Duac Gel

Duac Gel (3% & 5%) for Acne: Consult & Buy Online

Duac once daily gel

Duac Gel is a highly effective, prescription-only acne treatment used to treat mild to moderate acne. It is a popular, first-line treatment that combines two powerful ingredients to fight acne in different ways.

Although sometimes referred to as 'Duac cream', it is a smooth, lightweight gel that is applied once a day. This Duac Once Daily Gel is designed to be easy to use and fits simply into your evening skincare routine.

Duac works in two ways: it helps reduce inflammation and kills acne-causing bacteria. Each tube contains clindamycin 1% (an antibiotic) with benzoyl peroxide (3% or 5%), so it works both on the surface of the skin and inside the pores.

Duac Gel Summary

Although sometimes referred to as “Duac cream”, it is actually a smooth, lightweight gel applied once a day. Duac Once Daily Gel is designed to be easy to use and to fit simply into your evening skincare routine.

Because Duac is prescription-only, you’ll need to complete a short online assessment so one of our prescribers can check it is suitable for your skin.

Duac Gel for Acne Treatment

Duac Gel is a trusted UK acne medicine that treats spots from two angles simultaneously — it fights the bacteria that cause breakouts and helps prevent pores from getting clogged. Every tube contains clindamycin 1% and comes with either 3% or 5% benzoyl peroxide: the 3% version is the gentler option for sensitive or first-time users, while the 5% version is slightly stronger for more stubborn or oily acne. Because it targets both inflammation and blocked pores, Duac is especially useful for individuals who experience regular breakouts on the face, back, or chest and require a more effective solution than standard over-the-counter products.

How Does Duac Gel Work?

Duac Gel treats acne in two ways at the same time. It contains clindamycin 1%, an antibiotic that reduces the acne-causing bacteria on your skin, so spots are less inflamed and less likely to spread. It also contains benzoyl peroxide (3% or 5%), which helps clear away dead skin cells and excess oil, preventing pores from getting blocked — this means fewer new spots form.

Because Duac combines an antibiotic with benzoyl peroxide, it helps maintain a lower overall bacterial level on the skin. That makes it harder for the bacteria to get used to the antibiotic, so this combination can reduce the risk of antibiotic resistance while still treating active acne.

How to Use Duac Gel (Dose & Routine)

Duac Gel is a once-daily topical treatment, best used in the evening. Start with clean, completely dry skin, then apply a thin, even layer over the whole area where you get spots — not just on individual pimples. This helps stop new breakouts from forming.

Always wash your hands before and after applying any product. Keep it away from the eyes, mouth, lips, inside the nose, and broken/irritated skin. If it accidentally gets on those areas, rinse straight away with plenty of water.

A little goes a long way — using more will not make it work faster and can increase dryness or stinging. If you notice burning, peeling, or if your skin becomes too irritated, pause or reduce use and get advice from our clinical team so we can adjust it for you.

Duac Gel Side Effects

Most people use Duac Gel without significant problems, but (like all medicines) it can cause side effects in some people. It’s good to know what’s normal and what isn’t.

You may experience some dryness or peeling initially, and the area may feel slightly red or tingly. The skin you treat may also be more sensitive to sunlight. 

• Less commonly, acne can flare, or you may develop an itchy/red rash or tingling. 
• Very rarely, because it contains an antibiotic, stomach cramps or diarrhoea can occur. If you experience severe irritation or any concerning symptoms, discontinue use of Duac and consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Active ingredients:

• Clindamycin 1% – an antibiotic that reduces acne-causing bacteria.
• Benzoyl peroxide 3% or 5% – helps clear blocked pores and also kills bacteria.

Other ingredients (gel base): carbomer, dimeticone, disodium lauryl sulfosuccinate, disodium edetate, glycerol, colloidal hydrated silica, poloxamer 182, purified water, and sodium hydroxide (to adjust the pH). These extra ingredients help the medicine spread evenly on the skin and maintain the gel's stability.

Pregnancy & breastfeeding
Acne is common in pregnancy, especially in the first trimester. Before using Duac Gel while pregnant or breastfeeding, speak to your doctor or pharmacist, as another treatment may be more suitable. If you are breastfeeding, do not apply Duac to the breast area.

• For external use only.
• Don’t use on broken skin or if you have active eczema in the area.
• Can interact with other acne treatments — check with a clinician before combining.
• Keep out of the sight and reach of children.
• Do not use after the expiry date on the pack.
• If swallowed, seek medical help immediately.