Acne treatments like benzoyl peroxide and antibiotics kill bacteria broadly — including the good bacteria your skin needs — and often cause dryness, redness, and irritation. Our patented CUT-02 precision enzyme is different: it targets only acne-causing C. acnes bacteria while preserving the rest of your skin’s helpful  microbiome. The result is effective acne care that's gentle enough for daily use, without the harsh side effects that make conventional treatments hard to stick with, and a healthier, more balanced microbiome.

Start with one application daily: in the evening, cleanse skin with the Daily Acne Cleanser, then apply the Acne Precision Serum. Once the Acne Precision Serum has fully absorbed into the skin, apply a moisturizer as needed and leave on overnight. Increase to twice daily application (morning and evening) if well-tolerated. Apply Precision Microdart Blemish Patches as needed to clean, dry skin to address early, under-the-surface pimples.

Our acne products are designed to work synergistically with one another, and the Daily Acne Cleanser is specifically formulated to be compatible with our precision acne products with the CUT-02™ enzyme. If you use other serums or treatments in your regimen, we recommend applying them after the Daily Acne Cleanser and before the Acne Precision Serum. 

Note: As products with salicylic acid can increase your skin’s sun sensitivity, use an SPF during the day.

Our acne formulas can be applied anywhere on your face or body where you’re experiencing breakouts. As with all our products, our acne formulas are safe for use around the eyes, dermatologist approved, and rigorously clinically tested for safety and efficacy. We recommend applying liberally to irritated, acne-prone skin, or anywhere you typically have acne blemishes.

You should typically start to see improvements within one to two weeks, with the most substantial results building over the full 8 weeks — particularly during weeks 4–8. In our 8-week clinical trial, 71% of participants noticed improvement after one week and 93% saw a reduction in acne within two weeks. Over the full 8 weeks, participants reported reduced oiliness, redness, and comedones, as well as more even skin tone.

As with many acne treatments, consistent daily use is key — it takes time for the microbiome to rebalance and inflammation to calm.

For the Precision Microdart Blemish Patches, results are visible after a single 6–8 hour application. In clinical testing, 94% of participants said the patch reduced the progression of a pimple after one application.

Yes, hypothesis™ acne products are specifically formulated with sensitive skin in mind. Our CUT-02™ enzyme works by targeting C. acnes bacteria only, and has no effect on skin cells or the skin barrier. That means it doesn't cause the dryness, peeling, or irritation associated with conventional acne treatments like benzoyl peroxide. All hypothesis™ acne products have been tested on sensitive skin panels using the gold-standard HRIPT (Human Repeat Insult Patch Test) protocol and found to be non-irritating and safe for sensitive skin. Our products have also undergone EpiOcular testing, confirming they are safe for use around the delicate eye area. In our clinical trial, 95% of participants said the Acne Precision Serum was non-irritating after 8 weeks of daily use.