Updated October 2026
Acne is one of the most common skin conditions and can affect quality of life, self-confidence and emotional well-being. It can also lead to permanent scarring and changes in skin pigmentation.
A range of effective over-the-counter and prescription treatments is available. Treatment can be tailored to the type and severity of acne, where it occurs, age, skin sensitivity, previous treatments and other individual factors.
Several newer prescription acne treatments have been approved by Health Canada in recent years. These provide additional options for people with acne, including new combinations of established treatments and medications that work in different ways.
Newer does not necessarily mean better for everyone. Many established acne treatments remain effective and appropriate. The best treatment depends on the individual and should be discussed with a healthcare professional.
| Medication | What is it? | Age | Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tretinoin + benzoyl peroxide (Twyneo) | Retinoid + benzoyl peroxide cream | 9+ | Once daily |
| Clindamycin + adapalene + benzoyl peroxide (Cabtreo) | Antibiotic + retinoid + benzoyl peroxide gel | 12+ | Once daily |
| Clascoterone (Winlevi) | Androgen-receptor inhibitor cream | 12+ | Twice daily |
| Tazarotene (Arazlo) | Topical retinoid lotion | 10+ | Once daily |
| Trifarotene (Aklief) | Topical retinoid cream for facial and/or body acne | 12+ | Once daily |
Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Tretinoin + benzoyl peroxide (Twyneo), clindamycin + adapalene + benzoyl peroxide (Cabtreo), tazarotene (Arazlo) and trifarotene (Aklief) contain topical retinoids and should not be used during pregnancy or when planning a pregnancy. If you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy or breastfeeding, discuss acne treatment with your healthcare professional.
Twyneo combines tretinoin 0.1%, a retinoid that helps prevent clogged pores, with benzoyl peroxide 3%, which has antibacterial activity. The two ingredients are separately microencapsulated, allowing them to be combined in a single cream.
Tretinoin + benzoyl peroxide (Twyneo) is approved in Canada for the treatment of acne vulgaris in adults and children 9 years of age and older. It is applied once daily to affected areas.
Common side effects: Dryness, peeling, redness, itching, irritation and pain or stinging at the application site may occur, particularly as the skin adjusts to treatment. It can also increase sensitivity to sunlight, so appropriate sun protection is recommended.
Important precautions: It should not be applied to cuts, abrasions, eczema or sunburned skin, and contact with the eyes, lips and other sensitive areas should be avoided. It should not be used during pregnancy or when planning a pregnancy because it contains tretinoin. During breastfeeding, it should not be applied to the chest to avoid direct exposure of the infant.
Cabtreo combines three established acne medications in a single gel: clindamycin phosphate 1.2%, adapalene 0.15% and benzoyl peroxide 3.1%. Together, they target several factors involved in acne, including clogged pores, acne-associated bacteria and inflammation.
Clindamycin + adapalene + benzoyl peroxide (Cabtreo) is approved in Canada for the treatment of acne vulgaris in people 12 years of age and older. A thin layer is applied once daily to affected areas.
Common side effects: Dryness, scaling, redness, irritation and burning or stinging may occur.
Important precautions: It should not be applied to cuts, abrasions, eczema or sunburned skin. Because it contains clindamycin, it should not be used by people with a history of Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis or antibiotic-associated colitis. It should not be used during pregnancy or when planning a pregnancy because it contains adapalene, a topical retinoid. During breastfeeding, treatment should be discussed with a healthcare professional and the medication should not be applied to the chest to avoid direct exposure of the infant.
Clascoterone 1% blocks androgen receptors locally in the skin. Androgens can contribute to acne through their effects on oil glands and other acne-related pathways. The exact mechanism by which clascoterone improves acne has not been fully established.
Clascoterone (Winlevi) is approved in Canada for the treatment of acne vulgaris in people 12 years of age and older. It is applied twice daily to affected areas.
Common side effects: Redness, dryness or scaling, itching and stinging or burning may occur.
Important precautions: It should not be applied to cuts, abrasions, eczema or sunburned skin. Under maximum-use conditions, Winlevi has been associated with temporary suppression of the body’s normal production of certain hormones. Children may be more susceptible to this effect.
There are limited data on the use of clascoterone during pregnancy and breastfeeding. People who are pregnant, planning a pregnancy or breastfeeding should discuss its use with their healthcare professional.
Tazarotene 0.045% is a topical retinoid that helps normalize skin-cell turnover and reduce inflammation. Arazlo provides tazarotene in a moisturizing lotion formulation.
Tazarotene (Arazlo) is approved in Canada for the treatment of acne vulgaris in people 10 years of age and older. For children 10 to under 12 years of age, use should be limited to the face. A thin layer is applied once daily to affected areas.
Common side effects: Application-site discomfort, dryness, peeling, redness and itching may occur. Irritation is often greatest early in treatment. Appropriate sun protection is recommended.
Important precautions: Tazarotene should not be used during pregnancy or when planning a pregnancy. Its safety during breastfeeding has not been established. If used while breastfeeding, it should not be applied directly to the nipple or areola to avoid direct exposure of the infant.
Trifarotene 50 micrograms/g is a topical retinoid approved to treat acne of the face and/or trunk, including areas such as the chest and back.
Trifarotene (Aklief) is approved in Canada for the treatment of acne vulgaris in people 12 years of age and older. It is applied once daily to affected areas.
Common side effects: Redness, scaling, dryness, itching, irritation and stinging or burning may occur. These effects are generally most noticeable during the first few weeks of treatment and often lessen with continued use. Appropriate sun protection is recommended.
Important precautions: Trifarotene should not be used during pregnancy or when planning a pregnancy. If pregnancy occurs during treatment, treatment should be stopped and a healthcare professional contacted. It is not known whether trifarotene passes into human milk. During breastfeeding, it should not be applied to the chest to avoid direct exposure of the infant.
Clindamycin + adapalene + benzoyl peroxide (Cabtreo), clascoterone (Winlevi), tazarotene (Arazlo) and trifarotene (Aklief) are currently listed as marketed in Canada. Tretinoin + benzoyl peroxide (Twyneo) has been approved by Health Canada but is not currently listed as marketed in the Health Canada Drug Product Database.
Drug-plan coverage and out-of-pocket costs vary by province or territory and by individual insurance plan. A physician, nurse practitioner or pharmacist can help determine which treatments may be appropriate and whether coverage is available.
Prescription acne treatment should be individualized. The best option depends on factors such as acne severity, whether the face or body is affected, age, pregnancy potential, skin sensitivity, previous treatments and other medical considerations.
This information is intended for education and does not replace advice from a healthcare professional.
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