Epiduo Gel
Epiduo gel is a prescription-only treatment for mild to moderate acne on the face, chest and back. It contains two active ingredients: adapalene and benzoyl peroxide, which work together to unclog pores, reduce inflammation and target acne-causing bacteria.
Epiduo is applied once daily, usually in the evening. In the UK, it can be supplied by Quick Meds following an online consultation with a UK-registered prescriber.
At a glance
Treats mild to moderate acne on the face, back and chest.
Contains adapalene and benzoyl peroxide and available as two strengths 0.1 /2.5% and 0.3 /2.5%
Helps target blocked pores, inflammation and acne causing bacteria.
A simple once-daily routine.
Prescription-only medicine.
Epiduo Gel summary 0.1
Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
Active ingredients | Adapalene and benzoyl peroxide |
Used for | Acne treatment (mild to moderate, on face and body) |
Medicine type | Prescription-only topical acne gel |
Available strengths | Two strength:
|
Pack sizes | 60 g pump |
Manufacturer | Galderma UK Limited |
Quick Meds prescribing age | 18 years and over |
Pregnancy | Not recommended in pregnancy or when planning pregnancy |
Breastfeeding | May be used when breastfeeding - avoid applying to the chest |
How often it is used | Once daily, usually in the evening |
Onset of effect | Signs of improvement may appear within 1 to 4 weeks of treatment |
Typical treatment length | Significant improvement can occur after 12 weeks of use - treatment length may vary amongst patients |
Prescription requirement | Yes, online consultation with a UK prescriber before supply |
How to buy Epiduo Gel online in the UK
Epiduo gel is a prescription-only medicine, so a prescriber must assess whether it is suitable before it can be supplied.
Ordering through Quick Meds is simple:
Complete the online consultation, including information about your symptoms, medical history and any medicines you take.
Provide any additional information, or photographs of the affected area, requested as part of the clinical assessment.
A UK-registered prescriber reviews your answers and confirms whether Epiduo is suitable for you.
If treatment is suitable, your order is dispatched in discreet packaging via tracked delivery.
Strengths, pack sizes and what you receive
Two strengths of Epiduo gel are available.
0.1% adapalene and 2.5% benzoyl peroxide or
0.3% adapalene and 2.5% benzoyl peroxide
Epiduo gel is available in a 60g pack size. In your Epiduo gel box, you will receive your tube of gel and a patient information leaflet. Familiarise yourself with the leaflet before starting your treatment. Your prescriber will decide whether treatment is appropriate for you based on your symptoms, medical history and other medicines or treatments.
Delivery information
Once your order has been approved by one of our clinicians, your medication will be discreetly packaged and delivered to you via our tracked postal service.
If your order is approved before 3pm, our team will dispatch your order the same day, resulting in fast and reliable delivery.
Epiduo Gel pricing
The price of Epiduo gel is as follows.
Pack size and strength | Price |
|---|---|
60 g tube of Epiduo 0.1% | 42.95 |
60 g tube of Epiduo 0.3% | 44.95 |
What is Epiduo Gel and how does it work?
Epiduo Gel contains two active ingredients: adapalene and benzoyl peroxide. Together, they target several processes involved in acne.
Adapalene is a topical retinoid. It helps normalise the way skin cells develop and shed, reducing the likelihood of pores becoming blocked. It also has anti-inflammatory effects.
Benzoyl peroxide has antibacterial activity against the bacteria associated with acne and also helps remove dead skin cells, helping to keep pores clear.
By combining these ingredients, Epiduo can help treat blackheads, whiteheads and inflamed acne spots.
How to use Epiduo Gel: application and administration
Apply Epiduo Gel once daily in the evening to clean, dry skin.
Wash your hands and gently cleanse the affected skin with a mild, non-drying cleanser, then pat dry.
Apply a thin layer across the entire acne-affected area rather than treating individual spots.
Avoid the eyes, lips, nostrils and any broken or irritated skin.
Wash your hands thoroughly after applying.
Using more gel than necessary will not clear acne faster and can increase dryness, redness and irritation.
If you miss a dose, apply Epiduo the next evening as usual. Do not apply extra to make up for a missed dose.
Managing dryness and irritation
Dryness, redness, scaling, burning or stinging can occur when starting Epiduo. These reactions are generally most noticeable during the early stages of treatment and often improve as the skin adjusts.
To help reduce irritation:
Use a gentle, non-drying cleanser
Apply a non-comedogenic moisturiser
Avoid harsh scrubs and exfoliating products
Avoid products containing alcohol that may irritate the skin
Avoid applying Epiduo gel to skin that is sunburnt, broken or eczematous
If irritation continues, a prescriber may suggest applying Epiduo less often, such as on alternate days, or pausing treatment.
Using Epiduo Gel with other acne treatments
If you are using other acne treatments, including oral medication, creams or gels, it is important to let your prescriber know.
You should avoid adding another topical retinoid or benzoyl peroxide treatment when you are using Epiduo gel. This may cause skin irritation.
Epiduo may sometimes be prescribed alongside an oral antibiotic for more inflamed acne, however, this should only be done after a clinical assessment.
Storage recommendations
Here are some recommendations on how to store your Epiduo gel.
Store below 25°C.
Keep out of the sight and reach of children.
Keep the tube or pump tightly closed after use.
Do not use Epiduo after the expiry date.
Discard the tube or pump six months after opening.
Benzoyl peroxide can bleach hair, towels, clothing and bedding, so take care when applying.
Return any unused gel to a pharmacy for safe disposal.
When should you stop using Epiduo?
The length of your treatment depends on your acne and how well you respond.
When starting treatment with Epiduo, your prescriber will advise you on when your treatment will be reviewed and whether continued or maintenance treatment is appropriate.
Reviews are usually every 12 weeks but this may vary depending on your treatment and tolerability.
Does acne come back after stopping Epiduo?
If you have noticed improvement in your acne, do not stop using treatment without speaking to your prescriber. Stopping treatment does not permanently prevent acne from returning.
Some people may experience further breakouts after treatment, particularly if they are prone to acne.
Your prescriber can advise whether maintenance treatment is appropriate for you.
How effective is Epiduo Gel for acne?
Epiduo Gel is used to reduce the number and severity of breakouts in mild to moderate acne, and regular use across the whole affected area may also help lower the risk of future breakouts. Results vary from person to person and build gradually over weeks rather than immediately.
Early signs of improvement with Epiduo usually appear after 1 to 4 weeks of treatment - with significant improvement seen after 12 weeks of use.
The following table details the results of a 12-week study of 517 participants.
The data compares:
Epiduo (adapalene and benzoyl peroxide)
Adapalene
Benzoyl peroxide
Gel vehicle
Adapalene + Benzoyl peroxide | Adapalene | Benzoyl peroxide | Gel vehicle | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Success (clear/almost clear) | 27.5% | 15.5% | 15.4% | 9.9% |
Mean % Reduction in
Inflammatory lesion count | 62.8% | 45.7% | 43.6% | 37.8% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Non-inflammatory lesion count | 51.2% | 33.3% | 36.4% | 37.5% |
Total lesion count | 51.0% | 35.4% | 35.6% | 31.0% |
It can be seen from the results, that the combination of adapalene and benzoyl peroxide is the most effective at clearing acne and reducing the number of lesions.
What acne types does Epiduo Gel help with?
Epiduo Gel is suitable for blackheads, whiteheads, inflamed red spots and small pustules on the face, chest or back. Epiduo works across a whole affected area rather than as a spot treatment for the occasional pimple. It is intended for mild to moderate acne.
Epiduo alone may not deal with more severe, widespread, nodular or cystic acne, and this may need specialist care.
Does Epiduo Gel help with acne scars or dark spots?
Epiduo is primarily a treatment for active acne rather than a dedicated treatment for established acne scars.
Adapalene is a retinoid which increases skin cell turnover. This helps the skin to shed pigmented cells faster and encourages new, evenly toned skin to come to the surface.
Therefore, Epiduo may help with dark spots and prevent future acne scarring while smoothing out minor surface texture.
How long does Epiduo Gel take to work?
Early improvement can be seen in as little as 1 to 4 weeks with significant improvement seen after 12 weeks of treatment.
In the first few weeks, some people notice dryness, redness or irritation as the skin adjusts, and acne can briefly seem to worsen. This usually settles. Do not stop treatment suddenly if this happens; speak to a pharmacist, GP or prescriber for guidance first.
Do not apply more Epiduo in an attempt to speed up results.
Who is Epiduo Gel suitable for?
Epiduo Gel is licensed for adults, adolescents and children aged 9 years and over with mild to moderate acne, particularly where there is a mix of blackheads, whiteheads and inflamed spots such as papules and pustules on the face, chest or back. It is often considered when non-prescription acne products have not worked well enough.
At QuickMeds, Epiduo is prescribed only to patients aged 18 and over.
Even if you meet these criteria, Epiduo may not be right for everyone. A prescriber assesses whether treatment is safe and suitable for you during the online consultation.
Discuss with your prescriber before treatment if any of these apply. They do not necessarily rule out Epiduo, but they need extra care or discussion:
Existing skin conditions such as eczema, rosacea or generally sensitive skin, or previous reactions to acne treatments
Other prescription creams or gels, especially retinoids, benzoyl peroxide or topical antibiotics
Oral acne treatments, including oral retinoids such as isotretinoin
Medicines or treatments that make skin more sensitive to sunlight
Darker skin tones, which may be more prone to post-inflammatory marks (careful sun protection is advised)
A history of acne scarring or hyperpigmentation
Who shouldn't use Epiduo Gel?
Do not use Epiduo Gel if you:
are allergic to adapalene, benzoyl peroxide or any other ingredient listed in the patient information leaflet
are pregnant or planning to become pregnant
are under the licensed age of 9 (and note QuickMeds prescribes only to patients aged 18 and over)
Epiduo should not be applied to broken, badly damaged, sunburnt or eczema-affected skin. If you have severe, widespread, nodular or cystic acne, you may need a different treatment or specialist care.
Side effects of Epiduo Gel
Like all medicines, Epiduo Gel can cause side effects, though not everyone gets them. Most are mild skin reactions that settle as the skin adjusts.
Common side effects are mostly at the application site and include:
redness
dry or peeling skin
a burning sensation or itching
increased sensitivity to sunlight
These are usually mild and often improve after the first few weeks. Applying only a thin layer, using a gentle moisturiser and reducing how often you apply the gel can help. Some people find their acne or irritation worsens and does not settle even when they use the gel less often.
This is not a full list; read the patient information leaflet for the complete list.
Less common but serious: rarely, Epiduo can cause a severe allergic reaction. Signs include swelling of the face, lips or tongue, difficulty breathing and a severe rash. If this happens, stop using Epiduo and call 999 for emergency help.
If common side effects do not improve, or irritation gets worse, stop using the gel and get medical advice promptly.
Interactions and things to avoid
A few things can affect how well you tolerate Epiduo Gel or how it interacts with other treatments. Tell your prescriber during the consultation about any other acne treatments, medicines or supplements you use, and take care with sun exposure while using Epiduo.
Other acne treatments
Do not use other topical retinoids or benzoyl peroxide products in the same area as Epiduo gel unless your prescriber has advised you to do so.
Other treatments may sometimes be used alongside Epiduo, including oral antibiotics, but these should only be taken following advice from your prescriber.
Sun exposure, sunbeds and UV
Epiduo may increase skin sensitivity to sunlight.
While using Epiduo:
Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen or SPF 30 or higher on exposed skin.
Avoid sunbeds and unnecessary UV exposure
Consider protective clothing and a hat when spending time outdoors
Take particular care if your skin becomes irritated or sunburnt.
Epiduo Gel during pregnancy and breastfeeding
Epiduo Gel is not recommended in pregnancy or if you are planning to become pregnant. It can be used while breastfeeding, but avoid applying it to the chest to prevent the baby being exposed.
Tell your prescriber if you become pregnant while using Epiduo. If Epiduo is prescribed alongside other acne medicines, your prescriber may stress the importance of effective contraception.
What are the alternatives to Epiduo Gel?
Several other acne treatments may be discussed with a prescriber, depending on your acne type, severity, skin type and medical history:
Differin Gel - A topical retinoid gel. This contains adapalene, the same ingredient present in Epiduo gel.
Duac Gel - A topical acne gel that combines the antibiotic clindamycin with benzoyl peroxide.
Treclin Gel. A topical acne gel that combines the antibiotic clindamycin with treclin, which is a retinoid.
A prescriber can help work out which option is most suitable for you.
References
https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/451/smpc#gref
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know
Is Epiduo Gel available over the counter?+−
No, Epiduo Gel is not available over the counter.
Epiduo is a prescription-only medicine, so it can be supplied only after a clinical assessment. Through a registered online pharmacy such as Quick Meds, you complete an online consultation and a UK prescriber checks whether Epiduo is suitable for you before it is supplied.
Can I use Epiduo Gel with other acne creams or spot treatments?+−
You should be aware Epiduo gel contains adapalene and benzoyl peroxide and avoid using this alongside alternative treatments and acne creams that contain similar ingredients, unless specifically advised by a clinician.
How long will a tube of Epiduo Gel last?+−
How long a tube of Epiduo Gel lasts depends on how large an area you are treating. Once opened, Epiduo is generally stable for six months and should be thrown away after that, even if some gel remains.
Can I use Epiduo Gel with other acne creams or spot treatments?+−
Epiduo Gel already contains adapalene and benzoyl peroxide, so you should not use it with other acne creams or spot treatments containing the same ingredients unless a prescriber has advised it.
Combining products can increase irritation. Tell your prescriber about anything else you use on your skin during the consultation.
Can I use Epiduo Gel if I have sensitive skin?+−
Epiduo Gel can often be used on sensitive skin, but you may need to start slowly with the lower strength.. People with sensitive skin often apply Epiduo every other evening at first and use a simple, non-comedogenic moisturiser to reduce irritation. Follow the advice your prescriber gives you, and mention any sensitive-skin conditions during the consultation.
Is Epiduo Gel suitable for acne on the back or chest?+−
Yes, Epiduo Gel is suitable for acne on the back and chest as well as the face. Apply a thin layer across the whole affected area rather than to individual spots. Because benzoyl peroxide can bleach fabric, take care with clothing and bedding until the gel has dried.
Will Epiduo Gel cure acne permanently?+−
Epiduo Gel does not cure acne permanently. It is used to treat mild to moderate acne and help reduce breakouts while you use it, but some people need ongoing or maintenance treatment afterwards. Your prescriber can advise on how long to continue and what to do if your acne returns.
Is Epiduo Gel a steroid?+−
No, Epiduo Gel is not a steroid.
Epiduo contains adapalene, which is a retinoid (a vitamin A derivative and a prescription acne ingredient) rather than a cosmetic retinol, together with benzoyl peroxide.
