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
February 1, 2015
I couldn't sleep
Taking Epiduo really messed with my sleep. When I first started taking it I couldn't sleep for 1-2 weeks. I tossed and turned all night and could never actually fall asleep. This is tough for me because I was a sleeper. I never put two and two together till I stopped using it then about 2 months later started using it again. I AGAIN couldn't sleep. Crazy?!? I googled it and saw that other people had the same side affect. No thanks, I'll go back to usin regular Differine which worked perfectly.
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January 12, 2015
works for some people but not for me DONT USE TWICE A DAY
used it for a year and diddnt work whatsoever stopped using it and my face was better but it works with some people but i started using it again after my doctor told me used it 2 a day and ended up with chemical like burns
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January 8, 2014
Worst of the Worst

Cons:

very harsh
dry and flaky
inflamation

I tried this product when it was very new on the market and my doctor was hopeful it would work on cystic acne. ...she was wrong. My face was inflamed, itchy, rough and INCREDIBLY FLAKY. While new break outs sort of subsided, I wondered if the trade off was worth it? my skin looked all over worse with all the new side effects than it ever did with just pimples. I've been off it for a few months now but I think it might be the cause of my now SUPER sensitive skin. This product is very harsh and damaging.
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December 15, 2013
Epiduo= crap!
Epiduo make my face WORSE and I got some acne scars, hate it
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December 6, 2013
Epiduo disaster.

Cons:

Redness
burning
more pimples

I first started taking epiduo about 2 months ago. My derm recommended clyndamycin in the morning and epiduo at night. Boi, epiduo made my face red and it burned. I have really sensitive skin so it sucked. It made me peel which was really nasty,(AND AT SCHOOL!) I had really red burnt cheeks. It also gave me more pimples! after I got off of it, my skin returned to normal.
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August 22, 2013
Temporary Relief
No. This cleared up my skin for about three months, and the acne started coming back. This product has made my skin so oily and dehydrated. I regret trying it... it's one of the products that started my long line of medications for acne.
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August 15, 2013
Too harsh on sensitive skin.

Pros:

BP does zap zits well

Cons:

intense burning/stinging
bleaches towels and clothes
severe rednes

This was the first topical my original derm prescribed for me - later, I left him because he would prescribe something new without asking me more details about what was going on (e.g. if my acne was related to my period, how sensitive my skin was, what products I had used before). BP alone is far too much for my skin, and adding more to it only made it worse. I stuck it out for a little over two weeks, until the pain even from just water touching my face was too intense. So though I blame my Epiduo fiasco partially on my derm, the product itself may have cleared my acne minorly, but the resulting intense redness and sensitivity weren't worth it.
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August 4, 2013
Pretty good

Pros:

Works well

Cons:

Not for overly sensitive skin

Ever since I hit puberty I've always had acne. My skin is also very oily and sensitive. My doctor prescribed me epiduo and prescription of oral antibiotics about a year ago then I ran out (my pharmacy tried charging me over $200 for one tube!) and my skin flared up allot. My skin usually flares up before my period. I'm happy to have it back and it takes a month or two to really clear up my skin. It burns your skin if you use too much gel though. Fortunately, my doctor redirected me to another pharmacy where I was able to get my tube of epiduo for free with my insurance.
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May 30, 2013
Pretty Effective

Pros:

Clears some acne
Effective
Fast results

Cons:

Dryness/ burning
Flakiness
Expensive

I think that Epiduo was really effective, and it cleared my acne a little, but slowly and not completely. I felt that it was a but too dry and harsh on my skin, because my skin burned a lot at times. It made me skin flake, but it did clear up the acne. It did not prevent future breakouts for me. The reason why I stopped using the product was, because it was causing hyperpigmentation on my tan skin, and because it was very irritating and drying for my skin. It worked pretty well for my friends skin. She had terrible acne and after using epiduo her skin cleared up within a few months.
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March 1, 2013

Pros:

Clears up face very well!
Doesn't make my face very dry

Cons:

Makes my skin red
Burns a little
Less acne on my face, but more on my chest and back

I've had acne all through out middle and high school. Some days I wanted to stay home it was so bad. I've never felt so confident from this product. My face is the clearest it has ever been, and it feels amazing. Thank you Epiduo
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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.