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
April 7, 2012

Pros:

got rid of my acne

Cons:

My skin can be drying if i dont use a moisturizer. The BP can bleach your clothing. Takes a month or two to start working and you might get an initial breakout. Can be expensive (go to the epiduo website, they will mail a card so you can get it half off)

I started using the acne.org regimen and that helped my acne but didn't get rid of it completely. I used to use differin and that helped a little too but didn't get rid of it completely. Epiduo is a combination of the two ingredients so i figured if both of those helped separately it should work! I use acne.org BP in the morning and then epiduo at night and my skin has been great! I have tried differin, antibiotics, accutane, and countless drugstore products. This has worked the best and the results have lasted the longest (fingers crossed it keeps working!!). Side effects: my skin can be drying if i dont use a moisturizer. The BP can bleach your clothing.
February 22, 2012

Pros:

- Dries spots out.
- Fades marks.
- Works fast.

Cons:

- Stinging/Burning.
- Dry skin.
- Flakiness.
- Bad initial breakout.

After you get over the first week which can have stinging and burning and lots of dry skin whilst your figuring out a routine that best works for you then it gets 20x better! Epiduo is fast working and does a great job at preventing and tackling breakouts. You may/or may not get a bad initial breakout but continue to use the Epiduo throughout and it will soon be gone and its worth the clear skin after you've got over it. Remember to use gentle cleansers and moisturisers with this product - it's really easy to put the wrong thing on your skin and it burn.
January 8, 2012

Pros:

Cleared up skin, reduced size of pores, and left skin with an even tone

Cons:

Some dryness if moisturiser isn't used

Amazing! I have tried EVERYTHING and I mean it, I even took a course of roaccutane, which got rid of my cystic acne but left me with stil very bad skin. This is an amazing product, I though nothing would work after roaccutane failed me, several oral antibiotics, and topical antibiotics.
December 23, 2011

Pros:

Works

Cons:

Slow. Iv been using for two mouths but I have a lot of acne

Best product iv ever used
December 1, 2011

Pros:

-cleared up my skin within 2 weeks
-barely get any acne
-pimple size reduced tremendously
-only acne left is small bumps that are unnoticeable

Cons:

-face can get slightly irritated and red
-slight burning sensation
-break out before it gets better
-itchy skin sometimes

Okay so I was using Clindoxyl gel and I guess my skin got way too used to it and my skin was getting a lot worse... Now I didn't have severe acne but I had a lot of clustered pimples here and there so I went to a dermatologist and he gave me Tactuo(Canadian name for Epiduo) and when I first used it.. I was really skeptical. My skin had no reaction to it at first. My skin was neither better nor worse. Then, all of a sudden, I broke out with three ginormous zits on my face, like the ones under your skin that are painful. Then after those went away, my skin was flawless. No, Epiduo does not fix your complexion so my skin wasn't literally flawless (it is red from the cream and there are little red dots on my face) but i'm actually a lot more confident with my skin and I can go out with minimal makeup now since I don't have to cover up anything. I do have the occasional small bumps but it's nothing big. Yes your skin does get slightly dry and itchy but nothing a moisturizer can't fix. I've only been using it for like a month but so far, so AMAZING! :)
November 23, 2011

Pros:

Dries Quickly
Seems to work

Cons:

Bad Burning!
Very dry skin

I have been using Epiduo nightly, for about 2 weeks. After reading reviews I can now sum up my suspicions about why my face has been burning like crazy! It hurts so bad I almost cry! Apparently, that's why skin getting used to the product. I guess I will wait it out because according to others, it is worth it. Lets hope so!
November 14, 2011

Pros:

Clears acne overnight

Cons:

dry
red

use it with acanya and you will see a huge change in acne...it was gone...mine was.
November 3, 2011

Pros:

-one of the best acne treatments out there for me
-2-in-1 action of the adapalene (increases skin turnover to reduce cystic acne and fade past scars, and prevents wrinkles) and benzoyl peroxide (kills germs to prevent new breakouts without really building resistance like some of the other antibiotics)

Cons:

I believe if insurance does not cover it, it can get quite pricey. Although you can go to their website and download a coupon so you only pay $35 for it, and it lasts 1-2 years so not bad for that amount of time.

Like any other treatment, it might not work for everyone, but it definitely worked for me. I have VERY oily skin naturally, so this doesn't dry me out unless it's the winter time, and even then, it only dries out my cheeks and not my T-zone. I used to get one or two breakouts a week, and then as those scars would heal, I would get more breakouts. Occasionally, I would even get a cyst. Retin-A Micro did not work for me. Proactiv was not strong enough for me. Various Neutrogena, Clean and Clear, Clearasil products did not work for me (I definitely need something prescriptive). I now use this at night and a topical sulfonamide by day. I used to use the Oscion benzoyl peroxide cleanser and that combination was KILLER!...but then the cleanser got really expensive so I just use Clean and Clear Daily Pore Cleanser now.
December 16, 2010

Pros:

Does make a noticeable difference, but started slow for me at first

Reduced the size and longevity of pimples, a little can do alot

Cons:

Burns for a good 10-15 minutes after putting it on, even with a gentle cleanser before applying

Can make your face red if you use too much

I started this with Minocycline pills, 100mg between 2 pills at breakfast and dinner, and so far it hasnt been the miracle cure by any means, but it has helped improve my face overall.
November 28, 2010

Pros:

- Helped clear up my acne ( I have non-inflammatory acne - main blackheads, concentrated in my chin area)
- Helped prevent new pimples
- Peeling effect of the medication has helped with my hyperpigmentation
- Has reduced oiliness of my skin

Cons:

- The redness and burning sensation - particularly during initial use
- The purging effect/ initial break out - I experienced this around 1-2 week mark, but I persevered with the medication and it cleared up.
- Expensive

As with other acne medication, be patient when you use this. Acne gets worse before getting better. Stick with it. Takes about 4 weeks to start seeing real results. I have been on it for about 6 weeks now, and the results have been good. It's such a relief that it has worked! The burning sensation is a bit uncomfortable, but it's worth it for the end results. Use a good moisturiser while you are on this medication. I used Dermalogica skin boosting serum. I always used this medication at night before bed. I used small pea size amounts on specific areas (chin, forehead, cheeks). I found pea sized amount for the whole face was not enough. Goodluck - hope it works for you!

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.