Authored: 17/04/2023
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Duac Gel
Overview
Duac is a prescription acne treatment gel. It is applied once daily to help combat whitehead and blackhead formations common in acne.
- Dual action once daily gel
- 3% and 5% strengths
- Night time application
- Kills acne causing bacteria
Overview
Buy Duac Gel Online in the UK
You can buy Duac once daily gel online from our UK registered online pharmacy and doctor service. As part of your order, you need to complete an online consultation for our doctors to review.
If approved, a prescription is passed to our pharmacy team who will then dispense and dispatch the medicine to your chosen address using Royal Mail. There are no prescription or consultation fees with Simple Online Pharmacy.
What Is Duac Gel?
Duac Gel is a commonly prescribed and effective topical treatment for acne. It is used in cases of mild to moderate acne which have not responded to antibiotics or peeling agents alone. It contains two active ingredients that are effective in reducing blackheads and whiteheads from acne: clindamycin and benzoyl peroxide.
It is available in two different strengths: Duac 5% and 1% or Duac 3% and 1%.
How Does It Work?
Duac gel has a dual mechanism of action. Clindamycin is an antibiotic that works to kill bacteria that grow on the skin and can exacerbate spots and zits.
Meanwhile, benzoyl peroxide helps to prevent pores on the skin from becoming blocked. Blocked pores can often lead to spots and zits due to infection. By reducing blocked pores and decreasing the chance of blocked pores becoming infected, Duac Gel is an effective treatment in reducing the appearance of red and inflamed spots in people who suffer from acne.
How Long Does Duac Take to Work?
It can take between 2 to 5 weeks before a beneficial effect is seen and it should not be used for more than 12 weeks at a time. 12 weeks is the time to complete a full course of Duac Gel for acne. Improvements in the skin with acne are progressive and the longer it is used for a course, the better the results that may be experienced for some people.
How Is It Applied?
Duac Gel is usually applied to the affected area in the evening, after washing your face.
Remember when washing your face, you should use warm water, and ideally an oil-free acne wash. Patting your skin dry is also preferable because this is less irritating to your skin. After washing, apply it thinly over the affected areas with your fingertips. Wash your hands before and after applying Duac gel.
Some patients will experience some skin peeling and redness during the first few weeks of treatment. If you find your skin is irritated, you can stop using it for a short period or apply it less often. You could also try an oil-free moisturiser to improve the irritation.
If You Use Too Much Duac Gel
Take care not to apply too much Duac Gel. Applying too much gel or applying it more frequently will not help your spots clear up more quickly, and may cause skin irritation. If this does happen, use Duac Gel less often, or stop using it for a few days and then start again.
If you forget to use Duac Gel
If you forget to use Duac Gel do not use a double dose to make up for forgotten individual doses. Apply the next dose at the usual time.
How to Store Duac
After you have received Duac Gel from the pharmacy, do not store it above 25°C and discard it after 2 months. Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the tube and carton (after “Exp:”). The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.
Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to throw away medicines you no longer use. These measures will help protect the environment.
Duac Gel Summary
| Dose | Apply ONCE in the evening after washing the face |
| Type of medicine | Acne Gel |
| Mechanism | Kills acne-causing bacteria and prevents pore blockage |
| Available Sizes | 30g-90g |
| Available Strengths | 3% & 5% |
| Active Ingredients | Clindamycin and Benzoyl peroxide |
| Price | From £17.50 |
| Side Effects | Can include skin dryness, redness, irritation and itching |
Duac Gel Prices
| 3% - 30g | £18.50 |
| 3% - 60g | £36.49 |
| 3% - 90g | £54.99 |
| 5% - 30g | £18.50 |
| 5% - 60g | £36.49 |
| 5% - 90g | £54.99 |
Alternative Treatments
Before using Duac Gel or any prescription treatment, you can try over the counter products first. These may be enough to control your acne.
One of the most common ingredients in pharmacy treatments for acne is benzoyl peroxide. This can be bought over the counter at a pharmacy, for example, the branded gel Acnecide. This is also available as a wash.
If over the counter treatments are unsuccessful, you can also use other antibiotic based acne treatments such as oral Lymecycline or topical Zineryt. Retinoid based treatments such as Differin cream and Epiduo gel are also available and are commonly prescribed by GPs to treat acne.
Side Effects
Side effects of Duac Gel usually occur on the skin. The most common side effects are dry skin, redness, irritation, and itching.
These side effects are a result of benzoyl peroxide, which has a drying effect on the skin. If these side effects are problematic, you may find applying Duac gel once every two nights may still be effective, yet lessen the irritation experienced. If the redness or inflammation is severe, you should stop using Duac Gel and see your GP.
Less commonly, it can cause stomach upsets and in rare cases, you may experience bad diarrhoea. Stop using this treatment immediately and speak to your GP if you develop severe diarrhoea after using it. As Duac Gel contains an antibiotic, it should not be used with other antibiotic treatments because this will increase the likelihood of this side effect.
See the patient information leaflet for further details on side effects.
Warnings
You should only apply Duac Gel to your skin and you should keep it away from your eyes, lips, mouth or inside of your nose. Duac Gel shouldn't be applied to any irritated areas of skin such as broken skin, cuts, and sunburnt skin.
Duac Gel can cause your skin to become sensitive to sunlight. As a precautionary measure, you should wear sunscreen and hats to avoid exposure to direct sunlight.
Duac can bleach certain materials such as bed linen, clothing, carpet and furniture. It may also have a bleaching effect on hair.
If you develop stomach cramps or diarrhoea that does not improve or is severe, stop using Duac Gel and contact your doctor immediately. Antibiotics may cause a condition that results in severe diarrhoea and stomach cramps. Although this is unlikely to happen with antibiotics applied to the skin, like Duac Gel.
Do not use the treatment if you have experienced an allergic reaction to any listed ingredient such as clindamycin or antibiotics similar to clindamycin.
If you have recently used other clindamycin or erythromycin-containing medicines, there is an increased chance that Duac Gel will not work as well as it should.
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should avoid using the gel unless on specific advice from a dermatologist.
Interactions
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are using any other acne treatments such as antibiotics, as well as topical antibiotics. Soaps or cosmetics that have a strong drying effect or products that contain large amounts of alcohol or 'astringents' can irritate your skin when used with Duac Gel.
Written by Qualified Experts
All of our medication and condition content is written by UK qualified pharmacists and doctors.
Reviewed: 03/02/2025
FAQ
General Information
When should I use Duac Gel?
If your acne has not responded to antibiotics or peeling agents alone, then Duac Gel may be suitable as a second line of treatment for more resistant acne.
Is Duac available as a Duac cream instead of gel?
No, Duac is currently only available in the UK as Duac Gel. The gel formulation does not affect its effectiveness.
What does Duac Gel do?
Duac Gel works by killing bacteria on the skin’s surface and helping to prevent clogged pores that can lead to infection, thereby reducing acne symptoms.
What are the active ingredients in Duac Gel?
Duac Gel typically contains clindamycin, an antibiotic, and benzoyl peroxide, which helps to reduce bacteria and unclog pores.
Usage & Dosage
Can I use Duac Gel more than once daily?
There is no evidence that using Duac Gel twice daily improves acne more effectively; overuse may cause skin dryness, irritation, and antibiotic resistance.
Can I apply more Duac Gel?
No, applying more than the recommended thin layer will not improve treatment and may contribute to resistance.
How should I apply Duac Gel?
Apply a thin layer of Duac Gel to the affected areas of your skin as directed by your doctor, typically once daily.
How often should I use Duac Gel?
Duac Gel is generally used once daily. Follow your doctor's instructions for optimal results.
Effectiveness & Results
How long does it take to see results with Duac Gel?
Results may take several weeks (typically 4–8 weeks) to become noticeable, as the gel works gradually to reduce acne.
Side Effects & Safety
Can Duac Gel be used on all skin types?
Duac Gel is generally suitable for most skin types, but individuals with very sensitive or dry skin may experience irritation.
What are the common side effects of Duac Gel?
Common side effects include skin dryness, redness, peeling, and irritation at the application site.
Is it safe to use Duac Gel during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
The safety of Duac Gel during pregnancy or breastfeeding has not been fully established. Consult your doctor before use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
What precautions should I take when using Duac Gel?
Use Duac Gel as directed by your doctor. Avoid overapplication, protect your skin from excessive sun exposure by using sunscreen, and moisturize if dryness occurs.
Compare
Treatment Comparison
| Duac | Differin | Tetralysal | |
| Ingredients | Clindamycin / Benzoyl Peroxide | Adapalene | Lymecycline |
| Action | Dual action on bacteria; antibiotic and skin shedding | Helps unblock pores and reduce inflammation | Antibiotic kills bacteria |
| Oral or Topical? | Topical | Topical | Oral |
| Directions | Apply thin layer at night after washing. | Apply thin layer at night after washing. | Take ONE capsules DAILY (preferably in the morning) |
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Info Leaflet
Before taking any medication, it is important to read the Patient Information Leaflet.
