What is Epiduo?

Epiduo is a gel that is used in the treatment of moderate to severe acne. It contains two active ingredients; benzoyl peroxide and adapalene. These ingredients are both used to treat acne and they work in different ways.

Benzoyl peroxide is an antimicrobial agent and works by killing bacteria on the skin.

Adapalene belongs to a group of medicines called retinoids (which includes tretinoin) and helps to reduce inflammation and black and white head formation on the outer layer of the skin. Adapalene is an advanced third generation retinoid which exhibits many of the same effects as previous generation medicines like tretinoin but is often tolerated better.

How do I apply Epiduo?

Apply a thin layer of gel evenly over the acne affected areas only once daily at bedtime. Do not apply near or to the eyes, lips, nostrils or other sensitive areas. The gel should be applied to clean, dry skin and take care to wash your hands thoroughly before and after use.

Do not apply to broken skin.

How do I buy Epiduo?

Epiduo is a prescription only medicine and cannot be bought over the counter. If you are interested in this medicine, why not fill out our consultation questionnaire? This will be reviewed by one of our expert prescribers who will advise if this medicine is suitable and safe for you.

How long does it take to see results?

As with all medicines applied to the skin in the treatment of acne, you may not see results for up to eight weeks. It is important to be consistent in your application of this gel in order for it to work properly.

How effective is Epiduo?

One study compared the efficacy of Epiduo to a placebo and showed that after 12 weeks of treatment, 27.5% of patients using Epiduo were clear or almost clear of acne compared to 9.9% of patients who used a placebo. The same study also compared Epiduo to each single active ingredient that is in it. After 12 weeks, adapalene had a success rate of 15.5% and benzoyl peroxide was 15.4%.

Is there anybody who cannot use Epiduo?

Epiduo is not suitable for those with a hypersensitivity to any of the ingredients. Do not use in pregnancy. Avoid sunlight and UV lamps while using this medicine. Do not use other acne products containing retinoids or benzoyl peroxide while using this medicine or products that are irritating, drying or exfoliating to the skin.

Side Effects

Some people can experience stinging sensation, dryness, scaling and burning sensitivity when they first use this medicine. This presents worst during the first week of use and then tends to settle.