Variety of delivery options including next day & free delivery.
Pharmacy, clinic and prescribers based in Greater Manchester.
Start your treatment with a quick and free online consultation.
Variety of delivery options including next day & free delivery.
Pharmacy, clinic and prescribers based in Greater Manchester.
Start your treatment with a quick and free online consultation.
Fill in a quick online consultation for our licensed pharmacists to review.
Our pharmacists will review your treatment to ensure it’s suitable.
Your treatment will be delivered to your door quickly & discreetly.
| Medication Name | Epiduo Gel |
|---|---|
| Medication Form | Topical gel |
| Used for | Acne |
| Who can use | Adults, adolescents and children aged 9 years and over |
| Active Ingredient(s) | Adapalene and benzoyl peroxide (0.1% / 2.5% or 0.3% / 2.5%) |
| Usual Dose | Apply a thin film to the affected area once a day at bedtime |
| Common Side Effects | Dry skin, burning, skin irritation, redness, scaling |
| Prescription Required | Yes |
| Patient Information Leaflet | Epiduo Patient Information Leaflet |
Epiduo is a prescription gel that treats acne vulgaris. It’s applied directly to the skin to treat acne with blackheads and whiteheads as well as other spots, and it comes in two strengths: Epiduo 0.1% / 2.5% and the stronger Epiduo Forte 0.3% / 2.5%.
It combines two active ingredients, adapalene and benzoyl peroxide, that work together to clear the skin and help prevent new breakouts. If you’ve tried over-the-counter acne treatments without much success, Epiduo is a stronger option that tackles more than one cause of acne at once.
Epiduo gel contains benzoyl peroxide and adapalene, two active ingredients that work as a combination treatment for acne, tackling it in different ways. Adapalene is a retinoid that acts on the skin processes behind acne, helping your skin renew itself and keeping pores from clogging. Benzoyl peroxide is an antimicrobial agent that targets acne-causing bacteria, and it softens and peels the outer layer of the skin to clear away excess oil and dead cells.
Epiduo can be used by adults and children from 9 years old, and works on all skin types, but it is particularly effective for oily skin.
Don’t use Epiduo if you:
If you have another skin condition, speak to your doctor or pharmacist before starting Epiduo, as it can dry out the skin. Tell them about any other medicines or skincare products you’re using, and avoid other acne products that contain benzoyl peroxide or retinoids while using Epiduo.
Follow these steps to apply Epiduo gel:
Use Epiduo once a day, at bedtime, on clean and dry skin. A little goes a long way, so there’s no need to use more than a thin film. Epiduo can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, so avoid too much sun and UV lamps while using it.
Like all medicines, Epiduo can cause side effects, though not everyone gets them. Most affect the skin where you apply the gel and are usually mild to moderate, tending to peak in the first week and settle down on their own.
These may affect up to 1 in 10 people:
You can ease this dryness and irritation by using a non-comedogenic moisturiser and applying Epiduo less often until your skin gets used to it. If irritation carries on, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.
These may affect up to 1 in 100 people:
The frequency of these isn’t known. Stop using Epiduo and get medical help straight away if you notice:
You can report side effects through the MHRA Yellow Card Scheme to help monitor the safety of this medicine. For a full list of side effects, read the Epiduo patient information leaflet.
Active ingredients: Adapalene and benzoyl peroxide
Other ingredients: Docusate sodium, disodium edetate, glycerol, poloxamer, propylene glycol (E1520), Simulgel 600 PHA (copolymer of acrylamide and sodium acryloyldimethyltaurate, isohexadecane, polysorbate 80 (E433), sorbitan oleate) and purified water.
Differin is an acne treatment that contains adapalene, a retinoid that regulates skin cell turnover. While similar to Epiduo, Differin is a single-ingredient treatment that may suit you if your skin is sensitive to benzoyl peroxide. It’s a good option for those just starting acne treatment.
Duac is another benzoyl peroxide gel, combined with the antibiotic clindamycin for a dual-action approach to fighting acne. It works by targeting acne-causing bacteria while helping to unclog pores. This can be a good alternative if you need additional antibacterial action in your treatment.
Finacea Gel contains azelaic acid, a gentler alternative for mild to moderate acne. It’s known for reducing inflammation and redness while being suitable for sensitive skin types. Many people find it helpful for treating both active acne and post-acne marks.
If you’ve been struggling with acne and think Epiduo could be your way to clearer skin, you can buy this topical acne treatment online from Click2Pharmacy, a UK online pharmacy, through our acne treatment clinic as part of our prescription-based service. Start by completing an online assessment on our website. You’ll then have a consultation with a qualified pharmacist who’ll decide if Epiduo is the right treatment for you. Once it’s approved, it’ll be delivered discreetly to your door.
Epiduo is made by Galderma and contains two active ingredients: adapalene 0.1% and benzoyl peroxide 2.5%.
You may start seeing results in as little as two weeks, but full effects usually take up to three months. Most people notice their skin becoming clearer and smoother after 4-8 weeks of consistent use. Remember that everyone’s skin responds differently, and it’s important to continue using Epiduo even after you start seeing improvements to maintain results.
Yes, but wait until Epiduo has been absorbed into your skin before applying other products. Avoid using other products containing benzoyl peroxide, as this can be too harsh on your skin. Also, steer clear of drying products like alcohol-based toners or harsh exfoliants, as these can increase irritation. Stick to gentle, non-comedogenic moisturisers and sunscreen during your Epiduo treatment.
If you are suffering from acne and are looking for prescription treatments, you may be weighing up Epiduo vs Duac Gel. They both contain benzoyl peroxide, but Duac contains the antibiotic clindamycin. Both products effectively treat acne, but for people who cannot tolerate an oral antibiotic, Epiduo gel may be a better option.
For long-term safety, it’s best to consult a GP, pharmacist or another healthcare provider. They can provide guidance based on your skin’s response to the treatment.
Epiduo shouldn’t be used during pregnancy or if you’re planning to become pregnant, so let your doctor know before you start. If you fall pregnant while using it, stop and speak to your doctor as soon as you can. Epiduo can be used while breastfeeding, but to keep your baby from coming into contact with it, don’t apply the gel to your chest.
No, Epiduo requires a prescription in the UK. However, you can get this Epiduo acne treatment online through our licensed clinic after completing a short consultation. This makes sure the treatment is safe and suitable for your specific needs.
When you start using Epiduo, apply it once a day in the evening. Start by applying a thin layer of Epiduo gel to clean dry skin. Some doctors may recommend starting every other day if you have sensitive skin, then gradually increasing to daily use as your skin adjusts.
The ingredients in Epiduo, particularly adapalene, make it effective for treating both active breakouts and new acne scars. While primarily designed to fight acne, the medication’s ability to boost skin cell turnover helps fade recent post-acne marks. However, keep in mind that it’s most effective on newer scarring rather than older, deeper scars.
It’s normal to experience a temporary increase in symptoms of acne when starting Epiduo. This “purging” period occurs as the medication brings existing blockages to the surface, but don’t worry, this means the treatment is working to get rid of underlying acne. This phase typically lasts 4-6 weeks.
Epiduo contains adapalene, which is a retinoid rather than a retinol. Both come from vitamin A, but they’re not the same thing. Retinol is a milder form found in many over-the-counter skincare products, while retinoids like adapalene are more targeted and tend to be used in prescription acne treatments. Epiduo pairs adapalene with benzoyl peroxide, so it works on more than one cause of acne at once.
Both versions contain the same two active ingredients, adapalene and benzoyl peroxide, and the difference comes down to strength. Regular Epiduo contains 0.1% adapalene, while Epiduo Forte contains 0.3%. Both have 2.5% benzoyl peroxide. Because Forte has more adapalene, it’s a stronger option that may suit more stubborn acne, though it can be more likely to irritate the skin. Your pharmacist will help you choose the strength that’s right for you.
Epiduo can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, so take a little extra care while you’re using it. Applying the gel in the evening helps, along with wearing sunscreen during the day and covering up in strong sun. Try to stay away from sunbeds and UV lamps too. If your skin does catch the sun, let it settle before you apply Epiduo again.
Epiduo gel is clinically proven to treat mild to moderate acne if you have mostly whiteheads and blackheads with a few papules and pustules. What makes Epiduo gel work so well is that it has two key ingredients that work together to eradicate acne. You can use Epiduo when other single treatments have failed, and it doesn’t contain antibiotics, which is great for people who cannot tolerate them.
Dr Hussain Ahmad
Page content authored by Mr Mohammed, last reviewed by Dr Hussain Ahmad on 8th August 2026.
