Best Treatments for Hormonal Acne

Ranked by community score across 65 mentions on Reddit

Top picks· 7

Reddit’s top pick

Differin33 mentions

The why

Studies found adapalene clears acne about as well as salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide. Redditors treat it like the OTC retinoid starter pack for clogged pores and hormonal breakouts, but the purge, dryness, and eye irritation are very real.

One minus

Purge can last 6-12 weeks

Good forOily Skin, Combination Skin

Sulfur Ointment
10% sulfur treatment clears breakouts fast; can dry and sting.
De La Cruz11 mentions
Where to buy
Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%
Azelaic acid 10% for redness, acne, and dark marks; pills hard.
The Ordinary7 mentions
Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
Salicylic acid BHA clears clogged pores; studies back acne benefits.
Paula's Choice5 mentions
Pair Acne Cream W
Ibuprofen piconol spot cream for angry pimples; shrinks, flattens, and calms redness.
Lion3 mentions

Community take

For hormonal acne, Redditors frequently recommend adapalene gel due to its efficacy as a retinoid. Sulfur ointment and azelaic acid products also receive positive mentions as helpful adjunct treatments.

What works

Adapalene gel is effective and available over the counter.
Retinoids like adapalene help clear hormonal cystic acne.
Sulfur ointment and azelaic acid support acne reduction alongside retinoids.

Watch out for

Retinoids can initially cause purging or increased acne.
Some users find nodular acne resistant to adapalene.
Not all users experience immediate improvement with these treatments.

Best Treatments for Hormonal Acne

Top picks· 7

Community take

What works

Watch out for

Browse by category