Topical Retinoid / Topical Antibacterial
Reviews
3.7
579 Reviews
Topical Retinoid / Topical Antibacterial
Efficacy
67%
Based on All Available Studies
Strength of Evidence
1
2
3
4
5
Topical Retinoid / Topical Antibacterial
Side Effects
Low-Medium
Topical Retinoid / Topical Antibacterial
Acne.org’s Real World Take
A way of using benzoyl peroxide in combination with the topical retinoid, adapalene, that studies show works a bit better than benzoyl peroxide alone. Comes with side effects for the first weeks and can bleach fabric. Note: When used correctly, benzoyl peroxide on its own can completely clear the skin.
Topical Retinoid / Topical Antibacterial
How to Get It
Have a dermatologist? Make an appointment to get this medication. Don't have a dermatologist? See The American Academy of Dermatology Physician Database to find one.
Read All About Adapalene / Benzoyl Peroxide (Epiduo®)
Compare To Other Treatments
5
38.2%
4
27.3%
3
11.1%
2
8.6%
1
14.9%

Used Adapalene / Benzoyl Peroxide (Epiduo®)? Rate It:

Choose from 1 to 5 stars
July 10, 2014
Excellent!!!
This treatment is the one that provides best results for me. It is the only BP treatment which does not dry my skin severely or darken my complexion (I am an Asian Pakistani). You should apply it as directed for optimum results. I apply a pea-sized amount once every evening after using neutrogena pink grapefruit face wash. You may have initial breakouts but you need to give this treatment time to work. This has been the most effective product I have used in treating and preventing my acne, blackheads and reduced hyperpigmentation. If you have tried many products and they have not worked, please go to your doctor and ask for this product.
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January 19, 2013
I started to get terrible breakouts on my cheeks and chin, as well as my forehead, so my mom decided to take me to the dermatologist. He prescribed this product to me and i thank God that he did! It has completely changed my skin. However, it takes a long time to work. I know that patience is hard when it comes to clearing acne but it's only a few short months of healing until you're left with beautiful skin for the rest of your life!
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January 6, 2013

Pros:

Reduces pimple size overnight
Stops breakouts
Easy to use
No smell (that I've noticed)
Makes skin feel soft

Cons:

Can cause dryness and make your face itchy

I have had acne for four years. I lost all confidence in myself and didn't leave the house because of it. I'm a teen, so I have to go to school. I couldn't just hide in my house everyday because of how bad my skin was. It was painful, red, and makeup just made it look worse. I went to the dermatologist regularly and tried many different creams and antibiotics. Nothing had worked. My acne would calm down a little bit, but it always came back. My dermatologist insisted that I try epiduo. It didn't seem to be working the first few months and so I switched to Differin. About a week later my skin was completely covered with acne. There wasn't a single spot on my face without a bump. I switched back to the epiduo and within days, my face started to look clearer and the acne started to go away. I still have a long way to go but my skin has improved so much. Epiduo has nearly cleared my face. I have just a few pimples left over and many scars. But so far it is the only thing that has worked for me.
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November 19, 2012

Pros:

It clears up acne fast, eliminates dark spots left behind from other pimples, and is the only topical solution that has proven to be successful on my face.

Cons:

I live in the beach... not literally but i go almost every weekend so the only con about this product is that i cant go to the beach and tan since this product makes skin more sensitive.

I have had acne for about four years. Its never been that bad since it was only on my forehead. About a year and a half ago I started getting acne on my checks. This type of acne is much worst since this part of your face scars much easily. I went to a couple of dermatologists that gave me medications that kept my acne under control but never cured it. I would always be getting pimples from time to time and little tiny bumps in my face never disappeared. My last dermatologist said that the only solution was acutane. I didn't want to get that cause i have heard about the horrible side effects. He told me his last try would be epiduo. I thought this is just another creme and balahhh blahhh. But wow this cream is incredible! my acne was completely gone after one week using it. Slowly the dark spots started to vanish. Since i started using it i haven't gotten not one pimple. I really don't do these kinds of reviews but i decided to do it cause if i would of heard such wonderful reviews before i would've gotten rid of my acne years ago. If it doesn't work so fast give it time cause i am sure it will work.
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April 13, 2012

Pros:

it helps a small amount

Cons:

its very pricey
never got rid of my acne
dries out skin

no i don't recommend this because it never truly helped, and I only have mild acne.
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February 15, 2012

Pros:

-Works fast
-Won't dry out skin
-Works continuously (won't stop working after a few months)
-Almost completely cleared my acne
-Can be used on back, chest, etc.

Cons:

-Expensive
-If you don't use the right cleansers, it may sting. (See below for the cleansers and moisturizers I used)

This is by far THE BEST ACNE PRODUCT I have used! I have tried many different products and Epiduo has given me the best results without destroying my skin. I have been using Epiduo for almost a year now, and it has not failed me yet. When I first started using Epiduo, I had horrible cystic acne on the sides of my face and around my chin. Mostly, this was because of Proactive and other harsh products which caused my skin to be oily, yet flaky, sensitive, and irritated. When my doctor prescribed me this, I was already depressed and I doubted it would work. However, within 2-3 weeks, my acne was significantly better. Most of the cysts on face were MUCH smaller, and most of the little bumps and white heads were gone. For the first time in years I had NO acne on my forehead and chin!! The cysts on the sides of my face took longer to heal because they were so deep, but they healed within two months. This is the only way Epiduo worked for me otherwise it would sting (In Order): -Cetaphil Normal to Oily Skin Cleanser (AM and PM) -Cetaphil Antibacterial Bar Soap (AM and PM) -Estee Lauder Even Skintone Illuminator serum (I used to get rid of the red marks and scars, I highly recommend this, its also very moisturizing) (AM) -Epiduo (PM) -Aveeno Ultra-Calming Moisturizer (AM and PM) Using those products provided me with the clearest skin I've had since Jr. High. Now I only get the occasional pimple but that's not a big deal. Overall Epiduo gave me my CONFIDENCE back, and has made me an overall happier person to know my skin looks good. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!
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January 27, 2012

Pros:

it helped my acne go away fasy

Cons:

it burns your face off of at least thats what it feels like but all you need to do is cut it down to twice a week or once a week then slowly bring it back up it works it truley does

.(:
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December 7, 2011

Pros:

- Removes blackheads, pustules, papules fast
- Diminishes the appearance of scars very effectively
- Promotes skin cell growth and therefore healing

Cons:

- Initial breakouts as skin gets used to product
- Possible redness, dryness, irritation, burning sensation (which is why applying a very small amount when beginning treatment is so important)

I gave this product a bad review about a year ago, when I used it on and off and saw that it was doing nothing but irritating my skin. I decided to take a more "gentle" approach in terms of products but later decided to get another tube and give this a try again as the acne was still quit persistent at times. I changed the way I used this product, which seems to have benefit me and my skin very much. I have been using it for a few months now, still on the same second tube and my skin barely breaks out anymore and my rolling scars which I have had for 2 years are gone! I woke up today, looked in the mirror, realized I couldn't see them anymore and figured I'd give this product a review it deserves. The way I have used it is this: After showering, I apply a few drops of jojoba to my wet face, followed by Cetaphil moisturiser. I let that settle for about 10 minutes and then apply a small amount of Epiduo all over my face (avoiding the eye area, of course). I honestly think this is the best regimen I have ever used and believe me, I have tried a lot of them. Tip: A small amount is paramount, especially in the beginning. In short: A very effective product that will last for a long time and give you lovely clear skin with diminished scarring! Highly recommended!
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August 5, 2010

Pros:

In the first few days it gets rid of some zits.

Cons:

After the stinging and irritation on my skin went away, so did the effectiveness.

At first epiduo worked really well for me. I just had a little dry skin and stinging and peeling. However, after my skin got used to it and stopped stinging and peeling after use, epiduo basically quit working on my skin. I have been using it for about a month now, and it doesn't seem to have done anything except for when I first started.
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July 30, 2010

Pros:

-Works pretty well in clearing up acne

Cons:

-Makes my face red

I really like this product but it always seems to make my face red for a few days so I only use it once or twice a week. I would definitely recommend this product
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Finding a Doctor

The right dermatologist can make a big difference to your patient experience and the success of your acne treatment plan. Here are the steps to find a dermatologist who is a good fit:

  1. Use the search feature on the American Academy of Dermatology website to look for board-certified dermatologists in your area, and filter the search results for doctors with a special interest in treating acne.
  2. Read online patient reviews of any dermatologists you are considering and ask people you know whether they have any experience with these dermatologists.
  3. Do your research and go to your first appointment with questions prepared.
  4. Listen to what your gut feeling tells you once you see a dermatologist in person. If you are not completely comfortable, try a different dermatologist.

Finding a Doctor

Only a select few plastic surgeons specialize in acne scar revision surgery. Be certain to find a provider who specializes in acne scar repair and who is passionate and experienced in this area.

Be sure to:

  • Look at before and after photos, the more the better, especially patients with similar scarring to your own.
  • Be realistic about results. Look for improvement, not a cure.

Questions to ask a potential scar revision specialist:

  • Are you board certified? Be certain that they are board certified.
  • How long have you been performing these procedures? Normally, the more experience the better, however, some younger surgeons may be more on top of the latest procedures.
  • Can I speak to some of your other patients? Ask for references for several patients who had similar scarring and speak to them about the process and their satisfaction with results.

Red flags:

  • Their story changes: As you discuss different treatment options, if they tend to change their mind easily, or agree with whatever you say, consider this a red flag. A confident, experienced surgeon will possess strong, unwavering opinions.
  • Your gut tells you "no": Trust your gut. If you just don't feel that the doctor is the right fit, trust that and move on. On the other hand, if you feel they are the perfect specialist for you, trust that feeling.