What is Adapalene/Benzoyl Peroxide Gel?

Adapalene (0.1%) /benzoyl peroxide (2.5%) gel is a prescription-only topical treatment for mild to moderate acne on the face (and sometimes back or chest). It is the generic version of Epiduo and contains the same ingredients and strengths. It combines:

• Adapalene – a topical retinoid (vitamin A derivative) that helps to normalise skin cell turnover and prevent blocked pores
• Benzoyl peroxide – an antibacterial and keratolytic (helps unblock pores and reduce blackheads/whiteheads)

It’s commonly prescribed as a once-daily gel for people whose acne has not improved enough with non-prescription treatments or benzoyl peroxide alone, and where a non-antibiotic prescription option is preferred.

Each pack contains one 45g tube.

How does Adapalene/Benzoyl Peroxide work?

This combination targets several key causes of acne:

Adapalene (topical retinoid):

• Helps prevent pores from becoming clogged by normalising how skin cells shed
• Reduces the formation of comedones (blackheads and whiteheads)
• Has an anti-inflammatory effect to help calm red, inflamed spots

Benzoyl peroxide:

• Kills acne-causing bacteria on the skin surface
• Helps unblock pores and reduce blackheads/whiteheads
• Has a mild anti-inflammatory effect

By combining them in one gel, you get:

• A strong comedone-fighting and anti-inflammatory effect
• An effective non-antibiotic option, which avoids antibiotic resistance

This treatment does not cure acne overnight. It helps reduce new spots over time and improve existing ones with regular use.

What is this treatment used for on this page?

On this product page, topical adapalene/benzoyl peroxide gel is used specifically for:

• Mild to moderate acne vulgaris in adults and adolescents
• Particularly where there are both comedones (blackheads/whiteheads) and red, inflamed spots and pustules

It is not used here for:

• Rosacea or other skin conditions that resemble acne

Your prescriber will confirm that your skin problem is acne vulgaris and that this is an appropriate strength and formulation.

Who is this treatment suitable for?

Adapalene/benzoyl peroxide gel may be suitable if:

• You have mild to moderate acne with a mix of blocked pores and inflamed spots on the face, chest or back
• Your acne has not improved enough with non-prescription treatments or benzoyl peroxide alone
• You can apply a gel once daily and follow a gentle skincare routine
• You prefer to avoid or have not responded well to antibiotic-based acne treatments

Who should not use Adapalene/Benzoyl Peroxide gel?

This treatment may not be suitable or may be contraindicated if you:

• Are allergic to adapalene, benzoyl peroxide or any ingredients in the gel
• Have very sensitive, eczema-prone or sunburnt skin on the area to be treated
• Have severe acne that needs oral treatment (such as oral isotretinoin)
• Are using other topical retinoids or strong exfoliating/peeling agents on the same areas

Use with caution (and only after medical advice) if you:

• Are pregnant, planning a pregnancy or breastfeeding (topical retinoids such as adapalene are generally not recommended in pregnancy; your prescriber may suggest an alternative)
• Have a history of severe skin reactions or very reactive skin

Your prescriber may suggest an alternative (for example, benzoyl peroxide alone or another regime) if you’re not suitable for this combination.

General advice for using this gel

• Build up slowly if your skin is very sensitive (for example, use on alternate nights at first, then increase to nightly as tolerated).
• Use a gentle, fragrance-free moisturiser if you get dryness or peeling.
• Avoid harsh scrubs, alcohol-based toners, astringents, or other strong acne products on the same areas.
• This treatment can bleach fabrics and hair (because of the benzoyl peroxide) – keep it away from coloured towels, bedding, clothing and hair.
• It can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight; use a non-comedogenic SPF and avoid sunbeds/UV lamps.

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