Dapsone Gel 5%
Dapsone Gel 5%
Product Description
Product overview
A prescription-strength topical gel featuring 5% dapsone, an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory sulfone antibiotic FDA-approved for the treatment of acne vulgaris. Applied twice daily, this gritty translucent gel targets inflammatory papules and pustules with minimal systemic absorption, making it a well-tolerated alternative for patients who cannot use retinoids or benzoyl peroxide.
Antibacterial Action
Dapsone is a sulfone antibiotic that suppresses the growth of acne-causing bacteria on the skin surface, reducing active breakouts.
Texture & feel
SENSORYAntibacterial Action
Dapsone is a sulfone antibiotic that suppresses the growth of acne-causing bacteria on the skin surface, reducing active breakouts.
Anti-Inflammatory
Reduces redness, swelling, and inflammation associated with papules and pustules, calming inflamed acne lesions.
Non-Retinoid, BPO-Free
An alternative for patients who cannot tolerate retinoids or benzoyl peroxide. Won't bleach clothing or linens.
Minimal Systemic Absorption
Topical application delivers ~1% of the systemic exposure compared to a 100mg oral dose, greatly reducing risk of hematologic side effects.
Safety & compatibility
SAFEFDA former Category C. No adequate human studies. Animal studies showed embryocidal effects at doses 250x+ the human topical exposure. Use only if benefit outweighs risk. Consult your doctor.
Oral dapsone passes into breast milk. While topical absorption is minimal (~1% of oral), the manufacturer advises against use during breastfeeding.
Contains no ferments, fatty acids, esters, or polysorbates. The minimal ingredient list is safe for fungal acne-prone skin.
Water-based gel formula with carbomer base. Rating 0/5 — will not clog pores.
Patients with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency should have G6PD levels checked before use. Risk of hemolysis exists, though clinical trials showed no significant hemolytic events.
Rare postmarketing cases reported. Discontinue immediately if lips, nail beds, or skin turns gray or blue and seek medical attention.
Applying benzoyl peroxide together with dapsone gel may cause temporary yellow or orange discoloration of skin and facial hair. Allow drying time between applications.
Do not use with oral dapsone or antimalarial medications. TMP/SMX (Bactrim) increases dapsone metabolite levels and risk of hemolysis in G6PD-deficient patients.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSDapsone (4,4'-Diaminodiphenylsulfone) 5%Proven
A synthetic sulfone antibiotic with both antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Originally developed for leprosy treatment in the 1940s, it was reformulated as a topical gel for acne in 2005. It targets inflammatory acne lesions (papules and pustules) more effectively than comedonal acne.
- Clinical Trial: Two Phase III studies showed ~50% reduction in inflammatory lesions at 12 weeks vs. 42% with vehicle
- Long-Term: 12-month open-label study showed 58.2% mean reduction in inflammatory lesion counts
- Systemic Safety: Topical exposure is approximately 100-fold less than oral dapsone at therapeutic doses
- Female Benefit: Studies indicate dapsone gel may be particularly effective in female patients and those aged 18+
Carbomer Homopolymer Type CVehicle Base
A high-molecular-weight polymer used as the gel base. Provides the product's viscosity and helps the active ingredient remain on the skin surface for optimal delivery. It creates the characteristic gel texture.
- Function: Thickening agent, emulsion stabilizer, and gel-forming polymer
- Safety: Widely used in pharmaceutical and cosmetic formulations with an excellent safety record
Diethylene Glycol Monoethyl Ether (DEGEE)Penetration Enhancer
A solvent and penetration enhancer that helps dissolve dapsone and promotes its delivery into the skin. Also known as Transcutol, it is commonly used in topical pharmaceutical formulations.
- Function: Solubilizes dapsone in the gel matrix and enhances skin penetration
- Note: Contributes to the gritty texture when drug particles are not fully dissolved
MethylparabenPreservative
An antimicrobial preservative that prevents bacterial and fungal growth in the gel formulation, ensuring product stability throughout its shelf life.
- Function: Broad-spectrum preservative
- Safety: Used at low concentrations in pharmaceuticals; FDA-approved for topical drug products
6 ingredients
Dapsone 5% (active), Carbomer Homopolymer Type C, Diethylene Glycol Monoethyl Ether, Methylparaben, Sodium Hydroxide, Purified Water.
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEApply to clean, dry skin before moisturizer. Use twice daily (AM & PM). Allow gel to absorb fully before layering other products. If using benzoyl peroxide, apply at a separate time to avoid yellow/orange discoloration.
How to use
HOW TO USECleanse
Gently wash the affected area with a mild cleanser and pat dry. Do not scrub or use harsh exfoliants beforehand.
Apply a Pea-Sized Amount
Squeeze approximately a pea-sized amount of Dapsone Gel 5% onto your fingertip. The gel may appear gritty with visible particles — this is normal.
Spread in a Thin Layer
Apply in a thin layer to the acne-affected areas only. Rub in gently and completely until the gel is absorbed.
Wash Hands
Wash your hands immediately after application. Avoid contact with eyes, lips, and mucous membranes.
Continue Your Routine
Wait 1–2 minutes for absorption, then apply moisturizer and sunscreen (AM). Use twice daily. Allow up to 12 weeks for full results.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You have mild to moderate inflammatory acne (papules, pustules)
- You cannot tolerate retinoids (tretinoin, adapalene) due to irritation
- You want a non-bleaching alternative to benzoyl peroxide
- You have hormonal acne along the jawline and chin (especially women 18+)
- You need a product compatible with sensitive or reactive skin
- You have fungal acne and need an FA-safe acne treatment
- You want a minimalist formula with only 6 ingredients
Consider alternatives if:
- You have severe nodulocystic acne (may need isotretinoin or combination therapy)
- You primarily have comedonal acne (blackheads/whiteheads) — retinoids are more effective
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding (Category C, not recommended)
- You have known G6PD deficiency (requires medical monitoring)
- You have a dapsone or sulfonamide allergy
- You want an OTC product (this requires a prescription)
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESWater-based gel formula absorbs well without adding oiliness. Matte finish is ideal for oil-prone skin.
May cause dryness and peeling (16% of users). Pair with a nourishing moisturizer to offset drying effects.
Targeted application to acne-affected areas works perfectly for combination skin. Non-greasy formula balances well.
Generally well-tolerated with mild side effects. Less irritating than retinoids and BPO. Erythema may occur in ~13% of users.
FDA-approved specifically for acne vulgaris. Non-comedogenic (0/5), fungal acne safe, and targets inflammatory lesions.
Results timeline
MONTH 6–12Initial Response
Reduction in redness and inflammation begins. Some users notice fewer new breakouts forming. Mild dryness or peeling may appear as skin adjusts.
30% noticed early improvementVisible Improvement
Clinical studies show approximately 30.6% mean reduction in inflammatory lesions by one month. Active breakouts begin clearing noticeably.
50% noticed clearer skinSignificant Clearing
Full treatment window. Studies report up to 50% reduction in inflammatory lesions and ~40% clinical success rate by week 12. If no improvement by week 12, reassess treatment with your doctor.
71% reported positive outcomesLong-Term Maintenance
Continued improvement with long-term use. 12-month data shows 58.2% reduction in inflammatory lesions and 49% reduction in total lesion count from baseline.
58% inflammatory lesion reduction at 12 monthsRatings by platform
485+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Highly effective for inflammatory and hormonal acne, especially in women
- Does not bleach clothing, towels, or bed linens (unlike benzoyl peroxide)
- Less irritating and drying than retinoids — well tolerated by sensitive skin
- Minimal systemic absorption (~100x less than oral dapsone)
- Works well as part of combination therapy with other acne treatments
- Fragrance-free, fungal acne safe, non-comedogenic formula
- Generic versions (like Encube) are more affordable than brand Aczone
Criticized
- Brand-name Aczone is very expensive without insurance coverage
- Gritty texture with visible particles can be off-putting initially
- Less effective against comedonal acne (blackheads and whiteheads) than retinoids
- Temporary yellow/orange skin discoloration if used with benzoyl peroxide
- May cause initial purging period in the first few weeks
- Requires 12 weeks for full evaluation — slower onset than some alternatives
- Prescription required — cannot be purchased over the counter
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPES
OTC retinoid that targets both inflammatory and comedonal acne. Different mechanism (retinoid vs. sulfone) but similarly effective for mild-moderate acne. May cause more irritation and sun sensitivity than dapsone.
OTC antibacterial that kills acne bacteria through oxidation. More widely available and cheaper, but can bleach fabrics and cause more dryness. Avoid applying directly with dapsone gel to prevent skin discoloration.
Prescription-strength anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial agent. Also targets redness and hyperpigmentation. Pregnancy Category B (safer than dapsone). Different mechanism but overlapping benefits for inflammatory acne.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDE
Storage & shelf life
24 MONTHSUse within the expiration date printed on the tube. Typically 24 months unopened; follow Rx label for opened product.
Store at controlled room temperature 20°–25°C (68°–77°F). Excursions permitted to 15°–30°C (59°–86°F). Protect from freezing.
Aluminum tube with screw cap. Available in 60g and 90g sizes.
Yes — 60g tube is under 100ml/3.4oz TSA limit for carry-on luggage.
Frequently asked questions
FAQDapsone Gel 5% is former FDA Pregnancy Category C — meaning risk cannot be ruled out. There are no adequate human studies for topical dapsone in pregnant women. Animal studies at very high oral doses (250x+ human topical exposure) showed embryocidal effects. Use only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. For breastfeeding, the manufacturer advises against use, as oral dapsone is known to pass into breast milk and may cause hemolytic reactions in nursing infants. Although topical absorption is minimal (~1% of oral dose), consult your doctor before using during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Yes. Dapsone Gel 5% has a very minimal ingredient list (only 6 ingredients) and contains no fermented ingredients, fatty acids, fatty esters, polysorbates, or oils that feed Malassezia yeast. The water-based carbomer gel vehicle is considered safe for fungal acne-prone skin. This makes it one of the few prescription acne treatments that is both effective against bacterial acne and compatible with fungal acne concerns.
Dapsone Gel 5% can generally be used alongside retinoids (tretinoin, adapalene), vitamin C, and chemical exfoliants (AHA/BHA). In fact, studies have shown that combining dapsone with adapalene enhances efficacy, achieving ~51% total lesion reduction vs. 39% with dapsone alone. However, the most important interaction to be aware of is with benzoyl peroxide — applying BPO directly after dapsone can cause temporary yellow or orange skin discoloration. If you use both, apply them at different times of day or allow dapsone to fully dry first. Always introduce new actives gradually and consult your dermatologist.
Dapsone Gel 5% is best suited for oily, combination, and acne-prone skin types. Its water-based gel formula absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy residue. It is particularly effective for adult women with hormonal acne along the jawline, chin, and cheeks. Sensitive skin types generally tolerate it well — it is less irritating than retinoids and benzoyl peroxide. Dry skin types may experience additional dryness (reported in ~16% of users) and should pair it with a hydrating moisturizer.
Many users report noticing improvement within 1–2 weeks, particularly reduced redness and inflammation. Clinical studies show approximately 30.6% reduction in inflammatory lesions by 4 weeks. The full evaluation period is 12 weeks — if no improvement is seen by then, your dermatologist should reassess your treatment plan. Long-term studies show continued improvement up to 12 months with 58.2% reduction in inflammatory lesions. Some users experience an initial purging period where breakouts temporarily worsen before improving.
Apply Dapsone Gel 5% to clean, dry skin as the first treatment step after cleansing. Let it absorb for 1–2 minutes, then follow with any other serums, moisturizer, and sunscreen (AM). For the PM routine, apply after cleansing and before moisturizer. If using retinoids, you can apply dapsone in the morning and retinoid at night, or apply them at the same time — they are compatible. Avoid layering benzoyl peroxide directly on top of dapsone to prevent temporary skin discoloration.
No. Dapsone Gel 5% has a comedogenic rating of 0/5. Its water-based gel formula contains no oils, waxes, silicones, or fatty ingredients that could clog pores. The base consists of carbomer (a gel-forming polymer), a solvent (DEGEE), a preservative (methylparaben), a pH adjuster (sodium hydroxide), and purified water. This makes it one of the least comedogenic prescription acne treatments available.
Dapsone Gel 5% should be used according to the expiration date printed on the tube packaging. The product is generally stable for up to 24 months when stored properly at controlled room temperature (20°–25°C / 68°–77°F). Protect from freezing. A 60g tube typically lasts about 3 months when used twice daily with a pea-sized amount. Always replace the cap tightly after each use.
Verdict: Dapsone Gel 5% by Encube Ethicals is a well-tolerated, FDA-approved prescription treatment for mild to moderate inflammatory acne. It stands out as a non-retinoid, non-BPO alternative that won't bleach your fabrics or cause severe irritation. It is particularly effective for adult women with hormonal acne and those with sensitive or fungal acne-prone skin. While it takes up to 12 weeks for full results and is less effective against comedonal acne compared to retinoids, its minimal ingredient list, low comedogenicity (0/5), and favorable side-effect profile make it a valuable option in the acne treatment toolkit. The generic Encube version offers significant cost savings over brand-name Aczone. Best used as part of a comprehensive skincare routine under dermatologist supervision.
Product Overview
What are Quick Product Notes?
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.
Pro Tip Alert!
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
Paraben-Free
Paraben-Free
Understanding Parabens
Parabens are a large group of preservatives which are used to prevent bacteria growing in cosmetic formulations. There has been some healthy controversy surrounding them due to a few studies finding paraben presence in breast tumours and breast tissue. However, the majority of the scientific community have deemed these findings non-conclusive due to the limitations of these studies. There's still a lot of support for avoiding parabens following the better safe than sorry route. If you do we completely support you! If you are concerned about the health safety of parabens, then feel free to avoid them by looking out for the Paraben-Free icon. If not, don't worry about it - they do have had one of the longest safety records as preservatives!
Which Ingredients are classified as Paraben?
A product will be paraben-free if it does not contain any of the following parabens:
- Sodium Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Ethylparaben
- Sodium Butylparaben
- Propylparaben
- Isopropylparaben
- Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Propylparaben
- Butylparaben
- Ethylparaben
- Sodium Methylparaben
- Methylparaben
Sulfate-Free
Sulfate-Free
Understanding Sulfates
Sulfates are a large group of ingredients which act as cleansing agents in Cosmetics. They help loosen up the dirt and grime from your skin and hair to allow for water to wash it away with ease. However some sulfates are so good at their job, they can wash off your skin’s own natural oils that keep it moisturised and protected which can lead to dryness and irritation. Most people will find no issues with sulfate, however if you find your skin doesn't like sulfates then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the sulfate-free icon on Skincarisma.
Which ingredients are classified as sulfates?
We've taken the Sulfates which are considered more harsh for our Sulfate-Free status. A product will be Sulfate-Free if it does not contain any of the following Sulfates:
- TEA-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate
- Ammonium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
- PEG-15 Cocamine
- Sodium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Cocoyl Sarcosinate
- Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
- Dioctyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate
- Ammonium Xylenesulfonate
- Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate
- Sodium Xylenesulfonate
- Sodium Myreth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate
Alcohol-Free
Alcohol-Free
Understanding Simple Alcohols
Alcohol ingredients are widely used in cosmetics and come in different types. For the most part alcohols are not problematic at all. However one type of alcohols, simple alcohols can be quite drying to the skin because it evaporates very quickly. This can cause irritation which can also lead to other skin complications. These alcohols should never be used alone on your skin, but combined with other cosmetic ingredients, they are normally without issue. However, for some people with sensitive and easily irritable skin, avoiding products with these simple alcohols may be beneficial. If you find your skin doesn't like these simple alcohols, then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the Alcohol-Free icon.
Which Ingredients are classified as Alcohol?
A product will be alcohol-free if it does not contain any of the following alcohol ingredients:
- SD Alcohol
- Alcohol Denat
- Isopropyl Alcohol
- Alcohol
Silicone-Free
Silicone-Free
Understanding Silicones
If you've ever used a skincare, makeup or beauty product that's made your skin look and feel smoother tempoarily - it's likely contained Silicone. They are a popular class of ingredients found in cosmetics due to their smooth, soft, easy-to-spread and smooth properties that help creates an artificial layer/barrier on top of skin or hair (commonly found in conditioners).
For the same reasons they are popularly used, they are also commonly avoided. Anecdotally, many individuals have reported that Silicones cause/excerbate breakouts, irritation, cause a feeling of skin being unable to breathe, cause clumping of cosmetic products and find it difficult to wash off. As a result, those who find them problematic are avoiding them and increasingly, cosmetic companies are avoiding them as well.
If you have had bad experiences with Silicones in the past, or suspect they are problematic then look out for the tick on the Silicone-free label.
Disclaimer
The Silicone-free label only includes the most common Silicone ingredients that have indentified been reported by individuals that could potentially cause issues.
These include: Amodimethicone, Behenoxy Dimethicone, Bis-Aminopropyl Dimethicone, Cetearyl Methicone, Cetyl Dimethicone, Cyclomethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Dimethicone Copolyol, Dimethiconol, Methicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Stearoxy Dimethicone, Stearyl Dimethicone, Trimethylsilylamodimethicone.
Note, that this does not include all ingredients part of the Silicone class of ingredients.
EU Allergen-Free
EU Allergen-Free
Understanding the Identified Contact Allergens
The EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has identified and established 26 cosmetic ingredients that are likely contact allergens (potential to cause skin allergies) as demonstrated in clinical or epidemiological studies. The EU's SCCS have recommend cosmetic companies to disclose them on the labels if used and in cases where the concentration exceeds 0.001% in leave-on products and 0.01% in rinse-off products, then they must be labelled.
Look out for the tick on the EU-Allergen free label to know your cosmetic is free from any of the 26 identified cosmetic ingredients.
For more information regarding the EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety, please visit their official website.
Disclaimer
The EU Allergen Free label is for the 26 ingredients identified by the EU SCCS and products will be only flagged if a suspected ingredient is on it's ingredient list. It is possible for cosmetics to contain one of the suspect ingredients without it appearing on the ingredient list due to it not reaching the concentration threshold to disclose it and cosmetic manufacturers choice to not disclose it.
Also note, the EU Allergen Free label is not personalized for your own allergies you may have and it does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Understanding Fungal Acne (Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia Folliculitis)
Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia folliculitis or simply known as Fungal Acne is a persistent acne-like condition that commonly responds poorly to traditional acne-treating methods. Unlike most cases of Acne where bacteria is the culprit, Fungi is the culprit of Fungal Acne (Hence the name!). There are certain classes & groups of ingredients that have been shown to promote and feed the growth of the Fungal Acne, Fungi such as fatty acids, oils, esters, polysorbates and fermented ingredients.
For more information regarding Fungal Acne, please visit Simple Skincare Science (f.c) - #3 of our Recommend Skincare Resources for an amazing comprehensive guide!
Please Read: How to use the Fungal Acne (Malassezia) Label
At SkinCarisma, we've done our best to identify as many ingredients as possible but note the fungal-free label may not be 100% accurate due to the complexconditions and combination of ingredients that malezzeria can thrive on.
Additionally, products that may contain ingredients that have shown to feed Malassezia may not neccessarily exacerbate the condition due to concentration of ingredient used in the product, this information is simply not available on the products.
As a result, please note this is only an experimental label that can be best used to possible identify problematic products you have used in the past. It is in no way a perfect identifier nor a predictor in whether or not it will exacerbate or cause fungal acne. It will continue to be worked on as more information and research comes to light.
If you find any ingredients you believe should be included, please email us at snails@skincarisma.com.
Disclaimer
Due to the lack of substantial research into this area it is very likely there are other ingredients and class/groups of ingredients that could feed Fungal Acne which have not been indentified.
The Fungal-Safe label does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
What are Notable Effects & Ingredients?
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.
Pro Tip Alert!
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
What are Ingredients Related to Skin Type?
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.
Pro Tip Alert!
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
Dry Skin
Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
Sensitive Skin
What is the Ingredient Safety Breakdown?
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.
Pro Tip Alert!
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 |
Dapsone
|
|
|
| 1 |
Carbomer
Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Increasing Agent, Emulsion Stabilising, Gel Forming
|
|
|
| 1 |
Ethoxydiglycol
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent
|
|
|
| 4 |
Methylparaben
Fragrance, Preservative
|
|
|
| 3 |
Sodium Hydroxide
Ph Adjuster, Buffering Agent, Denaturant, Buffering
|
|