Acne.org Products
Topical Retinoid / Topical Antibacterial
Efficacy
67%
Based on All Available Studies
Strength of Evidence
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.
Used Adapalene / Benzoyl Peroxide (Epiduo®)? Rate It:
Choose from 1 to 5 stars
February 19, 2013
Cons:
I suffered from all the effects such as:
Erythema
Scaling
Dry skin
Contact dermatitis
Skin irritation
Stinging
Burning
I had never felt such a bad stinging burning sensation in my life. for the first month of using it, I was in pain. I wasn't allowed any make up because it would make it ten times worse as it was.
I'm actually 14 and my acne is quiet violent. My acne did knock my confidence really bad but when I was prescribed epiduo, it brought my confidence up again. I would recommend epiduo because its very effective. although I'm too young, I recommend that the pill would work better as it doesn't irritate your skin (obviously). When epiduo dries out your skin, use Vaseline because it helps reduce the pain and dryness.
December 27, 2012
Pros:
EpiDuo phone app, stops breakouts, inflammation, it's light on face not heavy
Cons:
Have to keep using, don't stop, it's expensive without health insurance , dryness
It works. I used it before like 3 months, stopped and breakouts came back. Now I been using since April 2012 at night with Cetaphil antibacterial soap twice daily and my skin is wonderful. I may get zit during period but otherwise it's clear. I even stop wearing face markup, just eyeshadow. I highly recommend this.
December 16, 2012
Pros:
- Dries in Quickly
- Very fast acting
- Does not dry skin out too much
- Flattens large or inflamed spots
Cons:
- None
Ive been using this for 4 days now and i can see some nice improvements to my skin, in the space of 4 days the majority of large spots have gone and are now just red marks, which are fading. Very good results so far and my skin feels so much smoother!
November 13, 2012
Pros:
Clears up skin
Prevents future breakouts
Works relatively quickly
Cons:
Dries out skin
I have been prescribed Epiduo in the past, but hardly gave it a chance, discontinuing its use after my forehead peeled during my first use. However, after my at home regimen (same as acne.org regimen except only washed face at night, and used a clean and clear benzoyl peroxide), stopped working, I went back to my dermatologist. She again prescribed Epiduo, however this time with a prescription moisturizer, which works deep into the skin (Neosalus). Many people complain that Epiduo burns and stings, and causes dryness and flakiness. This is most likely because they A) use epiduo every night right off the bat or B) Don't moisturize enough. I have been on Epiduo for around a month, and I still only use it every other night. A little goes a LONG way with epiduo. I also mainly spot treat with the Epiduo, or put it on problem areas that are prone to break outs. I do NOT cover my whole face, as I have never broken out on my cheeks. If your dermatologist does prescribe Epiduo, ask about Neosalus, the moisturizer. With it I put it on morning and night after washing my face. However on the nights I use Epiduo, I put the Neosalus on BEFORE the Epiduo. You would think that it would prevent the Epiduo from working, however like I said, Epiduo is strong and by using the Neosalus first and using Epiduo every other night, I have mainly avoided the dryness and peeling from my first experience. Epiduo has CLEARED my skin. I have not had a new break out in a while, after the initial breakout which was no worse than what my skin had been going through before. HOWEVER-
In addition to epiduo I have also been doing other things that I believe are clearing my face and will help ANYONE. 1) I have switched to only drinking water, and A LOT of it, which really does help in clearing up your skin and flushing out bacteria. 2) changing my pillow case every night. Before I hardly ever changed it, but now I do so every other night. This prev
November 5, 2012
Pros:
Clears up spots
Helped heal a small cyst within a couple days
Doesn't burn or make me peel
Cons:
It makes me flake a little- which I don't really mind much
I got a bag of samples from my dermatologist. So far its working great. I just rub it in to my areas with acne at night and then the pimples slowly fade within the next couple days. I use a really good moisturizer recommended by my dermatologist that prevents the dryness of Epiduo. CeraVe Moisturizing Cream...it's great.
August 19, 2012
Pros:
Reduces amount of acne
No initial breakout (if gradually introduced)
Not very irritating
Cons:
None so far
I highly recommend trying Epiduo to anyone with mild to moderate acne. I found that if it is gradually introduced to the skin there is minimal irritation and initial breakout. I also like that the adapalene component increases the absorption of clindamycin into the pore.
August 8, 2012
Pros:
Works eventually
Very easy
Cons:
Dries face w/o moisterizer
Expensive
Breaks you out at first
I use the CeraVe cleanser, apply the product, and then use the CeraVe PM moisterizer. Epiduo is made to break you out first, and then clear you up. On the first couple days of use, I've noticed my redness going down. After about a week I could see more pimples showing up. Now it's slowly removing them entirely.
April 27, 2012
Pros:
Burns away the acne
Cons:
-Bad redness
Although it does get rid of acne. It does leave redness which takes months to heal. Do NOT use this product. I am currently on roaccuatane and this epiduo definitely made my redness very bad, and the dermatologist said the redness will take time to fade. Possibly years, because it has just burnt my skin. So now have to get blue light therapy, or laser to remove redness.
DONT TRY. Yes its good in the short term, for about a week. But then after aq couple of weeks, you realise you have to deal with the redness. TERRIBLE
April 18, 2012
Pros:
Cleared up 95% of Acne
Works Fast
Haven't had many major outbreaks since
Cons:
Leaves skin red when ramp "ramp up the dosage"
Dries skin out
Bleaches materials it touches
Takes a while to dry
DOESN'T GET RID OF THE MARKS THE SPOTS LEAVE BEHIND
I have always been acne free my whole life minus the odd spot I used to get now and then (similar to any teenager).
However in late November I noticed I stared to get a few more spots than usual and before I could control it, about 80% of my face was covered. I had no acne whatsoever on my forehead but my chin and cheeks were pretty much completely covered in spots and red marks.
My GP prescribed me epiduo and I followed the instructions of applying a thin layer before bed. Within 2 weeks, every spot on my face had completely been killed (except 1 larger one on my cheek which took an extra week to clear) and reduced to a red mark. A week later and all the red marks on my chin had gone, HOWEVER the marks on my cheeks are still here. I CAN'T GET RID OF THEM!
In terms of getting rid of the actual spots/pimples this stuff really if great. Your just left trying to get rid of the marks after which is a lot harder :( I didn't have major cystic acne so I can't comment on how well it will work for that but I think it should do, this stuff is seriously great.
April 8, 2012
Pros:
Cleared huge zits in 3 day
doesnt cause scarring
no residue or film left behind
tingles (so you know its working)
Cons:
itchy
dries skin
Before buying this product my face was kind of clear but i had a few pimples here and there, until that time of the month came around and i broke out really bad (Very big nodular pimples) , which can be very sad and depressing when you have a boyfriend. I was in such a hurry and i was so desperate to find something to clear it up , after seeing a commercial for Epiduo and having a few samples i went straight to my derm and immediately mentioned ,i was so happy when i picked it up from the pharmacy , here i am 4 days later telling you that my face is alot better, my nodular pimples have vanished and im feeling better already, it did cause a few little pimples but those are gone and id much rather have 3 tiny pimples then big bolders any day. From what ive heard the product is pricey without insurance but i only payed 24 dollars with insurance and a discount card, i use it every night after i wash my face , it does make your pimples itch a little and it dried the skin around my mouth out, but nothing a little lotion cant cure. I can finally stop avoiding my boyfriend and stop hiding behind my bangs and big sunglasses. If i could thank the maker of Epiduo i would.!!!!
Pros:
It clears up the acne very well. It shows a massive difference with in 2 months. reduces the colour and size of blackheads.