Duac Once Daily Gel
Available in 3% and 5%. Multiple size packs available
- Prescription-strength gel that treats mild to moderate acne.
- Comes in two strengths: 3% and 5%. Multipacks also available.
- Contains clindamycin, an antibiotic that kills acne-causing bacteria, and benzoyl peroxide, an antiseptic that reduces inflammation and unclogs pores.
- You could see your acne start to reduce in as little as two weeks.
Product Data
3% Single Pack
3% Double Pack
5% Single Pack
5% Double Pack
Buy Duac once daily gel
You can buy Duac as long as it's been approved and prescribed by one of our clinicians.
Duac is a prescription-only gel specially formulated to treat mild to moderate acne, particularly when regular skincare products haven't been effective. It’s available in two strengths: 3% and 5%, in addition to multipacks.
How does Duac work?
Duac gel combines two active ingredients that work together to tackle acne.
Clindamycin is a topical antibiotic that kills the bacteria trapped in your pores that cause acne.
Benzoyl peroxide is an antiseptic that helps break down the top layer of skin, increasing cell turnover and clearing away the dead skin cells that block pores.
How long does Duac take to work?
Most people start to notice an improvement in their acne within two to five weeks of using Duac consistently. That said, everyone's skin is different, so try to be patient and stick with it. Your prescriber will advise you on how long you should use Duac for.
Don’t use Duac for more than 12 weeks at one time. If you feel it isn't working for you after your advised length of treatment, speak to your prescriber for advice, as they may recommend an alternative.
How effective is Duac gel for acne?
Duac is a clinically proven treatment for mild to moderate acne. In a 12-week trial, it outperformed adapalene gel, a commonly used retinoid, clearing both blocked pores and inflamed acne faster and more effectively.
By the end of the trial, people using Duac saw up to a 57% reduction in acne compared to 25% with adapalene. When used consistently, it can make a real difference to how your skin looks and feels.
While Duac is a great acne treatment, that isn’t to say that adapalene isn’t effective in its own right, particularly for longer-term concerns like inflammation and scarring. If you think adapalene might suit you better, speak to your prescriber for advice.
How to use Duac
Before you start, there are a couple of things worth knowing.
Duac can bleach fabrics and hair, so take care around clothing, towels, and bed linen. It can also make your skin more sensitive to the sun, so use a sunscreen daily, wear protective clothing, and avoid sunbeds while using it.
Always use Duac gel exactly as described in the patient information leaflet or as your doctor or prescriber has told you. Using Duac correctly gives you the best chance of seeing results while keeping side effects to a minimum.
- 1. Remove any make-up fully before applying.
- 2. Wash the affected area well, rinse with warm water, and gently pat dry.
- 3. Using your fingertips, apply a thin layer of gel across the entire affected area, not just individual spots.
- 4. Use the right amount for your skin. If the gel doesn't rub in easily, you're using too much. For your face only, use a fingertip amount (from the tip of your finger to the first crease). For your face and back, use two and a half fingertip amounts in total.
- 5. If you experience dryness or peeling, try using an oil-free, fragrance-free, hypoallergenic moisturiser (applied after Duac). You can also apply Duac less frequently or take a short break to let your skin adjust. Keep in mind that Duac works best when applied every day.
- 6. Wash your hands thoroughly after applying.
How long do you leave Duac gel on your face?
Duac is a leave-on treatment, which means you don't rinse it off. Apply it in the evening and leave it on overnight. In the morning, you can wash your face as normal. There's no need to remove it before then.
What happens when you stop using Duac?
If you stop using Duac, your acne may gradually return. But this doesn’t happen for everyone.
It's important not to stop treatment suddenly without speaking to your prescriber. They can advise on the best way to wind down your treatment or transition to a maintenance plan to help keep your skin clear.
Duac prices
Both strengths are priced very similarly, so the choice really comes down to what your clinician recommends for your skin.
Prices at the time of writing are:
- Duac 3%: £20.79
- Duac 3% (2 pack): £37.99
- Duac 5%: £20.99
- Duac 5% (2 pack): £37.99
Duac side effects
Like all medicines, Duac can cause side effects, though not everyone experiences them. If you do experience side effects, they’re generally mild and tend to ease as your skin adjusts.
Very common (affects at least 1 in 10 people):
- redness, peeling, and dryness at the application site
Common (affects less than 1 in 10 people):
- headaches
- burning, pain, or sensitivity to sunlight at the application site
Managing your side effects
If you experience any side effects, the tips below can help you manage them.
- Redness, peeling, and dryness: Apply an oil-free, fragrance-free moisturiser daily, after Duac gel, to keep your skin hydrated. Start by applying Duac on alternate evenings, then gradually build up to nightly use as your skin adjusts.
- Burning, pain, or sensitivity to sunlight: Wear SPF 30 or higher every day and avoid sunbeds or prolonged time in direct sunlight. Avoid harsh skincare products like exfoliants or alcohol-based toners.
- Headaches: Stay hydrated and rest if needed. Over-the-counter pain relief like paracetamol can help.
If any side effects are severe or don't improve after a couple of weeks, get in touch with your prescriber for advice.
When to avoid Duac
Don’t use Duac gel if you’re allergic to clindamycin, lincomycin, benzoyl peroxide, or any of the other listed ingredients.
Duac is unsuitable for children under the age of 12. However, we’re unable to prescribe to anyone under the age of 18 from our clinic.
Duac interactions
Always tell your doctor or prescriber about any other medicines or skincare products you're using. Some can interact with Duac or increase the risk of skin irritation.
These include:
- other acne treatments, including topical antibiotics
- medicated, abrasive, or strongly drying soaps and cleansers
- products containing high levels of alcohol or astringents
- topical acne treatments containing tretinoin, isotretinoin, or tazarotene
- erythromycin-based medicines, as these should not be used at the same time as Duac
- dapsone or sulfacetamide, which can cause a temporary yellow or orange tint to the skin or facial hair when used alongside Duac
How to store your treatment
- Store below 25°C and use within two months of receiving it.
- Do not use after the expiry date printed on the carton and tube.
- If the gel changes colour or shows any signs of deterioration, speak to your pharmacist.
Frequently asked questions about Duac
Why is Duac prescription-only?
Duac contains clindamycin, an antibiotic that requires a prescription to ensure it's used safely. Overuse of antibiotics can lead to antibiotic resistance, so a clinician will always assess whether Duac is the right treatment for you before prescribing it.
Is Duac cream safe during pregnancy?
Duac is generally not recommended during pregnancy. While the amount of medicine absorbed through the skin is small, there isn't enough evidence to confirm it's completely safe for use during pregnancy.
If you're pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or breastfeeding, please speak to your GP, midwife, or pregnancy health expert who can recommend suitable skincare for managing acne during pregnancy.
Sources
· Patient Information Leaflet. MHRA. [Accessed 3rd March 2026].
· Clinical Study. (2009). MDedge. [Accessed 3rd March 2026].
