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
July 25, 2011

Pros:

Helps REDUCE redness of blemish.
cleans bacteria.
helps hyperpigmentation (old acne marks) disapear fast.

Cons:

can dry out skin (which acne product doesnt?.)

this is amazing, its cleared my acne and hyperpigmentation in only almost a week.
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March 14, 2011

Pros:

fast results, gained confidence from using this product.

Cons:

very expensive if not covered by insurance, dries skin out, burns for the first few days, slight breakout upon using.

I am 31 a year old female, and i have been suffering from adult acne that has been worsening over the last year. My acne consists of mostly large reddened and raised pimples as well as post-acne hyperpigmentation. I see that my acne worsens during my cycle, and have tried lots of different treatments (Duac, Proactiv, BP, black soap) before going to the derm just about a week ago. He gave me a rx for epiduo and adoxa 150mg, both of which NOT covered by my insurance. Instead he gave me generic adoxa (doxycycline) and some free samples of epiduo. I first started with the epiduo 1 week ago and see a big difference already. First of all, the epiduo has taken me on quite a roller coaster ride this last week. First few days, burned like mad going on, left my skin with patchy areas of dry dry dry skin and red blotches. It would even burn when I put lotion on in the morning. This only really lasted for the first 3-5 days though. After about 5 days, i noticed some IB - but only 4-5 pimples that went away pretty quick thankfully. I kept going, and now after 1 week, no more burning upon application and my skin is actually fairly soft. I started the doxy about 3 days ago, so not really sure what to expect with that but hoping it will help control any further IB that may occur. I have enough samples of the epiduo to get me through another few weeks and then i plan to either ask for generic differin (adapalene) or just bite the bullet and pay for the epiduo (esp if it sill seems to be working). I really felt the need to post my experience thus far because I did so much research myself and was so scared of getting the IB and I really want to give my support in continuing with the epiduo and to not be afraid. I already feel so hopeful and confident when I look at myself! My only advice is to be sure to only use a pea size to avoid seriously burning your face because it really can feel like you dipped your face in acid if you apply too much!
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August 11, 2010

Pros:

clears acne
easy to use ;)

Cons:

dries out skin
expensive

worth the money
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May 11, 2010

Pros:

Clears acne fast!

Cons:

BURNS like crazy!

I've only been using Epiduo for 2 weeks now, and it's cleared up my acne really fast. BUT- It's dried out my skin, made it flake off, and stings like balls. It feels like I have a sunburn on my face. And when I put moisturizer on it, it stings even worse. I'm hoping it will go away, because my acne cleared up really well.
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January 19, 2010

Pros:

Convenient to use (all-in-one)

Cons:

Made me break out like crazy

I used Epiduo faithfully every night for 3 months and nothing happened, oh well.
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March 8, 2017
WORKS WONDERS
I had moderate to severe acne and now six months later after starting epiduo ALL my spots are gone and I haven't had a breakout in a very long time. It has also helped clear my scarring and evened my skin texture. If you try epiduo my one piece of advice is you HAVE to stick with it. All the low reviews I have read are people who have not kept using it because they broke out more or it stung. It is an extremely strong gel that your skin will take some time to get used to (for me about a month). It does dry your skin out and make it very sensitive and scaly and flakey, but if you really want to get rid fo your acne those symptoms do not last a long time and soon they go taking your acne with them. It is a very harsh experience because you are peeling away the outer layers of your skin so the treatment can work deeply and therefore promoting cell turnover and fresh skin (without scarring!). Warning you do breakout very badly the first month but that is epiduos way of pushing ALL your spots out , that were forming, at once that would have just come out at different time intervals.
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October 18, 2016
This is a great treatment gel! Please be patient! Result comes at a price.
I have moderate type of acne since I was 16 y.o. (I am 24 now). About two years ago I was prescribed Accutane and it cleared my skin entirely. I couldn't be any happier! Plus the bonus- my scalp was also dry and I had to wash my hair only once a week, compared to every other day before that. Time passed by, I graduated and got my Bachelor's degree, and there came another important step in my life- I got accepted into grad school at Columbia and arrived here to NYC last September. Coming from a small town I was shocked and amazed by this huge megapolis. Everything was different here: food, climate, atmosphere, people. Even though I liked this city immensely, I still got significant school-related stress and acclimatization process. So no wonder, that after a couple of months I started breaking out, and it progressed pretty quickly, and by the end of midterms in March I was all covered in acne rash and could not feel any worse about my skin. I went to see the therapist on campus. After a unsuccessful treatment she send me to the dermatology clinic in midtown. I went there and the dermatologist prescribed me anti-bacterial pills and an rosacea cream. I saw no progress after two weeks of treatment, so when I came back to her, she replaced the rosacea stuff with Epiduo gel, and told me that this gel is pretty serious and if this will not help, she will prescribe Accutane. She told me that it takes a while for it to get to work, and there are some initial breakouts related to its use, and also it is very harsh on skin, so I should apply a really thin layer on the affected area (for me it was my whole face). I got the prescribed gel for $35 with discount coupon that dermatologist gave me. And there started my adventure with Epiduo. I will tell you that I was very motivated and even though there were a lot of negative reviews, I still sticked to it, because I trusted people who told that I should wait for result to come up. The first week showed no progress whatsoever, the second week was quite painful, cause I started breaking out and in addition to that my skin started reacting to the gel and I felt as if my skin was burning, but at the same time I was started feeling positive, 'cause at least it showed some effect, which means it is actually working. I started noticing progress on the fifth week and that was about the time I had my next appointment with dermatologist, she came into the room and noticed the progress straight away (which is surprising, because it happened after barely seeing me for the third time in two month, taking into account dozens of other patients that she might have). I confirmed that the progress was quite good, and there are much less new breakouts popping up on face now. She told me to stick with it for another couple of month along with the doxy that she prescribed for my back and chest acne (which worked perfectly btw). After that the I was pleasantly surprised with slow but stable gradual improvement. She told me to come once again in a month or two, but since I was a broke at that time I could not afford going, and I did not have reason to, 'cause my skin was almost perfect. Not that there are no breakout at all, I still get them, but they are much less in size and amount, and there is no cystic acne, as there used to be before the treatment. I am a little disappointed that chest and back acne are coming back, because I stopped taking doxycycline about two month ago. So I still need to go to her sometime soon so she can prescribe me something for that. Anyway, if you've read 'til this sentence, I am impressed, cause I think I wrote way too much. I just really wanted to share my story with you, because I know that the only reason you are looking into these reviews is that either you got prescribed with Epiduo or you want to. My personal advice- go to dermatologist and if he/she prescribes you this, you should stay patient and most importantly- POSITIVE (personally, I believe in the placebo effect to some extent). This is a great treatment for ance, I only wished I got it prescribed before Accutane.
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August 15, 2011

Pros:

Easy to use
Last a long time
It works!

Cons:

Price was $248 because my insurance wouldn't cover it, but my doctor gave me the insurance card through Epiduo, making it only (always) $35.

I have only used Epiduo for three days, and I am in love with it. I have mild to moderate acne. Mostly white and black heads. I use it in the morning, and the first day I noticed my skin had a better complection, and my face looked clean and smooth! So far, no burning, itching or redness. I only use the small pea-sized amount as recommended. I wait a bit before applying Cetaphil face moisturizer. Then I use Erth Minerals make-up with 15 SPF sunscreen. Give it a shot, but make sure you get the Epiduo Insurance Card!
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June 12, 2010

Pros:

Got rid of almost all pimples
Got rid of red acne marks

Cons:

Made skin pretty dry
Pretty expensive (There is a coupon online...use it!!)

This product has saved my life. Before this product my skin was breaking out like crazy, I had bumps on my skin and pimples on my face and tons of old acne scars. I started using this product every night and noticed results immediately. My skin got pretty dry, so you MUST have a good moisturizer, a gentle cleanser, and a face exfoliator. (I use oil of olay sensitive skin moisturizer, cetaphil or oil of olay cleanser, and Dr. Denese Microdemabrasion scrub) I have tried everything from plain old benzoyl soap, spot treatments, zeno, clydimiacin in pill and topical form and NONE have worked the way this has. It has been a miracle for me..I realized it is pretty pricey for such a small tube but think how much you will save on other acne products..just get one that works! I never write reviews on sites, but this product has astonished me to the point that I have to write one. Your skin will get pretty dry with this product so sometimes what I will do is use it at night for two nights in a row and apply moisturizer in the morning, and then on the third night do not apply the epiduo and put aloe vera gel on my face (I use banana boat...even though it has a fragrance and alcohol in it it works better for me than the pure one)..Hope I have helped any of you thinking of trying it!
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May 20, 2010

Pros:

-Absorbs Quickly
-No Odor/Smell
-Helps Blemishes
-Doesn't Stain(although they told me it would)

Cons:

-Dries Skin Out(Beware)
-Stinging

I was prescribed this to take with my Accutane.I've been using this for about a month.My skin is sensitive,so I only use it every other night cause it dries skin out.I recommend moisturizing every other night and every morning,cause it is drying,and this is coming from someone with very oily skin.I mainly use it along my jawline because that's where I get cystic acne,and it has helped,I have broken out,but not as bad and it dries up my breakouts and has definitely helped my blemishes lighten.I recommend it,just moisturize!
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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.