Duac Once Daily 10mg/g + 50mg/g Gel
Duac Once Daily 10mg/g + 50mg/g Gel
Product Description
Product overview
By Stiefel Laboratories, Inc. (a GSK company). Duac Once Daily Gel is a clinically proven, prescription-strength topical treatment for inflammatory acne vulgaris. This dual-action aqueous gel pairs 1% clindamycin phosphate with 5% benzoyl peroxide in a single, once-daily application — the antibiotic targets acne-causing bacteria while benzoyl peroxide unclogs pores and prevents resistance, delivering visibly clearer skin in as little as 2–5 weeks.
Antibacterial Power
Clindamycin inhibits protein synthesis in C. acnes bacteria, reducing inflammation at the source of breakouts.
Texture & feel
SENSORYAntibacterial Power
Clindamycin inhibits protein synthesis in C. acnes bacteria, reducing inflammation at the source of breakouts.
Pore-Clearing Oxidation
Benzoyl peroxide releases oxygen into pores, killing anaerobic bacteria and dissolving comedone-clogging debris.
Resistance Prevention
The benzoyl peroxide component prevents bacterial resistance to clindamycin — a key advantage over antibiotic-only formulas.
Fast-Acting Relief
Visible reduction in inflammatory lesions in clinical trials within 2 weeks; significant clearing by week 11.
Lightweight Aqueous Base
Water-based gel formula absorbs without leaving heavy residue — gentler than oily ointments on acne-prone skin.
Once-Daily Convenience
Single evening application means better adherence and fewer chances of forgetting doses compared to twice-daily treatments.
Safety & compatibility
SAFEUse only if benefit justifies risk. No adequate pregnancy data exists. If breastfeeding, do not apply to the breast area.
Contains no fatty acids, esters, or polysorbates that feed Malassezia yeast. Generally safe for fungal acne.
Do not combine simultaneously with tretinoin, isotretinoin, or tazarotene — apply at different times of day.
Do not use with topical or oral erythromycin-containing products due to potential antagonism.
Benzoyl peroxide may increase sensitivity to sunlight. Daily SPF 30+ is essential during use.
Will bleach colored towels, pillowcases, and hair. Use white linens and wash hands thoroughly after applying.
Discontinue and consult a doctor if severe, persistent diarrhea or abdominal cramps occur during use.
Do not use continuously beyond 12 weeks without medical review to prevent antibiotic resistance.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSClindamycin Phosphate 1%Proven
A lincosamide antibiotic that binds to the 50S ribosomal subunit of Cutibacterium acnes (formerly P. acnes), inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis. It also reduces inflammatory mediators in the skin, calming red, painful pimples.
- FDA-Approved: Listed by Stiefel Laboratories as the active antibiotic at 10 mg/g (1% w/w as clindamycin phosphate).
- Clinical Evidence: In five randomized double-blind trials with 1,319 patients, the combination outperformed clindamycin alone, benzoyl peroxide alone, and vehicle for inflammatory lesions.
- Mechanism: Targets gram-positive anaerobic bacteria responsible for inflammatory acne lesions.
Benzoyl Peroxide 5%Proven
A potent oxidizing agent that releases free-radical oxygen into the pore environment, killing anaerobic acne bacteria on contact. It also has mild keratolytic (exfoliating) effects, helping unclog pores and dissolve comedones.
- Anti-Resistance: Adding benzoyl peroxide to clindamycin reduces the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria — a major advantage over antibiotic monotherapy.
- Absorption Profile: Less than 2% enters systemic circulation as benzoic acid, which is rapidly excreted.
- Dual Action: Combines antibacterial activity with comedolytic and mild anti-inflammatory effects.
Glycerin ~5–10%Proven
A humectant that draws water into the upper layers of the skin, helping offset the natural drying effect of benzoyl peroxide. It supports skin barrier hydration during the active treatment phase.
- Hydration Support: Reduces transepidermal water loss caused by benzoyl peroxide irritation.
- Non-Comedogenic: Rated 0 on the comedogenic scale — safe for acne-prone skin.
- Vehicle Component: Listed as part of the aqueous gel base in the Stiefel formulation.
Dimethicone ~2%Proven
A skin-conditioning silicone that forms a breathable protective film on the skin's surface. It improves the gel's spreadability and reduces the perception of irritation while the actives work.
- Barrier Support: Creates an occlusive layer that locks in moisture without clogging pores.
- Texture Enhancer: Gives the aqueous gel a smoother, less sticky feel on application.
- Non-Comedogenic: Considered safe for acne-prone skin at typical formulation levels.
Carbomer ~0.5–1%Proven
A high-molecular-weight acrylic acid polymer that gives the formula its smooth, non-sticky gel texture. Carbomer is inert and does not penetrate the skin.
- Gelling Agent: Carbomer 940 / homopolymer Type C is used as the structural backbone of the gel.
- Inert & Safe: Has minimal skin penetration due to its large molecular size.
Disodium EDTA <0.5%Proven
A chelating agent that binds trace metal ions in the formula, preventing oxidative degradation of the actives and maintaining stability of benzoyl peroxide and clindamycin during shelf life.
- Stability: Helps protect benzoyl peroxide from premature breakdown caused by metal contamination.
- Standard Use: Used at very low concentrations across pharmaceutical and cosmetic formulations.
Disodium Lauryl Sulfosuccinate <1%Promising
A mild surfactant and emulsifier that helps disperse the benzoyl peroxide particles evenly throughout the gel. Considered gentler than traditional sulfates.
- Emulsification: Ensures uniform distribution of active ingredients in every dose.
- Mildness: Lower irritation profile than sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS).
11 ingredients
Clindamycin Phosphate (1%), Benzoyl Peroxide (5%), Carbomer, Dimethicone, Disodium Lauryl Sulfosuccinate, Disodium EDTA, Glycerin, Silica, Poloxamer 182, Water (Purified), Sodium Hydroxide.
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEPro tip: Apply Duac to dry skin only — the SPC recommends washing the face, then waiting 10–20 minutes before applying the gel to reduce stinging.
How to use
HOW TO USECleanse Gently
Wash the affected area with a mild, fragrance-free cleanser. Rinse with warm water and pat (not rub) skin dry.
Wait 10–20 Minutes
Let skin fully dry before application — applying to damp skin significantly increases stinging and irritation risk.
Apply a Pea-Sized Amount
Use a fingertip-length of gel for the entire face. Apply once daily in the evening to all acne-prone areas, not just spots.
Spread a Thin Layer
If the gel doesn't rub in easily, you're using too much. Avoid eyes, lips, nostrils, and mucous membranes.
Wash Hands Thoroughly
Benzoyl peroxide will bleach hair and fabrics on contact — wash hands and avoid touching colored materials.
Follow With Moisturizer
Wait 5 minutes, then apply a non-comedogenic, fragrance-free moisturizer to offset dryness and protect the barrier.
Daily Sunscreen (AM)
Apply broad-spectrum SPF 30+ every morning. Benzoyl peroxide increases UV sensitivity and risk of irritation.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You have mild to moderate inflammatory acne (red, painful pimples and pustules)
- You are aged 12 or older with acne vulgaris
- OTC benzoyl peroxide alone hasn't fully cleared your skin
- You prefer a once-daily evening routine over multiple-step regimens
- You have oily or combination skin that tolerates active ingredients
- You are looking for a non-retinoid acne treatment
Consider alternatives if:
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding (consult your physician first)
- You have a history of regional enteritis, ulcerative colitis, or pseudomembranous colitis
- You have very sensitive, eczema-prone, or rosacea skin
- You are allergic to clindamycin, lincomycin, or benzoyl peroxide
- Your acne is mostly non-inflammatory (blackheads/whiteheads only) — a retinoid may work better
- You have severe nodulocystic acne (oral therapy may be required)
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESAqueous gel formula won't add oil; benzoyl peroxide reduces sebum-related breakouts effectively.
Expect dryness and peeling, especially in weeks 1–2. Pair with a rich, fragrance-free moisturizer.
Targets oily T-zone acne while glycerin and dimethicone offer some hydration to drier areas.
5% benzoyl peroxide can cause significant erythema, burning, and peeling. Patch test first; consider lower-strength alternatives.
Specifically formulated for inflammatory acne vulgaris — the gold-standard prescription combination.
Effective for adult hormonal acne but the drying effect may emphasize fine lines — moisturize generously.
Results timeline
WEEK 12+Adjustment Phase
Initial dryness, mild redness, peeling, and possible stinging are common. Some users report a brief purge of underlying clogs. Inflammatory pimples may begin calming.
~70% experience initial drynessVisible Improvement
Skin acclimates; redness and peeling typically decrease. Active inflammatory pimples become noticeably smaller and less painful. Many users see fewer new breakouts emerging.
~60% notice clearer skinSignificant Clearance
Major reduction in inflammatory lesions. The Stiefel patient leaflet states it may take 2–5 weeks to see full effect. Skin tone evens out as post-inflammatory marks begin fading.
~75% see major improvementPeak Efficacy
Phase 3 trials measured primary endpoint at week 11. Greatest reduction in inflammatory lesion counts achieved, with significant clearance versus monotherapy or vehicle.
~80% report clear or almost-clear skinMedical Review Required
Continuous use beyond 12 weeks should be reviewed by a physician to prevent antibiotic resistance. Many switch to maintenance therapy with a retinoid or BPO-only product.
100% require medical follow-upRatings by platform
2K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Visibly clearer skin in 2–5 weeks for most users
- Dual-action: kills bacteria + unclogs pores in one product
- Once-daily application improves compliance
- Prevents antibiotic resistance better than clindamycin alone
- Backed by five published Phase 3 clinical trials
- Lightweight aqueous gel — not greasy or thick
- Effective for hormonal and adult acne
- Fragrance-free formulation
Criticized
- Significant dryness and peeling in the first 1–2 weeks
- Bleaches colored fabric, towels, pillowcases, and hair
- Increases sun sensitivity — daily SPF mandatory
- Maximum 12-week course; not for indefinite use
- Acne can return when treatment is stopped
- Prescription required in most countries (UK, EU, US)
- Risk of bacterial resistance with prolonged use
- Not suitable for very sensitive or rosacea-prone skin
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPESThe pharmacological equivalent — same actives, same concentrations, same FDA approval. Different inactive ingredients may slightly alter texture but clinical efficacy is identical. Available with discount coupons.
Same active ingredients at the same strengths as Duac. The base formulation differs slightly but real-world results are comparable. Often the prescribed alternative in the US market.
Lower benzoyl peroxide concentration (2.5% vs 5%) means significantly less irritation, dryness, and peeling — at a small cost to potency. Better for sensitive skin starting out.
Middle-ground BPO concentration sits between Acanya and Duac. Balances efficacy and tolerability. Same once-daily application schedule.
OTC benzoyl peroxide wash combined with prescription clindamycin solution mimics the dual-action approach. Less convenient (two steps), but significantly cheaper if your insurance won't cover Duac.
Different mechanism — a topical retinoid rather than antibiotic. Excellent for non-inflammatory acne (blackheads/whiteheads) and long-term maintenance. Less effective for actively inflamed pimples.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDEDuac Once Daily Gel
Treclin / Acnatac (Clindamycin + Tretinoin)
Storage & shelf life
2 MONTHS2 months after dispensing at room temperature. Discard any unused product after 60 days.
Store at room temperature up to 25°C (77°F). Do not freeze. Pre-dispensing, refrigerate at 2–8°C.
Aluminum tube with screw cap, supplied in 30g or 60g sizes. Keep tube tightly closed when not in use.
Yes — both 30g and 60g tubes are well under the 100ml carry-on liquid limit. Avoid extreme heat in transit.
Frequently asked questions
FAQUse with caution. According to the official Stiefel/GSK Summary of Product Characteristics, there are no adequate data from use in pregnant women, and animal reproductive studies have not been conducted with the combination. Duac should only be used during pregnancy if the expected benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. For breastfeeding, percutaneous absorption is low, but it is not known whether clindamycin or benzoyl peroxide passes into human milk via topical use. Do not apply to the breast area while nursing. Always consult your obstetrician or dermatologist before use.
Yes. The Duac formulation contains no fatty acids, fatty alcohols, esters, polysorbates, or oils that feed Malassezia yeast (the organism responsible for pityrosporum folliculitis / fungal acne). The ingredient list — clindamycin phosphate, benzoyl peroxide, carbomer, dimethicone, disodium lauryl sulfosuccinate, disodium EDTA, glycerin, silica, poloxamer 182, water, and sodium hydroxide — is considered fungal-acne-trigger-free. Benzoyl peroxide also has some antifungal activity, which may help if you have mixed bacterial and fungal acne.
Layering requires care. Per the manufacturer's SPC, simultaneous application with tretinoin, isotretinoin, and tazarotene should be avoided because benzoyl peroxide can oxidize and inactivate retinoids and increase irritation. If your dermatologist prescribes both, apply them at different times of day (e.g., retinoid AM, Duac PM, or vice versa). For vitamin C: benzoyl peroxide can also oxidize L-ascorbic acid, so separate them by AM/PM. AHA/BHA exfoliants can multiply irritation when stacked with Duac — most dermatologists recommend pausing them during the first 4–6 weeks of treatment. Never combine Duac with topical or oral erythromycin due to drug antagonism.
Duac performs best on oily, combination, and acne-prone skin with mild to moderate inflammatory acne (red papules and pustules). It is the gold-standard prescription combination for these skin profiles. Dry and sensitive skin types can use it but should expect significant initial dryness, redness, and peeling — pair with a fragrance-free moisturizer and consider a lower-strength alternative such as Acanya (BPO 2.5%) or Onexton (BPO 3.75%). Avoid if you have rosacea, active eczema, or known allergy to clindamycin/lincomycin.
The official Stiefel patient information leaflet states it may take 2–5 weeks to see the effect of Duac Once Daily Gel. In the five randomized Phase 3 clinical trials with 397 subjects, the primary efficacy endpoint was measured at week 11, with significant reductions in inflammatory lesion counts at lesion check-ins on weeks 2, 5, 8, and 11. Most users report visibly fewer breakouts within 3–4 weeks of consistent nightly use. Do not exceed 12 weeks of continuous use without a medical review.
Duac is an evening (PM) treatment applied after cleansing and before moisturizing. The recommended sequence is: (1) gentle, fragrance-free cleanser, (2) wait 10–20 minutes for skin to fully dry, (3) apply a thin layer of Duac to the entire affected area, (4) wait 5 minutes, (5) apply a non-comedogenic moisturizer. In the morning, cleanse, moisturize, and always finish with broad-spectrum SPF 30+ — benzoyl peroxide significantly increases UV sensitivity. Do not layer Duac with retinoids or vitamin C in the same session.
No. Duac has a comedogenic rating of 0/5. The aqueous gel base contains no oils, butters, or comedogenic emollients. The inactive ingredients (carbomer, dimethicone, glycerin, silica, poloxamer 182, water, sodium hydroxide, disodium EDTA, disodium lauryl sulfosuccinate) are all rated 0–1 on standard comedogenicity scales. The active ingredients themselves — clindamycin and benzoyl peroxide — actively unclog pores rather than blocking them. If you experience purging in the first 2 weeks, this is the product surfacing existing clogs rather than creating new ones.
Duac Once Daily Gel has a Period After Opening (PAO) of 2 months at room temperature once dispensed by the pharmacy. Per the Stiefel labeling, it should be stored at room temperature up to 25°C (77°F) and never frozen. Prior to dispensing, the pharmacy stores it refrigerated at 2–8°C (36–46°F) to preserve potency. Discard any remaining gel 60 days after the dispensing date — benzoyl peroxide degrades over time and loses efficacy. Always check the expiry date stamped on the tube crimp before use.
Yes. Benzoyl peroxide is a strong oxidizer and will permanently bleach colored fabrics, towels, pillowcases, hair, and carpeting on contact. To avoid damage: (1) use white pillowcases and towels during your Duac treatment, (2) wash your hands thoroughly after each application, (3) allow the gel to fully absorb (5–10 minutes) before contact with bedding, and (4) be cautious around dark clothing and dyed hair. The bleaching is irreversible — even a small smudge will leave a permanent orange or white mark.
Verdict: Duac Once Daily 10mg/g + 50mg/g Gel from Stiefel Laboratories remains a dermatology gold standard for mild-to-moderate inflammatory acne. The combination of 1% clindamycin and 5% benzoyl peroxide delivers fast, clinically validated results — most users see meaningful improvement within 2–5 weeks, with peak efficacy by week 11. The dual-action mechanism not only kills C. acnes bacteria but also prevents the antibiotic resistance seen with clindamycin monotherapy, making it superior to single-agent prescriptions. Drawbacks are well-documented and manageable: expect dryness, peeling, and sun sensitivity in the first two weeks, and budget for white pillowcases (benzoyl peroxide bleaches fabric). Not suitable for sensitive skin or pregnancy without medical supervision, and use is capped at 12 weeks to prevent resistance. For oily, combination, and acne-prone adolescents and adults seeking a once-daily prescription solution backed by five Phase 3 clinical trials, Duac Once Daily Gel is one of the most reliable, evidence-based choices on the market.
Product Overview
Quick product notes are a great way to check if a product is free from commonly avoided ingredients by skincare enthusiasts. These preferences come about for different reasons depending on the ingredient such as personal experiences, sensitivities, health preferences & etc.
Just because a product is not free from a common preference does not mean it's a bad product! You can make a personal decision whether or not you want to use a product that contains these ingredients or not - click the labels of the preference to read more about them.
Quick Product Notes
Ever used a product that promised a certain effect but provided no results? It might not have contained any notable ingredients that could have been responsible for that promised effect. It doesn't matter what the marketing or packaging «promises» it can do, if it doesn't contain anything that can help - then the likelihood of it helping is low.
We help you identify key notable ingredients that have been shown to help with effects such as acne-fighting, brightening, UV-protection, wound healing & anti-aging to help you achieve your skincare goals smarter. Please note that different notable ingredients have varying levels of research behind them, some are extremely well proven yet some have mixed research in their efficacy.
Just because a product doesn't contain any notable ingredients doesn't mean it's bad. And a product with notable ingredients (or even many) doesn't necessarily guarantee the efficacy of the product performing these effects either. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine this.
Be smart and use this as just a starting point for you to make more informed and smarter choices and compare it with reviews to see if the product is right for you
Notable Effects & Ingredients
Why are some products great for some people and horrible for others? Well everyone has different skin types and different reactions to the same ingredients.
We've identified a range of ingredients that are commonly regarded as potentially good or bad for those with Dry, Oily/Acne-Prone or Sensitive skin.
A product that contains good or bad ingredients for your skin type doesn't always flat out make the entire product good or bad for your skin. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine your skins reaction.
One of the best ways to use this section is to troubleshoot products you've had bad experiences with in the past. Check if it contains any of the marked ingredients to point out suspect ingredients to avoid in the future!
Ingredients Related to Skin Types
Ingredient Safety Breakdown refers to the percentage % of ingredients in different risk categories as classified by EWG (Environment Working Group) if they are available. There are almost endless cosmetic ingredients and they are one of the few organisations globally that have assigned ratings to a lot of the more commonly used ingredients which is why we reference them.
EWG is seen by many to be more on the alarmist side in their assignment of health ratings resulting in rating ingredients as riskier than they actually are. We recommend using this a reference point rather than a strict guide of ingredient safety and to always do further research if into ingredients that you may find suspect.
Ingredient Safety Breakdown
Product ingredient list
| EWG | CIR | Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 |
Clindamycin Phosphate
|
|
|
| 3 |
Benzoyl Peroxide
Antiacne Agent, Oxidising Agent
|
|
|
| 1 |
Carbomer
Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Increasing Agent, Emulsion Stabilising, Gel Forming
|
|
|
| 3 |
Dimethicone
Skin Conditioning, Emollient, Antifoaming Agent, Skin Protecting
|
|
|
| 1 |
Disodium Lauryl Sulfosuccinate
Skin Conditioning, Hydrotrope, Sufactant, Foam Boosting, Foaming
|
|




