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Epiduo is a once-daily gel that combines adapalene, a retinoid-like medicine, with benzoyl peroxide, an antibacterial, to treat acne where blackheads, whiteheads, spots and pustules are present. It works on blocked pores and acne bacteria at the same time, and contains no antibiotic. For adults aged 18 and over, after an online consultation with a GPhC-registered pharmacist independent prescriber.
For adults with acne where blackheads, whiteheads, spots and pustules are present. Not suitable during pregnancy or if you are planning a pregnancy. If you have severe acne with deep, painful lumps or cysts, or acne that is scarring, please see your GP, as you may need a dermatologist.
Order before 3pm — same-day dispatch (MON - FRI)
~5 min consultation
Suitable age
18 years +
Consultation
Yes, online consultation
Epiduo is a prescription acne gel that combines two medicines. Adapalene is a retinoid-like medicine that helps stop pores becoming blocked and calms inflammation. Benzoyl peroxide kills the bacteria linked to acne (Cutibacterium acnes) and helps clear dead skin cells from the pores. Together they treat both blackheads and whiteheads and the red, inflamed spots of acne. Our acne guide explains how these spots form.
NICE recommends this combination as a first-line option for acne of any severity, and it contains no antibiotic. For more widespread, inflamed acne, a prescriber may suggest using it alongside an oral antibiotic such as lymecycline. If benzoyl peroxide doesn't suit you, Differin contains adapalene on its own. Duac pairs benzoyl peroxide with an antibiotic instead of a retinoid, and you can see all our acne treatments.
| Medicine type | Topical retinoid with benzoyl peroxide (fixed combination gel) |
| Active ingredients | Adapalene 0.1% or 0.3% with benzoyl peroxide 2.5% |
| Used for | Acne where blackheads, whiteheads, spots and pustules are present |
| How to use | A thin layer to the whole affected area once a day in the evening; usually reviewed after 12 weeks |
| Prescription status | Prescription-only medicine (POM) |
| Suitable for | Adults aged 18 and over who are not pregnant or planning a pregnancy |
| Pack size | 60g tube |
| UK guidance | NICE NG198; Epiduo SmPC |
Who we can supply: adults aged 18 and over with acne where blackheads, whiteheads, spots or pustules are present, on the face, chest or back. Our prescriber chooses the strength. The 0.1% / 2.5% gel is the lower strength; the 0.3% / 2.5% gel may be used where there are numerous inflamed spots.
How long: acne treatment is usually reviewed after 12 weeks. If your acne hasn't improved enough after two different 12-week treatments, we'll recommend you see your GP.
This service isn't suitable if you:
are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, or could become pregnant and aren't using effective contraception
have severe acne with deep, painful lumps or cysts, or acne that is scarring
suddenly develop severe, painful acne with fever or joint pain, which needs urgent same-day medical assessment
are under 18
are allergic to adapalene, benzoyl peroxide or any of the other ingredients
Tell the prescriber if you:
are breastfeeding (Epiduo can be used, but not on the chest)
use other acne treatments, including other retinoids, benzoyl peroxide washes, peels or exfoliating products
have eczema, very dry or sensitive skin, or broken or sunburnt skin where you'd apply it
take an oral antibiotic for acne
get flushing and redness, itchy bumps, or spots mainly around the mouth, which can be conditions that look like acne (see what else looks like acne)
have acne along the jawline that flares before your period, or irregular periods (see our adult and hormonal acne guide)
Epiduo is a prescription gel that combines adapalene and benzoyl peroxide. It treats acne where blackheads, whiteheads, red spots and pustules are present, working on blocked pores and acne bacteria at the same time. Our acne guide explains the different types of spots.
Both contain benzoyl peroxide, but the second ingredient is different. Epiduo contains adapalene, a retinoid-like medicine, and no antibiotic. Duac contains clindamycin, an antibiotic, and continuous use shouldn't go beyond 12 weeks. Epiduo must not be used during pregnancy, whereas Duac may be used with caution. Our prescriber will help decide which option suits you.
We supply Epiduo to adults aged 18 and over only. The 0.1% / 2.5% gel is the lower strength. The 0.3% / 2.5% gel is used where there are numerous inflamed spots, and is more likely to cause skin irritation. Our prescriber will decide which strength is right for you based on your consultation answers.
Some improvement is usually seen within 1 to 4 weeks, but it takes longer to see the full effect. Keep using it every evening as prescribed, and expect your treatment to be reviewed after 12 weeks.
Some people notice dryness, redness, peeling or stinging, mainly in the first week. This usually settles on its own. Using a non-comedogenic moisturiser, or applying it every other day for a while, can help. Contact us if irritation is severe or doesn't settle.
It often does. Acne treatment controls acne rather than curing it, so spots can return once treatment stops. If your acne keeps coming back, a prescriber may suggest continuing a maintenance treatment, and the combination of adapalene with benzoyl peroxide is one option. Our acne maintenance guide explains more.
Yes. Apply it to all the areas affected by acne, not just your face. Benzoyl peroxide can bleach clothing, towels and bedding, so take care with fabrics. If you're breastfeeding, don't apply it to your chest. Our back, chest and body acne guide has practical tips.
Epiduo treats active acne rather than existing marks or scars. NICE notes that the risk of scarring increases the more severe acne is and the longer it lasts, so treating it early matters. Our acne scars and marks guide explains which marks fade and which need other treatment.
Not in pregnancy. Epiduo must not be used if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, and if you could become pregnant you'll need effective contraception while using it. If you become pregnant while using it, stop and speak to your GP. It can be used while breastfeeding, as long as it isn't applied to the chest.
Yes, but avoid products that dry, exfoliate or irritate the skin, as they can increase irritation. Don't use other retinoid or benzoyl peroxide products at the same time.
See your GP if you have severe acne with deep, painful lumps or cysts, if your acne is scarring or affecting your mood, or if it hasn't improved after two different 12-week treatments. You may need a dermatologist and treatments such as isotretinoin. Get urgent same-day help if you suddenly develop severe, painful acne with fever or joint pain.
Helpful articles and clinical guides related to this treatment category.
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