Skip to main content

Topical acne agents

Other names: acne creams

What are Topical acne agents?

Topical acne agents are creams, gels, lotions, and washes that are used on the skin and contain ingredients that treat acne. They are typically used for mild acne, although some may be used for the treatment of severe acne in conjunction with prescription medicines.

Topical acne agents include antiseptic washes that contain ingredients to gently cleanse the skin; and creams, lotions, or gels that exfoliate the skin, inhibit bacterial growth, speed up skin cell renewal or decrease the formation of comedones.

List of Topical acne agents

View by  Generic | Brand
Drug Name Avg. Rating Reviews
adapalene / benzoyl peroxide topical (Pro)
Brand names: Epiduo, Epiduo Forte
7.3
 941 reviews
benzoyl peroxide / clindamycin topical (Pro)
Brand names: Acanya, Benzaclin, Duac, Neuac, Onexton, Z-Clinz 10
7.7
 575 reviews
adapalene topical (Pro)
Brand name: Differin
6.3
 516 reviews
tretinoin topical (Pro)
Brand names: Altreno, Atralin, Avita, Refissa, Renova, Retin-A
7.7
 493 reviews
dapsone topical (Pro)
Brand name: Aczone
7.4
 257 reviews
clindamycin topical (Pro)
Brand names: Cleocin T, Clinda-Derm, Clindacin ETZ, Clindacin P, Clindacin PAC, Clindagel, ClindaReach Pledget, Clindets, Evoclin
6.9
 231 reviews
clindamycin / tretinoin topical (Pro)
Brand names: Veltin, Ziana
7.7
 186 reviews
azelaic acid topical (Pro)
Brand names: Azelex, Finacea
7.7
 126 reviews
tazarotene topical (Pro)
Brand names: Arazlo, Fabior, Tazorac
7.3
 74 reviews
benzoyl peroxide / erythromycin topical (Pro)
Brand names: Aktipak, Benzamycin, Benzamycin Pak
7.6
 53 reviews
benzoyl peroxide topical (Pro)
Brand names: Acne Treatment, Acne-10, Acne-Clear, Benzac, Benzac AC, Benzac AC Wash, Benzac W, Benzagel, Benzashave, BenzEFoam, BenzEFoam Ultra, BenzePro, Benziq, Binora, BP Wash, BPO, BPO 6 Foaming Cloths, BPO Foaming Cloths, BPO Gel, Brevoxyl, Brevoxyl Acne Wash Kit, Clearplex, Clearskin, Enzoclear Foam, Fostex Gel 10%, Fostex Wash 10%, Inova, Neutrogena Clear Pore Cleanser/Mask, Neutrogena Rapid Clear Stubborn Acne, Oscion, Oscion Cleanser, Oxy Balance, Oxy Daily Wash, Oxy Daily Wash Chill Factor, Oxy-10, PanOxyl, PanOxyl 10% Acne Foaming Wash, PanOxyl 4% Acne Creamy Wash, Persa-Gel, PR Benzoyl Peroxide Wash, Riax, SoluCLENZ Rx
7.9
 52 reviews
salicylic acid topical (Pro)
Brand names: Acnevir, Akurza, Aliclen, Compound W, DermalZone, Dermarest Psoriasis Medicated Moisturizer, Dermarest Psoriasis Overnight Treatment, Dermarest Psoriasis Skin Treatment, DHS Salicylic Acid 3%, Dr Scholl's Callus Removers, Dr Scholl's Clear Away Wart Remover, Dr Scholl's Corn Removers, Dr Scholl's Corn Removers Small, Dr Scholl's Zino Soft Corn Remover, Duofilm, Duoplant, Durasal, Fostex, Freezone, Freezone Corn Remover, Gordofilm, Hydrisalic, Keralyt Scalp, Keralyt Shampoo, KeralytGel, Mediplast, Mosco Corn & Callus Remover, Neutrogena Acne Wash Oil Free, Neutrogena Healthy Scalp, Neutrogena Healthy Scalp Dandruff Shampoo, Neutrogena T/Sal, Oxy Balance Daily Cleaning, Normal Skin, Oxy Balance Deep Pore Cleansing, Gentle, Oxy Face Scrub Chill Factor, P & S, Propa pH Acne Med Cleansing, Psoriasin Medicated Wash, Sal-Plant Gel, Salactic Film, Salex, Salvax, Scalpicin Scalp Relief, Stri-Dex, Stri-Dex Clear Gel, Stri-Dex Face Wash, Stri-Dex Maximum Strength, Stri-Dex Sensitive Skin, Stridex Body Focus, Stridex Maximum Strength, Tinamed Plantar, Wart Remover
7.9
 22 reviews
clascoterone topical (Pro)
Brand name: Winlevi
9.1
 7 reviews
resorcinol / sulfur topical
7.5
 2 reviews
erythromycin topical (Pro)
Brand names: Emcin Clear, Ery Pads, Erygel, Spotex, Theramycin Z
5.5
 2 reviews
benzoyl peroxide / sulfur topical
10
 2 reviews
benzoyl peroxide / hydrocortisone topical
Brand name: Vanoxide-HC
10
 2 reviews
trifarotene topical (Pro)
Brand name: Aklief
10
 1 review
benzoyl peroxide / salicylic acid topical
Brand names: Cleanse & Treat, Cleanse & Treat Plus, Inova 4/1, Inova 8/2
8.0
 1 review
benzoyl peroxide / tretinoin topical
Brand name: Twyneo 		No reviews
For ratings, users were asked how effective they found the medicine while considering positive/adverse effects and ease of use (1 = not effective, 10 = most effective).

See also

Medical conditions treated or associated with topical acne agents:

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer