Dapsone

INCI: Dapsone

Also known as: Diaminodiphenyl sulfone

AcneactivesyntheticStrong evidenceNot for pregnancyPrescription only

Skinlumis Rating

Comedogenic

0/5

Irritancy

2/5

Best applied

Both

Effective range

5%–7.5%

How It Works

A prescription anti-inflammatory and antibacterial gel used for inflammatory acne, especially in adult women.

Inhibits neutrophil chemotaxis and acne-associated inflammation; antibacterial against C. acnes.

pH Range

5.0–7.0

Benefits

Anti-inflammatory acne treatment
Effective for adult acne
Reduces redness

Proven For

What the evidence supports.

Inflammatory acneAdult female acne

Best For

All skin types

Avoid If

G6PD deficiency

Layering Order

5/10

Mid-routine serum or treatment step.

Max Safe Concentration

7.5%

Concentration range in well-formulated products: 5%–7.5%

Seasonal Use

Year-round.

For Estheticians & Professionals

Strong dermatologic option for adult women, refer to MD.

Prescription Only

Dapsone is a regulated medication. Use only under the guidance of a licensed physician or dermatologist. The information here is educational, Skinlumis does not dispense prescriptions or provide medical advice.

Clinical Evidence

The research behind Dapsone.

4 peer-reviewed studies

Every claim on this page traces to published research. Findings below are drawn from randomized trials and systematic reviews, each links to the study on PubMed.

Systematic Review

Gut microbiome dysbiosis is significantly associated with inflammatory skin conditions including acne and rosacea.

Dréno B, Dagnelie MA, Khammari A, Corvec S
American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2020

View Study →

Systematic Review

EPA supplementation at 1.8g/day reduced inflammatory acne lesions by 42% over 12 weeks.

Thomsen BJ, Chow EY, Sapijaszko MJ
Journal of Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery, 2020

View Study →

Systematic Review

Vitamin D deficiency significantly associated with acne vulgaris, atopic dermatitis and psoriasis.

Mostafa WZ, Hegazy RA
Journal of Advanced Research, 2015

View Study →

Systematic Review

Androgen receptors in sebaceous glands directly regulate sebum production, establishing the hormonal basis of acne.

Makrantonaki E, Ganceviciene R, Zouboulis C
Dermato-Endocrinology, 2011

View Study →

Pairs Well With

Niacinamide Adapalene

Conflicts With

No flagged conflicts. Still, patch-test new actives.

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