Duac gel (3%, 1%)
"An effective, branded treatment for mild to moderate acne. It combines benzoyl peroxide (3%) with a topical antibiotic, clindamycin phosphate (1%.) You apply it to your skin once a day, every evening to improve your skin's appearance."
What is Duac gel?
Duac gel is a treatment for mild or moderate acne. It can be effective on its own or in combination with other medications.
How does it work?
Duac once daily gel contains two active ingredients which work together to treat your acne, benzoyl peroxide (3%) and clindamycin phosphate (1%). Clindamycin is an antibiotic that kills acne-causing bacteria. Benzoyl peroxide does this too, but in addition it breaks down blackheads and whiteheads, for fewer spots and less inflammation.
How to use Duac gel
Each evening, after washing and drying your face, apply a thin film of Duac gel to the affected area. Try not to get the gel into contact with your eyes, mouth, lips or nostrils and always wash your hands after applying it. Be careful not to use Duac gel on skin that’s broken, irritated or sunburnt.
How often should I apply Duac gel?
You should apply Duac gel once a day, in the evening.
Treatment results
With its two active ingredients, Duac gel can be an effective treatment for mild or moderate acne. You may start to see visible results within 2-6 weeks. We advise against using Duac gel for more than 12 weeks at a time.
Side effects of Duac gel
As with all medications, some people may experience side effects when using Duac gel, especially when you first begin treatment. These include peeling, itching, dry skin, and redness. As it contains benzoyl peroxide, Duac gel is likely to make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. So, try to protect yourself from the sun, use oil-free SPF 50 sunscreen, and avoid sunbeds or sun lamps.
For full details of side effects and correct use, please see the patient information leaflet. And if you’re worried about side effects, you can contact us in your Patient Record.
Product features
Kills acne-causing bacteria
Breaks down whiteheads and blackheads
Works to reduce inflammation and stop further breakouts
What is Duac gel?
Duac gel is a treatment for mild or moderate acne. It can be effective on its own or in combination with other medications.
How does it work?
Duac once daily gel contains two active ingredients which work together to treat your acne, benzoyl peroxide (3%) and clindamycin phosphate (1%). Clindamycin is an antibiotic that kills acne-causing bacteria. Benzoyl peroxide does this too, but in addition it breaks down blackheads and whiteheads, for fewer spots and less inflammation.
How to use Duac gel
Each evening, after washing and drying your face, apply a thin film of Duac gel to the affected area. Try not to get the gel into contact with your eyes, mouth, lips or nostrils and always wash your hands after applying it. Be careful not to use Duac gel on skin that’s broken, irritated or sunburnt.
How often should I apply Duac gel?
You should apply Duac gel once a day, in the evening.
Treatment results
With its two active ingredients, Duac gel can be an effective treatment for mild or moderate acne. You may start to see visible results within 2-6 weeks. We advise against using Duac gel for more than 12 weeks at a time.
Side effects of Duac gel
As with all medications, some people may experience side effects when using Duac gel, especially when you first begin treatment. These include peeling, itching, dry skin, and redness. As it contains benzoyl peroxide, Duac gel is likely to make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. So, try to protect yourself from the sun, use oil-free SPF 50 sunscreen, and avoid sunbeds or sun lamps.
For full details of side effects and correct use, please see the patient information leaflet. And if you’re worried about side effects, you can contact us in your Patient Record.
Select a medication and complete our simple, confidential online consultation
A clinician will review your answers and, if suitable, prescribe treatment
Choose next-day delivery, or click & collect from your local pharmacy
Duac gel (3%, 1%) FAQs
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How long does Duac gel take to work?
Duac once daily gel should work within 2-6 weeks. You shouldn’t use it for more than 12 weeks at a time.
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Who can take Duac gel?
You shouldn’t use Duac gel if you’re allergic to clindamycin, lincomycin, benzoyl peroxide or any of its other ingredients.
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Can I use Duac gel while pregnant or breastfeeding?
You shouldn't use Duac gel while you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. If you think you could be pregnant, we advise taking a test before starting this treatment.
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Where can I buy Duac gel?
You’ll need a prescription to buy Duac gel, if you’re using an online service like ours.
One of our clinicians can prescribe this medication for you after an online consultation where we make sure the treatment is right for you. It only takes a few minutes to answer the questions.
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Duac gel warnings
- You should only use Duac gel on your skin, avoiding areas like your eyes, lips, mouth, or inside your nose.
- Don’t use the gel on irritated or broken skin, for example on cuts, grazes or sunburn.
- Use gel sparingly on sensitive areas of skin.
- Most people get some skin redness and peeling during the first few weeks of using Duac gel. If your skin becomes irritated, you may need to use an oil-free moisturiser, use Duac gel less often, or pause treatment for a period of time to allow your skin to recover.
- If Duac gel causes serious skin irritation that persists (severe redness, dryness, itching, stinging or burning) you should stop treatment and message your clinician in your Patient Record.
- As it contains benzoyl peroxide, Duac gel is likely to make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. So, try not to spend too long in the sun, wear protective clothing, use oil-free SPF 50 sunscreen and avoid sources of UV light like sunbeds or sun lamps.
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Does Duac gel interact with any other medications?
So our clinicians can prescribe an effective and safe acne treatment, you’ll need to let us know which prescription and over-the-counter medicines you’re taking regularly. This includes any medications for other skin conditions like eczema.
While using Duac gel, you should avoid:
- Any medications that contain the antibiotic erythromycin, oral or topical.
- Applying any skin products that contain tretinoin, isotretinoin or tazarotene.
- Taking medicines that contain isotretinoin, including the branded tablet Roaccutane.
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Alternative acne treatments
Depending on how serious your acne is and what’s causing it, your clinician could prescribe a range of treatments including combinations. If you’re a woman with hormonal acne, your treatment could include the contraceptive pill co-cyprindiol (widely known as Dianette or Clairette).
Delivery and collection information
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Standard delivery (Free)
Packages will be delivered within 2-3 working days of your order being approved.
You’ll be contacted by your courier when they know when they’ll be delivering your package. You can update your delivery preferences in the Royal Mail app to enable delivery to a neighbour or leave in a safe place if you won't be in.
If you’re not present when Royal Mail deliver your treatment, they will:
- Post your parcel through your letter box
- Deliver to neighbour
- Deliver to your chosen safe place
If none of these options are feasible, Royal Mail will attempt to deliver the next working day.
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Next day delivery (£4.95)
Mainland UK
- Orders approved before 5pm Monday-Friday will arrive the next day (Tuesday - Saturday).
- Orders approved up to 11am Saturday will arrive on Sunday.
- Orders approved after 11am Saturday and all-day Sunday will arrive Tuesday.
Northern Ireland, Isle of Man, Scottish Highlands, Channel Islands and other offshore UK destinations:
- Please allow an additional 24 to 48 hours for offshore UK destinations
You’ll be contacted by your courier when they know when they’ll be delivering your package. You can update your delivery preferences in the Royal Mail app to enable delivery to a neighbour or leave in a safe place if you won't be in.
If you’re not present when Royal Mail deliver your treatment, they will:
- Post your parcel through your letter box
- Deliver to neighbour
- Deliver to your chosen safe place
If none of these options are feasible, Royal Mail will attempt to deliver to you the next working day.
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Click and Collect (Free)
If your order is approved by 5pm Monday-Friday, you should be able to pick it up the same day from selected pharmacies - provided they have your treatment in stock.
We suggest you ring your chosen pharmacy before you go to collect your treatment, just to make sure they have it in stock and ready.
