Acne Cream with Tretinoin
Acne treatment combining antibiotics (clindamycin/erythromycin/ketoconazole) with tretinoin for faster clearance and post-acne healing.
Cream
from $139/mo
Applied to the skin · Once a day
AcneTopicalGentle
Acne Cream
Acne cream: salicylic acid and niacinamide for oil control and pore unclogging without irritation. Gentler than prescription retinoids.
- Salicylic acid unclogs pores and reduces sebum
- Niacinamide soothes and supports barrier
- Daily use; works for mild to moderate acne
- Monthly$139/mo
- Free, discreet shipping
- Licensed U.S. pharmacy
- Board-certified physicians
Disclaimer: Prescription products require an online evaluation with a licensed medical professional who will determine if a prescription is appropriate. Products are compounded by a licensed pharmacy. The FDA has not reviewed or approved compounded products for any use for safety, efficacy, or quality. Compounded medications are not FDA-approved brand-name products.
- How
- Applied to the skin
- How often
- Once a day
- Each shipment
- 1 tube
- Strength
- 2 / 4 / 2%
What is acne cream?
(salicylic acid + niacinamide blend)
This gentle acne cream combines salicylic acid (beta-hydroxy acid) to unplug pores and shed keratin, with niacinamide to soothe inflammation and regulate oil. It is milder than prescription options, making it ideal for people with sensitive skin or those starting acne treatment.
What's in it
- Clindamycin2%Antibiotic for acne bacteria
- Erythromycin4%Antibiotic for acne bacteria
- Ketoconazole2%Calms scalp inflammation
OTC
strength for mild to moderate acne; no prescription needed
Results take 2-4 weeks. Daily use is safe; this is not an acute treatment like isotretinoin.
Is it right for you?
Who it's for
People with inflamed acne who cannot tolerate retinoids.
What sets it apart
Two antibiotics and an antifungal, with no tretinoin.
Worth knowing before you start
Topical antibiotics are used for a few months, not for years.
What to expect
Initial breakout possible
normal with tretinoin; usually resolves by week 4
Patience required
acne improvement takes 4-8 weeks minimum
Steady improvement
new spots form less often; existing marks fade
Sun protection essential
tretinoin and doxycycline increase photosensitivity
How acne treatments work
Week 1
Start with acne cream or low-dose tretinoin. Mild irritation and initial breakout may occur (normal; hang on).
1Week 2–4
If using doxycycline, bacteria count decreases. Topical treatment continues; acne begins to flatten.
2Week 4–8
New comedones form less frequently. Redness fades. Results become visible.
3Month 2–3+
Acne significantly improved. Reduce oral antibiotic if prescribed. Continue topical treatment indefinitely at lower frequency for maintenance.
4
Individual results vary. Benefits reflect what Zepym Health members commonly report to their physician at check-ins; they are not the results of a clinical trial.
How you use it
This is the starting dose the pharmacy prints on the label. Your physician sets yours and adjusts it with you.
- How
- Applied to the skin
- Where
- affected area
- Dose
- 1 mL
- How often
- Once a day
- When
- At bedtime
- Each shipment
- 1 tube
- Pharmacy label
- Apply 1 mL to the affected area once daily at bedtime for 30 days.
A sample week
- M
- T
- W
- T
- F
- S
- S
Once a day
The science of acne treatments
Salicylic acid penetrates sebaceous follicles and reduces comedones. Niacinamide decreases sebum and inflammation, supporting skin barrier.
This formulation is well tolerated for long-term daily use. For severe acne, your physician may recommend prescription options like tretinoin or oral antibiotics.
Learn moreImportant safety information and common side effects
Topical acne treatments are generally well tolerated; salicylic acid and tretinoin can cause dryness, peeling, and irritation, especially at first. Tretinoin is absolutely contraindicated in pregnancy. Doxycycline is an antibiotic; inform your physician of other medications or allergies, and avoid dairy and calcium supplements (they reduce absorption). Doxycycline increases sun sensitivity, so daily SPF 30+ is essential. Tell your physician about any isotretinoin use history (Accutane). Stop and seek care for severe irritation, signs of allergic reaction, or persistent worsening of acne.
Every plan includes
- Personalized, physician-guided plan
- Monthly plan
- Dispensed by a US-licensed compounding pharmacy
- Unlimited protocol adjustments and messaging
- Ongoing support and check-ins
- Pause or cancel anytime
- Reviewed by our in-house physicians
How it works
1.Connect with a physician
Answer a few questions online and a US-licensed physician reviews your health, history and goals to make sure treatment is right for you. 100% online. No in-person visit required.
2.Get your discreet shipment
If approved, your treatment is compounded by a US-licensed, LegitScript-certified pharmacy, inspected for quality, and shipped discreetly to your door.
3.Receive continuous support
Start with one goal, then keep building over time. Unlimited physician messaging, easy refills and dose adjustments, all from the Zepym Health app.
Acne cream educational content reviewed by our physician
Scott Nass, MDDoctor of Medicine, board-certified in Family Medicine
Charles R. Drew University and David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. Family Medicine residency at Ventura County Medical Center.
Frequently asked questions
How do I use Acne Cream?
Applied to the skin, once a day, at bedtime. The starting prescription is 1 mL each time. Your physician sets your own dose and it is printed on your label.
What exactly is in it?
Clindamycin 2%, Erythromycin 4%, Ketoconazole 2%.
How much arrives in each shipment?
1 tube at the starting strength, shipped to your door from a licensed US pharmacy.
When should I use prescription acne treatments instead?
If acne covers much of your face, is deep (cystic), or leaves scarring, your physician will recommend tretinoin or oral medications. Start with this cream for mild acne; escalate if needed after 4-6 weeks.
Can I use all four treatments together?
No. Typical layering: salicylic acid or tretinoin topically, plus doxycycline orally if moderate/severe, plus Clarity for healing. You don't need all four. Your physician chooses a layered plan based on acne severity.
When do I know if a treatment is working?
Give topical treatments 4 weeks and oral antibiotics 8 weeks before deciding if they work. Acne cycles naturally; don't switch treatments too quickly. If no improvement after 8 weeks, your physician will adjust.
What if I develop antibiotic resistance?
Doxycycline courses are typically 3-6 months, then stopped to minimize resistance risk. Continuing topical treatment (tretinoin or salicylic acid) maintains results and prevents relapse.
Can I use acne treatments if I'm using other topicals?
Space them: tretinoin at night, vitamin C or niacinamide in morning. Avoid mixing tretinoin with benzoyl peroxide or retinol. Your physician advises on layering safely.
Clear skin through layered therapy.
Brightening Cream
Stronger prescription cream for stubborn melasma and dark spots: hydroquinone 6% with tretinoin, hydrocortisone, kojic acid and vitamins C and E. A short course, usually up to 8 weeks.
Cream
from $149/mo
Clarity Cream
Acne and post-acne formula combining azelaic acid, niacinamide, clindamycin, and tretinoin. Anti-inflammatory and cell-renewing.
Cream
from $149/mo
ClearTone Cream
Brightening and anti-inflammatory cream combining azelaic acid, hydroquinone, kojic acid, tranexamic acid, and niacinamide. For post-acne hyperpigmentation.
Cream
from $149/mo
The above statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Prescription products require an online evaluation with a licensed medical professional who will determine if a prescription is appropriate. Individual results vary.
Sources
- 1
Tretinoin in acne: efficacy, retinization, and long-term maintenance.
J Clin Aesthet Dermatol, 2017 - 2
Doxycycline in moderate acne: antibiotic and anti-inflammatory mechanisms.
Antibiotics, 2019
Acne Creamfrom $139/mo