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
August 30, 2010

Pros:

it worked pretty fast for for the small pimples it takes it little longer for cystic acne

Cons:

It occasionaly burned and i had dry patches on my skin.

This is a great product, i have had this for over a month and it works well.After a month my skin was almost clear on maybe 2 compared to before when i always had more than 10 at a time. When i had first tried it i had no side effects about second or third week it burned for around three days(it stopped 10-15 min after i put it on) but it stopped. I had also taken this with Doryx a pill that gets rid off the bacteria it gradually gets rid of the acne, I dont get as much anymore im extremely happy about that. Unfortunately cystic acne sometimes gives you post inflammatory hyperpigmentation, a mark thats not a zit but not a scar but some foundation will hide it. but i love this product and recommend you try this.
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July 24, 2010

Pros:

Clears up acne pretty fast

Cons:

Dried out my skin
Stung for about 30 minutes after applying, although the more I have used it the less it stings.

I broke out really badly right before I got Epiduo and it has done a great job clearing up the acne in a short amount of time. It hasn't cleared up completely but it has done a lot better than many other acne medications that I've used. The only problems is that it stings some, but it isn't too bad. Also, it dries out my skin some, but that is easily solved by applying some moisturizer. That and the more I use it, the less my skin dries out. Overall, I'd say it is working great considering that I've only had it a week and it has already helped almost clear a really bad breakout that would otherwise still be tormenting my face.
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December 10, 2009

Pros:

None

Cons:

Drying and ineffective

It made my mild acne worse. I used it for 10 weeks, thinking that the new break outs were part of the initial purge, but everytime I thought my skin was getting better, I'd get several new pimples. On the Regimen, I would usually have one pimple or so at a time, but I still had some blackheads. I though Epiduo might give me the same benefits as the 2.5% BP Treatment and also help with the blackheads. Instead, I got large pimples on my chin, and also some on my forehead and cheeks (where I usually don't break out at all). I only spent $20 because I got a discount card from my dermatologist; I'm glad it didn't cost more because I was really disappointed in the product.
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October 26, 2009

Pros:

Not only clears up acne, but also improves overall skin appearance and reduces wrinkes.

Cons:

Expensive, causes mild skin irritation the first 2-3 weeks of use.

Overall, the best Rx topical acne medication I've tried so far.
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August 29, 2009

Pros:

works quickly and effectively

Cons:

dries out skin a bit but a good moisturizer helps with that

I would recommend this product to anyone with an acne problem. Everyone complains that it dries out your skin and burns but i haven't experienced any of that, all you have to do is apply a good moisturizer after you apply the Epiduo. I'm not sure why no one else does this. Now I think i saw results so quickly because i started using this immediately after i had been using AcneFree for 2 months so there wasn't a lot of bacteria under my skin that needed to come out. So, it may take longer for other people but it still works very, very well. I HIGHLY recommend giving this a try. Just make sure you use it with a gentle cleanser and a moisturizer.
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August 17, 2009

Pros:

-Gets rid of acne pimples (quickly)
-Decreases inflammation (quickly)
-Smoothes ski (quickly)

Cons:

none, really

works! worth a try for you!
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October 1, 2017
It's Working (Acnesol)
So there's a lot of history with my acne situation. I always had moderate acne, large pores oily skin....n i underwent course of antibiotics, doxycyclin amd azithromycin which helped..... But In 2010 i developed cystic acne....a relapse. So my derm said that antibiotics won't work in my case, amd i took a course of isotroin (same like Accutane.. M from India) of 6months amd it was the best thing. It cleared up my acne completely. It was good for 2years but then my skin was not that great amd it developed bumps... On n off acne.. But nothing major. All was good or atleast okay for 5years.... But then it started gettimg worse recently.. So i visited my derm again, after 6years...he recognized me, amd i too reminded him of my acne history. He said he told me earlier that isotroin would cure 80% but 20% will be maintenance..... Which i didn't do,,, (as i moved from this place.. Got busy with life... I forgot all about it). So now he saod that i have to use a cream at night. That is acnesol(. 1%adapalene and. 1%clindamycin). Also a salicylic facewash. Fortunately i dont need to take a second course of isotroin. I had bumps all over my forehead... And new breakouts...whiteheads on my cheeks n chin.... Too much. So its beem a week of acnesol and salicylic facewasg, and my skin is very very dry... Also red on the problem areas. But the bumps/whiteheads on my forhead are 90%gone, also only 2new breakout that too are dry... He also gave my a cream to moisturize, only to be used sos...acnemoist. I have used it twice till now. When i wash my face now i dont feel the bumps and roughness... And no active acne too now. With the present scenario i feel in another week or 10days it will all be crllear and normal(not red too).
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May 23, 2017
Yes, even for dry sensitive skin
My daughter was on antibiotics for 9 months for Lyme disease treatment. When she went off the medication she broke out terribly on her face and her back. Long term antibiotics wreck your gut which among other things can cause acne. She started treatment with epiduo forte on her face but in a way that minimized the harsh effects. She already has dry sensitive skin so she applied it every other night mixed in with her moisterizer and worked up to full strength slowly. At the same time we healed her gut with probiotics - pills and kombucha and bone broth every day ( yes bone broth, google bone broth and healing acne) it has been a few months now and she is pretty much all cleared up. The marks have faded considerably and improve every day. Her back is completely clear.
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March 28, 2017
MUST use with Cetaphil Moisturising Lotion!
I am currently going through my second bout of adult acne at age 28, due to contraception changes. I couldn't remember what I was prescribed last time because I pretty much repressed the whole experience but I remembered that I had used Differin, which caused a massive purge and made my acne worse before it made it better. I wanted to avoid that this time so I said no to any topical treatments and started a course of Lymecycline. 6 weeks into my course, my skin had progressively got worse so I went back to my doctor who prescribed me Epiduo. I read the reviews about how painful it was so I was very worried; however, my first application did not hurt at all. My face was a bit red the next day but I saw an immediate improvement in my acne, as the inflammation had completely reduced. It was a bit tender when I applied my make up and removed it but I could handle it. I applied it again that night and this time it was so painful, it felt like my face was burning. I waited 45 minutes and then applied my Simple moisturiser, which only made it worse. The next day my face was in pieces and it even hurt to wash my face so I could not apply anything but moisturiser to it. That was 3 days ago and I haven't used it since. My acne has massively improved just from those two applications; however, my face has been in agony ever since because it is so dry. It has felt as if it was made out of concrete and I have had areas crack and weep. I had no idea how I was going to remedy the dryness, let alone apply anymore Epiduo! I have been out and bought Cetaphil today as recommended by other users; I've applied it only once and the soreness has lifted straight away! After 3 days of putting up with the pain and not being able to put anything but moisturiser on my face, I now feel like I have my face back! And the Epiduo has done wonders for my acne after only 2 applications! I would recommend Epiduo to anyone; however, you MUST use Cetaphil alongside it straight away! I will be using the Epiduo again tonight now I have bought some Cetaphil :) (Cetaphil is non-comedogenic and can be used on the face)
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April 20, 2017
Quick update: It has been three weeks since I left this review and my skin has now got used to the Epiduo and my acne has crept its way back. Its still slightly better than it was before (less pustules) but I now don't believe that this is the miracle cure that I hoped it would be. I have now started taking Dianette, which I really did not want to have to start taking, but I am desperate for my skin to improve :(
May 24, 2017
Nothing is a miracle or permanent cure except isotretinoin..any topical stuff will only give temporary results and once you get off them..the acne comes back and it comes back worse. Saying from my personal exp.
March 12, 2017
Short term effects
Worked for a short while to clear mild/moderate acne then skin adjusted to it and it wasn't having any effect. Makes skin burn unlike anything I've ever experienced. Good in the short term but results don't last in my case. It works to treat pimples but doesn't do much to prevent. I was still breaking out while using this. Didn't anything for clogged pores or acne scars.
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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.