Acne (mild)
Clinical basis & sources
- Primary source
- OCP Minor Ailments Prescribing
Sources used
- Minor Ailments: Drug Classes and Specified DrugsOntario College of Pharmacists · 2026
- Executive Officer Notice: Update to Funding for Minor Ailment Services in Ontario Pharmacies (Effective July 1, 2026)Government of Ontario · 2026-05-19
- Management of acne: Canadian clinical practice guidelineCanadian Medical Association Journal · 2016-02-02
- Guidelines of care for the management of acne vulgarisAmerican Academy of Dermatology / PubMed · 2024
- Acne vulgaris: managementNational Institute for Health and Care Excellence · 2021
- Ontario Regulation 256/24: GeneralGovernment of Ontario · 2026
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Allowable drugs under Schedule 4 (11)
Drugs an Ontario pharmacist may prescribe for Acne (mild) under O. Reg. 256/24, Schedule 4. Choice still depends on the assessment, contraindications, allergies, and product availability — this is the eligible list, not a recommendation.
- Adapalene
- Azelaic acid
- Benzoyl peroxide
- Clindamycin
- Dapsone
- Erythromycin
- Glycolic acid
- Salicylic acid
- Tazarotene
- Tretinoin
- Trifarotene
Symptoms this assessment screens
- Blackheads or whiteheads
- Small red bumps or pustules
- Face, chest, shoulders, or back involvement
- Oily skin or clogged pores
- Prior OTC or prescription acne treatment
- Self-esteem, mood, school, work, or social impact
Red flags — any positive means refer
- Painful nodules, cysts, or deep lesions
- Scarring, pitting, or rapid worsening
- Fever, malaise, joint pain, ulceration, or acne fulminans concern
- Major distress, depression, social withdrawal, or self-harm concern
- Hirsutism, menstrual irregularity, sudden adult onset, or endocrine concern
- Pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding when retinoids are being considered
- Infantile, neonatal, or prepubertal acne pattern
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