Review: Epiduo Anti-acne Gel

After weeks of zero low self-confidence, I finally visited my derma hoping that she can put an end to all this misery. As usual, she prescribed oral medication but this time, she put me on Tetralysal (Limecycline) instead of doxycycline which she prescribed me twice in the past. She also prescribed Epiduo Anti-acne Gel along with the anti-acne bar (with salicyclic and tea tree) and clarifying liquid. Both the anti-acne bar and clarifying liquid are her own formulation while the Tetralysal and Epiduo are from Galderma. The latter is the one I will be reviewing in this post.

Review

Packaging and Appeal. Epiduo comes in a small white tube similar to that of topical products we use to treat burns and other skin problems. The tube doesn’t have anything fancy printed on it. Based on the tube alone, you will know that this product is more of a medicine than a beauty product.

Ironically, the product doesn’t look like it’s in gel form however, the product is described in the label as white to very light yellow opaque gel. So yeah, I wouldn’t suggest changing it from anti-acne gel to anti-acne cream. LOL!


Effectiveness. This is by far the most effective topical pimple medication I have tried, maybe because I was also taking Tetralysal along with using this. However, even weeks after I’m done taking my dose of Tetralysal, it is still working as it is supposed to.

During the first few weeks, I use this twice or thrice a week to gradually get my skin used to it and prevent negative reactions such as stinging or flaking. I am happy to say that a day or so after my first application, I can see great improvement. My pimples, even those with lesion, started to heal and the part of my face with pimples is no longer itchy. Fast forward to three weeks, my face is way clearer than it was prior to using this. On my fourth week, I started to increase my usage to every other day and on my fifth week, I went back to applying thrice a week as my face is a lot better and the leaflet says to recede using when condition improves.

Right now, I still have some acne scars left and a couple or so small pimples appearing at times but nothing I cannot tolerate. I will continue using Epiduo until all the scars are gone or when told by my dermatologist to stop.

Scent. While it doesn’t say unscented, I have not noticed any smell when using this.

Ingredients. Epiduo contains Benzoyl Peroxide and Adapalene; these two components are already effective pimple treatment when used individually so combining them definitely creates a more potent weapon against frustrating acne.

Price. The only downside of this product is its cost. One small tube costs Php 1200 from my derma, Php 1280 on Mercury Drugstore and Php 1150 from Erin’s Family Drugstore (local drugstore). I think this is the most expensive skin care product I have ever bought. But then, I’d rather buy an expensive product that works than a cheap one that is of no use to me.

Availability. Epiduo can be bought from drugstores nationwide. Some dermatologists also carry this product.

Rating

Aspects Rating
Packaging & Appeal 3.5/5
Effectiveness 5/5
Scent 4/5
Ingredients 4/5
Price 2/5
Availability 4/5
Overall Rating 3.75/5

Will I buy this product again?
Yes! I plan to use this long term, even just once a week, as a sort of maintenance to prevent pimples. Prevention is better than cure they say.

Conclusion.
For pimple sufferers, this one is for you. I’m not sure if this is OTC but you can find out in a drugstore near you. Otherwise, you have to see a dermatologist first for prescription.

18 comments

  1. who is your derma and where is she located?

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  2. Hi Anonymous,

    Since I'm here in Iloilo, my derma is based in Iloilo too. She is Dr. Wendy Uy.

    ReplyDelete
  3. mag aaply na ako ngayon sa mukha ko, first application sana maganda din result sa akin :) Gaano pla karami ang pag aaply mo? ngayon medyo makati sya sa mukha pero parang seide effect lang ata siya ng gel.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you for reading my post and for posting a comment.

      I only apply thinly. Pea-sized lang for the whole face. Hope this product will work for you as well.

      - Cecille

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  4. Hi! Can i purchase tetralysal OTC, no prescription from my derma?

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    Replies
    1. Hi Kimberly,

      Tetralysal is antibiotic so I think doctor's prescription is necessary.

      Hope this helps.

      Delete
  5. Hello ! Need po bang mag sunblock sa paggumagamit ng epiduo? Okay lng din po bang gumamit ng day cream like ponds while using epiduo sa gabi? Thank u

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    Replies
    1. Hi! Thank you for your comment. My derma didn't asked me to use sunblock so hindi na rin ako gumamit. I think as long na wala ka namang direct exposure sa sunlight you'll be fine without sunblock. Sa akin kasi I stay inside the office lang naman the whole day. Regarding day cream, sa akin kasi that time I avoided anything na hindi prescribed ng derma para hindi mag conflict ang meds and tuloy-tuloy ang healing. Better ask your derma na lang para sure.

      Hope this helps!

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  6. hi i hope you'll reply. when you buy epiduo do you still show the prescription everytime? thank you

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    Replies
    1. Hi! Thank you for your comment. I think you can buy epiduo without prescription.

      Delete
  7. Is it available in mercury drugs and watsons?

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    Replies
    1. Hi,

      I already mentioned above that it is available in Mercury Drug. Not sure about Watsons though.

      Delete
  8. Ang mahal pala.Haha
    Kailangan kung tipirin ang binigay ng kakilala kung med rep.
    Pero sulit. Less breakouts after a week i think.
    I'm in Iloilo too btw.

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    Replies
    1. Yes, the most effective pimple treatment I have tried. Thank you for reading my post. <3

      Delete
  9. Did you experience peeling and dry face po ba?

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    Replies
    1. Hi! I only experienced dry face when I was using this. My dermatologist advised to apply thinly and introduce the product to your skin gradually.

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  10. I started using epiduo just a couple of weeks ago, I had read positive feedbacks about it and gave it a try. So far my acne had noticibly dried up and its getting better now. This is definitely a game changer and a must try under the supervision of your derma of course. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi! Do you need a prescription when buying epiduo gel?

      Delete