Epiduo

What is Epiduo?

Epiduo is a topical gel that contains two active ingredients to reduce and relieve acne. It’s a daily treatment, so you’ll apply a small amount to affected areas every day.

Acne is caused by glands in your skin producing excess oil, which can cause harmless bacteria on the skin to become aggressive, resulting in inflammation. And dead skin cells building up can cause your pores to clog, which may also lead to acne.

The first active ingredient in Epiduo is adapalene, which helps regulate the growth and multiplication of skin cells, as well as reducing inflammation.^[1] The second is an antiseptic known as benzoyl peroxide, which reduces the amount of bacteria on your skin. In combination, these active ingredients should help to clear up your acne, and keep it under control in the future.

You’ll need an Epiduo prescription if you’re interested in using it to treat your acne. This is so a clinician can check it’s a good fit for your skin, and make sure you’re getting the best treatment for your acne.

How does Epiduo work?

Epiduo contains two active ingredients that work together to help reduce your acne symptoms.

The first active ingredient in Epiduo is adapalene, which is a type of medicine called a retinoid. Retinoids like adapalene help to regulate the growth, multiplication, and shedding of your skin cells, as well as reduce inflammation. ^[1]

By regulating skin cell growth and shedding, adapalene helps to reduce any buildup of dead skin cells in or around your pores, which should decrease the number of ‘microcomedones’ you develop.^[2] Microcomedones are the smallest of acne blemishes, invisible to the naked eye – but they can grow into larger acne blemishes if left untreated. So Adapalene targets the “seeds” of acne, to clear them up before they develop.

The second active ingredient in Epiduo is an antiseptic known as benzoyl peroxide, which helps decrease the amount of bacteria on and in your skin.^[3] This reduces the amount of a type of skin bacteria called P. acnes, which is usually harmless – but can cause inflammation and pus when it comes into contact with excess skin oil.^[4] This means there’s less bacteria in your skin that can potentially cause inflammation and infection, which should help reduce your acne.

How to use Epiduo for acne

Always stick to the Epiduo instructions given to you by your clinician.

Usually, you’ll apply one thin layer of gel over your affected skin each day at bedtime. Make sure your skin is clean and dry before you apply any gel, and avoid getting it in your eyes, nostrils, or on your lips when you’re putting it on. Wash your hands thoroughly when you’re done using Epiduo.

Are there different doses of Epiduo?

Yes. There are two different Epiduo dosage options, depending on how severe your acne is. The lower Epiduo dosage contains 0.1% w/w adapalene and 2.5% w/w benzoyl peroxide, while the higher dose contains 0.3% w/w adapalene and 2.5% w/w benzoyl peroxide. This means the lower dose contains 1 mg of adapalene and 25 mg benzoyl peroxide per 1 gram of gel – and the higher dose contains 3 mg of adapalene per 1 g of gel.