Dapsone (Aczone®)
Results
Side Effects

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.

3.9
77
Read All About Dapsone (Aczone®)
Compare To Other Treatments
5
40.3%
4
33.8%
3
13%
2
5.2%
1
7.8%

Used Dapsone (Aczone®)? Rate It:

Choose from 1 to 5 stars
Sort by: Most Helpful
Order:
June 19, 2016
Didn't do anything
I used this for about 6 months. I have very stubborn acne and this didn't really do anything one way or the other. I used this in the morning with epiduo at night and I saw no improvement, but also nothing that worsened. I didn't even have an initial flare. Only gave it two stars because at least it didn't make me break out even more.
This Was Helpful

1 user(s) found this helpful

Report
November 11, 2013
Pretty Good

Pros:

Doesn't dry out skin
Helps most whiteheads and small pustules
Good consistency

Cons:

Doesn't help big pustules/cysts
Can be greasy if used too much

I have been on Aczone for a little less than a year. I really like the consistency of the gel and it doesn't dry my skin out at all. The bad news, it really didn't prevent the big pustules and small cystic pimples I would get around my chin. It is slightly greasy so I tend to load it up at night and put a light coverage during the day. I started accutane a week ago (for the big pimples I get) and I can still use aczone without it drying out my skin (i just put it on problem areas to prevent the IB). Overall its a pretty good product and keeps most of my acne at bay without damaging my skin!
This Was Helpful

1 user(s) found this helpful

Report
January 7, 2013

Pros:

Doesn't dry skin
Scentless
Goes on easily under makeup
Seems to help with inflammation

Cons:

Doesn't noticeably do much.

I've was prescribed this with Tretinoin to help with the initial breakout. It does not seem to help prevent acne, it just seems to help with the swelling, if that makes sense. I have actually stopped using this cream and started using BP instead as a treatment since the Tretinoin was giving me a horrible breakout. I'll conisider using it again if my skin gets better. Bottomline, I would recommend this to someone with ight acne. For me, it wasn't nearly strong enough.
This Was Helpful

1 user(s) found this helpful

Report
February 20, 2012

Pros:

ummm i guess it kind of feels nice putting it on. sorta flattened a couple pimples, but that may be just because over time.

Cons:

didn't work
added more acne?
now have it on my neck ):
so red

my skin sucks. i have reaalllyyy bad acne. at this basically just isnn't good, doesn't work. good thing i got free samples from my dermatologist...
This Was Helpful

1 user(s) found this helpful

Report
November 26, 2011

Pros:

reduced the infection

Cons:

expencive

It works. I just dont like getting blood test every month. My dr just upped my dosage so hopefully it will work even better. No side effects for me THANK GOD
This Was Helpful

1 user(s) found this helpful

Report
January 27, 2019
AMAZING

I specifically made an account just so that I can share how amazing Aczone is.  

Like many other woman that find this page, i have struggled with acne more as an adult than as a teenager.  I have tried both prescription (adapalene, topical antibiotics) and natural remedies (manuka honey, tea tree oil) with absolutely no success.  My acne primarily consists of whiteheads (A LOT on my cheeks & jaw), blackheads (nose & chin) and the sporadic inflammatory lesions.  Before and during my period it gets 10x worse.  The only thing that ever worked well for me was birth control, but unfortunately the side effects I experienced outweighed the benefits.

Then I was prescribed Dapsone (Aczone generic)... ABSOLUTE GAME CHANGER.  In just 4 weeks, I have seen an incredible change in my acne (even BETTER than birth control) and I have made it through a period without my skin being ravaged, which has not happened in over 10 years.  I did not think this could ever happen to my skin off of birth control and I am SO SO happy with the results.  My boyfriend even asked me if i was sure I wasn't pregnant, because my skin is glowing lol

I know a lot of commenters have mentioned the price being a downside with Aczone... I have only ever used the generic and it very affordable (less than $30)... it's totally worth a shot if you're like me and prefer/can not drop so much money on the treatment

This Was Helpful

Report
October 15, 2018
ACZONE COULD BE YOUR ANSWER!
TRY IT OUT! I'm a mid-30 yo female that has always been acne free. Stress and bacterial infection from clarisonic caused acne break out all over forehead and cheeks. My dermatologist has put me on Solodyn 55mg and Aczone 7.5% once a day. Here's my routine: Daytime - Purpose facewash, Kiehl's calendula toner, Aveeno posivitely radiant spf30 moisturizer. Nightime - Purpose facewash, kiehl's calendula toner, Aczone, after 5 minutes CeraVe oilfree PM moisturizer, oral Solodyn. I have been applying Aczone for 2 weeks and it has drastically brought down the inflammation along with clearing some stubborn acne. I still have a ways to go, but this has made me feel so much better about my skin! Side note: 60gram bottle dispenses 0.8% - so it should last you 75+ days and the cost of Aczone without insurance is $75. Definitely try this out if you are dealing with inflamed, red, angry acne! I'll do another review at the month mark! There is hope - stay positive and don't stress or else it will inflame everything even more!
This Was Helpful

Report
oraclejade
February 26, 2019

How is it working for you now? I started this about 6 weeks ago and unfortunately am going through a purge period. Did you go through one?

Report
September 24, 2015
Still debating if this is right for me..
It's only been a week since I started aczone, but I have to say I am seeing some small results.. Some parts of my face like my chin and one cheek haven't gotten any new breakouts, but my forehead broke out really bad this week and I got one big pimple on my cheek. I used the aczone as a spot treatment and it seems to have shrunk things a little but I wouldn't call it a miracle like some people on here are saying! I don't think this prevents anything though. I use a neutrogena gentle cleanser before I put this on.. What does everyone else use to prevent new pimples??? I'm also not using any other prescriptions and I feel like maybe I need to be for this process to be more successful
This Was Helpful

Report
Show All Comments
lcalabrese79
September 29, 2015
I am on Spironolactone and Retin-A along with Aczone. I had previously been on minocycline for quite a while before switching to Aczone, therefore I was already clear. I can't really say how well Aczone would do to be the thing that clears you up. The spiro plays a huge roll in my face staying under control also. But the three meds together has been working wonderfully for the past 3 months. I was terrified to go off of the minocycline, but the Aczone twice daily has been perfect.
Report
lcalabrese79
September 29, 2015
I am on Spironolactone and Retin-A along with Aczone. I had previously been on minocycline for quite a while before switching to Aczone, therefore I was already clear. I can't really say how well Aczone would do to be the thing that clears you up. The spiro plays a huge roll in my face staying under control also. But the three meds together has been working wonderfully for the past 3 months. I was terrified to go off of the minocycline, but the Aczone twice daily has been perfect.
Report
lcalabrese79
September 29, 2015
I am on Spironolactone and Retin-A along with Aczone. I had previously been on minocycline for quite a while before switching to Aczone, therefore I was already clear. I can't really say how well Aczone would do to be the thing that clears you up. The spiro plays a huge roll in my face staying under control also. But the three meds together has been working wonderfully for the past 3 months. I was terrified to go off of the minocycline, but the Aczone twice daily has been perfect.
Report
lcalabrese79
September 29, 2015
I am on Spironolactone and Retin-A along with Aczone. I had previously been on minocycline for quite a while before switching to Aczone, therefore I was already clear. I can't really say how well Aczone would do to be the thing that clears you up. The spiro plays a huge roll in my face staying under control also. But the three meds together has been working wonderfully for the past 3 months. I was terrified to go off of the minocycline, but the Aczone twice daily has been perfect.
Report
July 31, 2011

Pros:

- Not very harsh
- Did not have an initial break-out
- Helps reduce redness/inflammation
- Helps reduce white heads

Cons:

- Doesn't prevent acne
- Doesn't leave you acne free
- Can be expensive
- Tube does not last long

This product did not clear my skin, I still regularly get acne but I have seen improvement. Overall, I see a reduced amount of acne. In addition, I get fewer white heads and blemishes tend to me smaller. While I still get new breakouts I find that with Aczone they go away more quickly. A major plus is that this is much more gentle on skin than other products I have tried. Just a tiny bit of dryness at the beginning. Unfortunately after using this product for over a year it seems to be less effective.
This Was Helpful

Report
October 6, 2011

Pros:

- gentle
- helps acne heal faster
- helps with inflammation
- no initial breakout

Cons:

- expensive
- doesn't cure acne or leave face acne free

I agree with other reviews that it does not prevent acne but the acne I do get heals faster when I use Aczone. It helps with inflammation as well. I use it once a day in the AM before putting on my makeup. It is also very gentle and doesn't cause redness/irritation like many other acne products.
This Was Helpful

Report
Previous
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Next

Relevant Article(s):

Relevant Review(s):

Relevant Forum(s):

Finding a Doctor

The right dermatologist can make a big difference to your patient experience and the success of your acne treatment plan. Here are the steps to find a dermatologist who is a good fit:

  1. Use the search feature on the American Academy of Dermatology website to look for board-certified dermatologists in your area, and filter the search results for doctors with a special interest in treating acne.
  2. Read online patient reviews of any dermatologists you are considering and ask people you know whether they have any experience with these dermatologists.
  3. Do your research and go to your first appointment with questions prepared.
  4. Listen to what your gut feeling tells you once you see a dermatologist in person. If you are not completely comfortable, try a different dermatologist.
Find a Doctor Using The American Acacemy of Dermatology Website

Finding a Doctor

Only a select few plastic surgeons specialize in acne scar revision surgery. Be certain to find a provider who specializes in acne scar repair and who is passionate and experienced in this area.

Be sure to:

  • Look at before and after photos, the more the better, especially patients with similar scarring to your own.
  • Be realistic about results. Look for improvement, not a cure.

Questions to ask a potential scar revision specialist:

  • Are you board certified? Be certain that they are board certified.
  • How long have you been performing these procedures? Normally, the more experience the better, however, some younger surgeons may be more on top of the latest procedures.
  • Can I speak to some of your other patients? Ask for references for several patients who had similar scarring and speak to them about the process and their satisfaction with results.

Red flags:

  • Their story changes: As you discuss different treatment options, if they tend to change their mind easily, or agree with whatever you say, consider this a red flag. A confident, experienced surgeon will possess strong, unwavering opinions.
  • Your gut tells you "no": Trust your gut. If you just don't feel that the doctor is the right fit, trust that and move on. On the other hand, if you feel they are the perfect specialist for you, trust that feeling.
Find a Doctor Using the American Society of Plastic Surgeons Website