Dapsone (Aczone®)

Topical Anti-inflammatory
Compare To Other Treatments

What Is It?

Often known by its brand name, Aczone®, dapsone is a topical medication called a sulfone antibiotic that works primarily by suppressing the growth of acne bacteria and decreasing inflammation in the skin.

It is normally applied once a day.

Results

Results
Strength of Evidence: Very Strong
Average 54% reduction in acne after 12 weeks
▸ Based on These Clinical Studies & Trials
▾ Based on These Clinical Studies & Trials
  1. Khalid, N. et al. Efficacy and safety of topical 5% dapsone gel for acne vulgaris. TPMJ 32, 640–644 (2025).
  2. Hasanbeyzade, S. Efficacy and safety of topical dapsone versus topical tetracycline in mild to moderate acne vulgaris: A retrospective analysis. Kafkas J Med Sci 15, 1–5 (2025).
  3. Attiya, F. et al. Efficacy of topical dapsone 5% gel and topical adapalene 0.1% gel in treatment of mild to moderate acne vulgaris: Topical dapsone and adapalene in acne. PJHS-Lahore 144–148 (2025) doi:10.54393/pjhs.v6i4.2596.
  4. Özkoca, D. et al. Topical 5% dapsone applied twice daily for facial acne vulgaris: More effective on inflammatory lesions and quicker in female patients. Cerrahpaşa Medical Journal 48, 46–49 (2024).
  5. Anjum, R. et al. Efficacy and side effects estimation of 5% dapsone gel in the treatment of mild to moderate acne vulgaris. Journal of Pakistan Association of Dermatologists 33, 1524–1528 (2023).
  6. Wahida, F. et al. Efficacy and safety of once-daily dapsone 7.5% gel monotherapy for mild to moderate acne vulgaris: A comparative study with adapalene 0.1% gel monotherapy. J Ban Acad Dermatol 2, 11–16 (2022).
  7. Verma, R., Yadav, P., Chudhari, M., Patel, J. & Umrigar, D. Comparison of efficacy of two topical drug therapy of acne vulgaris - 1% clindamycin versus 5% dapsone: A split face comparative study. Natl J Physiol Pharm Pharmacol 1 (2022) doi:10.5455/njppp.2022.12.03100202221042022.
  8. Moore, A. Y. et al. Once-daily dapsone 7.5% gel for the treatment of acne vulgaris in preadolescent patients: a phase IV, open-label, 12-week study. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol 14, 43–48 (2021).
  9. Islam, R., Islam, N. & Hossain, M. M. An assessment of the efficacy and safety of dapsone gel: Study in a local setting. Sch J App Med Sci 9, 549–553 (2021).
  10. Del Rosso, J. Q., Kircik, L. & Tanghetti, E. Truncal acne vulgaris with topical dapsone 7.5% gel. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol 11, 45–50 (2018).
  11. Ibrahim, S. A., Ghonemy, S. & Sabry, H. A study of the efficacy of 5% dapsone gel as a topical therapy for acne vulgaris. Journal of Clinical & Experimental Dermatology Research 08, (2017).
  12. Stein Gold, L. F. et al. Efficacy and safety of once-daily dapsone gel, 7.5% for treatment of adolescents and adults with acne vulgaris: first of two identically designed, large, multicenter, randomized, vehicle-controlled trials. J Drugs Dermatol 15, 553–561 (2016).
  13. Eichenfield, L. F. et al. Efficacy and safety of once-daily dapsone gel, 7.5% for treatment of adolescents and adults with acne vulgaris: second of two identically designed, large, multicenter, randomized, vehicle-controlled trials. J Drugs Dermatol 15, 962–969 (2016).
  14. Alexis, A. F. et al. The efficacy and safety of topical dapsone gel, 5% for the treatment of acne vulgaris in adult females with skin of color. J Drugs Dermatol 15, 197–204 (2016).
  15. Lucky, A. W. et al. Dapsone gel 5% for the treatment of acne vulgaris: safety and efficacy of long-term (1 year) treatment. J Drugs Dermatol 6, 981–987 (2007).
  16. Draelos, Z. D. et al. Two randomized studies demonstrate the efficacy and safety of dapsone gel, 5% for the treatment of acne vulgaris. J Am Acad Dermatol 56, 439.e1–10 (2007).

Side Effects

Side Effects
Low-medium side effects and adverse reactions

Acne.org's Real World Take

An anti-inflammatory that takes weeks or months to kick in, so you’ll need patience. Provides modest benefit in some users. It’s never hit the big time in acne treatment. But it’s an interesting way to target acne on a purely inflammation level.

Reviews

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4.0
70 Reviews

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