Epiduo Gel
Epiduo Gel
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Epiduo Gel 60g is a prescription-only medication that combines 2 active ingredients: adapalene (a type of retinoid) and benzoyl peroxide (an antibacterial agent). The two together make it one of the most effective topical treatments available for mild to moderate acne.
It’s designed for people dealing with acne vulgaris, the type of acne that looks like you have a mix of blackheads, whiteheads, and those red, inflamed spots.
What makes Epiduo so effective is that it combines two proven ingredients that work in different ways and also complement each other perfectly:
Adapalene controls skin cell turnover, which eliminates the cells clogging your pores and helps prevent new breakouts. Benzoyl peroxide kills acne-causing bacteria (Cutibacterium acnes) and reduces inflammation. Both address both the root cause of acne and its visible symptoms.
Each version of Epiduo has 2.5% benzoyl peroxide, but you can opt for a 0.1% or 0.3% strength of adapalene, depending on what your pharmacist prescribes. Once opened, Epiduo Gel remains stable and effective for at least 6 months, so one tube will last you a good while.
What to Expect When Using Epiduo Gel
When you first begin using Epiduo, minor side effects such as dryness, redness or mild peeling are normal and temporary — it’s a sign that the medication is working. Your skin could feel a little more sensitive when you start in the first few weeks, but as your skin becomes accustomed to it, these side effects tend to resolve. Be religious about your routine and don’t stop treatment too early, as it can take 4-8 weeks to see clear improvement.
If your skin feels overly irritated, you can reduce the frequency to every other night for a short period before returning to daily use
How to Use Epiduo Gel
When using Epiduo Gel, the goal is to keep it simple and remain consistent. Usually, a person will be prescribed to apply it once a day, in the evening, right before bed. Start with washing your face with a gentle cleanser and then patting it dry. Once your skin is clean, take a small amount of the gel and spread a thin, even layer over the whole area where you normally get spots, not just directly on the pimples that are already visible.
Just be sure not to apply to areas like your eyes, lips, inside of your nose, or any cuts and broken skin. When you finish using the gel, wash your hands, and you don’t want any of that gel to inadvertently end up on other parts of your body. When you forget to take it, simply wait until the following evening to apply; don’t pile on multiple doses, as this can leave your skin sore or red.
Sometimes people think that using more gel will increase its effectiveness, but it doesn’t. Using too much usually makes your skin drier and itchier. Since Epiduo makes your skin more sensitive to the sun, it’s advisable to use sunscreen during the day.
Tips for Best Results
- Always apply Epiduo to completely dry skin after cleansing to minimise irritation.
- Pair with a non-comedogenic moisturiser daily to help with dryness or tightness.
- Avoid using other acne treatments containing retinoids or benzoyl peroxide unless advised by your doctor.
- Do not mix Epiduo with products that contain alcohol, astringents, or exfoliating acids (like salicylic acid or glycolic acid) — they can increase skin irritation.
Side Effects
Like all medicines, Epiduo Gel can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. Most are mild to moderate and improve as your skin adjusts to treatment.
Common side effects (may affect up to 1 in 10 people):
· Redness, dryness, itching, or peeling of the skin
· Burning or stinging sensation after application
· Increased sensitivity to sunlight
Uncommon side effects (may affect up to 1 in 100 people):
· Swelling of the skin at the application site
· Pain or discomfort where the gel is applied
· Worsening of acne before it improves
Rare but serious side effects (affecting fewer than 1 in 1,000 people):
· Severe redness, blistering, or swelling
· Allergic reactions such as difficulty breathing, dizziness, or swelling of the face, lips, or throat
Frequently Asked Question
It’s designed for people dealing with acne vulgaris, the type of acne that looks like you have a mix of blackheads, whiteheads, and those red, inflamed spots.
Most people start to see visible improvement within 4 to 8 weeks of consistent use
Yes, it’s typically applied once daily in the evening. If your skin becomes too dry or irritated, your doctor might recommend using it every other night until your skin adjusts.
You should not use other topical acne treatments unless your doctor specifically recommends it, as combining them can increase skin irritation.
Written and reviewed by our qualified team
Reviewed by:
Tarun Kumar
Superintendent/ Clinical Lead
📖 Find out more about our team of medical content authors and how we ensure the accuracy of our content with our content guidelines.
Content last updated: 14 Sep 2026
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It’s designed for people dealing with acne vulgaris, the type of acne that looks like you have a mix of blackheads, whiteheads, and those red, inflamed spots.
Most people start to see visible improvement within 4 to 8 weeks of consistent use
Yes, it’s typically applied once daily in the evening. If your skin becomes too dry or irritated, your doctor might recommend using it every other night until your skin adjusts.
You should not use other topical acne treatments unless your doctor specifically recommends it, as combining them can increase skin irritation.
