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Epiduo Gel

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Epiduo Gel

Prescription Range

Epiduo gel is a topical gel used to treat severe acne. It contains two active ingredients that work together to tackle outbreaks and prevent recurrence. Benzoyl peroxide clears pores, while Adapalene reduces the swelling and inflammation caused by acne breakouts.

  • Epiduo gel is designed to be applied once a day, preferably in the evening, after washing the face.
  • Effective acne treatment.
  • Simple once-daily application at night.
  • Dual-action active ingredients.
Skin Conditions
Acne
Chronic Conditions

Buy Epiduo Online

Buy Epiduo gel online from Pharmacy Online. Simply complete our short medical assessment, and our team of healthcare providers will determine whether Epiduo gel is the right topical antibiotic for you.

We offer a variety of alternative treatments for acne at our online pharmacy. Should this one be deemed not suitable for you, including acne creams, oral antibiotics and other gels and creams.

When to Use Epiduo Gel?

Epiduo is a dual-action acne treatment gel that contains adapalene and benzoyl peroxide. These active ingredients work in tandem to unblock pores and kill the bacteria that cause acne, reducing acne symptoms.

Adapalene removes dead skin cells, helping prevent blocked pores, and benzoyl peroxide kills harmful bacteria on the skin's surface.

Epiduo Gel is most effective for treating acne, as it clears current blackheads, whiteheads, and pimples while preventing future breakouts.

Age Restrictions For Epiduo Gel

Epiduo 0.1/2.5% gel is generally suitable for adults and children over 9 years old, as it's a gentler formula. However, the treatment is only offered for acne vulgaris.

How to Use Epiduo Gel?

When using Epiduo Gel, please follow these instructions. It's a powerful treatment that contains an antimicrobial agent and retinoid, which can cause side effects when used incorrectly:

  • It's best to apply the gel once a day in the evening. Using it in the daytime can make your skin more sensitive to the sun.
  • Wash and cleanse your face, then let it dry. Applying the gel to damp skin can increase redness, peeling, and burning. Take a small amount of gel and gently rub it in.

It's common to notice some irritation at first, but this should improve with time. However, if you experience severe burning, you should speak to your healthcare professional.

When to Avoid Using Epiduo Gel?

Because Epiduo Gel contains two powerful active ingredients, there are some situations in which you should avoid using it. These include:

  • Allergies: If you're sensitive or allergic to any of the ingredients in Epiduo, using it can result in a severe reaction.
  • Pregnancy: If you're pregnant or are planning to become pregnant, Adapalene can result in congenital disabilities.
  • Skin Conditions: Epiduo isn't suitable for use on sunburnt, broken, or wounded skin.
  • Sensitive Areas: Never apply the gel to sensitive areas of your face, including around the eyes and near the mouth.
  • Other Skincare Products: Never combine Epiduo with other retinoids, high percentages of exfoliating acids, and harsh astringents.

Precautions For Epiduo Gel

  • Breastfeeding: Please speak to your GP or a registered pharmacist if you're breastfeeding. If they say it's OK, you should always avoid applying the gel to the chest area.
  • Rosacea: In some cases, your doctor might recommend Epiduo, but only after a full consultation.
  • Recent Treatments: If you've had laser therapy, microdermabrasion or a facial, avoid applying the gel to these areas.
  • Sun Exposure: If you're planning to be out in the sun, avoid using Epiduo before.

Ingredients Of Epiduo Gel

Epiduo Gel (0.1% / 2.5%) contains two active ingredients:

  • Adapalene (0.1%): A retinoid that speeds up skin cell turnover, which reduces inflammation and prevents clogged pores.
  • Benzoyl Peroxide (2.5%): An antimicrobial agent that kills the bacteria (Cutibacterium acnes) that cause acne flare-ups.

Inactive Ingredients:

  • Purified Water
  • Propylene Glycol (E1520)
  • Glycerol (Glycerin)
  • Simulgel 600 PHA
  • Poloxamer 124
  • Disodium Edetate
  • Docusate Sodium

Side Effects Of Epiduo Gel

Side effects from Epiduo gel are typically at their worst during the first few weeks of using the product, for example:

  • skin irritation
  • skin purging
  • skin inflammation
  • skin redness
  • burning sensation

These are all common side effects and should diminish as your skin adjusts to the acne treatment.

Please consult our online doctor service if these side effects are severe or don't diminish.

We recommend that patients who experience dry skin after using acne products use a non-greasy moisturiser to manage skin dryness.

If you find the stinging sensation is too strong, try applying a thinner layer of gel to the acne-affected skin until your skin becomes accustomed to the medicine.

Can I use other acne treatments with Epiduo gel?

You can combine Epiduo with other treatments, such as oral antibiotic acne treatments, but it should not be used with any other acne creams, as it may cause excessive drying or irritation to your skin

I have started using Epiduo gel, and the treated area is red and irritated. Is this normal?

Redness and irritation of the treated area can occur when you use Epiduo for the first time. This is not usually serious and subsides typically within a week. During this time, try applying the gel every other day; this should ease these side effects.

Does Epiduo gel work for acne scars?

Epiduo gel is used to prevent, reduce, and treat existing acne. It can also help rid your skin of acne scars from previous outbreaks.

How effective is Epiduo gel at clearing acne?

Epiduo gel is incredibly effective at clearing acne and preventing future outbreaks.

Please note that nothing will permanently cure acne. It can only be treated. Simply apply a thin layer of gel to clean, dry skin once a day before bed.

Is Epiduo gel the best acne treatment?

Epiduo gel is a topical acne treatment that is used to treat mild to moderate acne. It can take 8-12 weeks of using the acne treatment before you begin to see improvement in your skin.

Epiduo gel works by tackling various factors that contribute to acne. It helps reduce the number of non-inflamed white and blackheads. It has also been shown to visibly reduce acne scarring.

Does Epiduo contain benzoyl peroxide?

Yes. Epiduo gel contains benzoyl peroxide, an antimicrobial agent that neutralises acne-causing bacteria. Research shows that benzoyl peroxide is effective at reducing acne lesions by almost 45%, with complete acne clearance in 15-28% of users.

Epiduo Gel Patient Information Leaflet

Before taking any medicines, whether over-the-counter or prescription-only, it is essential to read the patient information leaflet. If you're experiencing skin problems and need advice, please contact our registered pharmacists today.

Patient Information Leaflet

Umar Razzaq, MPharm | University of Strathclyde, Clinical Pharmacist.
Content Written by:Umar RazzaqMPharm | University Of Strathclyde
Date Written:12/06/2026
Role:Clinical Pharmacist
Nish Fayyaz, MPharm | University of Strathclyde, Pharmacist.
Medically Reviewed By:Nish FayyazMPharm | University Of Strathclyde
Date Checked:12/06/2026
Role:Pharmacist
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