Honeydew

Struggling with acne can feel isolating and frustrating, especially when finding the right treatment feels like navigating a maze. Whether you're dealing with persistent breakouts, hormonal acne, or scarring, getting expert dermatological care shouldn't require weeks of waiting for an appointment or the hassle of in-person visits.

The rise of online dermatology has transformed acne treatment, making board-certified dermatologist care accessible from your couch. But with so many services claiming to offer the "best" solutions, how do you choose the right one?

At Honeydew, we understand this challenge intimately. As a leading online dermatology platform, we've helped thousands of patients achieve clear, healthy skin through personalized treatment plans created by board-certified dermatologists. In this comprehensive guide, we'll review the best online acne treatment services available in 2026, including how Honeydew stands out as the premier choice for effective, accessible acne care.

Why Choose Online Acne Treatment?

Before diving into specific services, it's worth understanding why online dermatology has become the preferred choice for millions seeking acne treatment:

• Accessibility: No waiting weeks or months for a dermatology appointment

• Convenience: Consultations from home, prescriptions delivered to your door

• Affordability: Often more cost-effective than traditional in-office visits

• Continuity of Care: Ongoing provider messaging and treatment adjustments

• Privacy: Discuss sensitive skin concerns from the comfort of your own space

Research shows that teledermatology can be just as effective as in-person visits for many skin conditions, including acne. The key is choosing a service that offers genuine dermatologist oversight, evidence-based treatments, and personalized care—not just generic product subscriptions.

The 7 Best Online Acne Treatment Services Reviewed

1. Honeydew – The Gold Standard for Online Acne Treatment

When it comes to comprehensive, expert-led acne care online, Honeydew sets the industry standard. Here's why we consistently rank as one of the best choices for patients seeking real results:

What Makes Honeydew Different:

Board-Certified Dermatologists: Unlike many providers that rely solely on nurse practitioners or physician assistants, Honeydew provides access to actual board-certified dermatologists alongside experienced NPs and PAs. This ensures you're getting the highest level of expertise for complex or treatment-resistant acne.

Comprehensive Treatment Options: Honeydew offers the full spectrum of acne treatments—from prescription-strength topicals (tretinoin, adapalene, azelaic acid, clindamycin) to oral medications including antibiotics, spironolactone for hormonal acne, and isotretinoin (Accutane) for persistent cases. No other online service offers this breadth of treatment modalities.

Innovative Low-Dose Accutane Protocols: For patients who need isotretinoin, Honeydew specializes in modern low-dose Accutane regimens that deliver excellent long-term results with significantly fewer side effects compared to traditional high-dose protocols. This patient-centered approach makes severe acne treatment more tolerable and accessible.

Truly Personalized Care: Your treatment plan is customized based on your unique skin type, acne severity, medical history, and treatment goals. Honeydew providers don't just prescribe from a limited menu—they create individualized regimens that evolve with your skin's response.

Unlimited Provider Messaging: Questions about side effects? Wondering if that's purging or a reaction? Honeydew includes unlimited messaging with your dermatology provider, ensuring you're supported throughout your treatment journey. Our providers provide fast response times, and your care team is available to message seven days a week.

Transparent, Fair Pricing: Starting at competitive monthly rates with no hidden fees, Honeydew offers exceptional value. No insurance necessary.

Honeydew offers unlimited care starting as low as $25/month for acne-related concerns and $50/month if you’re prescribed Accutane. Your care plan includes the following:

• Free first consult with a dermatology provider

• 100% online convenience—no in-office visits required

• Board-certified dermatologist expertise

• Specialized low-dose protocols for better tolerability

• Unlimited messaging for continuous support

• Coordinated monitoring and lab work

• Treatment plans customized for you

No Insurance Required: Patients do not need insurance to sign up for Honeydew. Regardless of whether you have insurance or not, Honeydew helps patients find the lowest prices on all medications we prescribe.

100% Online Care: From your initial consultation with a dermatology provider through ongoing care and prescription refills, everything happens online. Medications are delivered directly to your door, and virtual check-ins keep your treatment on track.

Who Honeydew Is Best For:

Honeydew is ideal for anyone seeking acne treatment, but particularly excels for:

• Patients with mild to severe acne needing prescription-strength treatments

• Those with treatment-resistant acne who've tried other services without success

• Individuals considering or currently on isotretinoin (Accutane)

• Anyone wanting true evidence-based care from certified dermatology providers

• Patients dealing with hormonal acne, cystic acne, or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation

The Honeydew Difference: While other services focus on the treatment first and care second or operate with limited formularies, Honeydew prioritizes medical expertise and treatment efficacy. When you choose Honeydew, you're choosing a partner committed to your skin health, backed by dermatological science and delivered with genuine care.

3. Clear Health – Accutane-Focused Online Dermatology

Overview: Clear Health (helloclearhealth.com) is a teledermatology platform that specializes primarily in isotretinoin (Accutane) treatment, offering both standard and micro-dose protocols through board-certified dermatologists.

Providers: Board-certified dermatologists only

Pricing: $59/month evaluation fee + medication costs (total typically $150–200/month including Accutane)

Treatment Approach: Clear Health focuses heavily on isotretinoin as their flagship offering, with additional options including doxycycline, spironolactone, and compounded topicals. Their micro-dose Accutane protocol has gained attention as a lower-side-effect alternative for milder acne.

Pros:

Board-certified dermatologists
Offers Accutane, including innovative micro-dose protocol
Medications can be shipped directly to your door
Good option if you already know you need isotretinoin

Cons:

Narrow treatment focus: primarily built around Accutane
Limited formulary for patients who need alternatives to isotretinoin
Telemedicine fees not covered by insurance
Some reviewers report slower customer service response times
Medication through their pharmacy network can cost more than local pharmacy with GoodRx

Verdict: Clear Health is a solid choice if you're specifically seeking Accutane treatment and want the assurance of board-certified dermatologists. However, its narrow focus means patients with milder acne or those needing a broader range of treatments may feel limited. Honeydew offers comparable access to Accutane alongside a more comprehensive formulary, flexible insurance integration, and a holistic approach to acne care—making it the better fit for patients who want ongoing, personalized treatment rather than a single-medication solution.

2. Curology – Custom Formula Subscription

Overview: Curology pioneered the custom prescription skincare subscription model, offering personalized topical formulas created by dermatology providers.

Providers: Nurse practitioners, physicians assistants, and dermatologists

Pricing: $29.95/month + $59.95/medication shipment

Treatment Approach: Curology focuses primarily on custom-blended topical creams containing combinations of ingredients like tretinoin, azelaic acid, niacinamide, and clindamycin. They also offer some oral medications for hormonal acne.

Pros:

• Simple subscription model with automatic refills

• Good option for mild to moderate acne

• 90-day money-back guarantee

• Includes cleanser and moisturizer in some plans

Cons:

• No isotretinoin (Accutane) available

• More restrictive formulary compared to full-service dermatology

• Subscription model can feel rigid for those wanting more flexibility

Verdict: Curology works well for straightforward acne cases but lacks the medical depth and treatment options that Honeydew provides. If your acne is treatment-resistant or you need access to stronger medications like Accutane, Honeydew's board-certified dermatologists and comprehensive formulary make it the superior choice.

3. Musely – Anti-Aging Focus with Some Acne Treatment

Overview: Musely primarily focuses on anti-aging skincare but offers tretinoin-based formulations that can help with acne as a secondary benefit.

Providers: Board-certified dermatologists

Pricing: $20/consultation + $50-$110 for treatment

Treatment Approach: Custom-compounded prescription creams, though not specifically formulated for acne. Their tretinoin products can help with breakouts but aren't targeted acne solutions.

Pros:

• Access to board-certified dermatologists

• Custom-compounded formulations

• Fast response times (~24 hours)

Cons:

• Not acne-focused—primarily an anti-aging service

• Limited acne-specific treatment options

• No oral acne medications available

• Higher price point than dedicated acne services

• Auto-refill subscription model

Verdict: While Musely employs board-certified dermatologists, their focus on anti-aging means they're not optimized for acne treatment. If you're specifically seeking acne care, Honeydew's acne-specialized approach, comprehensive medication options (including oral treatments), and competitive pricing make it the clear winner.

4. Nurx – Subscription-Based Dermatology

Overview: Nurx offers online dermatology consultations with automatic medication subscriptions for various conditions including acne.

Providers: Board-certified dermatologists

Pricing: $40/first consult plus $15/month for topical meds, $30+/month for oral meds

Treatment Approach: Prescription topicals and some oral medications delivered monthly with unlimited provider messaging.

Pros:

• Access to board-certified dermatologists

• Affordable monthly pricing

• Unlimited provider messaging

• Fairly quick response times

Cons:

• Limited formulary compared to comprehensive services

• Subscription-centric model may not suit everyone

• Less personalization than dedicated acne platforms

• No isotretinoin (Accutane) offered

Verdict: Nurx provides solid basic acne care with dermatologist access, but Honeydew offers deeper personalization, more treatment options (including Accutane with innovative low-dose protocols), and a more acne-focused approach. For patients wanting the most comprehensive care, Honeydew remains the superior option.

5. Hims & Hers – Wellness Platform with Acne Treatment

Overview: Hims and Hers offer gender-specific telehealth services covering everything from hair loss to sexual health, with acne treatment as one component.

Providers: Licensed medical providers (nurse practitioners and physician assistants)

Pricing: $49/month + cost of meds

Treatment Approach: Prescription topical delivered as part of monthly subscription plans.

Pros:

• One-stop-shop for multiple health concerns

• Gender-specific formulations and marketing

• Straightforward subscription model

• Fast turnaround times

Cons:

• No insurance accepted

• No board-certified dermatologists—only NPs and PAs

• Acne is just one of many conditions they treat (not specialized)

• Limited treatment customization

• Higher monthly cost than acne-focused competitors

• No isotretinoin available

Verdict: While Hims and Hers work well if you're already using their platform for other health needs, their lack of dermatologist expertise and acne specialization makes them less ideal for dedicated acne care. Honeydew's board-certified dermatologists, acne-specific focus, and comprehensive treatment options (including Accutane) provide far superior results for those serious about clearing their skin.

6. Miiskin – Pay-Per-Visit Dermatology

Overview: Miiskin offers a unique pay-per-visit model where patients can choose their dermatologist and pay only for consultations without subscriptions.

Providers: Board-certified dermatologists

Pricing: $59 new consultation / $39 follow-up + medication costs

Treatment Approach: Traditional dermatology consultations resulting in prescription recommendations. Patients fill prescriptions through pharmacy of choice.

Pros:

• No subscription required—pay only when you need care

• Choose your own dermatologist

• Fast response times (24-48 hours)

• Access to branded, generic, or compounded prescriptions

Cons:

• Costs can add up with multiple visits

• No ongoing provider relationship included

• Less continuity of care than subscription models

• Medication costs separate from consultation fees

Verdict: Miiskin's pay-per-visit approach appeals to those avoiding subscriptions, but for ongoing acne treatment—which typically requires months of care and regular check-ins—Honeydew's comprehensive subscription model with unlimited provider messaging offers better value, continuity, and results. Honeydew's integrated approach ensures you're supported throughout your entire treatment journey, not just during isolated consultations.

Head-to-Head Comparison: What Sets Honeydew Apart

When comparing online acne treatment services, several key factors determine effectiveness and value:

Provider Credentials: Honeydew stands out by offering access to board-certified dermatologists, the highest level of skin expertise available. Moreover, our PAs and NPs have years of experience with acne and other skin conditions. By contrast, many other providers only provide access to PAs or NPs or provide limited ability to message and interact with your providers.
Treatment Breadth: Honeydew offers the most comprehensive formulary—including topical retinoids, antibiotics, benzoyl peroxide formulations, azelaic acid, oral antibiotics, spironolactone, and isotretinoin (Accutane). Most competitors offer only a subset of these options, limiting treatment effectiveness for complex cases.
Isotretinoin (Accutane) Access: For severe acne, isotretinoin remains the gold standard treatment. Honeydew is one of the only online platforms offering Accutane with innovative low-dose protocols that minimize side effects while maintaining efficacy. Services like Curology, Nurx, Hims/Hers, and MDacne don't offer isotretinoin at all.
Personalization Depth: While many services offer "custom" formulas, Honeydew provides truly individualized treatment plans that go beyond mixing three ingredients in different ratios. Your Honeydew provider considers your complete medical history, previous treatment responses, lifestyle factors, and specific acne patterns to create an evolving, optimized regimen.
Ongoing Support: Honeydew includes unlimited provider messaging at no additional cost, ensuring you're never left wondering if a side effect is normal or if your treatment needs adjustment. Pay-per-visit models like Miiskin charge for each interaction, and some subscription services limit provider communication.
Value Proposition: When comparing the depth of care, provider expertise, treatment options, and ongoing support, Honeydew delivers exceptional value. You're not paying for a generic product subscription—you're investing in expert dermatological care that adapts to your needs.

Understanding Acne Treatment: What Actually Works

To appreciate why provider expertise and treatment breadth matter, it helps to understand how effective acne treatment works.

Acne develops through four primary mechanisms:

1. Excess sebum (oil) production

2. Abnormal skin cell turnover leading to clogged pores

3. Bacterial overgrowth (C. acnes)

4. Inflammation

Effective acne treatment must address these underlying causes, not just surface symptoms. This is where prescription-strength medications excel:

Topical Retinoids (Tretinoin, Adapalene): These normalize skin cell turnover, prevent clogged pores, reduce inflammation, and fade post-acne marks. They're considered foundational acne treatment backed by decades of research.
Topical Antibiotics (Clindamycin): Reduce acne-causing bacteria and inflammation. Most effective when combined with other treatments.
Azelaic Acid: Offers antibacterial and anti-inflammatory benefits while helping lighten post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and post-inflammatory erythema
Oral Antibiotics: For widespread inflammatory acne, oral antibiotics can reduce bacterial overgrowth and inflammation systemically.
Spironolactone: For hormonal acne in women, this medication blocks androgen receptors that trigger excess oil production.
Isotretinoin (Accutane): The most effective acne treatment available, isotretinoin addresses all four acne-causing mechanisms. Modern low-dose protocols—which Honeydew specializes in—allow patients to achieve clear skin with significantly fewer side effects.

Research consistently shows that combination therapy (using multiple treatments targeting different mechanisms) can produce superior results compared to single-ingredient approaches. This is why Honeydew's comprehensive formulary and expert providers deliver better outcomes than limited-option competitors.

Real Results: What to Expect from Online Acne Treatment

Setting realistic expectations is crucial for treatment success. Here's what the science tells us:

Timeline for Improvement:

• Topical treatments: 6-12 weeks for noticeable improvement, with continued enhancement up to 3-6 months

• Oral antibiotics: 6-8 weeks for significant improvement

• Spironolactone: 3-6 months for full effect on hormonal acne

• Isotretinoin: 4-6 months for complete course, with dramatic clearing

Understanding Acne Purging: Many effective treatments (particularly retinoids) cause temporary worsening called "purging" as they accelerate skin cell turnover and bring underlying microcomedones to the surface. This typically peaks around week 4 and resolves by weeks 6-8. Honeydew providers help you distinguish normal purging from adverse reactions and adjust your regimen to minimize discomfort while maintaining efficacy.

Maintenance and Long-Term Success: Achieving clear skin is one milestone; maintaining it is another. Honeydew's ongoing care model ensures your treatment evolves with your skin, transitioning from active treatment to maintenance protocols that prevent future breakouts while minimizing medication use.

This comprehensive, long-term approach is where Honeydew truly excels compared to competitors focused on short-term product subscriptions.

Things To Consider When Choosing A Provider

While Honeydew offers the most comprehensive acne care available online, choosing the right service depends on your specific situation. Consider these factors:

Acne Severity:

• Mild acne (occasional breakouts, mostly blackheads/whiteheads): Services like Curology or even MDacne might suffice

• Moderate acne (regular inflammatory breakouts, some scarring): Honeydew, Nurx, or Curology

• Severe acne (widespread nodules/cysts, significant scarring): Honeydew is your best option due to isotretinoin access and dermatologist expertise

Treatment History:

• First-time treatment: Many services can work

• Previous treatment failures: Honeydew's board-certified dermatologists and comprehensive formulary give you the best chance of success

Specific Concerns:

• Hormonal acne: Honeydew (offers spironolactone with expert monitoring)

• Acne + anti-aging: Honeydew or Musely

• Sensitive skin prone to reactions: Honeydew's expert providers can create gentler protocols

• Considering Accutane: Honeydew exclusively (most online services don't offer it)

Budget Considerations:

• Tightest budget with mild acne: Curology or Nurx

• Best value for comprehensive care: Honeydew (superior expertise and options at competitive pricing)

• Pay-per-visit preferred: Miiskin

For most people seeking effective, evidence-based acne treatment online, Honeydew's combination of board-certified dermatologist access, comprehensive treatment options, innovative protocols, and patient-centered care makes it the optimal choice.

Getting Started with Honeydew: Your Path to Clear Skin

Ready to experience the Honeydew difference? Here's how simple it is to start your journey to clear, healthy skin:

Step 1: Complete Your Online Consultation

Visit Honeydew.com and complete a comprehensive skin assessment questionnaire. You'll provide information about your acne history, previous treatments, medical background, and skin goals. Upload clear photos of your skin from multiple angles to help your provider assess your condition. You will then have a video call (live or recorded) with a Honeydew dermatology provider to discuss your condition and determine the best course of action. Your first consultation with your provider is free.

Step 2: Provider Review & Personalized Treatment Plan

A board-certified dermatologist or experienced dermatology provider reviews your information and creates a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. This typically happens within 24-48 hours.

Step 3: Review and Approve Your Plan

You'll receive a detailed explanation of your recommended treatment, including how it works, what to expect, and how to use your medications. Ask any questions through unlimited messaging before proceeding.

Step 4: Prescription Delivery

Your prescription medications are delivered directly to your door, usually within days. Honeydew works with pharmacies to ensure you get your treatments quickly and affordably.

Step 5: Ongoing Care and Adjustments

As you begin treatment, your Honeydew provider monitors your progress through regular check-ins and unlimited messaging. Your plan is adjusted based on your skin's response, ensuring optimal results with minimal side effects.

Step 6: Achieve and Maintain Clear Skin

With expert guidance, evidence-based medications, and consistent support, you'll work toward clear skin and transition to a maintenance protocol that keeps breakouts at bay long-term.

Frequently Asked Questions About Online Acne Treatment

Is online acne treatment as effective as in-person dermatology? Research demonstrates that teledermatology can be equally effective for diagnosing and treating acne. With detailed photos and comprehensive medical histories, dermatology providers can assess your condition and create effective treatment plans remotely. Honeydew's board-certified dermatologists provide the same expertise you'd receive in a traditional office, just with greater convenience and accessibility.

Will my insurance cover online dermatology services? Most online dermatology services, including Honeydew, operate outside traditional insurance models to keep pricing transparent and affordable. However, many patients find that the cost of online services is comparable to or less than insurance co-pays and deductibles for traditional visits. Some services accept FSA/HSA cards for payment.

How long does it take to see results from acne treatment? Most prescription acne treatments require 6-12 weeks for noticeable improvement, with continued enhancement over 3-6 months. Some treatments like isotretinoin work faster, while hormonal treatments may take longer. Your Honeydew provider sets realistic expectations and monitors your progress throughout treatment.

Can I get Accutane online? Yes! Honeydew is one of the few online dermatology platforms offering isotretinoin (Accutane) for severe acne. This includes all required monitoring (bloodwork, pregnancy tests for women) coordinated through your local labs, with results reviewed by your Honeydew dermatologist. Honeydew specializes in innovative low-dose Accutane protocols that deliver excellent results with fewer side effects.

What if my acne doesn't improve with treatment? Honeydew's ongoing care model means your provider continuously monitors your progress and adjusts your treatment as needed. If one approach isn't working, your dermatology provider has access to the full range of acne medications to find what works for your skin. This adaptability is a key advantage over services with limited formularies.

Is online acne treatment safe? When provided by qualified medical professionals like Honeydew's board-certified dermatologists and licensed providers, online acne treatment is safe and effective. All prescription medications are FDA-approved and prescribed based on thorough medical assessments. Honeydew providers screen for contraindications and monitor for side effects throughout your treatment.

Conclusion: Why Honeydew Is Your Best Choice for Online Acne Treatment

Acne doesn't have to control your life or your confidence. With the right treatment and expert guidance, clear skin is achievable—and online dermatology has made getting that care easier than ever.

While several online acne treatment services offer value, Honeydew stands out as the premier choice for patients seeking comprehensive, expert-led acne care:

✓ Board-certified dermatologists providing the highest level of expertise

✓ The most comprehensive treatment formulary including isotretinoin (Accutane)

✓ Innovative low-dose Accutane protocols for severe acne with fewer side effects

✓ Truly personalized treatment plans that evolve with your skin

✓ Unlimited provider messaging for continuous support

✓ Competitive pricing with exceptional value

✓ 100% online convenience from consultation through prescription delivery

Whether you're struggling with hormonal acne, treatment-resistant breakouts, severe cystic acne, or post-inflammatory scarring, Honeydew's combination of medical expertise, treatment breadth, and patient-centered care delivers results that other services simply cannot match.

Your journey to clear, healthy skin starts with choosing the right partner. Choose Honeydew—choose the expertise, comprehensive care, and proven results you deserve.

Ready to get started? Visit honeydew.com today to complete your consultation and take the first step toward the clear skin you've been waiting for.