• Confidential assessment
  • Reviewed by doctors
  • Same-day collection from your local pharmacy

Product features

  • Kills acne-causing bacteria, unblocks pores and reduces inflammation

  • Works to break down whiteheads and blackheads and helps stop new acne from forming

  • Continued use can help improve appearance of acne and prevent future outbreaks

What is Epiduo gel?

Epiduo is a topical gel for treating acne, meaning you use it on your skin. It contains adapalene and benzoyl peroxide, two active ingredients that kill acne-causing bacteria and help clearer skin to grow back. It can be effective on its own or in combination with other medications.

How does it work?

The two active ingredients in Epiduo gel work together to clear acne and help improve the appearance of your skin.

Benzoyl peroxide is antimicrobial, killing acne-causing bacteria and softening the top layer of skin as it breaks down whiteheads and blackheads. Adapalene unblocks pores, reduces inflammation and helps skin renew more quickly.

How to use Epiduo gel

Before going to bed, apply a thin layer of Epiduo gel to clean, dry skin. Wash your hands thoroughly after using the gel, as it’s likely to irritate eyes, and bleach hair or fabrics, like towels and bed linen.

Treatment results

You may have to wait 6-8 weeks to notice a change in your acne and see that the Epiduo gel is working. It’s worth persevering, as continued use of Epiduo gel can help to improve the appearance of acne as well as working to prevent future outbreaks.

Side effects of Epiduo gel

While Epiduo gel doesn’t generally cause side effects, some people experience skin irritation, a burning sensation in the treated area, and eczema.

As it contains benzoyl peroxide, Epiduo gel is likely to make your skin more sensitive to sunlight during use. 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 Epiduo patient information leaflet. And if you’re worried about side effects, you can contact us in your Patient Record.

Medication

Select a medication and complete our simple, confidential online consultation

Tick

A clinician will review your answers and, if suitable, prescribe treatment

Prescription delivery

Choose next-day delivery, or click & collect from your local pharmacy

Epiduo gel acne treatment FAQs

  • How long does Epiduo gel take to work?

    You should start to see an improvement in 6-8 weeks that shows the gel is working.

  • Who can use Epiduo gel?

    Don’t use Epiduo gel if:

    • You’re pregnant
    • You’re trying to get pregnant
    • You’re allergic to adapalene, benzoyl peroxide or any of the other ingredients in this medication

  • Can I use Epiduo gel while pregnant or breastfeeding?

    You shouldn’t use Epiduo gel while pregnant or breastfeeding. If you think you could be pregnant, we advise taking a test before you start this treatment.

  • Where can I buy Epiduo gel?

    You’ll need a prescription to buy Epiduo gel, if you’re using an online service.

    One of our clinicians can prescribe these medications after an online consultation where we make sure the treatment is right for you. It only takes a few minutes.

  • What to do if I get Epiduo gel side effects

    If you get any side effects that you think may be due to Epiduo gel, if we haven't listed them, message your clinician in your Patient Record.

  • Epiduo gel warnings

    You should talk to your doctor or clinician before using Epiduo gel and:

    • Never apply Epiduo gel to areas of skin where you have cuts, scrapes, sunburn or eczema.
    • Be careful not to get the gel in your eyes, mouth or nostrils or other sensitive areas of the body.
    • Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight or other sources of UV light like sunbeds or sun lamps.
    • Wash your hands thoroughly whenever you use the gel. 

  • Does Epiduo gel interact with any other medications?

    So our online 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 Epiduo gel, you should avoid:

    • Acne products that contain benzoyl peroxide
    • Medications that contain retinoids, such as adapalene
    • Cosmetics or toiletries that irritate, dry or exfoliate your skin

  • Alternative acne treatments

    Depending on how serious your acne is and what’s causing it, our clinicians can prescribe a tailored treatment. That could mean pairing an oral antibiotic with your gel or cream. 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

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.