Acne vulgaris is a common skin disorder among adolescents and young adults, with a worldwide prevalence of 9.4%. Both 5% dapsone gel and 5% benzoyl peroxide gel (BPO) have been reported in literature to have antimicrobial action against Cutibacterium acnes.

To compare the efficacy and safety of 5% dapsone gel versus 5% BPO gel in Filipino patients with mild to moderate acne vulgaris in a tertiary hospital.

Phase 1 involved compounding 5% dapsone gel and assessing its safety in healthy individuals through a repeated open application test in 30 participants. In phase 2, a double- blinded experimental study compared the efficacy and safety of both groups. Participants were randomized through block design. Efficacy and safety was assessed using the Global Acne Assessment Score (GAAS) and lesion count, and monitoring the adverse effects. The Cardiff Acne Disability Index (CADI) questionnaire was utilized to evaluate the impact on quality of life.

In phase 1, 56.7% of the participants were female and the only reported adverse event was pruritus (13.3%). In phase 2, both the BPO and dapsone group had 35 participants enrolled. Most are female (75.7%) with a mean age of 24. Results showed improvement in the GAAS from moderate to mild, a decrease in inflammatory and non-inflammatory lesions, and a reduction in side effects during the succeeding visits in both groups.

5% dapsone gel and 5% BPO were both efficacious and safe for mild to moderate acne management.