If you’re one of the over a third (34%) of adults in the UK who have suffered from acne and are looking into prescription acne treatments, you’ve probably come across both Epiduo gel and Duac gel. Both contain benzoyl peroxide but work with different additional ingredients to tackle acne. Before deciding which one might work better for you, it’s worth figuring out exactly what sets these treatments apart.
| Epiduo Gel | Duac Gel | |
| Ingredients | Benzoyl peroxide + Adapalene | Benzoyl peroxide + Clindamycin |
| Benzoyl Peroxide Concentration | 2.5% | 5% |
| Formulations | Gel | Gel |
| Treats | Mild to Moderate Acne | Mild to Moderate Acne |
| Side Effects | Dry skin, rash, eczema, skin discolouration, peeling skin, burning sensation | Dry skin, redness, burning, itching, skin irritations, peeling |
| Strength | Epiduo Regular Strength – 0.1%/2.5% gel Epiduo Forte Stronger Strength 0.3%/2.5% gel | Duac 3% Duac 5% in 30g and 60g tubes |
| Skin Dryness | Higher | Lower |
| Suitable For | Ages 9 and above | Ages 12 and above |
| Effectiveness for Acne | 72% reduction in inflammatory lesions (spots) | 77% reduction in inflammatory lesions (spots) |
| Application Frequency | Once Daily | Once Daily |
| Availability | Prescription | Prescription |
Epiduo contains two active ingredients – adapalene and benzoyl peroxide. Adapalene helps unclog pores and reduce inflammation, while benzoyl peroxide kills acne-causing bacteria. The gel works particularly well on blackheads, whiteheads, and inflammatory acne spots.
Most people apply Epiduo once daily in the evening, using just a thin layer on acne-prone areas. During the first few weeks of treatment, your skin may feel dry or slightly irritated – this usually settles as your skin adjusts to the medication.
Duac combines benzoyl peroxide with clindamycin, an antibiotic that targets acne-causing bacteria. The gel comes in two strengths to choose from – both with 1% clindamycin and then one with 3% benzoyl peroxide or another with 5% benzoyl peroxide.
Like Epiduo, you’ll apply Duac once daily to the affected area. You might notice a slight stinging sensation when you first start using it, but this will go away with time.
The main difference is their second active ingredient. While both gels contain benzoyl peroxide to kill bacteria, Duac uses clindamycin (an antibiotic), while Epiduo contains adapalene (a retinoid). This means they tackle acne through different mechanisms.
Duac’s antibiotic approach directly targets bacteria, making it particularly effective for inflamed, angry spots. The clindamycin works with benzoyl peroxide to eliminate bacteria while also reducing inflammation. Whereas, Epiduo’s retinoid component works by speeding up skin cell turnover and preventing pores from becoming clogged in the first place. The adapalene also helps reduce inflammation and can improve skin texture over time.
The length of treatment can vary significantly between the two medications. Duac usually isn’t recommended for longer than 12 weeks because extended antibiotic use can lead to resistance. GPs and pharmacists typically review progress after 11-12 weeks to prevent this issue. Epiduo can be used for longer periods of time if needed, making it suitable for ongoing topical acne management and maintenance treatment.
Both treatments are applied once daily, but the timing can differ. Epiduo is typically applied in the evening, while Duac can be used morning or night. Both should be applied to clean, dry skin, but Epiduo needs more careful introduction – some people start with an every-other-day to build tolerance.
While both treatments can cause initial dryness and irritation, Duac carries a small risk of antibiotic-related issues, while Epiduo can cause increased sun sensitivity due to the retinoid component. Both can bleach fabrics like towels and bedding, but Epiduo tends to be more likely to cause initial skin peeling.
Clinical studies show that both Epiduo and Duac perform well against acne, with success rates between 65% and 80%. Epiduo tends to show better long-term results, particularly in preventing new breakouts, while Duac often provides quicker relief for active, inflamed spots.
Duac typically works best for:
Epiduo is particularly effective for:
While Duac (£20-39) costs slightly less than Epiduo (£31-33) per 45g tube, the longer potential treatment duration of Epiduo can make it more cost-effective for many users. Since Epiduo can be used continuously, unlike the 12-week limit on a course of Duac, it may provide better value for money for those needing long-term acne management.
Firsthand user reviews consistently show both treatments can be highly effective in treating acne but in different ways. Acne patients using Epiduo commonly report a gradual but significant improvement in their skin: “My skin is almost completely clear, and I am up to about month 4 of using the gel. My advice is do not give up on the gel, keep using it, and you will see improvements!”
Duac gel reviews from real users tend to emphasise its quick action on inflammatory acne: “Fast acting, clearing my skin in a few days after a bad breakout” and how this has worked for acne sufferers when other products haven’t worked: “Seems to be working where other products have failed. So far so good.”
If you’ve decided on Epiduo or Duac for your acne, our online acne clinic makes it easy to get your prescription. Our UK pharmacy team will review your consultation to ensure your chosen treatment is safe and suitable for you without having to wait for a GP appointment.
Just complete a quick online assessment, and once approved, we’ll deliver your prescription directly to your door. We’ll also provide you with clear usage instructions and information about what to expect from your treatment.
Choose Click2Pharmacy for your acne treatment today.
