff81" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://arcutis.com/role/ConvertiblePreferredStockandStockholdersEquityDeficitTables" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="arqt-20200331.xsd#ConvertiblePreferredStockandStockholdersEquityDeficitTables"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://arcutis.com/role/ConvertiblePreferredStockandStockholdersEquityDeficitTables" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityAbstract_aa681338-1295-408b-9fc4-55b7823702fa" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TemporaryEquityTableTextBlock_38a84019-04d2-425a-9676-4d1cf28da2fb" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TemporaryEquityTableTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityAbstract_aa681338-1295-408b-9fc4-55b7823702fa" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TemporaryEquityTableTextBlock_38a84019-04d2-425a-9676-4d1cf28da2fb" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTextBlock_2f26d051-15ed-4908-8c17-876ac780b994" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityAbstract_aa681338-1295-408b-9fc4-55b7823702fa" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTextBlock_2f26d051-15ed-4908-8c17-876ac780b994" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://arcutis.com/role/ConvertiblePreferredStockandStockholdersEquityDeficitComponentsofConvertiblePreferredStockDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="arqt-20200331.xsd#ConvertiblePreferredStockandStockholdersEquityDeficitComponentsofConvertiblePreferredStockDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://arcutis.com/role/ConvertiblePreferredStockandStockholdersEquityDeficitComponentsofConvertiblePreferredStockDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityAbstract_6591a07d-206d-41d3-b320-c6964c461f30" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TemporaryEquityByClassOfStockTable_133812ba-df58-42df-889d-4434c38f694c" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TemporaryEquityByClassOfStockTable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityAbstract_6591a07d-206d-41d3-b320-c6964c461f30" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TemporaryEquityByClassOfStockTable_133812ba-df58-42df-889d-4434c38f694c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_4c543478-d796-44b1-9b90-5f6191ffcafd" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TemporaryEquityByClassOfStockTable_133812ba-df58-42df-889d-4434c38f694c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_4c543478-d796-44b1-9b90-5f6191ffcafd" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_5da8b1a1-66ec-45fe-a1b9-4f44d743f4c0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_4c543478-d796-44b1-9b90-5f6191ffcafd" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_5da8b1a1-66ec-45fe-a1b9-4f44d743f4c0" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SeriesAPreferredStockMember_529bbef8-05f8-4f90-b7dd-7fda8bd54a1f" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SeriesAPreferredStockMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_5da8b1a1-66ec-45fe-a1b9-4f44d743f4c0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SeriesAPreferredStockMember_529bbef8-05f8-4f90-b7dd-7fda8bd54a1f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SeriesBPreferredStockMember_1c29eef5-781f-4e0e-89f1-3619989231c4" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SeriesBPreferredStockMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_5da8b1a1-66ec-45fe-a1b9-4f44d743f4c0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SeriesBPreferredStockMember_1c29eef5-781f-4e0e-89f1-3619989231c4" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SeriesCPreferredStockMember_7410f1b6-7177-4ef1-92a9-91ee3e243a5d" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SeriesCPreferredStockMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_5da8b1a1-66ec-45fe-a1b9-4f44d743f4c0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SeriesCPreferredStockMember_7410f1b6-7177-4ef1-92a9-91ee3e243a5d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TemporaryEquityLineItems_7478f610-be88-4bcc-8e01-b1fbd7c3b531" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TemporaryEquityLineItems"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TemporaryEquityByClassOfStockTable_133812ba-df58-42df-889d-4434c38f694c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TemporaryEquityLineItems_7478f610-be88-4bcc-8e01-b1fbd7c3b531" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TemporaryEquitySharesAuthorized_bfa03131-cf80-41f0-bddf-2504421abab7" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TemporaryEquitySharesAuthorized"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TemporaryEquityLineItems_7478f610-be88-4bcc-8e01-b1fbd7c3b531" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TemporaryEquitySharesAuthorized_bfa03131-cf80-41f0-bddf-2504421abab7" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TemporaryEquitySharesIssued_0feb097e-170e-427b-a52c-19f154348b72" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TemporaryEquitySharesIssued"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TemporaryEquityLineItems_7478f610-be88-4bcc-8e01-b1fbd7c3b531" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TemporaryEquitySharesIssued_0feb097e-170e-427b-a52c-19f154348b72" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TemporaryEquitySharesOutstanding_38302dee-06d1-4db3-8125-a0671eff6fec" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TemporaryEquitySharesOutstanding"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TemporaryEquityLineItems_7478f610-be88-4bcc-8e01-b1fbd7c3b531" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TemporaryEquitySharesOutstanding_38302dee-06d1-4db3-8125-a0671eff6fec" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TemporaryEquityCarryingAmountAttributableToParent_4b41eb76-33d8-4c1e-9818-9eb45eb78e1c" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TemporaryEquityCarryingAmountAttributableToParent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TemporaryEquityLineItems_7478f610-be88-4bcc-8e01-b1fbd7c3b531" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TemporaryEquityCarryingAmountAttributableToParent_4b41eb76-33d8-4c1e-9818-9eb45eb78e1c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TemporaryEquityLiquidationPreference_26855445-4c6f-49a6-b162-0861f53d064d" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TemporaryEquityLiquidationPreference"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TemporaryEquityLineItems_7478f610-be88-4bcc-8e01-b1fbd7c3b531" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TemporaryEquityLiquidationPreference_26855445-4c6f-49a6-b162-0861f53d064d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://arcutis.com/role/ConvertiblePreferredStockandStockholdersEquityDeficitDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="arqt-20200331.xsd#ConvertiblePreferredStockandStockholdersEquityDeficitDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://arcutis.com/role/ConvertiblePreferredStockandStockholdersEquityDeficitDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityAbstract_51bf2a0c-55a0-4c12-a71d-2c1d39970ddd" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable_688e4ccd-619e-4783-b199-0e55888383ae" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityAbstract_51bf2a0c-55a0-4c12-a71d-2c1d39970ddd" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable_688e4ccd-619e-4783-b199-0e55888383ae" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_71143d6d-9b7d-48c8-a309-6cdb6987a2d3" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable_688e4ccd-619e-4783-b199-0e55888383ae" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_71143d6d-9b7d-48c8-a309-6cdb6987a2d3" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_26b4c039-2a3b-4678-b2e4-36c073e66a52" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_71143d6d-9b7d-48c8-a309-6cdb6987a2d3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_26b4c039-2a3b-4678-b2e4-36c073e66a52" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SeriesCPreferredStockMember_c1675459-ef37-4a7e-a088-31507a01a766" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SeriesCPreferredStockMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_26b4c039-2a3b-4678-b2e4-36c073e66a52" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SeriesCPreferredStockMember_c1675459-ef37-4a7e-a088-31507a01a766" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SeriesBPreferredStockMember_b0d867ca-8ecc-4586-93eb-2d081e7342dd" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SeriesBPreferredStockMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_26b4c039-2a3b-4678-b2e4-36c073e66a52" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SeriesBPreferredStockMember_b0d867ca-8ecc-4586-93eb-2d081e7342dd" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SeriesAPreferredStockMember_5622cddb-6e0e-4972-9629-e316017e2465" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SeriesAPreferredStockMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_26b4c039-2a3b-4678-b2e4-36c073e66a52" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SeriesAPreferredStockMember_5622cddb-6e0e-4972-9629-e316017e2465" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockAxis_a34d5b69-6554-4a90-a8c3-c0f01b7572a5" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable_688e4ccd-619e-4783-b199-0e55888383ae" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockAxis_a34d5b69-6554-4a90-a8c3-c0f01b7572a5" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain_de70091e-728a-4a9c-9a44-2619ff555054" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockAxis_a34d5b69-6554-4a90-a8c3-c0f01b7572a5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain_de70091e-728a-4a9c-9a44-2619ff555054" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_arqt_StockPurchaseAgreementTrancheOneMember_c50e9f7e-cd76-43fc-9d23-c270f747d179" xlink:href="arqt-20200331.xsd#arqt_StockPurchaseAgreementTrancheOneMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain_de70091e-728a-4a9c-9a44-2619ff555054" xlink:to="loc_arqt_StockPurchaseAgreementTrancheOneMember_c50e9f7e-cd76-43fc-9d23-c270f747d179" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_arqt_StockPurchaseAgreementTrancheTwoMember_ec6c0582-6db0-49d0-ad31-4af8dbb006ba" xlink:href="arqt-20200331.xsd#arqt_StockPurchaseAgreementTrancheTwoMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain_de70091e-728a-4a9c-9a44-2619ff555054" xlink:to="loc_arqt_StockPurchaseAgreementTrancheTwoMember_ec6c0582-6db0-49d0-ad31-4af8dbb006ba" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_arqt_StockPurchaseAgreementTrancheThreeMember_66f03421-e3f5-4f81-bc73-3e0fa7615142" xlink:href="arqt-20200331.xsd#arqt_StockPurchaseAgreementTrancheThreeMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain_de70091e-728a-4a9c-9a44-2619ff555054" xlink:to="loc_arqt_StockPurchaseAgreementTrancheThreeMember_66f03421-e3f5-4f81-bc73-3e0fa7615142" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_arqt_StockPurchaseAgreementTranchesTwoAndThreeMember_9294dc3e-9acb-466b-a010-edc872ecb03e" xlink:href="arqt-20200331.xsd#arqt_StockPurchaseAgreementTranchesTwoAndThreeMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain_de70091e-728a-4a9c-9a44-2619ff555054" xlink:to="loc_arqt_StockPurchaseAgreementTranchesTwoAndThreeMember_9294dc3e-9acb-466b-a010-edc872ecb03e" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_f9245f6a-9bc0-4f3d-b8dd-1d301f22307e" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable_688e4ccd-619e-4783-b199-0e55888383ae" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_f9245f6a-9bc0-4f3d-b8dd-1d301f22307e" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_a4554e66-385c-4e76-b589-c057b5a61664" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_f9245f6a-9bc0-4f3d-b8dd-1d301f22307e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_a4554e66-385c-4e76-b589-c057b5a61664" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtMember_2c7d26f3-de69-4460-b7d7-419614aae452" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_a4554e66-385c-4e76-b589-c057b5a61664" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtMember_2c7d26f3-de69-4460-b7d7-419614aae452" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_5927b54e-c8c8-4499-b0cf-6cbc4a1a1bad" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable_688e4ccd-619e-4783-b199-0e55888383ae" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_5927b54e-c8c8-4499-b0cf-6cbc4a1a1bad" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_d478cf9e-4100-401c-a0a7-470799c4c3e2" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_5927b54e-c8c8-4499-b0cf-6cbc4a1a1bad" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_d478cf9e-4100-401c-a0a7-470799c4c3e2" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockMember_acf9c3e9-45dc-47ca-9c1b-09ed0e989009" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_d478cf9e-4100-401c-a0a7-470799c4c3e2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockMember_acf9c3e9-45dc-47ca-9c1b-09ed0e989009" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_4c3455cc-ef60-47c0-a5fb-25801f6dd2f8" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable_688e4ccd-619e-4783-b199-0e55888383ae" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_4c3455cc-ef60-47c0-a5fb-25801f6dd2f8" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesConversionOfConvertibleSecurities_cf81ebc3-095f-436d-b3ad-d9e54e41a289" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesConversionOfConvertibleSecurities"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_4c3455cc-ef60-47c0-a5fb-25801f6dd2f8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesConversionOfConvertibleSecurities_cf81ebc3-095f-436d-b3ad-d9e54e41a289" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_arqt_TemporaryEquityStockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues_c38ce7b2-e9fb-43d0-8097-36faa5ea7229" xlink:href="arqt-20200331.xsd#arqt_TemporaryEquityStockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_4c3455cc-ef60-47c0-a5fb-25801f6dd2f8" xlink:to="loc_arqt_TemporaryEquityStockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues_c38ce7b2-e9fb-43d0-8097-36faa5ea7229" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_arqt_TemporaryEquityStockIssuedDuringPeriodPricePerShare_b6f35939-571b-427e-a022-cf456ec2a294" xlink:href="arqt-20200331.xsd#arqt_TemporaryEquityStockIssuedDuringPeriodPricePerShare"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_4c3455cc-ef60-47c0-a5fb-25801f6dd2f8" xlink:to="loc_arqt_TemporaryEquityStockIssuedDuringPeriodPricePerShare_b6f35939-571b-427e-a022-cf456ec2a294" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfConvertiblePreferredStock_f1151763-4eba-48ee-9d83-74247357957e" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfConvertiblePreferredStock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_4c3455cc-ef60-47c0-a5fb-25801f6dd2f8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfConvertiblePreferredStock_f1151763-4eba-48ee-9d83-74247357957e" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_arqt_StockPurchaseAgreementNumberOfSharesIssuable_82be54ec-37e8-4e43-82b4-059c90d7e623" xlink:href="arqt-20200331.xsd#arqt_StockPurchaseAgreementNumberOfSharesIssuable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_4c3455cc-ef60-47c0-a5fb-25801f6dd2f8" xlink:to="loc_arqt_StockPurchaseAgreementNumberOfSharesIssuable_82be54ec-37e8-4e43-82b4-059c90d7e623" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SaleOfStockNumberOfSharesIssuedInTransaction_84c4281a-6c9f-4587-9444-b0c855fe71d5" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SaleOfStockNumberOfSharesIssuedInTransaction"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_4c3455cc-ef60-47c0-a5fb-25801f6dd2f8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SaleOfStockNumberOfSharesIssuedInTransaction_84c4281a-6c9f-4587-9444-b0c855fe71d5" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_arqt_StockPurchaseAgreementPricePerShare_13ddfaa9-71c1-4056-94c9-9a4339229ef8" xlink:href="arqt-20200331.xsd#arqt_StockPurchaseAgreementPricePerShare"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_4c3455cc-ef60-47c0-a5fb-25801f6dd2f8" xlink:to="loc_arqt_StockPurchaseAgreementPricePerShare_13ddfaa9-71c1-4056-94c9-9a4339229ef8" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_arqt_StockPurchaseAgreementNumberOfTranches_30ae2452-4a85-4f66-92ab-5d30526899e8" xlink:href="arqt-20200331.xsd#arqt_StockPurchaseAgreementNumberOfTranches"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_4c3455cc-ef60-47c0-a5fb-25801f6dd2f8" xlink:to="loc_arqt_StockPurchaseAgreementNumberOfTranches_30ae2452-4a85-4f66-92ab-5d30526899e8" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SaleOfStockConsiderationReceivedOnTransaction_cf16849e-9283-4073-9217-171a3f3bdafb" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SaleOfStockConsiderationReceivedOnTransaction"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_4c3455cc-ef60-47c0-a5fb-25801f6dd2f8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SaleOfStockConsiderationReceivedOnTransaction_cf16849e-9283-4073-9217-171a3f3bdafb" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount_f68a4e60-0aec-4952-aecb-fd9286e04091" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_4c3455cc-ef60-47c0-a5fb-25801f6dd2f8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount_f68a4e60-0aec-4952-aecb-fd9286e04091" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities_bc35fffc-0f20-4344-a098-f742710338a1" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_4c3455cc-ef60-47c0-a5fb-25801f6dd2f8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities_bc35fffc-0f20-4344-a098-f742710338a1" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_arqt_CommonStockVotingRightsNumberOfVotesPerShare_b2402e61-ac4a-4de0-93b6-ebcbfde3677a" xlink:href="arqt-20200331.xsd#arqt_CommonStockVotingRightsNumberOfVotesPerShare"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_4c3455cc-ef60-47c0-a5fb-25801f6dd2f8" xlink:to="loc_arqt_CommonStockVotingRightsNumberOfVotesPerShare_b2402e61-ac4a-4de0-93b6-ebcbfde3677a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized_e678e759-6faf-41d8-8d6c-3ee01e4a5cf6" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_4c3455cc-ef60-47c0-a5fb-25801f6dd2f8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized_e678e759-6faf-41d8-8d6c-3ee01e4a5cf6" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_592823ae-3c33-487c-a4d6-26b0329ce9cd" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="14" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_4c3455cc-ef60-47c0-a5fb-25801f6dd2f8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_592823ae-3c33-487c-a4d6-26b0329ce9cd" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TemporaryEquitySharesAuthorized_b51de963-80f5-41a0-b22e-689523a62c0b" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TemporaryEquitySharesAuthorized"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="15" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_4c3455cc-ef60-47c0-a5fb-25801f6dd2f8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TemporaryEquitySharesAuthorized_b51de963-80f5-41a0-b22e-689523a62c0b" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TemporaryEquityParOrStatedValuePerShare_0ab76573-8c89-4faf-80ee-c75ce96bdc2f" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TemporaryEquityParOrStatedValuePerShare"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="16" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_4c3455cc-ef60-47c0-a5fb-25801f6dd2f8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TemporaryEquityParOrStatedValuePerShare_0ab76573-8c89-4faf-80ee-c75ce96bdc2f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesOutstanding_3a2f42a6-61b9-4fb4-936d-a5f2d13ab1d6" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesOutstanding"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="17" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_4c3455cc-ef60-47c0-a5fb-25801f6dd2f8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesOutstanding_3a2f42a6-61b9-4fb4-936d-a5f2d13ab1d6" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://arcutis.com/role/ConvertiblePreferredStockandStockholdersEquityDeficitSharesofCommonStockforIssuanceDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="arqt-20200331.xsd#ConvertiblePreferredStockandStockholdersEquityDeficitSharesofCommonStockforIssuanceDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://arcutis.com/role/ConvertiblePreferredStockandStockholdersEquityDeficitSharesofCommonStockforIssuanceDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityAbstract_9fa4578b-408e-4c31-a20a-451daba66365" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable_c7c15086-0e62-4c6f-bf37-9378d80b869c" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityAbstract_9fa4578b-408e-4c31-a20a-451daba66365" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable_c7c15086-0e62-4c6f-bf37-9378d80b869c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_6c0b56c5-6742-4304-8c2e-b198addf4be2" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable_c7c15086-0e62-4c6f-bf37-9378d80b869c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_6c0b56c5-6742-4304-8c2e-b198addf4be2" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_6462c2c4-dd18-4c41-9d3f-9518e658950e" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_6c0b56c5-6742-4304-8c2e-b198addf4be2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_6462c2c4-dd18-4c41-9d3f-9518e658950e" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConvertiblePreferredStockMember_507d67f6-05fc-4c5f-9984-5d0648df64e9" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConvertiblePreferredStockMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_6462c2c4-dd18-4c41-9d3f-9518e658950e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConvertiblePreferredStockMember_507d67f6-05fc-4c5f-9984-5d0648df64e9" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_0cebe457-2432-402c-a0ef-a5aa5ae634cf" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable_c7c15086-0e62-4c6f-bf37-9378d80b869c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_0cebe457-2432-402c-a0ef-a5aa5ae634cf" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_75fc5c9a-22b6-40d0-9637-438e84c7d11d" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_0cebe457-2432-402c-a0ef-a5aa5ae634cf" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_75fc5c9a-22b6-40d0-9637-438e84c7d11d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_arqt_StockOptionsIssuedAndOutstandingMember_15e58359-606a-4e37-a9bd-3f42f817a321" xlink:href="arqt-20200331.xsd#arqt_StockOptionsIssuedAndOutstandingMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_75fc5c9a-22b6-40d0-9637-438e84c7d11d" xlink:to="loc_arqt_StockOptionsIssuedAndOutstandingMember_15e58359-606a-4e37-a9bd-3f42f817a321" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_arqt_StockAwardsFutureGrantMember_8df7a7c9-45ea-41e5-9bc1-f13c95e91023" xlink:href="arqt-20200331.xsd#arqt_StockAwardsFutureGrantMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_75fc5c9a-22b6-40d0-9637-438e84c7d11d" xlink:to="loc_arqt_StockAwardsFutureGrantMember_8df7a7c9-45ea-41e5-9bc1-f13c95e91023" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember_0d568e1a-e728-4b31-b95c-f16129962c3e" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_75fc5c9a-22b6-40d0-9637-438e84c7d11d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember_0d568e1a-e728-4b31-b95c-f16129962c3e" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_ef6e19fa-551f-4afe-a26c-375869d8e444" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable_c7c15086-0e62-4c6f-bf37-9378d80b869c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_ef6e19fa-551f-4afe-a26c-375869d8e444" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockCapitalSharesReservedForFutureIssuance_93309d78-a01e-4728-9b5a-585057a65c3d" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockCapitalSharesReservedForFutureIssuance"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_ef6e19fa-551f-4afe-a26c-375869d8e444" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockCapitalSharesReservedForFutureIssuance_93309d78-a01e-4728-9b5a-585057a65c3d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://arcutis.com/role/StockBasedCompensation" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="arqt-20200331.xsd#StockBasedCompensation"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://arcutis.com/role/StockBasedCompensation" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract_d3e99acd-e927-4221-a2a3-40785aa8a316" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsShareBasedPaymentsTextBlock_df2c096b-eb39-4236-9520-93336284184a" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsShareBasedPaymentsTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract_d3e99acd-e927-4221-a2a3-40785aa8a316" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsShareBasedPaymentsTextBlock_df2c096b-eb39-4236-9520-93336284184a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://arcutis.com/role/StockBasedCompensationTables" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="arqt-20200331.xsd#StockBasedCompensationTables"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://arcutis.com/role/StockBasedCompensationTables" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract_a5a0dcae-6fe0-4154-b570-3f154bc19858" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationStockOptionsActivityTableTextBlock_69bad0b3-5d4d-4830-8300-7cac35c2dc97" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationStockOptionsActivityTableTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract_a5a0dcae-6fe0-4154-b570-3f154bc19858" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationStockOptionsActivityTableTextBlock_69bad0b3-5d4d-4830-8300-7cac35c2dc97" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfNonvestedRestrictedStockUnitsActivityTableTextBlock_6cd1a0c9-0107-42a3-b09c-169c9a0952e4" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfNonvestedRestrictedStockUnitsActivityTableTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract_a5a0dcae-6fe0-4154-b570-3f154bc19858" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfNonvestedRestrictedStockUnitsActivityTableTextBlock_6cd1a0c9-0107-42a3-b09c-169c9a0952e4" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAllocationOfRecognizedPeriodCostsTextBlock_fdb0d710-26e4-4e68-97cf-3143f95aba60" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfEmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAllocationOfRecognizedPeriodCostsTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract_a5a0dcae-6fe0-4154-b570-3f154bc19858" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAllocationOfRecognizedPeriodCostsTextBlock_fdb0d710-26e4-4e68-97cf-3143f95aba60" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedPaymentAwardStockOptionsValuationAssumptionsTableTextBlock_adbc7b4e-3450-4e56-85ca-b9ceeb5a24c3" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedPaymentAwardStockOptionsValuationAssumptionsTableTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract_a5a0dcae-6fe0-4154-b570-3f154bc19858" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedPaymentAwardStockOptionsValuationAssumptionsTableTextBlock_adbc7b4e-3450-4e56-85ca-b9ceeb5a24c3" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://arcutis.com/role/StockBasedCompensationDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="arqt-20200331.xsd#StockBasedCompensationDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://arcutis.com/role/StockBasedCompensationDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract_c256eaea-15de-4231-bc65-c4528f97e39f" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_516b8e66-9a40-47d9-ae12-108f04181a3a" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract_c256eaea-15de-4231-bc65-c4528f97e39f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_516b8e66-9a40-47d9-ae12-108f04181a3a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameAxis_6cea9f28-2e1d-4283-b573-5992fb05c41c" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_516b8e66-9a40-47d9-ae12-108f04181a3a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameAxis_6cea9f28-2e1d-4283-b573-5992fb05c41c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_c143f780-dd4d-42d4-879e-fe5f4c192f7c" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameAxis_6cea9f28-2e1d-4283-b573-5992fb05c41c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_c143f780-dd4d-42d4-879e-fe5f4c192f7c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_arqt_A2020EquityIncentivePlanMember_329c75d3-14c2-43f4-97ef-9185fece96d8" xlink:href="arqt-20200331.xsd#arqt_A2020EquityIncentivePlanMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_c143f780-dd4d-42d4-879e-fe5f4c192f7c" xlink:to="loc_arqt_A2020EquityIncentivePlanMember_329c75d3-14c2-43f4-97ef-9185fece96d8" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_arqt_A2017EquityIncentivePlanMember_2e99026d-832d-48ca-a0c8-55e2148f89a6" xlink:href="arqt-20200331.xsd#arqt_A2017EquityIncentivePlanMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_c143f780-dd4d-42d4-879e-fe5f4c192f7c" xlink:to="loc_arqt_A2017EquityIncentivePlanMember_2e99026d-832d-48ca-a0c8-55e2148f89a6" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_9639ff3f-3a87-4a07-9d8f-815961494cc2" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_516b8e66-9a40-47d9-ae12-108f04181a3a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_9639ff3f-3a87-4a07-9d8f-815961494cc2" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_b72dddbf-8af4-4fec-b444-d7d83e884d10" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_9639ff3f-3a87-4a07-9d8f-815961494cc2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_b72dddbf-8af4-4fec-b444-d7d83e884d10" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember_0a0e1ce2-1399-4a71-a2ed-e178d1985eb8" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_b72dddbf-8af4-4fec-b444-d7d83e884d10" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember_0a0e1ce2-1399-4a71-a2ed-e178d1985eb8" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember_8f5f6989-ae8d-4450-8d67-ef140fb5f0e9" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_b72dddbf-8af4-4fec-b444-d7d83e884d10" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember_8f5f6989-ae8d-4450-8d67-ef140fb5f0e9" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember_c18dc5a6-61eb-45dc-9590-e3d76b020a83" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_b72dddbf-8af4-4fec-b444-d7d83e884d10" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember_c18dc5a6-61eb-45dc-9590-e3d76b020a83" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_arqt_ServiceConditionRestrictedStockMember_bc95597d-7099-408b-b8c0-9ff563c153c5" xlink:href="arqt-20200331.xsd#arqt_ServiceConditionRestrictedStockMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_b72dddbf-8af4-4fec-b444-d7d83e884d10" xlink:to="loc_arqt_ServiceConditionRestrictedStockMember_bc95597d-7099-408b-b8c0-9ff563c153c5" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_arqt_PerformanceConditionRestrictedStockMember_359da081-25de-4bcc-9e9c-a65a323f9a13" xlink:href="arqt-20200331.xsd#arqt_PerformanceConditionRestrictedStockMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_b72dddbf-8af4-4fec-b444-d7d83e884d10" xlink:to="loc_arqt_PerformanceConditionRestrictedStockMember_359da081-25de-4bcc-9e9c-a65a323f9a13" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeStockMember_13195123-9834-40f4-aadf-b18cab85e06d" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeStockMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_b72dddbf-8af4-4fec-b444-d7d83e884d10" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeStockMember_13195123-9834-40f4-aadf-b18cab85e06d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_dded327f-3f32-4ccc-8b3e-18e296800292" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_516b8e66-9a40-47d9-ae12-108f04181a3a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_dded327f-3f32-4ccc-8b3e-18e296800292" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_618522db-c107-4b12-bdb8-4fc75032e34c" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_dded327f-3f32-4ccc-8b3e-18e296800292" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_618522db-c107-4b12-bdb8-4fc75032e34c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockMember_96333657-cc4f-45a1-a1eb-0d9c12e015d0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_618522db-c107-4b12-bdb8-4fc75032e34c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockMember_96333657-cc4f-45a1-a1eb-0d9c12e015d0" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VestingAxis_5f0ae3d8-8966-40f4-965e-689637a3d3a7" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VestingAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_516b8e66-9a40-47d9-ae12-108f04181a3a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VestingAxis_5f0ae3d8-8966-40f4-965e-689637a3d3a7" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VestingDomain_a82cb175-56d4-4a6d-b694-8417a44d0a3f" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VestingDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VestingAxis_5f0ae3d8-8966-40f4-965e-689637a3d3a7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VestingDomain_a82cb175-56d4-4a6d-b694-8417a44d0a3f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationAwardTrancheOneMember_3620b963-5a48-4be1-b76a-caa485cb7111" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationAwardTrancheOneMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VestingDomain_a82cb175-56d4-4a6d-b694-8417a44d0a3f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationAwardTrancheOneMember_3620b963-5a48-4be1-b76a-caa485cb7111" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationAwardTrancheTwoMember_1a625c39-c669-4f99-8af3-eaf447b49ab8" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationAwardTrancheTwoMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VestingDomain_a82cb175-56d4-4a6d-b694-8417a44d0a3f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationAwardTrancheTwoMember_1a625c39-c669-4f99-8af3-eaf447b49ab8" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_939cc3fd-1f7e-45df-a5e7-1c96d5df04c6" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_516b8e66-9a40-47d9-ae12-108f04181a3a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_939cc3fd-1f7e-45df-a5e7-1c96d5df04c6" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockCapitalSharesReservedForFutureIssuance_7e733f54-f6c2-4177-bd47-78e6b0739df7" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockCapitalSharesReservedForFutureIssuance"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_939cc3fd-1f7e-45df-a5e7-1c96d5df04c6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockCapitalSharesReservedForFutureIssuance_7e733f54-f6c2-4177-bd47-78e6b0739df7" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_arqt_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardIncreaseInNumberOfSharesAvailableForGrantPercentageOfSharesOutstanding_4d68658e-a8ce-499c-ab23-c53b34a211ed" xlink:href="arqt-20200331.xsd#arqt_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardIncreaseInNumberOfSharesAvailableForGrantPercentageOfSharesOutstanding"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_939cc3fd-1f7e-45df-a5e7-1c96d5df04c6" xlink:to="loc_arqt_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardIncreaseInNumberOfSharesAvailableForGrantPercentageOfSharesOutstanding_4d68658e-a8ce-499c-ab23-c53b34a211ed" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_arqt_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardBaseNumberOfOptionsIssuable_8b1b6b20-a4f5-4127-90e0-0e7215b7e1d3" xlink:href="arqt-20200331.xsd#arqt_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardBaseNumberOfOptionsIssuable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_939cc3fd-1f7e-45df-a5e7-1c96d5df04c6" xlink:to="loc_arqt_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardBaseNumberOfOptionsIssuable_8b1b6b20-a4f5-4127-90e0-0e7215b7e1d3" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAvailableForGrant_0c26071f-c1bd-42bb-85b3-e455be51abfc" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAvailableForGrant"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_939cc3fd-1f7e-45df-a5e7-1c96d5df04c6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAvailableForGrant_0c26071f-c1bd-42bb-85b3-e455be51abfc" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1_2a457efe-093b-48e7-8fd1-ccd76d9694ad" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_939cc3fd-1f7e-45df-a5e7-1c96d5df04c6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1_2a457efe-093b-48e7-8fd1-ccd76d9694ad" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodTotalIntrinsicValue_525eccbf-81bb-4101-a757-b744c3140903" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodTotalIntrinsicValue"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_939cc3fd-1f7e-45df-a5e7-1c96d5df04c6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodTotalIntrinsicValue_525eccbf-81bb-4101-a757-b744c3140903" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedInPeriodFairValue1_2bdd594a-3856-4e1c-b962-fcad2378e6be" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedInPeriodFairValue1"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_939cc3fd-1f7e-45df-a5e7-1c96d5df04c6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedInPeriodFairValue1_2bdd594a-3856-4e1c-b962-fcad2378e6be" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_bceb77da-c1f4-4e0c-a2dc-a1df5dfa157a" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_939cc3fd-1f7e-45df-a5e7-1c96d5df04c6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_bceb77da-c1f4-4e0c-a2dc-a1df5dfa157a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1_c9d362c3-3137-4355-bc7b-752020402626" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedStockOptions_96889e80-611c-4570-a98b-61eae085acdc" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedStockOptions"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_939cc3fd-1f7e-45df-a5e7-1c96d5df04c6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedStockOptions_96889e80-611c-4570-a98b-61eae085acdc" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognition1_dbaf0d48-34e9-4f64-ba55-9d0ab20d3156" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognition1"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_939cc3fd-1f7e-45df-a5e7-1c96d5df04c6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognition1_dbaf0d48-34e9-4f64-ba55-9d0ab20d3156" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedDividendRate_19eb3bba-32fe-4336-84fe-72df3aad439c" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedDividendRate"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_939cc3fd-1f7e-45df-a5e7-1c96d5df04c6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedDividendRate_19eb3bba-32fe-4336-84fe-72df3aad439c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredCompensationSharebasedArrangementsLiabilityCurrentAndNoncurrent_13981028-c7b3-477c-b8ee-e17ebabb39b6" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredCompensationSharebasedArrangementsLiabilityCurrentAndNoncurrent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_939cc3fd-1f7e-45df-a5e7-1c96d5df04c6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredCompensationSharebasedArrangementsLiabilityCurrentAndNoncurrent_13981028-c7b3-477c-b8ee-e17ebabb39b6" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredCompensationShareBasedArrangementsLiabilityCurrent_f12427fc-5113-4012-b4c2-f677336b0a45" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredCompensationShareBasedArrangementsLiabilityCurrent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="14" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_939cc3fd-1f7e-45df-a5e7-1c96d5df04c6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredCompensationShareBasedArrangementsLiabilityCurrent_f12427fc-5113-4012-b4c2-f677336b0a45" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredCompensationSharebasedArrangementsLiabilityClassifiedNoncurrent_d83613cb-3586-43f6-8d77-9664418fd44a" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredCompensationSharebasedArrangementsLiabilityClassifiedNoncurrent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="15" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_939cc3fd-1f7e-45df-a5e7-1c96d5df04c6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredCompensationSharebasedArrangementsLiabilityClassifiedNoncurrent_d83613cb-3586-43f6-8d77-9664418fd44a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardSharesIssuedInPeriod_233a5459-bf61-46b5-8db8-90c500712dce" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardSharesIssuedInPeriod"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="16" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_939cc3fd-1f7e-45df-a5e7-1c96d5df04c6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardSharesIssuedInPeriod_233a5459-bf61-46b5-8db8-90c500712dce" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingRightsPercentage_f00c2906-0716-4776-99ab-c09959a47956" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingRightsPercentage"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="17" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_939cc3fd-1f7e-45df-a5e7-1c96d5df04c6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingRightsPercentage_f00c2906-0716-4776-99ab-c09959a47956" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_arqt_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesVestingOnAMonthlyBasis_402af94e-8a87-44b4-9bd6-f2f3d733d673" xlink:href="arqt-20200331.xsd#arqt_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesVestingOnAMonthlyBasis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="18" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_939cc3fd-1f7e-45df-a5e7-1c96d5df04c6" xlink:to="loc_arqt_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesVestingOnAMonthlyBasis_402af94e-8a87-44b4-9bd6-f2f3d733d673" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod_8e8dcce5-0ab1-488d-8e74-a986d487a925" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="19" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_939cc3fd-1f7e-45df-a5e7-1c96d5df04c6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod_8e8dcce5-0ab1-488d-8e74-a986d487a925" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber_f74ae458-254e-4ff1-91ab-d5b01ce4e891" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="20" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_939cc3fd-1f7e-45df-a5e7-1c96d5df04c6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber_f74ae458-254e-4ff1-91ab-d5b01ce4e891" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardPurchasePriceOfCommonStockPercent_442369e2-e4c2-4064-8bb0-8cd6bd56a647" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardPurchasePriceOfCommonStockPercent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="21" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_939cc3fd-1f7e-45df-a5e7-1c96d5df04c6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardPurchasePriceOfCommonStockPercent_442369e2-e4c2-4064-8bb0-8cd6bd56a647" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_arqt_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardBaseAmountOfCommonStockSharesAuthorized_8c756003-664a-43e8-9a49-a9daea8c5293" xlink:href="arqt-20200331.xsd#arqt_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardBaseAmountOfCommonStockSharesAuthorized"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="22" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_939cc3fd-1f7e-45df-a5e7-1c96d5df04c6" xlink:to="loc_arqt_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardBaseAmountOfCommonStockSharesAuthorized_8c756003-664a-43e8-9a49-a9daea8c5293" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_arqt_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardIncreaseInNumberOfSharesAvailableForGrantPercentageOfSharesOutstanding_cc76f9bf-3677-4b16-aa0c-4d2f2ba16df1" xlink:href="arqt-20200331.xsd#arqt_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardIncreaseInNumberOfSharesAvailableForGrantPercentageOfSharesOutstanding"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_arqt_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardMaximumSharesIssuable_62b84e53-e5f4-4f3b-b227-a58a92c353a5" xlink:href="arqt-20200331.xsd#arqt_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardMaximumSharesIssuable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="24" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_939cc3fd-1f7e-45df-a5e7-1c96d5df04c6" xlink:to="loc_arqt_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardMaximumSharesIssuable_62b84e53-e5f4-4f3b-b227-a58a92c353a5" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://arcutis.com/role/StockBasedCompensationStockOptionActivityDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="arqt-20200331.xsd#StockBasedCompensationStockOptionActivityDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://arcutis.com/role/StockBasedCompensationStockOptionActivityDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract_02a994b1-3841-4b5c-b3f5-3fe7b3f4d40a" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward_6d7646f5-dc66-410c-93b4-9cfdb700486a" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract_02a994b1-3841-4b5c-b3f5-3fe7b3f4d40a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward_6d7646f5-dc66-410c-93b4-9cfdb700486a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber_9a99b90b-4e62-4c0e-9580-71c840f5a604" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward_6d7646f5-dc66-410c-93b4-9cfdb700486a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber_9a99b90b-4e62-4c0e-9580-71c840f5a604" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodGross_a3ec4c9d-819f-44b1-ba40-a759ca8d52bc" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodGross"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward_6d7646f5-dc66-410c-93b4-9cfdb700486a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodGross_a3ec4c9d-819f-44b1-ba40-a759ca8d52bc" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised_4196e510-42c3-4ac5-bebf-cc334e12cd95" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward_6d7646f5-dc66-410c-93b4-9cfdb700486a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised_4196e510-42c3-4ac5-bebf-cc334e12cd95" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber_900332f7-b31d-4d70-bc7f-d72c832315aa" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward_6d7646f5-dc66-410c-93b4-9cfdb700486a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber_900332f7-b31d-4d70-bc7f-d72c832315aa" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePriceRollforward_e7ac696e-7f11-485a-85ba-81dec10b8fe2" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePriceRollforward"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract_02a994b1-3841-4b5c-b3f5-3fe7b3f4d40a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePriceRollforward_e7ac696e-7f11-485a-85ba-81dec10b8fe2" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice_718004d9-f7f8-4ddb-b471-692515a785ba" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePriceRollforward_e7ac696e-7f11-485a-85ba-81dec10b8fe2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice_718004d9-f7f8-4ddb-b471-692515a785ba" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice_578c5b56-9a6b-4525-b985-330a95adc8cd" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePriceRollforward_e7ac696e-7f11-485a-85ba-81dec10b8fe2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice_578c5b56-9a6b-4525-b985-330a95adc8cd" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice_761f6c3c-7d7e-4d08-b77c-d6c70e74b316" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePriceRollforward_e7ac696e-7f11-485a-85ba-81dec10b8fe2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice_761f6c3c-7d7e-4d08-b77c-d6c70e74b316" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice_7ed79584-dba5-40a4-bfc3-89f5cc660127" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePriceRollforward_e7ac696e-7f11-485a-85ba-81dec10b8fe2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice_7ed79584-dba5-40a4-bfc3-89f5cc660127" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_ee4beb47-2282-4e87-9599-8e8cbe4de986" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePriceRollforward_e7ac696e-7f11-485a-85ba-81dec10b8fe2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_ee4beb47-2282-4e87-9599-8e8cbe4de986" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableNumber_4cd310ef-d7ea-4b43-9dc0-7c659550a093" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableNumber"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_ee4beb47-2282-4e87-9599-8e8cbe4de986" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableNumber_4cd310ef-d7ea-4b43-9dc0-7c659550a093" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableWeightedAverageExercisePrice_1bf33e23-e68e-46a8-9064-3072c82e123f" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableWeightedAverageExercisePrice"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_ee4beb47-2282-4e87-9599-8e8cbe4de986" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableWeightedAverageExercisePrice_1bf33e23-e68e-46a8-9064-3072c82e123f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm2_fb82f026-5922-4f31-ae3d-14784925adb5" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm2"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_ee4beb47-2282-4e87-9599-8e8cbe4de986" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm2_fb82f026-5922-4f31-ae3d-14784925adb5" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm1_7f72710e-5c8e-4315-8c11-bb0402c5c412" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm1"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_ee4beb47-2282-4e87-9599-8e8cbe4de986" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm1_7f72710e-5c8e-4315-8c11-bb0402c5c412" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingIntrinsicValue_e80d12ca-328a-47f9-88a1-e7797181d6a1" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingIntrinsicValue"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_ee4beb47-2282-4e87-9599-8e8cbe4de986" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingIntrinsicValue_e80d12ca-328a-47f9-88a1-e7797181d6a1" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableIntrinsicValue1_d71dc01f-4c66-4367-9f91-a96cac7de896" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableIntrinsicValue1"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_ee4beb47-2282-4e87-9599-8e8cbe4de986" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableIntrinsicValue1_d71dc01f-4c66-4367-9f91-a96cac7de896" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://arcutis.com/role/StockBasedCompensationRestrictedStockUnitActivityDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="arqt-20200331.xsd#StockBasedCompensationRestrictedStockUnitActivityDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://arcutis.com/role/StockBasedCompensationRestrictedStockUnitActivityDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract_30571229-0075-4c47-97e4-153f9acf114d" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_1440551c-8bec-49c3-b5e4-4d217fde340b" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract_30571229-0075-4c47-97e4-153f9acf114d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_1440551c-8bec-49c3-b5e4-4d217fde340b" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_7d838a60-3034-44c4-8959-c7fecda05b2a" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_1440551c-8bec-49c3-b5e4-4d217fde340b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_7d838a60-3034-44c4-8959-c7fecda05b2a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_a633a66f-15f7-4dda-81cc-65fb3db0bbb8" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_7d838a60-3034-44c4-8959-c7fecda05b2a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_a633a66f-15f7-4dda-81cc-65fb3db0bbb8" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember_8b3d5368-cefd-4797-9b61-5bf373c00450" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_a633a66f-15f7-4dda-81cc-65fb3db0bbb8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember_8b3d5368-cefd-4797-9b61-5bf373c00450" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_5c78c94e-1b57-41fa-a84b-17e6177bb87e" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_1440551c-8bec-49c3-b5e4-4d217fde340b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_5c78c94e-1b57-41fa-a84b-17e6177bb87e" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_25686660-5097-45a4-9154-c4398902e79c" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_5c78c94e-1b57-41fa-a84b-17e6177bb87e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_25686660-5097-45a4-9154-c4398902e79c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber_d90132c7-6496-47cf-8780-4bb4c81faf45" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_25686660-5097-45a4-9154-c4398902e79c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber_d90132c7-6496-47cf-8780-4bb4c81faf45" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod_fa22501b-e766-4f5f-858a-e7900f074a5c" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_25686660-5097-45a4-9154-c4398902e79c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod_fa22501b-e766-4f5f-858a-e7900f074a5c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod_fe87d03e-1fbd-4eb3-b340-f60b528ea348" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_25686660-5097-45a4-9154-c4398902e79c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod_fe87d03e-1fbd-4eb3-b340-f60b528ea348" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod_734c1464-e5c0-4621-8ad0-ca42597b6aea" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_25686660-5097-45a4-9154-c4398902e79c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod_734c1464-e5c0-4621-8ad0-ca42597b6aea" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber_7987bf8c-6660-41de-8757-e44f88fa222c" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_25686660-5097-45a4-9154-c4398902e79c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber_7987bf8c-6660-41de-8757-e44f88fa222c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward_e763772c-4e6c-42cb-b0e4-7a34185d7e7b" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_5c78c94e-1b57-41fa-a84b-17e6177bb87e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward_e763772c-4e6c-42cb-b0e4-7a34185d7e7b" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_218459e7-8aee-45be-9005-794c587c7ced" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward_e763772c-4e6c-42cb-b0e4-7a34185d7e7b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_218459e7-8aee-45be-9005-794c587c7ced" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_bb5df2a2-fc78-4cbf-8e43-5231d26d26af" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward_e763772c-4e6c-42cb-b0e4-7a34185d7e7b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_bb5df2a2-fc78-4cbf-8e43-5231d26d26af" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_f31342fa-bb8c-4075-92af-e4205d8880dd" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward_e763772c-4e6c-42cb-b0e4-7a34185d7e7b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_f31342fa-bb8c-4075-92af-e4205d8880dd" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeituresWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_f47d4038-65d6-49e6-a282-ee3d91b1c558" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeituresWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward_e763772c-4e6c-42cb-b0e4-7a34185d7e7b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeituresWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_f47d4038-65d6-49e6-a282-ee3d91b1c558" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_a2ec7ae0-066d-4781-8d84-12907df6a8c3" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward_e763772c-4e6c-42cb-b0e4-7a34185d7e7b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_a2ec7ae0-066d-4781-8d84-12907df6a8c3" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://arcutis.com/role/StockBasedCompensationStockBasedCompensationExpenseDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="arqt-20200331.xsd#StockBasedCompensationStockBasedCompensationExpenseDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://arcutis.com/role/StockBasedCompensationStockBasedCompensationExpenseDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract_73247856-b58d-4997-82c5-cb0368191b60" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAllocationOfRecognizedPeriodCostsTable_a4e7561b-18df-4342-85a4-d348fdf23ae8" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfEmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAllocationOfRecognizedPeriodCostsTable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract_73247856-b58d-4997-82c5-cb0368191b60" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAllocationOfRecognizedPeriodCostsTable_a4e7561b-18df-4342-85a4-d348fdf23ae8" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_5f4e176d-7474-476e-bd9d-080fdce56425" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAllocationOfRecognizedPeriodCostsTable_a4e7561b-18df-4342-85a4-d348fdf23ae8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_5f4e176d-7474-476e-bd9d-080fdce56425" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_33797838-a504-49f3-8e61-b440c392a4d9" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_5f4e176d-7474-476e-bd9d-080fdce56425" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_33797838-a504-49f3-8e61-b440c392a4d9" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentExpenseMember_c9a878ce-198f-446d-be48-bf7806afb641" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentExpenseMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_33797838-a504-49f3-8e61-b440c392a4d9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentExpenseMember_c9a878ce-198f-446d-be48-bf7806afb641" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpenseMember_57196c97-f1a8-40e7-bd62-becfcbac6d21" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpenseMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_33797838-a504-49f3-8e61-b440c392a4d9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpenseMember_57196c97-f1a8-40e7-bd62-becfcbac6d21" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAllocationOfRecognizedPeriodCostsLineItems_5a11771f-eb90-4b26-a2ad-8aa5ca5dc69c" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAllocationOfRecognizedPeriodCostsLineItems"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAllocationOfRecognizedPeriodCostsTable_a4e7561b-18df-4342-85a4-d348fdf23ae8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAllocationOfRecognizedPeriodCostsLineItems_5a11771f-eb90-4b26-a2ad-8aa5ca5dc69c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense_f096d712-1d21-44f4-8275-2a52c05529be" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAllocationOfRecognizedPeriodCostsLineItems_5a11771f-eb90-4b26-a2ad-8aa5ca5dc69c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense_f096d712-1d21-44f4-8275-2a52c05529be" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://arcutis.com/role/StockBasedCompensationAssumptionsinCalculatingStockOptionAwardsDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="arqt-20200331.xsd#StockBasedCompensationAssumptionsinCalculatingStockOptionAwardsDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://arcutis.com/role/StockBasedCompensationAssumptionsinCalculatingStockOptionAwardsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract_50a507e3-3c6f-40d8-9451-176df3f76a52" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_835a996f-b0fb-429d-aaca-ab4158b00d9d" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract_50a507e3-3c6f-40d8-9451-176df3f76a52" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_835a996f-b0fb-429d-aaca-ab4158b00d9d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeAxis_1847b2a6-ce7d-474f-bf9e-7e72169ba742" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_835a996f-b0fb-429d-aaca-ab4158b00d9d" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeAxis_1847b2a6-ce7d-474f-bf9e-7e72169ba742" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeMember_b3e9b141-b6ae-435f-8f58-99b5aa0facd5" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_1847b2a6-ce7d-474f-bf9e-7e72169ba742" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_b3e9b141-b6ae-435f-8f58-99b5aa0facd5" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_MinimumMember_d4802862-c5d8-402b-af4a-e95ff69b7d93" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_MinimumMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_b3e9b141-b6ae-435f-8f58-99b5aa0facd5" xlink:to="loc_srt_MinimumMember_d4802862-c5d8-402b-af4a-e95ff69b7d93" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_MaximumMember_519272aa-332c-4d4e-b981-3fa511c2d41f" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_MaximumMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_b3e9b141-b6ae-435f-8f58-99b5aa0facd5" xlink:to="loc_srt_MaximumMember_519272aa-332c-4d4e-b981-3fa511c2d41f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_05b6ed50-c35e-491a-9ad7-7872c4249bef" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_835a996f-b0fb-429d-aaca-ab4158b00d9d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_05b6ed50-c35e-491a-9ad7-7872c4249bef" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_d8ee887d-4aa6-46c9-9c11-8c9574e1974d" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_05b6ed50-c35e-491a-9ad7-7872c4249bef" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_d8ee887d-4aa6-46c9-9c11-8c9574e1974d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember_0315c7de-d5d3-4d12-b84b-0fa3577b9c68" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_d8ee887d-4aa6-46c9-9c11-8c9574e1974d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember_0315c7de-d5d3-4d12-b84b-0fa3577b9c68" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_d9df5764-b88b-415c-bee5-3633a322a0d4" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_835a996f-b0fb-429d-aaca-ab4158b00d9d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_d9df5764-b88b-415c-bee5-3633a322a0d4" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedTerm1_0e4d1b79-c40b-4d77-917d-c077b862828d" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedTerm1"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_d9df5764-b88b-415c-bee5-3633a322a0d4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedTerm1_0e4d1b79-c40b-4d77-917d-c077b862828d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRateMinimum_ce528a76-cfc5-4f12-8cb6-c628e3cb67bb" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRateMinimum"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_d9df5764-b88b-415c-bee5-3633a322a0d4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRateMinimum_ce528a76-cfc5-4f12-8cb6-c628e3cb67bb" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRateMaximum_60d4684f-8b24-4a49-a51e-b308b4cb711c" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRateMaximum"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_d9df5764-b88b-415c-bee5-3633a322a0d4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRateMaximum_60d4684f-8b24-4a49-a51e-b308b4cb711c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsRiskFreeInterestRateMinimum_5da5fe65-ec24-4dc1-8e09-dd05acdae96e" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsRiskFreeInterestRateMinimum"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_d9df5764-b88b-415c-bee5-3633a322a0d4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsRiskFreeInterestRateMinimum_5da5fe65-ec24-4dc1-8e09-dd05acdae96e" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsRiskFreeInterestRateMaximum_3fc96fd1-faf3-4dbe-af7c-f320b184c14f" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsRiskFreeInterestRateMaximum"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_d9df5764-b88b-415c-bee5-3633a322a0d4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsRiskFreeInterestRateMaximum_3fc96fd1-faf3-4dbe-af7c-f320b184c14f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedDividendRate_288d311c-78ad-4d6a-8d95-457853b08417" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedDividendRate"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_d9df5764-b88b-415c-bee5-3633a322a0d4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedDividendRate_288d311c-78ad-4d6a-8d95-457853b08417" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://arcutis.com/role/NetLossPerShare" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="arqt-20200331.xsd#NetLossPerShare"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://arcutis.com/role/NetLossPerShare" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_5f515c11-e5ca-44cc-a377-70507e775463" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareTextBlock_42a60527-4bce-41d7-a54e-bedf0642a0cc" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_5f515c11-e5ca-44cc-a377-70507e775463" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareTextBlock_42a60527-4bce-41d7-a54e-bedf0642a0cc" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://arcutis.com/role/NetLossPerShareTables" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="arqt-20200331.xsd#NetLossPerShareTables"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://arcutis.com/role/NetLossPerShareTables" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_7f96ffbb-7d76-4af5-8ad4-e4583da9bb30" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTextBlock_aa8f85fd-c83f-4bf9-9598-68c1bcc59d13" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_7f96ffbb-7d76-4af5-8ad4-e4583da9bb30" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTextBlock_aa8f85fd-c83f-4bf9-9598-68c1bcc59d13" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://arcutis.com/role/NetLossPerShareDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="arqt-20200331.xsd#NetLossPerShareDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://arcutis.com/role/NetLossPerShareDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_d7cfaa48-e0a5-422d-bb95-81c62d17c061" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable_da42ae12-5586-4994-9f86-93b80130dc97" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_d7cfaa48-e0a5-422d-bb95-81c62d17c061" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable_da42ae12-5586-4994-9f86-93b80130dc97" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis_dad8f075-adb9-418c-b13e-215c23a9e859" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable_da42ae12-5586-4994-9f86-93b80130dc97" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis_dad8f075-adb9-418c-b13e-215c23a9e859" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain_77ca42f3-cd18-43be-a4e5-c0da9588b8a1" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis_dad8f075-adb9-418c-b13e-215c23a9e859" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain_77ca42f3-cd18-43be-a4e5-c0da9588b8a1" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConvertiblePreferredStockMember_7e17213e-2c97-4d1f-8ad7-ecada8e0e614" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConvertiblePreferredStockMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain_77ca42f3-cd18-43be-a4e5-c0da9588b8a1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConvertiblePreferredStockMember_7e17213e-2c97-4d1f-8ad7-ecada8e0e614" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember_c24f6d7c-e0c8-4fa1-8745-95f2e691793c" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain_77ca42f3-cd18-43be-a4e5-c0da9588b8a1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember_c24f6d7c-e0c8-4fa1-8745-95f2e691793c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_arqt_EarlyExercisedOptionsMember_d348faef-dc3a-45f8-9324-0df077d71bdd" xlink:href="arqt-20200331.xsd#arqt_EarlyExercisedOptionsMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain_77ca42f3-cd18-43be-a4e5-c0da9588b8a1" xlink:to="loc_arqt_EarlyExercisedOptionsMember_d348faef-dc3a-45f8-9324-0df077d71bdd" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember_30d25a23-1c85-4a97-9bb9-cb8234fc1950" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain_77ca42f3-cd18-43be-a4e5-c0da9588b8a1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember_30d25a23-1c85-4a97-9bb9-cb8234fc1950" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeStockMember_6cc98f5d-415b-4008-a1b7-2bf4e8e683dc" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeStockMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain_77ca42f3-cd18-43be-a4e5-c0da9588b8a1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeStockMember_6cc98f5d-415b-4008-a1b7-2bf4e8e683dc" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems_6894385b-17e1-4248-b754-d54ff43f1281" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable_da42ae12-5586-4994-9f86-93b80130dc97" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems_6894385b-17e1-4248-b754-d54ff43f1281" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount_5af84544-d22f-4bc4-82c5-c1d9a779c2cc" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems_6894385b-17e1-4248-b754-d54ff43f1281" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount_5af84544-d22f-4bc4-82c5-c1d9a779c2cc" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://arcutis.com/role/SubsequentEvent" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="arqt-20200331.xsd#SubsequentEvent"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://arcutis.com/role/SubsequentEvent" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventsAbstract_38e07975-8e46-431f-a312-a2a129c15ae4" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventsAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventsTextBlock_840bc305-f0cf-44e3-b45e-d29d4b6dcc9b" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventsTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventsAbstract_38e07975-8e46-431f-a312-a2a129c15ae4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventsTextBlock_840bc305-f0cf-44e3-b45e-d29d4b6dcc9b" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://arcutis.com/role/SubsequentEventDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="arqt-20200331.xsd#SubsequentEventDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://arcutis.com/role/SubsequentEventDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventsAbstract_2381006d-6b5a-4334-a546-e69253998b7c" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventsAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTable_43e88426-d993-4628-aff6-fe40cb562ac0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventsAbstract_2381006d-6b5a-4334-a546-e69253998b7c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTable_43e88426-d993-4628-aff6-fe40cb562ac0" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_b9779487-a436-4b2f-a08b-37ef744e0f88" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTable_43e88426-d993-4628-aff6-fe40cb562ac0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_b9779487-a436-4b2f-a08b-37ef744e0f88" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_30641997-f509-4d33-9357-2d6ab15beba9" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_b9779487-a436-4b2f-a08b-37ef744e0f88" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_30641997-f509-4d33-9357-2d6ab15beba9" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember_3c7548bb-4570-4a8b-a143-f663d7d5dc21" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_30641997-f509-4d33-9357-2d6ab15beba9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember_3c7548bb-4570-4a8b-a143-f663d7d5dc21" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_arqt_LeaseDescriptionAxis_df8dadf5-4ccd-49cc-a90a-727a1791ff6d" xlink:href="arqt-20200331.xsd#arqt_LeaseDescriptionAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTable_43e88426-d993-4628-aff6-fe40cb562ac0" xlink:to="loc_arqt_LeaseDescriptionAxis_df8dadf5-4ccd-49cc-a90a-727a1791ff6d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_arqt_LeaseDescriptionDomain_f364d8da-9e3c-4b88-b281-e5fbd3f6e0d8" xlink:href="arqt-20200331.xsd#arqt_LeaseDescriptionDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_arqt_LeaseDescriptionAxis_df8dadf5-4ccd-49cc-a90a-727a1791ff6d" xlink:to="loc_arqt_LeaseDescriptionDomain_f364d8da-9e3c-4b88-b281-e5fbd3f6e0d8" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_arqt_WestlakeVillageCaliforniaLeaseArrangementMember_3cdcb129-f5be-4f69-a5b6-93bebf82a05d" xlink:href="arqt-20200331.xsd#arqt_WestlakeVillageCaliforniaLeaseArrangementMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_arqt_LeaseDescriptionDomain_f364d8da-9e3c-4b88-b281-e5fbd3f6e0d8" xlink:to="loc_arqt_WestlakeVillageCaliforniaLeaseArrangementMember_3cdcb129-f5be-4f69-a5b6-93bebf82a05d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems_9b04c799-5103-417d-809d-4f4b2dde06ad" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTable_43e88426-d993-4628-aff6-fe40cb562ac0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems_9b04c799-5103-417d-809d-4f4b2dde06ad" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_arqt_LesseeOperatingLeaseSquareFootageOfLeasedSpace_c0202aa5-dcab-4d45-ac2c-bc5aadee5241" xlink:href="arqt-20200331.xsd#arqt_LesseeOperatingLeaseSquareFootageOfLeasedSpace"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems_9b04c799-5103-417d-809d-4f4b2dde06ad" xlink:to="loc_arqt_LesseeOperatingLeaseSquareFootageOfLeasedSpace_c0202aa5-dcab-4d45-ac2c-bc5aadee5241" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseTermOfContract_ee3db104-b5ba-4ddf-9249-295ac4196cc2" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseTermOfContract"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems_9b04c799-5103-417d-809d-4f4b2dde06ad" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseTermOfContract_ee3db104-b5ba-4ddf-9249-295ac4196cc2" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseRenewalTerm_49862663-6954-49cd-b75c-4fa1756eddfb" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseRenewalTerm"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems_9b04c799-5103-417d-809d-4f4b2dde06ad" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseRenewalTerm_49862663-6954-49cd-b75c-4fa1756eddfb" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_arqt_LesseeOperatingLeaseTermForTerminationOption_2a6152cc-141e-43f2-9e93-274e818275b3" xlink:href="arqt-20200331.xsd#arqt_LesseeOperatingLeaseTermForTerminationOption"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems_9b04c799-5103-417d-809d-4f4b2dde06ad" xlink:to="loc_arqt_LesseeOperatingLeaseTermForTerminationOption_2a6152cc-141e-43f2-9e93-274e818275b3" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_arqt_LesseeOperatingLeaseMonthlyRentExpense_e2076460-1d83-4df7-a409-054a5da804d5" xlink:href="arqt-20200331.xsd#arqt_LesseeOperatingLeaseMonthlyRentExpense"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems_9b04c799-5103-417d-809d-4f4b2dde06ad" xlink:to="loc_arqt_LesseeOperatingLeaseMonthlyRentExpense_e2076460-1d83-4df7-a409-054a5da804d5" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_arqt_LesseeOperatingLeaseFreeRentPeriod_4f667ec5-b40a-4f52-8e87-8710343601c6" xlink:href="arqt-20200331.xsd#arqt_LesseeOperatingLeaseFreeRentPeriod"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems_9b04c799-5103-417d-809d-4f4b2dde06ad" xlink:to="loc_arqt_LesseeOperatingLeaseFreeRentPeriod_4f667ec5-b40a-4f52-8e87-8710343601c6" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_arqt_LesseeOperatingLeaseTenantImprovementAllowance_e088a5c1-6707-4c46-b869-f1ec3d5430a6" xlink:href="arqt-20200331.xsd#arqt_LesseeOperatingLeaseTenantImprovementAllowance"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems_9b04c799-5103-417d-809d-4f4b2dde06ad" xlink:to="loc_arqt_LesseeOperatingLeaseTenantImprovementAllowance_e088a5c1-6707-4c46-b869-f1ec3d5430a6" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_arqt_LesseeOperatingLeaseLetterOfCreditRequirement_abfda0b1-f5ba-44cc-9991-b4f196bfebe2" xlink:href="arqt-20200331.xsd#arqt_LesseeOperatingLeaseLetterOfCreditRequirement"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems_9b04c799-5103-417d-809d-4f4b2dde06ad" xlink:to="loc_arqt_LesseeOperatingLeaseLetterOfCreditRequirement_abfda0b1-f5ba-44cc-9991-b4f196bfebe2" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
</link:linkbase>
