Last Updated on December 22, 2025 by Giorgia Guazzarotti
Have you notice Benzoyl Peroxide acne treatments are fast disappearing from the drugstore? This active is so powerful, it got such a bad rep for irritating and drying out skin. So, it’s no wonder brands are deciding to phase it out and replacing them with something gentler. And yet… prescription treatments for acne still use Benzoyl Peroxide in space. Case in point Epiduo. This prescription acne treatment contains both adapalene, a retinoid, and benzoyl peroxide to treat acne on two different fronts. In this Epiduo acne review, l’ll share if this is really the best treatment for acne and whether you should add it to your skincare routine. Let’s get started:
Key Ingredients in Epiduo: What Makes It Work?
BENZOYL PEROXIDE
Benzoyl peroxide is an oxidizing antibacterial that basically suffocates acne-causing bacteria. Here’s the deal with Cutibacterium acnes (the little bastards that cause acne): they’re anaerobic, meaning they can’t survive when there’s oxygen around. When you slap on benzoyl peroxide, it releases free oxygen radicals that create an environment where these bacteria literally can’t live.
But wait, there’s more. Benzoyl peroxide also breaks down keratin – that protein making up your dead skin cells. This exfoliating action stops pores from getting clogged before they even start. Plus it calms down inflammation, which helps with the redness and swelling. The best part? Unlike antibiotics, bacteria can’t develop resistance to it. A review in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology explains that benzoyl peroxide works through physical oxidation rather than some biological pathway, so bacteria can’t adapt and outsmart it.
The catch? It’s gonna dry you out. Expect peeling, redness, and that annoying burning sensation, especially at first. Some people get a warm feeling after putting it on. Usually gets better once your skin toughens up.
Related: Benzoyl Peroxide VS Salicylic Acid: Which Is The Best Acne Treatment?
ADAPALENE
Adapalene is a third-generation retinoid that works completely differently from benzoyl peroxide – that’s why throwing them together is genius. This thing penetrates your hair follicles within five minutes (fluorescence microscopy proved this actually happens), then gets to work at the cellular level. Here’s what goes down: adapalene latches onto specific retinoic acid receptors in your skin cells, mainly RAR-beta and RAR-gamma. Research in PMC shows this triggers genetic changes that get your skin cells to behave themselves. Basically tells them to stop overproducing and gunking up your pores. It speeds up cell turnover so dead skin doesn’t hang around causing problems, and prevents those tiny microcomedones that turn into full breakouts later. (Oh, and it also helps fade away dark spots).
Adapalene’s also genuinely anti-inflammatory. It blocks the lipoxygenase pathway, which stops your skin from making inflammatory chemicals like leukotrienes and prostaglandins. A meta-analysis in the Journal of Dermatology found adapalene works just as well as other retinoids but doesn’t wreck your skin as bad. Still, that doesn’t mean it’s without adverse side effects. Adapalene can still make your skin more sensitive to sun, plus irritation, redness, dryness, itching, and burning. About 1-10% of people feel stinging or warmth when they first put it on. Usually mild and fades after a few weeks once your skin adjusts. Also – theoretical risk during pregnancy, so avoid if you’re knocked up.
Related: What Skincare Ingredients Should You Avoid During Pregnancy?
The Rest Of The Formula & Ingredients
NOTE: The colours indicate the effectiveness of an ingredient. It is ILLEGAL to put toxic and harmful ingredients in skincare products.
- Green: It’s effective, proven to work, and helps the product do the best possible job for your skin.
- Yellow: There’s not much proof it works (at least, yet).
- Red: What is this doing here?!
- Docusate Sodium: Surfactant that helps the actives spread evenly and sink in better. Also adds some slip so the formula doesn’t feel harsh as hell.
- Disodium Edetate: Chelating agent that grabs metal ions and neutralizes them. Metal ions can trash the formula and make it break down faster, so this keeps everything stable.
- Glycerol: Good old glycerin. Humectant that pulls moisture into your skin to counteract all the drying from benzoyl peroxide and adapalene.
- Poloxamer: Synthetic polymer doing double duty as emulsifier and surfactant. Mixes ingredients that hate each other (oil and water), helps the gel spread smooth, and rinses clean.
- Propylene Glycol (E1520): Solvent and humectant that dissolves the actives and keeps them evenly mixed. Also attracts moisture, though it can bug sensitive skin.
- Simulgel 600 PHA (Copolymer Of Acrylamide And Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate, Isohexadecane, Polysorbate 80, Sorbitan Oleate): Premade blend that creates the gel texture. The copolymer does the gelling, isohexadecane adds smoothness, polysorbate 80 and sorbitan oleate keep everything from separating.
- Purified Water: Water with impurities stripped out. Base solvent everything else dissolves into.
Texture
Epiduo has that classic prescription gel texture: lightweight and spreads easily, but it’s got a bit of slip to it. It absorbs pretty quickly into the skin without leaving a heavy film, though you’ll definitely feel it sitting on your face for a few minutes before it fully sinks in. The gel consistency means a small amount goes a long way. That pea-sized amount everyone keeps harping on about really does cover your whole face. It’s not sticky or tacky, which is nice, but it can feel slightly drying as it settles into your skin.
Fragrance
There’s a mild medicinal smell – nothing overpowering, but you can definitely tell you’re using a pharmaceutical product. It’s that slightly chemical scent you get with most benzoyl peroxide treatments. The smell doesn’t linger though, so once it’s absorbed you won’t be walking around smelling like a pharmacy.
How To Use It
Here’s the best way to use it: Start by washing your face with a gentle cleanser and patting it completely dry. And I mean completely – any dampness will make the product penetrate faster and burn like hell. Apply a thin layer to affected areas once daily, preferably at night. Here’s the thing everyone learns the hard way: don’t apply it every single night when you first start. Your skin needs time to build tolerance. Start with a pea size drop every other night for the first week or two – some people even wait until the second week to use it more frequently. If your skin starts freaking out (burning, excessive redness, peeling), back off to every other night again.
Wait at least 20-30 minutes after applying before putting on moisturizer – this gives the product time to absorb properly. And for the love of god, avoid your eye area, lips, and any broken or irritated skin. This stuff will sting like crazy if it gets in the wrong places. Applying it to your entire face versus just spot-treating is up to you and your derm. Use it consistently at the same time every night. Consistency is everything with this treatment – skipping nights or using it sporadically won’t give you results.
Packaging
Epiduo comes in a standard prescription tube – nothing fancy. You can get it in 15g, 30g, or 45g sizes depending on what your doctor prescribes. The tube is basic white with the Epiduo branding, and it has a small nozzle opening which actually helps with dispensing the right amount. The tube is opaque, which is good because both adapalene and benzoyl peroxide can degrade with light exposure. It’s functional packaging – not pretty, not terrible. Gets the job done.
Performance & Personal Opinion
Dos Epiduo work? Yes, it’s an excellent product for the treatment of acne vulgaris, but you’ve got to earn it. The first 8-12 weeks are genuinely rough: your skin will purge, it’ll burn, it’ll peel, and you’ll probably want to quit. But if you push through, the results are legit. By the. 4th week, you should see a visible improvement and moderate success. After about 3 months, breakouts slow down significantly, and after 6 months your skin can be completely clear. The combination of adapalene and benzoyl peroxide is smart because they attack acne from different angles: one unclogs pores and speeds up cell turnover, the other kills bacteria and reduces inflammation.
Together they’re more effective than either ingredient alone, but that also means more irritation. The biggest issue is that this treatment requires serious commitment. You can’t half-ass it and expect results. You need to stick with it through the ugly phase, keep your routine simple, wear SPF religiously, and be patient as hell. For people who can do that, Epiduo delivers. For people who want quick results or can’t handle the adverse effects like skin irritation, it’s frustrating. (P.S. Epiduo Forte, the stronger version with 0.3% adapalene, is also available for more severe cases.)
What I Like About Epiduo
- Actually clears adult acne when you stick with it – not just temporary improvement, but genuinely clear skin after a few months
- Prevents new breakouts from forming, so it works as both treatment and prevention
- Can be used long-term as maintenance therapy or spot treatment once your skin clears
- The combination formula means you’re getting two proven acne-fighters in one product
- Once your skin adjusts, you can use it without the crazy dryness and irritation
- Doesn’t cause bacterial resistance like antibiotics do
- Works on both inflammatory acne (pimples, cystic breakouts) and comedonal acne (blackheads, whiteheads)
What I DON’T Like About Epiduo
- The purge phase is brutal – your skin gets worse before it gets better, sometimes for months
- Pretty standard unpleasant side effects, like significant dryness of the skin, peeling, redness, and burning, especially at first
- Takes forever to see results – you need 8-12 weeks minimum, often longer
- Makes your skin extremely sensitive to sun, so SPF becomes non-negotiable
- Can bleach towels, pillowcases, and clothing
- You can’t use other active skincare products while on it – no acids, no retinol, nothing
- Some people’s skin never adjusts and they have to quit due to irritation
- Acne can come back if you stop using it
Who Should Use This?
- Epiduo is best for people with moderate to severe acne who’ve tried OTC treatments without success. If you’re dealing with persistent breakouts – whether that’s hormonal acne, cystic acne, or stubborn comedones – and gentler options haven’t worked, this is worth considering.
- It’s also good for people who are committed and patient. If you can handle a rough 2-3 month adjustment period and stick with a treatment long-term, Epiduo can deliver serious positive results. It’s prescribed for people 9 years of age and older, so it works for both teens and adults.
- Who shouldn’t use it? Anyone pregnant or trying to get pregnant (retinoids are a no-go), people with extremely sensitive skin types who can’t handle irritation, or anyone looking for quick fixes.
- If you need your skin to look good for an event in a few weeks, this isn’t it.
- If you have dry skin with acne, you need to moisture super well after this.
Does Epiduo Live Up To Its Claims?
| CLAIM | TRUE? |
|---|---|
| Epiduo is a prescription gel used to treat mild to moderate acne. | True. |
| It’s important to use the gel consistently as prescribed as it may take several weeks before you start to see any improvement. | True. |
Price & Availability
£35.00 by prescription only
The Verdict: Should You Buy It?
If you’ve been struggling with persistent acne and OTC topical treatments aren’t cutting it, Epiduo is worth trying – but go in with realistic expectations. This isn’t a miracle product or a gentle treatment. It’s a serious prescription medication that requires months of commitment and will probably make your skin look worse before it looks better. Talk to your dermatologist to see if it’s the right treatment for you.
Active Ingredients: Adapalene, Benzoyl Peroxide
Inactive Ingredients: Docusate Sodium, Disodium Edetate, Glycerol,Poloxamer, Propylene Glycol (E1520), Simulgel 600 PHA (Copolymer Of Acrylamide And Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate, Isohexadecane, Polysorbate 80, Sorbitan Oleate), Purified Water
