AcneFree^® FAQs

People with mild acne can expect results as early as 3–51–3 days. For moderate acne, expect results within 2–4 weeks. For severe acne, expect results in 6–8 weeks. Results vary depending upon each individual and the degree of acne.

First, determine if what you are experiencing is an acne breakout or sensitivity.

For breakouts:
Most dermatologists will tell you that your face may get worse before it gets better. This is because the acne medication is drawing out bacteria and impurities from the bottom of the pores to the surface so they can be eliminated.

For sensitivity:
If you experience mild sensitivity after using AcneFree, stop using the product until your skin feels normal. Resume your AcneFree regimen by using the cleanser twice a day and toner and acne treatment lotion once a day. Gradually increase usage of toner and acne treatment lotion to twice a day. If your skin feels dry, follow your AcneFree regimen with an oil-free moisturizer after apply the acne treatment lotion.

For acute sensitivity:
If AcneFree causes irritation such as redness, burning, itching, peeling or swelling after the first time you use it, discontinue use. If you're experiencing severe irritation, please contact our Customer Service Department: 1.800.535.0000.

If you experience itchy bumps or redness after the first time you use AcneFree, discontinue use. If you feel any itchiness or dryness, you may be sensitive to Benzoyl Peroxide. If this happens, stop using the products until your skin feels normal, then resume your AcneFree regimen by using the cleanser twice a day and toner and acne treatment lotion once a day. Gradually increase usage of toner and acne treatment lotion to twice a day. If your skin feels dry, follow your AcneFree regimen with any SPF oil-free moisturizer after applying the acne treatment lotion. If redness persists, discontinue use and consult your physician or pharmacist.

No. AcneFree is non-comedogenic, which means it will not clog pores.

Yes. AcneFree is designed to treat acne by severity and skin type, like a dermatologist. If you have sensitive acne-prone skin, we recommend the Sensitive Skin 24 Hour Acne Clearing System. For moderate acne, try the 24 Hour Acne Clearing System. For severe acne, try the 24 Hour Severe Acne Clearing System.

No. Do not use any AcneFree product containing Benzoyl Peroxide, as this ingredient may cause irritation. The following is a list of AcneFree products that contain Benzoyl Peroxide:
24 Hour Acne Clearing System
24 Hour Severe Acne Clearing System
Hydrating Acne Repair + Spot Treatment
Oil-Free Acne Cleanser
Original Strength Terminator^®
Maximum Strength Terminator 10^®
Oil-Free Acne Pore Cleanser Foam
Oil-Free All-Day Acne Control Foam
Maximum Strength Acne Pore Cleanser Foam

Yes. For sensitive, try the Sensitive Skin 24 Hour Acne Clearing System.

Do not use any AcneFree product containing Salicylic Acid or Willow Bark if you are sensitive or allergic to Aspirin, as these ingredients may cause irritation. The following is a list of AcneFree products that contain Salicylic Acid or Willow Bark:
Sensitive Skin 24 Hour Acne Clearing System
Gentle Acne Scrub
Oil-Free 3-in-1 Acne Night Repair Foam
Gentle Formula Acne Pore Cleanser Foam
Acne Astringent Toner Pads

Do not use the Therapeutic Sulfur Mask if you are sensitive or allergic to Sulfur.

Do not use the Retinol Renewal Complex (24 Hour Severe Acne Clearing System) or the Oil-Free 3-in-1 Acne Night Repair Foam if you are sensitive or allergic to Retinol.

Begin with the Corrective Acne Cleanser. Apply a dime-size amount of the cleanser to your skin and gently massage. Rinse thoroughly with warm water and pat dry. Next, apply the Alcohol-Free Acne Toner by placing a dime-size amount on a cotton pad and apply to face, avoiding the eye area. Do not rinse. Allow time to dry before applying the Hydrating Acne Repair Lotion + Spot Treatment. Once skin is dry, apply a pea-size amount of the Hydrating Acne Repair Lotion + Spot Treatment onto fingertips and apply to face, avoiding the eye area. Finish with any oil-free SPF moisturizer and/or makeup. Tip: The Hydrating Acne Repair Lotion + Spot Treatment may be used throughout the day as a spot treatment.

Begin with the Oil-Free Purifying Cleanser. Apply a dime-size amount of the cleanser to your skin and gently massage. Rinse thoroughly with warm water and pat dry. Next, apply the Renewing Toner by placing a dime-size amount on a cotton pad and apply to face, avoiding the eye area. Do not rinse. Allow time to dry before applying the Repair Lotion. Once skin is dry, apply a pea-size amount of the Repair Lotion onto fingertips and apply to face, avoiding the eye area. Finish with any oil-free SPF moisturizer and/or makeup.

In the morning: Use the Antibacterial Cleansing Wash, Corrective Toner and Maximum Strength Repair Lotion. Begin with the Antibacterial Cleansing Wash. Apply a dime-size amount of cleanser to your skin and gently massage. Rinse thoroughly with warm water and pat dry. Next, apply the Corrective Toner by placing a dime-size amount on a cotton pad and apply to face, avoiding the eye area. Do not rinse. Finish with the Maximum Strength Repair Lotion.
At night: Use the Antibacterial Cleansing Wash, Corrective Toner and Retinol Renewal Complex. Wait 10 minutes after using the Corrective Toner, then apply the Retinol Renewal Complex by placing a pea-size amount onto fingertips and apply to face, avoiding the eye area.
Important: Do not use the Maximum Strength Repair Lotion and Retinol Renewal Complex at the same time. Use the Maximum Strength Repair Lotion in the morning, after the Corrective Toner and use the Retinol Renewal Complex at night, after the Corrective Toner.

The active ingredient in AcneFree — Benzoyl Peroxide — may cause blotching and/or dark spots with excessive sun exposure, however, AcneFree should not cause skin discoloration, as long as you avoid unnecessary sun exposure.

Yes, although you don't want to overexpose yourself to unnecessary sun, as the active ingredient in AcneFree — Benzoyl Peroxide — may cause blotching and/or dark spots with excessive sun exposure. It is recommended to use a sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 30 before going outdoors. It is not recommended to use a tanning bed while using AcneFree, since the Benzoyl Peroxide in AcneFree could cause blotching and/or dark sports.

Yes. It is recommended to use an oil-free moisturizer and/or oil-free makeup. Both makeup and moisturizer should be applied after the Hydrating Acne Repair Lotion + Spot Treatment (Sensitive Skin 24 Hour Acne Clearing System), Repair Lotion (24 Hour Acne Clearing System) and Maximum Strength Repair Lotion (24 Hour Severe Acne Clearing System).

Yes. To find a store that carries AcneFree in your area, click here.

Because our products have only been tested to work together, we do not recommend using other toners or cleansers with any of the 24 Hour Acne Clearing Systems, as you may not experience the effective results that have been proven using the complete system(s).

Currently, the only product available for individual sale in retail stores is the Oil-Free Acne Cleanser (24 Hour Acne Clearing System). If you're interested in purchasing an individual product that is not featured on our website, please call our Customer Service Department at 1.800.535.0000, Monday—Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. (Pacific Standard Time).

For blackheads, use the AcneFree Original Strength Terminator^® or Maximum Strength Terminator 10^®. Both medicated spot treatments work to reduce the size and redness of pimples and blackheads.

Yes. The 24 Hour Severe Acne Clearing System is formulated specifically for people who suffer from severe acne, who have tried traditional prescription and over-the-counter treatments without success. For severe acne, expect results in 6–8 weeks. Results vary depending upon each individual and the degree of acne.

Children and infants should not use this product unless under doctor's supervision. AcneFree is recommended for teens and adults.
For ages 12-15: We recommend you try a patch test on your skin prior to using any AcneFree product. Once the patch test concludes that you're not sensitive to Benzoyl Peroxide, use the 24 Hour Acne Clearing System. Use the Purifying Cleanser twice a day and the Renewing Toner and Repair Lotion every other day until skin slowly builds ups a tolerance to Benzoyl Peroxide. Due to the strength of the Benzoyl Peroxide in the Repair Lotion, and because younger skin has not been exposed to harsh elements and is more prone to irritation, it is recommended to test the Repair Lotion on a small area for 3–4 days before continuous use.

AcneFree has not been tested on pregnant or breastfeeding women, it's recommended you consult with your physician or pharmacist before using.

No. AcneFree products are not tested on animals.

Yes. All AcneFree products are gluten free.

The active ingredient in AcneFree — Benzoyl Peroxide —is a known bleaching agent. There is a warning on the packaging, as well as the individual bottles, which says bleaching may occur when product comes in contact with color-treated hair and fabrics, including carpets, clothing, towels, sheets and rugs.

The AcneFree Therapeutic Sulfur Mask contains Sulfur — a known sliver-tarnishing agent. When using the Therapeutic Sulfur Mask, avoid contact with silver jewelry, which may be discolored by this product.

Products purchased on AcneFree.com come with a 30-day money back guarantee. Simply return all products/bottles — even if empty — within 30 days of receipt for a complete refund of your purchase price (less shipping + handling).

Products purchased through retail stores must be returned to the store where they were purchased. Please note: Retail stores will usually require you to have the original receipt, box and at least half of the product remaining in each bottle. If you no longer have your receipt, the store should be able to offer you an exchange or store credit, dependant upon the retailer's return policy. Should you need a box, please call our Customer Service Department at 1.800.535.0000 to request a replacement box.