Researchers have reviewed more than 220 studies to produce “the most comprehensive” evidence to date on the best acne treatments, and by how much they reduce lesion counts.

Their meta analysis finds the most effective treatment for acne is oral isotretinoin, followed by a triple therapy containing a topical antibiotic, a topical retinoid, and benzoyl peroxide.

The next best is another triple therapy containing an oral antibiotic, a topical retinoid and benzoyl peroxide, they write in Annals of Family Medicine.

“Our study provides the most comprehensive evidence to date about common pharmacological interventions for acne vulgaris with analyses of both percentage and absolute reduction in lesion counts and detailed comparisons for each intervention,” the researchers from Taiwan wrote.