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
December 23, 2012

Pros:

Clears acne very quickly
Tube lasts a long time
Easy to use
Gets rid of stubborn pimples

Cons:

Dries out face
Slight redness
Itchiness for few days

I've been suffering from mild/moderate acne from the age of 15. In the past I have used oxytetracycline, Yasmin, dianette, doxycycline, quinoderm and duac which have all failed to work. My doc recently prescribed me epiduo and I have to say its an amazing product. My sister is also on it and advised me to use a very smal amount (tiny blob) before bed on each area where I am prone to acne. First miss three days in using it. The following week miss two days in between using it then third week use it every day. I am on my first week and have to say it is already making a big difference. The cysts on my chin have decreased immensely and the pimples on my nose and cheek have totally flattened and going less red. My skin did dry out quite abit but i used moisturiser 10minutes before applying the epiduo. And this reduced the redness and flakiness the next day. Some people may suffer IB But I advise you to wait it out as it will work.
November 29, 2012

Pros:

Not that expensive only have to put on once a day it works well for teens ( I'm 19)

Cons:

Don't really have a con but I guess it doesn't work over night.

You should give it a try if you have moderate acne and of course ask your dermatologist if this is a good medication for your face.
September 10, 2012

Pros:

Skin gets clear

Cons:

The weeks it brought acne out with some pus, but don't give up

I've suffered from acne since my early teen years and have tried many prescribed products including oral antibiotics which would bring horrible acne out and one caused scarring. I have been using Epiduo along with a topical antibiotic plus vitamins since June and my face has been clear. I'm so happy with the results. I use a gentle face wash, apply the antibiotic twice a day, the Epiduo at night, plus moisturizer (oil-free). At about week 7 thru week 9 I would get just a couple, but now none! I could't believe it. Be patient with the product even when it hurts to see your face breaking out. Use a small amount, pea-size.
September 10, 2012

Pros:

Prevents new breakouts

Cons:

Doesn't treat acne
Causes redness
Makes skin oily-looking
Makes skin very flaky
Flakiness is so excessive, it makes you look like you have dandruff

Not at all worth it. I've been using it for 3 months and I see no changes.
August 20, 2012

Pros:

- Prescription itself not terribly expensive if the rebate works for you
- Initial side effects subside within a couple weeks (itching, burning, dry skin)
- Light and non-greasy

Cons:

- Didn't cause a real improvement in my condition. If anything my skin is worse now than before I started
- Initial side effects are super annoying
- Bleaches anything your face or post-application, unwashed hands touch

I'm 25, developed adult acne about a year and a half ago. Am religious about my routine and use only high-quality, gentle organic cleansers and moisturizers and Jane Iredale makeup. Like many, I wish I were leaving a positive review of Epiduo here, but I can't. The product didn't do for me what the labeling promised. Boooo.
August 9, 2012

Pros:

Gets rid of acne.
Gets rid of milia.
Gets rid of acne scars.
Prevents wrinkles.
Exfoliates skin.

Cons:

It will burn a little bit.
Expensive.

I have had a very good experience with the Epiduo product. It cleared my acne, and also helped my overall smoothness of my skin. And has cleared most of my scars.
August 3, 2012

Pros:

-Dryness
-Flaking
-Causes breakouts

Cons:

-It works!
-Keeps breakouts from happening

This stuff works. The first month is a little rough, but after that, it really works. I wanted to share a little secret about the dryness and flaking. My skin was really bad Epiduo made my skin dry and peel all day. No amount of moisturizer really helped. (i'm not getting payed to say any of this) I bought the Oatifix Fresh Face Mask from LUSH Cosmetics, and after the first use of this stuff, my skin was no longer dry, nor did it flake, at all! This is an amazing product if you're experiencing dryness/flaking. Its only about 7 bucks. Go give it a try. The combination of Epiduo and Oatifix made my skin great, and stopped breakouts all together.
July 19, 2012

Pros:

- The most least irritating acne product I have ever used
- The combination of benzoyl peroxide and adapalene is synergistic
- It works!

Cons:

- Like most acne products, it has its own side effects including drying, flaking, redness and itchiness BUT its side effects are minimal compared to the other acne products i have used
- I think it is expensive but i get it for free with my parent's insurance

Follow the directions on the label. My routine is as follows: AM: - Cleanse with Cetaphil Gentle Cleanser with warmish to coolish water - Pat dry with a towel - Moisturize with Cetaphil Lotion PM: - Cleanse with Cetaphil Gentle Cleanser with warmish to coolish water - Pat dry with a towel - Wait for 30 minutes - Apply the gel
May 7, 2012

Pros:

Clears Acne

Cons:

Burning, itchy, irritating feeling
Takes a period of time to work
May initially worsen breakouts

I had to be VERY PATIENT with this product. I read all the reviews on how much this product was helping everyone, but I was over 6 weeks into using it and my acne had just gotten worse. But I stuck with it, as I was told it could take a while....and about the 8-9th week my face suddenly started to clear up. IT WORKS, you just have to wait it out, know that it can take 2 months before you see results....not just 2 weeks!
April 21, 2012

Pros:

none

Cons:

broke me out
the beginning of the worst skin i've ever had
once a pimple went away it left a scar so i then had a bunch of cystic acne and scars

DO NOT USE THIS. this was horrible for my skin. I had a couple zits here and there and i thought that was bad! i had it GREAT before i used this stuff. It made my skin sooo bad and it left horrible scars that are still here even though its been over a year.

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.