Can You Use Dapsone (Aczone) With Benzoyl Peroxide?

Use at different times

Yes, but at different times of day

Dapsone and benzoyl peroxide can stain skin orange. Both can be part of your routine, but apply them at different times of day (or on different nights).

This verdict matches the rule in our ingredient conflict checker (rule last checked 2026-09-23).

Yes, but do not apply them at the same time. The label for dapsone gel (Aczone) warns that using it with benzoyl peroxide can temporarily turn skin and facial hair yellow or orange. Using them at different times of day avoids this.

By AcneRid Editorial Team Published

Medical review pending 3 sources

How to use dapsone and benzoyl peroxide

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What to watch for

  • Yellow or orange tint on skin or facial hair where both were applied.
  • Dryness from benzoyl peroxide.

Why this verdict

Dapsone gel, sold as Aczone, is a prescription topical treatment for acne. Benzoyl peroxide is one of the most common acne treatments, so plenty of people end up with both. The catch is a harmless but unwelcome color change: the Aczone label says applying dapsone gel followed by benzoyl peroxide may cause temporary yellow or orange discoloration of the skin and facial hair at the application site.

The label describes the discoloration as temporary, but it can take a while to fade and is hard to hide while it lasts. It is a cosmetic problem rather than a sign of a dangerous reaction, and it is easy to prevent.

The fix is timing. A common approach is a benzoyl peroxide wash or gel in the morning and dapsone at night, or the other way round, as your prescriber directs. Because dapsone is a prescription medicine, your prescriber should know about every other acne product you use, including OTC benzoyl peroxide.

If discoloration does happen, stop applying the two close together and tell your prescriber.

About each ingredient

Dapsone (topical)

A prescription anti-inflammatory gel for acne. Its label warns that using it with benzoyl peroxide can temporarily turn skin or facial hair yellow or orange.

Prescription acne treatment Prescription only

  • Prescription only. Use as your prescriber directs.

Benzoyl peroxide

An OTC acne drug that reduces acne-causing bacteria. The FDA acne monograph allows 2.5% to 10%. It can bleach hair, towels and fabric, and it is irritating for some people, so many dermatologists suggest starting at 2.5%.

OTC acne drug (FDA monograph M006), 2.5–10%

  • Can bleach hair, towels, pillowcases and clothing.
  • Can cause dryness, peeling or stinging, especially when combined with other actives.
Full guide: Benzoyl Peroxide 2.5% vs 5% vs 10%: Which Strength to Use

See all ingredient pairing guides

Your next step

Go deeper Benzoyl Peroxide 2.5% vs 5% vs 10%: Which Strength to Use Is 10% benzoyl peroxide better than 2.5%? What studies show on strength and irritation, washes vs gels, and how to choose and start gently. Not sure what fits you? Find your treatment path 10 quick questions, about 2 minutes. It runs in your browser and nothing is sent or stored.

Frequently asked questions

Why did my skin turn orange with Aczone and benzoyl peroxide?

The Aczone label says applying dapsone gel and then benzoyl peroxide may cause temporary yellow or orange discoloration of the skin and facial hair. Use them at different times of day to avoid it.

Is the orange discoloration harmful?

The label describes it as temporary discoloration rather than a harmful reaction. Still, tell your prescriber, and stop using the two at the same time.

Can I use a benzoyl peroxide wash in the morning with dapsone at night?

That is a common way to use both and avoids applying them together. Check with your prescriber, since dapsone is a prescription medicine.

Sources 3

  1. ACZONE (dapsone) gel 7.5%: prescribing information (opens in a new tab) U.S. Food and Drug Administration , 2019
  2. OTC Monograph M006: Topical Acne Drug Products for Over-the-Counter Human Use (opens in a new tab) U.S. Food and Drug Administration , 2021
  3. Guidelines of care for the management of acne vulgaris (Reynolds et al.) (opens in a new tab) Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology , 2024

About this page

Medical review pending. This page was researched and written by the AcneRid Editorial Team from the cited sources, but it has not yet been reviewed by a licensed clinician. We update this notice when a review is complete. About our review process.

Written by the AcneRid Editorial Team. Read our editorial policy. Spotted an error? Tell us; we correct mistakes openly.