Epiduo Gel

Epiduo Gel combines two acne medicines in one gel: adapalene 0.1% (a retinoid) and benzoyl peroxide 2.5%. This is the Indian pack sold by Galderma India. We sell it as 1, 3 or 6 tubes, from $17.50 a tube in the largest order. Our listing does not say how big the tube is. Indian pharmacies list a 15 g tube as the standard pack, so the per-gram figures on this page assume 15 g; ask us to confirm before you order.

One thing to know first if you live in the US: since 22 May 2026 the same combination at the same strength has been approved for over-the-counter sale there as Differin Epiduo, for people aged 12 and over, and US pharmacies pay less still for the prescription generic. We set out the prices below. For US buyers 12 and over, a local store will often be cheaper and faster than ordering from us. In the UK, Australia and Canada, Epiduo is still a prescription medicine.

This page covers what Epiduo is, how to apply it, what the label trials found, side effects, the pregnancy rules (which differ between countries), and the price per tube. Clinical figures come from the US, UK, Canadian and Australian labels, listed at the end. Epiduo Forte (adapalene 0.3% with benzoyl peroxide 2.5%) is a different, stronger product; this page is about the 0.1% gel.

Epiduo Gel at a glance

Price per tube

Prices below are as of October 2026; the pack selector shows the current price. Per-gram figures assume a 15 g tube.

None of these orders reaches the $149 free shipping line on its own, so each one pays $25 shipping. The larger orders are cheaper per tube before shipping too. Before shipping, a tube works out at $1.67, $1.33 and $1.17 a gram for 1, 3 and 6 tubes (our arithmetic).

How long a tube lasts. The labels do not say how much gel a pea-sized amount is, so we cannot give a figure for the face alone. The US prescription label uses 2 g a day as the maximum recommended human dose, and its absorption study applied 2 g a day to the face, chest and upper back. At that rate a 15 g tube would last about 7 or 8 days; face-only use needs far less. This is our arithmetic, not a label figure.

Compared with Epiduo and generics in the US

Put plainly: in the US, Differin Epiduo bought at a store costs less per gram than our best price, before our shipping is added, and US generics cost less again. NADAC is what US pharmacies pay, not a retail price, and insurance or discount schemes change what you pay, so ask your pharmacy. The two ingredients are also sold separately without a prescription in the US: adapalene 0.1% gel (Differin Gel) since July 2016 (Walmart lists the 45 g pump at $23.97, checked 27 October 2026), and benzoyl peroxide 2.5% to 10% under the FDA's over-the-counter acne rules (21 CFR 333.310). Using the two separately is not quite the same as the combination: in the label trials the combination did better than either ingredient alone (see below).

The Indian pack and Differin Epiduo share the active ingredients and strengths. We have not seen the full ingredient list for the Indian pack, and no study has compared the two.

Which strength to choose

We sell one strength of Epiduo, the 0.1%/2.5% gel. We do not stock Epiduo Forte. Related products we do stock:

This table is not a ranking. The UK label says not to use other retinoids, other benzoyl peroxide products or drugs with a similar action at the same time as Epiduo, so do not stack these products without a doctor's advice. Our retinoid strength chart and adapalene vs tretinoin guide explain how the retinoids compare.

How to apply Epiduo

1. Wash the area with a mild cleanser and pat it dry (US labels).
2. Once a day, apply a thin layer over the whole affected area with your fingertips, not just on single spots. The UK label says in the evening. The US prescription label says a pea-sized amount for each area of the face (forehead, chin, each cheek), and the US over-the-counter leaflet says it is not a spot treatment.
3. Keep it away from the eyes, lips, mouth, nostrils and mucous membranes. If it gets into the eye, the UK label says to wash it out straight away with warm water.
4. Do not apply it to cuts, abrasions, eczema or sunburned skin (all labels).
5. Wash your hands afterwards. Benzoyl peroxide can bleach hair and coloured or dyed fabric, including towels, pillowcases and clothes: the US patient information says to let the gel dry completely before dressing.
6. Using more, or using it more than once a day, does not give faster or better results and may increase irritation (US prescription and over-the-counter labels).
7. Keep sun exposure low and avoid sunlamps and tanning beds. Use sunscreen and protective clothing such as a hat when you cannot avoid the sun (US labels). If you use it during the day, the US over-the-counter leaflet says to let it dry before applying sunscreen. Wind and cold may irritate treated skin.
8. Avoid waxing treated skin, and avoid harsh or abrasive soaps, astringents, strongly drying cosmetics and products with a lot of alcohol (US labels). The US patient information also warns that other acne products containing sulfur, resorcinol or salicylic acid may cause irritation.
9. If irritation is a problem, the UK and Australian labels say to use a non-comedogenic moisturiser, apply it less often (for example every other day), stop for a while, or stop altogether. Cosmetics can go on once the gel has dried (Australian label).

Absorption through the skin is low: in the US absorption study, 2 of 10 adults using 2 g a day for 30 days had measurable adapalene in the blood, at very low levels (US prescription label 12.3). The UK label says interaction with medicines taken by mouth is unlikely.

What the trials found

Epiduo 0.1%/2.5% was tested in two 12 week trials in people with mostly moderate acne (aged 12 and over, per the UK label), against each ingredient alone and against plain gel, and in a third trial in children aged 9 to 11. Success meant clear or almost clear skin with at least a two grade improvement. The figures below are copied from section 14 of the current US prescription label for adapalene and benzoyl peroxide gel 0.1%/2.5%.

In Study 3, 285 children aged 9 to 11 with moderate acne used Epiduo or plain gel: 47.2% against 15.4% reached success; inflamed spots fell by 36.0% on Epiduo but rose by 13.2% on plain gel; blackheads and whiteheads fell by 54.7% against 2.3%. The label adds that in Studies 1 and 2 the effect was smaller in people with fewer spots at the start. The UK label says the gain from the combination over plain gel was greater than the gains from the two ingredients added together, and that the benefit on nodules has not been established. In our reading, Epiduo is a treatment for blackheads, whiteheads and inflamed spots, not for deep nodular or scarring acne, which needs a doctor.

Side effects

Irritation is the main problem. The US prescription label says redness, scaling, dryness and stinging or burning are most likely in the first four weeks, are mostly mild to moderate, and usually lessen with continued use; in the trials these signs peaked at week 1.

Source: US prescription label, section 6.1, Table 1. The trials also checked the skin at each visit (Table 2, 553 people on Epiduo). At its worst during treatment, redness was mild in 27%, moderate in 13% and severe in 1%; scaling 35%, 11% and 1%; dryness 41%, 13% and 1%; stinging or burning 41%, 15% and 3%. By week 12, each sign was moderate in 2% or fewer and severe in 1% or fewer.

Reported after approval, with no known frequency (US label 6.2): swelling of the eyelids or face, sunburn, blisters, skin pain, itching, conjunctivitis, skin discoloration, rash, eczema, throat tightness and allergic contact dermatitis. The UK label (4.8) lists itching and sunburn as uncommon (up to 1 in 100 people), and lists with no known frequency anaphylaxis, throat tightness, shortness of breath, hives, skin discolouration (darker or lighter patches) and application site burns, most of them superficial, though second degree and severe burns have been reported. The US label for Epiduo Forte (5.1) says hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, angioedema and urticaria (hives), have been reported with the use of benzoyl peroxide products. Our guides to using retinoids with less irritation and the retinoid purge also apply to adapalene.

Pregnancy: the labels disagree

• UK, Australia and Canada: Epiduo is contraindicated in pregnancy and in women planning a pregnancy (UK label 4.3 and 4.6, Australian label 4.3, Canadian monograph). If it is used in pregnancy, or you become pregnant while using it, treatment should be stopped (UK label 4.6). The UK label explains that retinoids taken by mouth are linked to birth defects, and that although little is absorbed from the skin, a damaged skin barrier or excessive use could raise exposure. The Australian label places it in pregnancy category D.
• US: the prescription label for the 0.1%/2.5% gel says it "should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the risk to the fetus" (8.1). The over-the-counter Differin Epiduo label says "If pregnant or breast-feeding, ask a doctor before use", and to stop and ask a doctor if you become pregnant or are planning a pregnancy while using it.

Our advice: do not use Epiduo if you are pregnant or trying to conceive, and stop it and speak to a doctor if you find you are pregnant.

Breastfeeding. The UK label says Epiduo can be used while breastfeeding but should not be applied to the chest. The Australian label says use it with caution and only on areas away from the chest. The US prescription label says caution should be exercised.

When to stop and get help

• Signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as swelling of the lips, tongue, face or eyelids, throat tightness, trouble breathing, or widespread hives: stop using it and get emergency medical help. The labels say to stop Epiduo if a reaction suggesting sensitivity to any ingredient occurs (UK and Australian 4.4), and the US over-the-counter label lists itching, rash, hives, swelling of the lips and eyelids and shortness of breath as reasons to stop and ask a doctor. Calling emergency services for breathing or throat symptoms is our advice.
• Blistering, burns or severe redness, burning or swelling that gets worse: stop using it and speak to a doctor (our advice; the US over-the-counter label says to stop use and ask a doctor if irritation gets worse).
• If someone swallows the gel: the US over-the-counter label says get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away (US 1-800-222-1222; Australia 13 11 26). The Australian label says swallowing adapalene may cause the same effects as too much vitamin A, including harm to an unborn baby, and says pregnancy testing should be carried out in women of childbearing potential who have swallowed it.
• If you become pregnant while using it: stop and contact a doctor.
• If there is no improvement after 3 months of daily use: stop and ask a doctor (US over-the-counter label).

Who should not use Epiduo

Never use it if (contraindications):

• You are allergic to adapalene, benzoyl peroxide or any ingredient of the gel (UK, Australian and Canadian labels; the US over-the-counter label says do not use if you are allergic to adapalene or any ingredient, or sensitive to benzoyl peroxide; the US prescription label for the 0.1%/2.5% gel lists no contraindications).
• You are pregnant or planning a pregnancy (UK, Australian and Canadian labels; see the pregnancy section for the US position).
• You have eczema or seborrhoeic dermatitis in the area to be treated (Canadian monograph).

Do not use it on cuts, abrasions, eczema or sunburned skin (all labels), or if you have very sensitive skin (US over-the-counter label). The US over-the-counter label says children under 12 should not use the over-the-counter product.

Talk to a doctor first if it is for a child under 12, you are breastfeeding, you use any other acne medicine, you have another skin or medical condition, you get a lot of sun or your skin is naturally sensitive to sunlight (US prescription label: particular caution), or you are 65 or over (the trials did not include enough people of that age). The Australian label says the gel contains propylene glycol, which may cause skin irritation, and the UK label says it contains polysorbate 80, which can cause allergic reactions; we have not seen the Indian pack's ingredient list, so check the carton.

Prescription and legal status

In the US, Differin Epiduo is sold without a prescription to people aged 12 and over, while generic adapalene and benzoyl peroxide gel 0.1%/2.5% remains a prescription product. In the UK Epiduo is a prescription only medicine, in Australia it is Schedule 4 (prescription only), and in Canada Tactupump is a prescription product. Galderma says Epiduo remains prescription only outside the US. Apollo Pharmacy and Truemeds list the Indian pack as a prescription medicine. The Indian pack is not registered with the FDA, the MHRA, the TGA or Health Canada, and in the US the FDA says personal importation of unapproved medicines is illegal in most circumstances. See a doctor before you start, and check the rules where you live. Our guides to retinoid prescriptions in the UK and in Australia explain the local routes, which are similar for adapalene products.

Buying genuine Epiduo

The MHRA warns: "Any medicine not authorised for sale in the UK can be unsafe or ineffective and there is no way of knowing what is in them or the negative health effects they can have." That warning covers this pack, which is not the one authorised in the UK, and the MHRA advises: "Only use UK-registered pharmacies, including online pharmacies displaying the official green cross logo". When your order arrives, check that the carton names Galderma and shows adapalene 0.1% and benzoyl peroxide 2.5%, a batch number and an expiry date, and that the tube is sealed. These checks cannot prove a pack is genuine, because counterfeiters copy packaging. If a tube causes unusual symptoms, stop using it, seek medical advice, and report it to the MHRA Yellow Card scheme, FDA MedWatch, the TGA or Health Canada, as well as to us.

Storage. The US over-the-counter label says store at 20 to 25 C, protect from freezing and light, and keep away from heat. The UK label says do not store above 25 C, and that in-use stability is at least 6 months after first opening. The Australian label says store below 25 C and do not refrigerate. The Canadian monograph says 15 to 25 C and use within 6 months of opening. Indian listings say room temperature (Apollo: 20 to 25 C; PharmEasy), and Truemeds gives both below 30 C and below 25 C. None of these says to refrigerate it.

Delivery

We ship Epiduo Gel to the US, UK, Australia and Canada in plain packaging with tracking. Standard delivery takes 7 to 14 business days to most countries. Shipping costs a flat $25 on orders under $149 and is free from $149. See our shipping page and refund policy.

Related guides

• Adapalene vs tretinoin: what the head to head trials show
• Retinoid strength chart: adapalene, tretinoin, tazarotene and retinol
• Switching between adapalene and tretinoin
• Topical antibiotics for acne
• Doxycycline for acne
• Isotretinoin for severe acne

Other acne treatments we stock: Adaferin, Persol AC 2.5% Gel, Aklief 30g and A Ret Gel 0.05%.

Sources

• Adapalene and benzoyl peroxide gel USP, 0.1%/2.5%, US prescribing information and patient information, Encube Ethicals, DailyMed setid 66858a82-cfda-4ba9-aac7-cf65499f4b1a, version 3, effective 15 June 2026; sections 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 12.3, 14 and 16. DailyMed
• Differin Epiduo Acne Gel, US Drug Facts and consumer leaflet, Galderma Laboratories, DailyMed setid ae3f8cd9-9046-4b69-b80f-3e9d4468ba7f, version 1, published 25 May 2026; Drugs@FDA NDA 220736, approved 22 May 2026. DailyMed
• Galderma. Galderma receives U.S. FDA approval for Differin Epiduo Acne Gel prescription-to-OTC switch, 22 May 2026. Galderma
• Epiduo Forte (adapalene 0.3% and benzoyl peroxide 2.5%) gel, US prescribing information, Galderma Laboratories, DailyMed setid f4e5d381-098a-4c93-9ff0-002cae46daac, version 8, effective 24 October 2024; sections 1, 4 and 5.1.
• Drugs@FDA via openFDA: NDA 022320 (Epiduo, marketing status discontinued); NDA 020380 (Differin Gel, over the counter).
• Epiduo 0.1%/2.5% Gel, UK Summary of Product Characteristics, Galderma (UK), PL 10590/0057, text revised 30 September 2026 (sections 4.1 to 4.9, 5.1, 5.2, 6.1, 6.3 to 6.5); legal category prescription only medicine. emc
• Epiduo Australian product information, Galderma Australia, ARTG 143869, Schedule 4, first approved 22 January 2009, revised 13 July 2023. Galderma Australia
• Tactupump and Tactupump Forte, Canadian product monograph, Galderma Canada, revised 17 May 2019; Health Canada Drug Product Database, Tactupump DIN 02365871, marketed, prescription. Product monograph
• Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. National Average Drug Acquisition Cost (NADAC) per NDC: adapalene and benzoyl peroxide 0.1%/2.5% gel $0.38730 per gram and 0.3%/2.5% $0.64744 per gram (effective 21 October 2026), Epiduo Forte $14.96720 per gram (effective 23 September 2026). data.medicaid.gov
• US Code of Federal Regulations, 21 CFR 333.310 (over-the-counter acne active ingredients: benzoyl peroxide 2.5 to 10 percent). eCFR
• US retail prices checked 27 October 2026: Ulta, Differin Epiduo Acne Treatment Gel 1.6 oz, $42.99; Walmart, Differin Acne Treatment Gel (adapalene 0.1%) 45 g pump, $23.97. Differin Gel over-the-counter approval: UPI, 8 July 2016.
• Indian pack details: Apollo Pharmacy, Tata 1mg, PharmEasy and Truemeds listings for Epiduo 0.1%/2.5% Gel, checked 27 October 2026.
• MHRA. 20 million illegal erectile dysfunction pills seized as MHRA warns against risky online buys, 13 February 2026. GOV.UK.
• US Food and Drug Administration. Personal Importation. FDA

This page is for information and is not medical advice. Epiduo is a prescription medicine in the UK, Australia and Canada; talk to a doctor or pharmacist before using it.