Efficacy of 4 percent chlorhexidine gluconate skin cleanser in the treatment of acne vulgaris.

We conducted three controlled, comparative studies to assess the effectiveness of a 4 percent chlorhexidine gluconate skin cleanser (Hibiclens) for the treatment of acne lesions in patients with acne vulgaris. In all studies, the chlorhexidine gluconate formulation achieved statistically significant reduction of the papules plus pustules count, which is generally accepted as the principal criterion of efficacy.