Duac Gel
Duac (Clindamycin 1% / Benzoyl Peroxide 3% or 5%) Gel
Duac is a dual-action topical treatment for mild to moderate acne, combining two active ingredients that target the underlying causes of breakouts:
- Clindamycin – a topical antibiotic that works by reducing the population of Cutibacterium acnes, the bacteria strongly linked to acne inflammation and breakouts
- Benzoyl peroxide – works as both an antibacterial and a mild exfoliant, helping to unclog pores and break down the oil and dead skin cell buildup that leads to spots. It also helps reduce the risk of antibiotic resistance developing over time, which is one reason it's paired with clindamycin rather than used alone
Together, these ingredients tackle both the bacterial and inflammatory side of acne (redness, papules, pustules) as well as the blocked-pore side (blackheads, whiteheads) — making Duac effective across the different types of blemishes that can appear together.
Free online assessment with a UK prescriber
How Duac Works
Acne develops when excess oil (sebum), dead skin cells, and bacteria clog hair follicles, leading to inflammation, blackheads, whiteheads, and spots. Duac targets this process through two complementary active ingredients:
- Clindamycin – a topical antibiotic that reduces the population of Cutibacterium acnes, the bacteria strongly linked to acne breakouts and inflammation.
- Benzoyl peroxide – works as both an antibacterial and a mild keratolytic (exfoliant), helping to unclog pores, reduce oil buildup, and prevent new blemishes from forming. It also helps reduce the risk of antibiotic resistance developing, which is one reason it's combined with clindamycin rather than used alone.
Together, these ingredients address both the bacterial and the inflammatory/blockage side of acne, making Duac effective against inflammatory spots (redness, papules, pustules) and non-inflammatory ones (blackheads, whiteheads).
How to Use Duac
- Wash the affected area gently with a mild cleanser and pat dry.
- Apply a thin layer of gel once daily, usually in the evening, to the entire affected area (not just individual spots).
- Wait for skin to dry completely before applying, to reduce irritation.
- Avoid the eyes, lips, mouth, nostrils, and any broken or eczema-prone skin.
- Wash hands after application.
- Use sunscreen during the day, as skin may become more sensitive to sunlight while using this treatment.
- It typically takes 4 to 6 weeks of consistent use to see noticeable improvement — it's important not to stop early.
- Do not use more than the recommended amount; this won't speed up results and can increase irritation.
Possible Side Effects
Most side effects are mild and localised to the skin, particularly during the first couple of weeks:
Common:
- Dryness, peeling, or flaking
- Redness or mild burning sensation
- Itching
Less common:
- Skin sensitivity to sunlight
- Contact dermatitis
- Skin discolouration (temporary).
Who Can and Can't Use Duac
Generally suitable for:
- Adults and adolescents (typically 12+) with mild to moderate acne, as prescribed
Should NOT use Duac if they:
- Are allergic to clindamycin, lincomycin, benzoyl peroxide, or any listed ingredients
- Have a history of regional enteritis, ulcerative colitis, or antibiotic-associated colitis
- Are using other topical acne treatments with strong exfoliating or irritant effects (e.g. other retinoids, strong acids) without medical advice, due to increased irritation risk
How to Buy Duac from MedsRUs
Ordering Duac through us is quick and straightforward:
- Complete a short online consultation – answer a few questions about your skin and medical history so our prescribing team can check Duac is suitable for you.
- Prescriber review – one of our registered prescribers reviews your consultation (usually within a few hours).
- Approval & payment – once approved, complete your order securely on our website.
- Fast, discreet delivery – your medication is dispatched in plain, secure packaging straight to your door.