The Acne Treatment Dermatologists Have Prescribed for 15 Years Is Going OTC

For anyone who’s gone through the endless cycle of drugstore acne products, a prescription has always felt like the next step up—but now, one longtime prescription favorite is making the jump to OTC shelves. As announced Friday, May 22, the FDA has approved Differin Epiduo Acne Gel (adapalene 0.1% and benzoyl peroxide 2.5%) for over-the-counter use in patients 12 and older, making it one of the biggest prescription-to-OTC acne moves in recent years.

The once-daily gel combines adapalene (a retinoid) with benzoyl peroxide (a bacteria-fighting antimicrobial) to target multiple causes of acne at once, including clogged pores, bacteria and inflammation. It’s fast-absorbing with a lightweight gel formula and is designed for once-daily use, morning or evening.

The approval is a big deal for anyone battling acne, which affects up to 50 million Americans each year, according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). Despite being a longtime dermatologist favorite, Epiduo has historically required a prescription. Galderma reports the treatment has been prescribed for more than 15 years and is supported by multiple clinical studies demonstrating improvement in both inflammatory and non-inflammatory lesions.

While Differin Gel (adapalene alone) made the prescription-to-OTC switch back in 2016, this marks the first time a combination retinoid and benzoyl peroxide treatment is available without a prescription—a significant upgrade, as studies show the combination is more effective than either ingredient alone. The brand has expanded its portfolio since 2018 to include complementary products like oil-absorbing moisturizer with SPF 30, soothing moisturizer and cleanser, among others.

Mark your calendars: Differin Epiduo Acne Gel launches this summer at major retailers, such as Walmart, Ulta, Target and Amazon