Last reviewed · How we verify
Duac® Gel / Differin® Gel
Duac® Gel combines clindamycin (an antibiotic) and benzoyl peroxide (an antimicrobial oxidizing agent) to reduce acne-causing bacteria and inflammation, while Differin® Gel contains adapalene (a retinoid) that normalizes skin cell turnover and reduces comedone formation.
Duac® Gel combines clindamycin (an antibiotic) and benzoyl peroxide (an antimicrobial oxidizing agent) to reduce acne-causing bacteria and inflammation, while Differin® Gel contains adapalene (a retinoid) that normalizes skin cell turnover and reduces comedone formation. Used for Acne vulgaris (Duac® Gel), Acne vulgaris (Differin® Gel).
At a glance
| Generic name | Duac® Gel / Differin® Gel |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | Stiefel, a GSK Company |
| Drug class | Topical antibiotic/antimicrobial combination (Duac®); Topical retinoid (Differin®) |
| Target | Bacterial ribosome (clindamycin); Retinoic acid receptor (adapalene); Reactive oxygen species generation (benzoyl peroxide) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Dermatology |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Duac® Gel works through dual action: clindamycin inhibits bacterial protein synthesis to kill Cutibacterium acnes, while benzoyl peroxide generates reactive oxygen species that further eliminate bacteria and prevent resistance. Differin® Gel's adapalene is a third-generation retinoid that binds retinoic acid receptors to regulate keratinocyte differentiation, reduce sebum production, and decrease inflammation. Together, these products address multiple pathogenic factors in acne.
Approved indications
- Acne vulgaris (Duac® Gel)
- Acne vulgaris (Differin® Gel)
Common side effects
- Skin irritation/erythema
- Dryness
- Peeling/desquamation
- Photosensitivity
- Burning/stinging
Key clinical trials
- Combination Therapy With Differin® Gel 0.3% and Duac® (Clindamycin/Benzoyl Peroxide Gel) in Subjects With Acne Vulgaris (PHASE4)
- Comparison of Duac® Gel And Differin® Gel in Mild to Moderate Acne Vulgaris (PHASE4)
- A Study Comparing Aczone® Plus Differin® Versus Duac® Plus Differin® in Patients With Severe Facial Acne (PHASE4)
- Evaluation of Quality of Life, Efficacy, and Tolerance of Duac® Gel Compared to Differin® Gel in the Treatment of Acne (PHASE4)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- Duac® Gel / Differin® Gel CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Duac® Gel / Differin® Gel updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Stiefel, a GSK Company portfolio CI