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
March 22, 2012

Pros:

Cleared up my back acne
Made my back softer
Got rid of scars on my back

Cons:

None

I use Epiduo on my shoulders and upper back every night after taking a shower. In the shower I also use the Acne.org cleanser on my shoulders and back. I didn't experience any drying and within the first few days I saw results. It has been a month now and my back is 100% percent clear and feeling great. I use Acanya and Atralin gels for my face which have been working well too. I would say giving Epiduo a try on your back is well worth it!
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March 5, 2012

Pros:

-Reduces spots
-Lightens skin/ calms

Cons:

- Takes a while to work
- Initial break out

When my skin was at its worst, my dermo recomended epiduo. I started using once every over day in order not to overdry my skin. The first week my skin was breaking out, all the bacteria was coming to surface. I continued using it, with hope that it would work. The following weeks, I had noticed a huge improvement in my skin: all my cystic acne on my cheeks was gone. I have been using it ever since, every day, and my acne is gone =) ** in addition to epiduo, i took some antibiotics (Tolexine) the first two months
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August 18, 2011

Pros:

A lot less acne after only a week or so.
Better complexion.
Skin feels softer when you wake up in the morning.
Reduces size and redness of spots.
Seems to help scarring.
Works quite fast.
Didn't have to pay for it because i live in the UK and we have NHS to get free prescriptions

Cons:

A little bit of stinging when you first put it on.
Makes me itch like mad!
Dry skin.

This cream seems to be very good if you can put up with the side effects. I've only been using it for a very short peroid of time and my complexion looks so much better already, people are noticing it! So, yeah, i think you should give it a go. I just hope it doesn't reach a certain point and then stop working. That's what seems to happen with every acne treatment.
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June 12, 2011

Pros:

i've been using it for two days only. once before bedtime. it dried out my existing pimples. and the blackheads on my nose was significantly reduced.

Cons:

i'm now dealing with a breakout on my chin, cheek and forehead.

will still have to wait and see... my derma did tell me it would take at least two weeks to see improvement and six to eight weeks to be really happy about it...
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March 8, 2011

Pros:

This product is amazing. It started working right away and had cleared up 90% of my acne. I still get periodic breakouts, but if I use Epiduo on them, the breakouts lessen and do not leave the scars they used to. I am very pleased with this product.

Cons:

This product can dry you out, but after a few weeks, my skin got used to it. Also, initially I developed a rash on my neck, but I am careful not to get the product on my neck, and then do not have a problem.

This product works, and I definitely recommend it.
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February 1, 2011

Pros:

Works fast, I usually clear up over a night or two.
Only treatment that actually stops my chest breakouts when I feel them coming.

Cons:

Red marks
Peeling

I took accutane and shortly after I started having bad breakouts again, I was prescribed Epiduo and it worked pronto. I was surprised how fast it cleared my chest and shoulders. I occasionally have small breakouts but it really did the job for me. I haven't been to the derm in 6 months.
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March 7, 2019
Works but not long term permanent result

I found epiduo gel was really good, it made my subclincial forehead acne that I’ve had since grade 11 exams disappear and it was so nice to see a clear forehead again no burning, drying or itching. Except I’ve been through two rounds and I know you have to use it every day, sometimes I’d accudentally miss a day here or there by accident but really after two rounds of this stuff I was hoping it would be a permanent result.... so not really sure what to do and if anyone else is the same? I may need to go to see a dermatologist.

March 6, 2019
Excellent!

I recommend Epiduo for mild and severe acne. I suffered adult acne for almost 1 year and this medication really works for me. I've noticed my scars are fading too.

I started to use Epiduo last November 2018 and I've experienced acne breakout for 2 months then after that my face started to get clear. Today, I have mild acne scars and I'm planning to undergo Dermabrasion procedure. You need to be patient and you will be satisfied with the result.

Everytime I have acne breakout, I applied clindamycin solution.

This medication was prescribed by  dermatologist.

December 14, 2018
4 months in working pretty well.

I've used Epiduo on and off for the past couple of years but in August I decided I would stick to a routine. It's really cleared my skin and now all I have are some white heads and scarring. Epiduo make my forehead and nose super oily and my cheeks and chin super dry. It took me months to find the right routine but I think I finally found it.

December 5, 2018
Product used: Epiduo (Forte Gel)
How to Use Epiduo Forte Gel

Hi Everyone,

I am currently still on my third week of using Epiduo Forte. I don't have much to review about this product yet, but I recently came across this video from a licensed dermatologist on how to properly use a retinoid/benzoyl peroxide treatment (ie. Epiduo Forte). I don't know about you guys, but I only had a 20 min session with my dermatologist and was hurried out of there as soon as I received the script. Therefore, this video has been really helpful in teaching me how to properly use this medication. Remember, hydration and reduced irritation is key to making sure this treatment works! Once I complete the third month mark with epiduo forte, I'll let you know my honest review of this medication.

 

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.