A British scientist says he has developed a gel that effectively treats acne with no unpleasant or dangerous side effects.

According to the BBC, Professor Keith Holland of the University of Leeds said tests showed that a virus commonly found on the skin could kill the bacteria responsible for acne. Existing treatments for the condition either have side effects or involve antibiotics, which, if overused, can create drug-resistant strains.

Leeds plans to make a gel using a bacteria-specific virus, called a bacteriophage, which is generally found on human skin.

Other dermatologists think the therapy might work, the BBC reported, but stress that it’s too soon to say for sure.