Adapalene / Benzoyl Peroxide (Epiduo®)
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Usually known by its brand name Epidu®, this topical treatment is a combination of adapalene, which is a type of medication called a...

Usually known by its brand name Epidu®, this topical treatment is a combination of adapalene, which is a type of medication called a retinoid that reduces inflammation in the skin and helps promote skin cell turnover, along with benzoyl peroxide, which kills acne bacteria and dries/peels the skin. 

It is usually applied once a day before going to bed.

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3.7
496
Read All About Adapalene / Benzoyl Peroxide (Epiduo®)
Compare To Other Treatments
5
39.1%
4
29.2%
3
10.3%
2
7.9%
1
13.5%

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August 5, 2010

Pros:

In the first few days it gets rid of some zits.

Cons:

After the stinging and irritation on my skin went away, so did the effectiveness.

At first epiduo worked really well for me. I just had a little dry skin and stinging and peeling. However, after my skin got used to it and stopped stinging and peeling after use, epiduo basically quit working on my skin. I have been using it for about a month now, and it doesn't seem to have done anything except for when I first started.
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May 20, 2010

Pros:

- I guess keeps skin in check for a little bit

Cons:

-Did nothing for me
-Skin probably got WORSE

I used this after I came off accutane and started breaking out again. has really done nothing for my skin, and I think my skin is ACTUALLY WORSE! Not for me I guess...
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May 14, 2010

Pros:

-absorbs quickly
-only have to use at night
-doesn't stain anything
-not very expensive

Cons:

-dries out skin
-takes a while to work
-not very affective

This product takes a very long time to work! And it makes you break out way worse before your skin even looks remotely better. It dries out your skin a lot so i would recommend a moisturizer to use day and night. Also, it doesnt work at all for me when im on my period. Which is awful. I wouldn't waste your money on this product, it can mess up your skin in the long run (lots of red marks and can irritate your whole face.)
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April 17, 2010

Pros:

It cleared me up fast.

Cons:

It burns like crazy! I got sick of the burning so I have switched to Proactiv which works just as well, without the burning!

I recommend this if you are very desperate to clear your skin. Epiduo REALLY burns though. But it works wonders. ;)
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March 23, 2010
I just wanted to add to my review: I meant to say DIFFERIN worked a millions times better. Sorry I was tired when I wrote the last review, lol.
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December 19, 2009

Pros:

Similar to Duac but a little bit cheaper.

Cons:

Can dry skin. Seems to make me more sensitive to sunlight. Doesn't work much, WONT clear acne.

Like with other topical creams Ive tried, it helps, but stops working. So I'm having Blackmores B Vitamin Complex with Nature's Own Zinc (separate). And I'm getting more of Vitamin B5 (separate), because the B5 in the complex is too low, should be having like over 500mg a day of B5 at least to get rid of acne. And I'm waiting on my order from SkinB5 for the cleanser, moisturiser and mask. And my recommendation is 'no' if your acne is moderate and worse then moderate. It won't clear it. Sure if your acne is very light or light have a try.
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December 17, 2009

Pros:

Easy to apply
Might have improved my acne situation (see bottom line)

Cons:

Severe redness
Severe burning

I used it on and off for three month for treating mild/moderate acne with antibiotics. I had to call in sick from work and sit with a fan towards my face because it burned so much. Lucky this was in the summertime because I could pass it as a "sunburn". The thing is, I did not use much at all. I was careful yet this happend. I don't think I got ultra sensitive skin either. It did seem to reduce the amount of acne but it could be also that the red spots got camouflaged by the redness and gave an illusion. I am sorry to say I can't recomend this, if you want to try it. Be really careful and don't start to apply it every night in a row at the start. Use Two or max three times a week for 1 month then increase.
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December 10, 2009

Pros:

None

Cons:

Drying and ineffective

It made my mild acne worse. I used it for 10 weeks, thinking that the new break outs were part of the initial purge, but everytime I thought my skin was getting better, I'd get several new pimples. On the Regimen, I would usually have one pimple or so at a time, but I still had some blackheads. I though Epiduo might give me the same benefits as the 2.5% BP Treatment and also help with the blackheads. Instead, I got large pimples on my chin, and also some on my forehead and cheeks (where I usually don't break out at all). I only spent $20 because I got a discount card from my dermatologist; I'm glad it didn't cost more because I was really disappointed in the product.
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December 1, 2009

Pros:

affordable--my insurance pays

Cons:

I've used epiduo for about 3 months now, with absolutely no reduction in acne. in fact, I think it's worse than it's ever been! I'm 48 and have never "outgrown" acne--even with this medication. I think I'm ready to try Acutane.

I'd pay anything it cost if it WORKED! But it doesn't. So I have to make yet another dermatology appt. to get this figured out.
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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.
Find a Doctor Using The American Acacemy of Dermatology Website

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.
Find a Doctor Using the American Society of Plastic Surgeons Website