Acne Treatment Options Table

How it works

Combination products

Adapalene/ benzoyl peroxide (TACTUPUMP™, previously TACTUO®) Rx*

2 active ingredients:
  • Adapalene is a retinoid that unclogs pores and blocked oil glands.
  • Benzoyl peroxide kills acne bacteria and reduces inflammation, but it is not an antibiotic. It also acts as a peeling agent

Benzoyl peroxide/ clindamycin (CLINDOXYL®, BENZACLIN®) Rx*

2 active ingredients:
  • Benzoyl peroxide kills acne bacteria, but it is not an antibiotic. It also acts as a peeling agent.
  • Clindamycin is an antibiotic that reduces acne bacteria.

Benzoyl peroxide/ erythromycin (BENZAMYCIN®) Rx

2 active ingredients:
  • Benzoyl peroxide kills acne bacteria, but it is not an antibiotic. It also acts as a peeling agent.
  • Erythromycin is an antibiotic that reduces acne bacteria.

Tretinoin/ clindamycin (BIACNA®) Rx*

2 active ingredients:
  • Clindamycin is an antibiotic that reduces acne bacteria.
  • Tretinoin is a retinoid that unclogs pores and blocked oil glands.

Tretinoin/ erythromycin (STIEVAMYCIN®) Rx*

2 active ingredients:
  • Tretinoin is a retinoid that unclogs pores and blocked oil glands.
  • Erythromycin is an antibiotic that reduces acne bacteria.
Single-ingredient products

Adapalene (DIFFERIN®, DIFFERIN XP®)

  • Adapalene is a retinoid that unclogs pores and blocked oil glands.

Benzoyl peroxide (e.g., BENZAC®, PANOXYL®, PROACTIV®, others)

  • Benzoyl peroxide kills acne bacteria9A,p.9; but it is not an antibiotic. It also acts as a peeling agent.

Clindamycin (e.g., CLINDASOL®, CLINDETS®, DALACIN-T®, others)

  • Clindamycin is an antibiotic that reduces acne bacteria.

Dapsone (ACZONE®)

  • It is not known exactly how dapsone works for acne.

Erythromycin (ERYSOL®)

  • Erythromycin is an antibiotic that reduces acne bacteria.

Salicylic acid (used in numerous products such as CLEAN & CLEAR®, CLEARASIL®, and others)

  • Salicylic acid unclogs pores by removing dead skin cell buildup.

Tazarotene (TAZORAC® Cream and Gel) Rx*

  • Tazarotene is a retinoid that unclogs pores and blocked oil glands.

Tretinoin (RETIN-A®, RETIN-A MICRO®, STIEVA-A® VITAMIN A ACID®) Rx*

  • Tretinoin is a retinoid that unclogs pores and blocked oil glands.

How to use it

Combination products

Adapalene/ benzoyl peroxide (TACTUPUMP™, previously TACTUO®) Rx*

Apply once daily, at bedtime.
Tips:
  • Wash your face with a gentle cleanser and blot dry.
  • Apply a thin film of medication to acne areas. Four pea-sized amounts should be enough to cover your whole face (e.g. one on the forehead, chin and each cheek).
  • DO NOT SPOT APPLY - cover the entire affected area.
  • Wash your hands after use.
  • Keep the medication away from your eyes, lips, and the corners of your nose. If you get any in your eyes, flush with clean water right away.
  • May bleach hair and coloured fabric.
  • Use only the amount your doctor told you to use. Using more will not make it work better or faster.
  • Store at room temperature (15 to 25°C). Protect from freezing. Keep tightly closed. Keep out of reach of children and pets.

Benzoyl peroxide/ clindamycin (CLINDOXYL®, BENZACLIN®) Rx*

CLINDOXYL®: Apply once daily.
BENZACLIN®: Apply twice daily.
Tips:
  • Gently wash skin with a mild cleanser, rinse with warm water, and pat dry.
  • Apply a thin layer of medication to the entire affected area. Use a pea-sized amount for each area of the face (e.g., forehead, chin, each cheek).
  • Wash your hands after use.
  • Keep the medication away from your eyes, lips, and the corners of your nose. If you get any in your eyes, flush your eyes with clean water right away.
  • May bleach hair and coloured fabric.
  • Use only the amount your doctor told you to use. Using more will not make it work better or faster.
  • Do not apply to damaged or sunburned skin.
  • Store at room temperature (15 to 25°C). Protect from freezing. Keep tightly closed. Keep out of reach of children and pets

Benzoyl peroxide/ erythromycin (BENZAMYCIN®) Rx

Apply twice daily, or as directed by your doctor.
Tips:
  • Wash skin with a non-medicated soap, rinse with warm water, and gently pat dry.
  • Apply medication to affected areas in a thin layer.
  • Wash hands after applying the medication.
  • Keep the medication away from your eyes, lips, and the corners of your nose. If you get any in your eyes, flush your eyes with clean water right away.
  • May bleach hair and coloured fabric.
  • Use only the amount your doctor told you to use. Using more will not make it work better or faster.
  • Store in the refrigerator. Keep from freezing. Keep out of reach of children and pets

Tretinoin/ clindamycin (BIACNA®) Rx*

Apply once daily, at bedtime.
Tips:
  • Wash face gently with mild soap and warm water and pat dry.
  • Cover the affected area lightly with a pea-sized amount of medication by first dabbing it on your forehead, chin, and both cheeks, then spreading it evenly over your whole face.
  • Keep medication away from the corners of the nose, mouth, eyes, and open wounds. In case of accidental contact, rinse with plenty of lukewarm water.
  • Use only the amount your doctor recommends. Using more will not make it work better or faster.
  • Store at room temperature (15-30°C). Protect from light and freezing. Keep tightly closed. Keep out of reach of children and pets.

Tretinoin/ erythromycin (STIEVAMYCIN®) Rx*

Apply once daily (preferably at bedtime).
Tips:
  • Wash affected area with a mild soap and warm water and gently dry. Wait 20-30 minutes for skin to fully dry.
  • Apply medication sparingly and evenly.
  • Wash your hands after use.
  • Avoid sensitive areas such as eyes, lips, mucous-producing areas, and broken skin. Also avoid areas of skin where you have other problems, such as eczema.
  • Do not over-apply the medication. Doing so will not speed up treatment, only irritate your skin.
  • Store at room temperature (15 to 30°C). Keep out of reach of children and pets.
Single-ingredient products

Adapalene (DIFFERIN®, DIFFERIN XP®)

Apply once daily, at bedtime.
Tips:
  • Wash your face with a gentle cleanser and blot it dry with a soft towel.
  • Apply a thin film to acne areas. Usually, four pea-sized amounts of cream or gel should be enough to cover your entire face. For the lotion, use a nickel-sized amount to cover your entire face.
  • DO NOT SPOT APPLY - cover the entire affected area.
  • Keep the medication away from your eyes, lips and the corners of your nose. If you get any in your eyes, flush your eyes with clean water right away. Do not apply to cuts, abrasions, skin rashes, or sunburned skin.
  • Use only the amount your doctor recommends. Using more will not make it work better or faster.
  • Store at room temperature (15 to 30°C). Protect from freezing. Keep tightly closed. Keep out of reach of children and pets

Benzoyl peroxide (e.g., BENZAC®, PANOXYL®, PROACTIV®, others)

Apply once or twice daily, or as directed by your doctor.
Tips:
  • Wash your hands and the affected area using a non-medicated soap and dry gently.
  • For creams and gels:
  • Put a thin film of medication on the entire affected skin area.
  • For face washes:
  • Wet the skin with warm water.
  • Shake well.
  • Apply and gently massage for 1 or 2 minutes.
  • Rinse skin well with warm water and dry gently.
  • For all products:
  • Keep the medication away from your eyes, lips, and the corners of your nose. If you get any in your eyes, flush your eyes with clean water right away. 9C,p.10
  • Wash your hands after use.
  • May bleach hair and coloured fabric. 9D,p.10
  • Use only the amount your doctor told you to use. Using more will not make it work better or faster.9E,p.10
  • Store at room temperature (15 to 30°C). Keep out of reach of children and pets.

Clindamycin (e.g., CLINDASOL®, CLINDETS®, DALACIN-T®, others)

Apply twice daily.
Tips:
  • Wash skin thoroughly but gently with warm water and bland soap, rinse well and pat dry.
  • Apply a thin film of medication.
  • Do not wash your face for at least two hours after applying this medication.
  • Use this medication for the full time of treatment recommended by your doctor, even if the symptoms clear up after a few days. If the medication is stopped too soon, the symptoms may return.
  • After shaving, wait 30 minutes before applying the medication because the alcohol in it may irritate freshly shaven skin.
  • Keep medication away from the eyes, nose, or mouth. If the medication does get in the eyes, flush eyes immediately but carefully using large amounts of cool tap water.
  • Do not use this medication more often than prescribed by your doctor, because it may dry or irritate the skin.
  • Store at room temperature (15 to 30°C). Protect from freezing, heat and direct light. Keep out of reach of children and pets.

Dapsone (ACZONE®)

Apply twice daily (morning and evening).
Tips:
  • Wash skin with a mild non-medicated soap. Gently pat dry with a clean towel.
  • Apply a thin layer of medication to acne areas. A pea-sized amount will usually be enough to cover the cheeks, chin, and forehead. Rub in gently and completely.
  • Avoid contact with eyes, mouth, and mucous membranes. In case of accidental contact, rinse with large amounts of water.
  • Wash your hands after use.
  • Store at room temperature (15 to 30°C). Protect from freezing. Keep out of reach of children and pets.

Erythromycin (ERYSOL®)

Apply twice daily.
Tips:
  • Wash and dry the affected area before applying.
  • Apply a thin film of medication to the skin area affected by acne (not just each spot) and smooth in.
  • Do not get medication in the eyes, mouth, nostrils and other mucous membranes. Avoid irritated areas of skin such as cuts, grazes, sunburn or broken skin. Rinse well with water if contact occurs.
  • Allow your face to dry completely before using any makeup.
  • Wash your hands after use.
  • Do not apply too much medication or apply it more frequently. This will not help your acne clear up more quickly and may cause skin irritation.
  • Store at room temperature (15 to 30°C). Keep out of reach of children and pets.

Salicylic acid (used in numerous products such as CLEAN & CLEAR®, CLEARASIL®, and others)

Apply as directed on the product label or by your doctor.
Tips:
  • Clean skin thoroughly before applying medication.
  • Apply a thin layer and allow to dry.19B,p.2
  • Keep the medication out of your eyes, nose and mouth. If contact occurs, flush with water for 15 minutes.
  • Do not apply to broken, red, swollen, irritated or infected skin.
  • Wash your hands after use.
  • Always read and follow the instructions on the product label.
  • Store at room temperature. Protect from excess heat and moisture. Keep out of reach of children and pets.

Tazarotene (TAZORAC® Cream and Gel) Rx*

Apply once daily.
Tips:
  • Clean your skin gently and allow it to dry.
  • Apply a thin film to the entire face (for the cream) or to the areas where you have acne (for the gel).
  • Wash your hands after use.
  • Keep medication out of your eyes. If contact occurs, flush with plenty of water.
  • Do not apply too much medication or apply it more frequently. This will not help your acne clear up more quickly and may cause skin irritation.
  • Do not apply to sunburned skin.
  • Follow your doctor's directions for other routine skin care and use of makeup.
  • Store at room temperature. Keep tightly closed. Keep out of reach of children and pets.

Tretinoin (RETIN-A®, RETIN-A MICRO®, STIEVA-A® VITAMIN A ACID®) Rx*

Apply once daily, at bedtime.
Tips:
  • Wash face with mild soap and dry gently. Wait at least 20 minutes for skin to completely dry.
  • Apply a light layer of medication to acne areas.
  • Keep medication away from the eyes, corners of the nose and mouth. If contact occurs, flush with plenty of water. Do not apply to areas of skin where you have other problems such as eczema, sores, or cuts.
  • Wash your hands after use.
  • If you are using other skin treatments, do not apply them at the same time of day as this medication.
  • Do not apply too much medication or apply it more frequently. This will not help your acne clear up more quickly and may cause skin irritation.
  • Store at room temperature. Keep tightly closed. Protect from heat. Keep out of reach of children and pets.

*This is not a complete list of all side effects and safety information. For more information, speak to your doctor.

This table lists topical (skin) medications for acne. Other treatments, such as doctor's office procedures, can be used to treat acne. To find a treatment that's appropriate for you, speak to your doctor.

Safety information*

Combination products

Adapalene/ benzoyl peroxide (TACTUPUMP™, previously TACTUO®) Rx*

Side effects:
  • Skin dryness, irritation, burning sensation, or redness.
  • Do not be discouraged if you have these side effects - they should improve after 2-4 weeks of treatment. This happens when your skin is adjusting to TactuPump's action of unplugging clogged pores.
    Stop treatment and call your doctor if your skin becomes very dry, itchy, red, swollen, blistered or sunburned.
Other safety info:
  • Do not use if you are pregnant (women who may become pregnant should use birth control while using this medication); if you have eczema or very irritated skin on your face, chest or back; or if you are allergic to any ingredients of the medication.
  • Check with your doctor if you are planning a pregnancy or if you are breast-feeding.
  • Protect your skin from the sun while using this medication.
  • Do not use waxing for hair removal in treated areas.
  • Avoid other products that can irritate the skin.

Benzoyl peroxide/ clindamycin (CLINDOXYL®, BENZACLIN®) Rx*

Side effects:
  • Rash (including redness, raised bumps), dryness, itching, peeling, skin sensitivity, pain or burning.
  • Do not be discouraged if you have these side effects - they normally improve after the first weeks of treatment.
    Stop treatment and see your doctor if skin irritation becomes severe.
Other safety info:
  • Do not use if you are allergic to any ingredients of the medication or if you have Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, or inflammation of the colon (colitis) with past antibiotic use.
  • Do not use any other acne medications unless recommended by your doctor.
  • Protect your skin from the sun while using this medication.
  • Check with your doctor before using this medication if you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or breast-feeding; or if you have any other medical conditions.

Benzoyl peroxide/ erythromycin (BENZAMYCIN®) Rx

Side effects:
  • Slight stinging and/or redness of skin.
  • Do not be discouraged if you have these side effects - they are more common at the beginning of treatment. If excessive irritation or dryness occurs, stop treatment and see your doctor.
Other safety info:
  • Do not use if you are allergic to any ingredients of the medication.
  • Do not use any other acne medications unless instructed by your doctor.

Tretinoin/ clindamycin (BIACNA®) Rx*

Side effects:
  • Headache, sunburn, upper respiratory infection, temporary skin colour change (lighter or darker).
  • Stop treatment and immediately contact your doctor if you develop:
  • skin irritation due to dryness, redness, peeling, burning or stinging and your skin becomes very red, swollen, blistered or crusted.
  • serious side effects such as diarrhea, bloody diarrhea, and colitis (inflamed colon).
Other safety info:
  • Do not use if you are allergic to any ingredients of the medication or if you have Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, or inflammation of the colon (colitis) with past antibiotic use.
  • Do not use any other acne medications unless instructed by your doctor.
  • Protect your skin from the sun, wind and cold while using this medication.
  • Check with your doctor before using this medication if: you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or breast-feeding; or if you have any other medical conditions.

Tretinoin/ erythromycin (STIEVAMYCIN®) Rx*

Side effects:
  • Mild burning sensations, peeling and redness of the skin.
  • Do not be discouraged if you have these side effects - they usually improve in the first 3 weeks of treatment.
    Call your doctor if you have any unusual reaction to the medication.
Other safety info:
  • Do not use if you are pregnant (women who may become pregnant should use birth control while using this medication).
  • Do not use any other acne medications unless instructed by your doctor.
  • Protect your skin from the sun while using this medication. If you get a sunburn, stop using the medication and check with your doctor.
Single-ingredient products

Adapalene (DIFFERIN®, DIFFERIN XP®)

Side effects:
  • Redness, burning or peeling of skin.
  • Do not be discouraged if you have these side effects - they should improve after 2 to 4 weeks of treatment. Talk to your doctor if they continue or get worse.
    Stop treatment if skin becomes very dry, red, swollen or blistered.
Other safety info:
  • Do not use if you are allergic to any ingredients of the medication, if you have eczema or very irritated skin, or if you are pregnant (women who may become pregnant should use birth control while using this medication).
  • Check with your doctor if you are planning a pregnancy or if you are breast-feeding.
  • Protect your skin from the sun while using this medication.
  • Do not use waxing for hair removal in areas treated with this medication.
  • Avoid other products or medications that can irritate the skin.

Benzoyl peroxide (e.g., BENZAC®, PANOXYL®, PROACTIV®, others)

Side effects:
  • Skin redness, peeling, dryness, itching or sensitivity.
  • If you have severe skin irritation, stop using the medication and consult your doctor.
Other safety info:
  • Do not use if you are allergic to any ingredients of the medication.
  • Check with your doctor if you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or breast-feeding.
  • Protect your skin from the sun while using this medication.

Clindamycin (e.g., CLINDASOL®, CLINDETS®, DALACIN-T®, others)

Side effects:
  • Dry or scaly skin.
  • Peeling of skin.
  • Stinging or burning feeling.
  • Itching, hives, redness and gastrointestinal symptoms such as indigestion and gas.
  • Stop treatment and contact your doctor immediately if you have:
  • severe or persistent diarrhea (watery or bloody) with or without abdominal pain, nausea, fever or vomiting.
  • Check with your doctor as soon as possible if you develop:
  • skin rash, itching, redness or other signs or irritation not present before using this medication.
  • nausea, stomach upset or diarrhea.
Other safety info:
  • Do not use if you are allergic to clindamycin, lincomycin, or any ingredients of this medication; or if you have had inflammatory bowel disease or a history of antibiotic-associated colitis (inflamed bowel).
  • Check with your doctor before using this medication if you are pregnant (stop using the medication immediately if you become pregnant), planning a pregnancy, or breast-feeding; or if you have any other medical conditions.

Dapsone (ACZONE®)

Side effects:
  • Skin dryness, redness, oiliness and peeling
  • Stop treatment and call your doctor if you have:
  • symptoms of pancreas inflammation (persistent low-grade fever, nausea, vomiting, persistent abdominal pain).
  • symptoms of anemia (rapid heartbeat, breathlessness, loss of stamina, persistent fatigue).
  • symptoms of low white blood cells (weakness, sore throat, persistent fever).
Other safety info:
  • Do not use if you are allergic to any ingredients of the medication.
  • Check with your doctor if you: are pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or breast-feeding; are using other medications; or have a condition called glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency.

Erythromycin (ERYSOL®)

Side effects:
  • Skin redness, tenderness, dryness, irritation, burning sensation, stinging, and peeling
  • Stop treatment and contact your doctor if you develop:
  • severe diarrhea (bloody or watery) with or without stomach cramps or fever.
Other safety info:
  • Do not use if you are allergic to erythromycin or any ingredients of this medication.
  • Check with your doctor before using this medication if: you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or breast-feeding; or if you have had inflammatory bowel disease or antibiotic-associated colitis (severe, prolonged or bloody diarrhea following antibiotic use)

Salicylic acid (used in numerous products such as CLEAN & CLEAR®, CLEARASIL®, and others)

Side effects:
  • Skin irritation or stinging.
  • Contact your doctor if these side effects are severe or do not go away, and call your doctor immediately if you develop:
  • Confusion, dizziness, extreme tiredness or weakness, headache, rapid breathing, ringing/buzzing in the ears, hearing loss, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.
Other safety info:
  • Do not use if you are allergic to salicylic acid or any ingredients of this medication.
  • Check with your doctor before using this medication if you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy, breast-feeding, or if you have any other medical conditions.

Tazarotene (TAZORAC® Cream and Gel) Rx*

Side effects:
  • Skin itching, burning or stinging.
  • Do not be discouraged if you have these side effects - they tend to get better as your skin gets used to the medication. Call your doctor if these side effects are bothersome.
Other safety info:
  • Do not use if you are pregnant (women who may become pregnant should use birth control while using this medication).
  • Check with your doctor before using this medication if you: are planning a pregnancy, are breast-feeding, are allergic to any ingredients of the medication, or have eczema.
  • Protect your skin from the sun while using this medication.

Tretinoin (RETIN-A®, RETIN-A MICRO®, STIEVA-A® VITAMIN A ACID®) Rx*

Side effects:
  • Skin peeling, burning, itching, dryness, stinging, flaking, and redness.
  • Do not be discouraged if you have these side effects - they are most common in the first 1 to 2 weeks of therapy. Stop treatment and contact your doctor if they become bothersome.
Other safety info:
  • Do not use if you are pregnant (women who may become pregnant should use birth control while using this medication) or if you are allergic to any ingredients of the medication.
  • Check with your doctor before using this medication if you are: planning a pregnancy, breast-feeding, allergic to any ingredients of the medication, or using any other medications.
  • Protect your skin from the sun, wind and cold while using this medication.

*This is not a complete list of all side effects and safety information. For more information, speak to your doctor.

This table lists topical (skin) medications for acne. Other treatments, such as doctor's office procedures, can be used to treat acne. To find a treatment that's appropriate for you, speak to your doctor.

*Medications marked "Rx" require a doctor's prescription.
Acne Survey

You have Acne? We're interested in your opinion!

Help us make this the best site for your needs - answer our short survey on Acne. You will be entered for a chance to win a $25 Shoppers Drug Mart®/Pharmaprix® gift card.

Would you like to take the survey?