Aknemycin Plus
Aknemycin Plus
Product Description
Product overview
A prescription-strength dual-action topical solution combining Erythromycin 4% antibiotic with Tretinoin 0.025% retinoid to fight acne-causing bacteria, unclog pores, accelerate skin cell turnover, and dissolve excess sebum. Treats all forms of acne including comedones, papules, and pustules.
Kills Acne Bacteria
Erythromycin 4% antibiotic targets and eliminates Cutibacterium acnes, the primary bacteria responsible for inflammatory acne breakouts.
Texture & feel
SENSORYKills Acne Bacteria
Erythromycin 4% antibiotic targets and eliminates Cutibacterium acnes, the primary bacteria responsible for inflammatory acne breakouts.
Accelerates Cell Turnover
Tretinoin 0.025% retinoid increases epidermal renewal, shedding dead skin cells faster to keep pores clear and prevent comedone formation.
Unclogs Pores
The keratolytic action of tretinoin loosens and clears existing blackheads and whiteheads, allowing trapped sebum to escape naturally.
Dissolves Excess Oil
The ethanol-based vehicle helps dissolve excess sebum on the skin surface, reducing oiliness and creating a less hospitable environment for bacteria.
Safety & compatibility
SAFENOT safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Tretinoin is a retinoid with documented teratogenic effects in animal studies. Up to 24% of applied tretinoin may be absorbed systemically. Contraindicated for women who are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or nursing.
The formula contains no ferments, fatty acids, esters, or polysorbates. Only 5 ingredients total: erythromycin, tretinoin, ethanol, glycerol, and copolyvidone — all considered safe for fungal acne-prone skin.
Tretinoin significantly increases sun sensitivity. Avoid prolonged sun exposure, tanning beds, and sunlamps during treatment. Always wear SPF 30+ sunscreen. Do not apply to sunburned skin.
Acne may appear to worsen during the first 2–4 weeks. This is a normal sign that the medication is working by pushing existing blockages to the surface. Do not discontinue treatment.
Rated 1/5 for comedogenicity. The alcohol-based solution formula is very unlikely to clog pores. Contains no oils, waxes, or heavy emollients.
Do not combine with other topical retinoids (adapalene, isotretinoin), benzoyl peroxide, or additional topical antibiotics (clindamycin) unless directed by a doctor. Avoid harsh exfoliants and peeling agents.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSErythromycin 4% (40mg/g)Proven
A macrolide antibiotic that has been used in dermatology for decades. It works by inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis, effectively killing Cutibacterium acnes and reducing inflammatory lesion counts.
- Mechanism: Binds to the 50S ribosomal subunit, blocking bacterial protein synthesis and halting bacterial growth
- Clinical use: Well-established topical antibiotic for acne with decades of clinical evidence supporting efficacy
- Absorption: Negligible percutaneous absorption when applied topically, making systemic side effects extremely rare
Tretinoin 0.025% (0.25mg/g)Proven
A first-generation retinoid (vitamin A derivative) and the gold standard in topical acne treatment. It increases epidermal cell turnover, prevents comedone formation, and improves overall skin texture and tone.
- Mechanism: Acts as a keratolytic by markedly increasing cell turnover in the cornified epithelium including follicular ducts
- Clinical use: FDA-approved for acne since 1971; extensive evidence base spanning over 50 years
- Anti-aging bonus: Also promotes collagen production and can improve fine lines, hyperpigmentation, and skin texture over time
Ethanol 75.2% (vehicle)Vehicle
The primary solvent and vehicle base for the solution. Ethanol dissolves sebum on contact, delivers active ingredients into the skin, and evaporates quickly leaving a clean, matte finish.
- Function: Solvent, penetration enhancer, and sebum-dissolving agent
- Note: May cause stinging or burning on application, especially on broken or freshly shaved skin
Glycerol ExcipientMoisturiser
A humectant that attracts and retains moisture in the skin. Included to partially offset the drying effects of ethanol and tretinoin, helping maintain the skin barrier.
- Function: Draws water to the skin surface, provides mild hydration and helps prevent excessive dryness
Copolyvidone ExcipientStabiliser
A film-forming polymer that helps the active ingredients adhere uniformly to the skin surface and stabilises the formulation for consistent drug delivery.
- Function: Binder and film-forming agent ensuring even distribution and prolonged contact of actives with the skin
5 ingredients
Erythromycin (4% w/w), Tretinoin (0.025% w/w), Ethanol, Glycerol, Copolyvidone.
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEApply Aknemycin Plus to clean, completely dry skin before any other skincare products. Wait several minutes for it to absorb before layering moisturiser. Always follow with SPF 30+ sunscreen in the morning.
How to use
HOW TO USECleanse Your Face
Wash the affected area with a gentle, non-irritating cleanser. Pat skin completely dry with a clean towel — do not rub. Wait 1–2 minutes to ensure skin is fully dry before application.
Prepare the Applicator
Press the screw cap onto the foam pad until you hear a "click." Gently invert the bottle several times so the solution soaks into the applicator pad evenly.
Apply to Affected Areas
Glide the foam applicator over affected skin areas using gentle, even strokes to apply a thin coat. Avoid the eye area, nostrils, lips, and any broken or sunburned skin. Avoid skin folds where product can accumulate.
Wash Hands & Wait
Wash your hands thoroughly after application. Allow 5–10 minutes for the solution to fully absorb and dry before applying moisturiser, serums, or makeup. The applicator closes automatically after use.
Continue for 9–12 Weeks
Apply once or twice daily as directed by your doctor. Be consistent — results may not be visible for several weeks. If irritation occurs, reduce frequency to once daily or every other day until skin adjusts.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You have mild to moderate acne with both comedones and inflammatory papules/pustules
- You have oily or very oily skin contributing to breakouts
- Over-the-counter acne treatments have not been effective enough
- You want a combined antibiotic + retinoid in one convenient product
- You prefer a topical solution over oral antibiotics
- You have fungal acne alongside regular acne (formula is FA-safe)
Consider alternatives if:
- You are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding (tretinoin is contraindicated)
- You have eczema, rosacea, or perioral dermatitis
- Your skin is extremely sensitive or reactive to alcohol-based products
- You have severe or cystic/nodular acne (may need oral isotretinoin)
- You have a known allergy to erythromycin or macrolide antibiotics
- You cannot commit to daily sunscreen use during treatment
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESIdeal match. The alcohol base dissolves excess sebum and the matte finish controls shine. Specifically indicated for acne associated with very oily skin.
Works well on oily T-zone. Apply mainly to acne-prone areas and avoid drier cheeks if they become irritated. Follow with a lightweight moisturiser on dry zones.
Effective for treating active breakouts. The drying effect of ethanol is manageable with a good moisturiser. Start with once-daily application.
The alcohol base and tretinoin can intensify dryness and peeling. Use sparingly, start every other day, and always follow with a rich moisturiser. Monitor for excessive irritation.
High ethanol content (75%) may cause stinging, redness, and irritation. Start with every-other-day use and build tolerance gradually. Patch test first.
Purpose-built for acne. Dual-action formula tackles bacteria and clogged pores simultaneously. Very low comedogenic risk (1/5). Fungal acne safe.
Results timeline
WEEK 9–12Initial Adjustment & Possible Purging
Skin may feel tight, dry, or slightly irritated after application. Some users experience a temporary worsening of acne (purging) as tretinoin pushes blockages to the surface. Redness and mild peeling are common and expected.
70% experience initial dryness or purgingPurging Subsides, Early Improvement
The initial flare-up begins to settle. Inflammatory lesions start to reduce in size and redness. Skin begins adjusting to the treatment. Oiliness noticeably reduced. Some clearing of blackheads visible.
50% notice early improvementSignificant Clearing
Notable reduction in active breakouts, papules, and pustules. Skin texture becomes smoother. Blackheads and whiteheads continue to clear. Pores appear more refined. Post-inflammatory marks begin to fade.
75% see significant clearingFull Treatment Results
Optimal results achieved by the end of the prescribed course. Skin is clearer, smoother, and less oily. Acne scars and pigmentation show marked improvement thanks to tretinoin's resurfacing action. Treatment course typically concludes here.
85% achieve significant improvementRatings by platform
404+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Dual-action formula treats multiple acne causes simultaneously (bacteria + clogged pores)
- Effective for all acne types: comedonal, papular, and pustular
- Built-in foam applicator is hygienic and easy to use
- Minimal ingredient list (only 5 ingredients) — low allergy risk
- Fungal acne safe formulation
- Tretinoin also provides anti-aging benefits (fine lines, texture, pigmentation)
- Controls oiliness and dissolves excess sebum effectively
- Affordable prescription option compared to many branded acne treatments
Criticized
- Strong alcohol smell that can be unpleasant, especially near the nose
- Significant drying, peeling, and irritation during the first 2–4 weeks
- Purging phase can be discouraging — skin often gets worse before it gets better
- Not safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Causes photosensitivity — strict sun protection required
- Stings on application, especially on broken or freshly shaved skin
- 25ml bottle may not last the full 9–12 week course with twice-daily use
- Prescription-only — requires consultation each time
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPESSame erythromycin antibiotic base but replaces tretinoin with zinc acetate for skin protection. Less irritating and pregnancy-safe, but lacks the retinoid's pore-unclogging and anti-aging benefits. Best for those who cannot tolerate tretinoin.
A third-generation retinoid (adapalene) without antibiotic. Less irritating than tretinoin and more photostable, but does not directly target acne bacteria. Available over-the-counter in some countries. Good for purely comedonal acne.
An over-the-counter antibacterial gel that kills acne bacteria through oxidation without causing antibiotic resistance. No retinoid component, so lacks pore-clearing and anti-aging benefits. More suitable for mild inflammatory acne.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDEAknemycin Plus
Treclin Gel (Clindamycin + Tretinoin)
Storage & shelf life
STORAGEUse within the treatment course (9–12 weeks). Do not use after the expiry date printed on the carton.
Store below 30°C. Keep in the outer carton to protect from direct sunlight. Do not freeze. Contains ethanol — keep away from open flames.
Dark glass 25ml bottle with integrated foam pad applicator and screw cap. Also available in 50ml pack (2x25ml). Hygienic, leak-proof design.
Yes — 25ml bottle is well under the 100ml carry-on liquid limit. Compact glass bottle with secure cap. Contains flammable ethanol: do not expose to flame until fully dried on skin.
Frequently asked questions
FAQNo. Aknemycin Plus contains tretinoin, a retinoid that is contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding. High oral doses of tretinoin are teratogenic in animals, and up to 24% of topically applied tretinoin may be absorbed systemically. Women who are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding must not use this product. Speak to your doctor about pregnancy-safe alternatives such as Zineryt (erythromycin + zinc) or azelaic acid (Skinoren).
Yes. Aknemycin Plus has an exceptionally clean, minimal formula with only 5 ingredients: erythromycin, tretinoin, ethanol, glycerol, and copolyvidone. It contains no fermented ingredients, fatty acids, fatty alcohols, esters, or polysorbates that could feed Malassezia yeast. This makes it one of the more fungal acne-friendly prescription acne treatments available.
It is generally not recommended to combine Aknemycin Plus with other active ingredients without your doctor's guidance. Since it already contains tretinoin (a retinoid), adding additional retinol, retinoids, AHA (glycolic/lactic acid), BHA (salicylic acid), or vitamin C can significantly increase irritation, peeling, and sensitivity. If you wish to use these ingredients, ask your prescriber about alternating schedules or using them on different nights. Do not use benzoyl peroxide products simultaneously as they can deactivate the formula.
Aknemycin Plus is specifically indicated for acne associated with very oily skin. The alcohol-based solution dissolves excess sebum and leaves a matte finish, making it ideal for oily and combination skin types. It can work for normal skin with good moisturiser support. Those with dry or sensitive skin may find the ethanol base too drying and should consider gel-based alternatives like Treclin or Epiduo, which tend to be better tolerated.
Most users begin to see meaningful improvement after 4–6 weeks of consistent use. However, it is normal for acne to initially worsen during the first 2–4 weeks (the "purging" phase) as tretinoin increases cell turnover and brings underlying blockages to the surface. Do not be discouraged by this — it is a sign the treatment is working. Full results are typically achieved by weeks 9–12. Consistency is crucial: do not stop treatment prematurely during the purge phase.
Apply Aknemycin Plus as the first step after cleansing and drying your skin. The correct order is: (1) gentle cleanser, (2) pat dry completely, (3) apply Aknemycin Plus to affected areas, (4) wait 5–10 minutes for absorption, (5) apply moisturiser, (6) sunscreen in the morning. Do not apply other topical products before Aknemycin Plus, as they can create a barrier that reduces absorption of the active ingredients.
No. Aknemycin Plus has a comedogenic rating of 1/5 (very low). The alcohol-based solution contains no oils, waxes, silicones, or heavy emollients. In fact, it actively works to unclog pores through the keratolytic action of tretinoin and by dissolving sebum with its ethanol base. It is one of the least likely acne treatments to cause additional pore congestion.
Aknemycin Plus should be used within the prescribed treatment course of 9–12 weeks. Always check the expiry date printed on the outer carton. Store below 30°C and keep in the original carton to protect from light. Do not use past the expiry date. Dispose of unused product at your local pharmacy — do not pour down the drain or throw in household waste.
Verdict: Aknemycin Plus is a well-formulated, clinically proven prescription acne treatment that combines the antibacterial power of erythromycin with the gold-standard retinoid tretinoin in an ultra-minimal 5-ingredient formula. It excels for oily, acne-prone skin and is one of the few prescription acne treatments that is also fungal acne safe. The alcohol-based solution is not for everyone — sensitive and dry skin types may struggle with the initial irritation — and the purging phase requires patience. But for those who can tolerate it, Aknemycin Plus delivers meaningful clearing of comedonal and inflammatory acne within 9–12 weeks, with the added bonus of tretinoin's skin-resurfacing benefits. A solid choice as a second-line topical when OTC treatments have fallen short.
Product Overview
Quick product notes are a great way to check if a product is free from commonly avoided ingredients by skincare enthusiasts. These preferences come about for different reasons depending on the ingredient such as personal experiences, sensitivities, health preferences & etc.
Just because a product is not free from a common preference does not mean it's a bad product! You can make a personal decision whether or not you want to use a product that contains these ingredients or not - click the labels of the preference to read more about them.
Quick Product Notes
Ever used a product that promised a certain effect but provided no results? It might not have contained any notable ingredients that could have been responsible for that promised effect. It doesn't matter what the marketing or packaging «promises» it can do, if it doesn't contain anything that can help - then the likelihood of it helping is low.
We help you identify key notable ingredients that have been shown to help with effects such as acne-fighting, brightening, UV-protection, wound healing & anti-aging to help you achieve your skincare goals smarter. Please note that different notable ingredients have varying levels of research behind them, some are extremely well proven yet some have mixed research in their efficacy.
Just because a product doesn't contain any notable ingredients doesn't mean it's bad. And a product with notable ingredients (or even many) doesn't necessarily guarantee the efficacy of the product performing these effects either. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine this.
Be smart and use this as just a starting point for you to make more informed and smarter choices and compare it with reviews to see if the product is right for you
Notable Effects & Ingredients
Why are some products great for some people and horrible for others? Well everyone has different skin types and different reactions to the same ingredients.
We've identified a range of ingredients that are commonly regarded as potentially good or bad for those with Dry, Oily/Acne-Prone or Sensitive skin.
A product that contains good or bad ingredients for your skin type doesn't always flat out make the entire product good or bad for your skin. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine your skins reaction.
One of the best ways to use this section is to troubleshoot products you've had bad experiences with in the past. Check if it contains any of the marked ingredients to point out suspect ingredients to avoid in the future!
Ingredients Related to Skin Types
Ingredient Safety Breakdown refers to the percentage % of ingredients in different risk categories as classified by EWG (Environment Working Group) if they are available. There are almost endless cosmetic ingredients and they are one of the few organisations globally that have assigned ratings to a lot of the more commonly used ingredients which is why we reference them.
EWG is seen by many to be more on the alarmist side in their assignment of health ratings resulting in rating ingredients as riskier than they actually are. We recommend using this a reference point rather than a strict guide of ingredient safety and to always do further research if into ingredients that you may find suspect.
Ingredient Safety Breakdown
Product ingredient list
| EWG | CIR | Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 |
Erythromycin
|
|
|
| 0 |
Tretinoin
Skin Conditioning
|
Promotes Wound Healing
Dark Spots
Texture
Pores
|
|
| 0 |
Alcohol Denat.
|
|
|
| 2 |
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
|
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|
|
| 0 |
Copolyvidone
|
|





