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Compare Epiduo vs. Finacea

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Epiduo (adapalene/benzoyl peroxide) and Finacea (azelaic acid) are both topical treatments for acne, but they have some key differences. Epiduo combines a retinoid (adapalene) and a topical antibiotic (benzoyl peroxide) to treat acne by preventing pimples and reducing inflammation. It is available only by prescription and comes in two strengths, with the higher strength approved for those 12 years and older. On the other hand, Finacea contains azelaic acid, which is naturally found in grains and works by stopping the growth of acne-causing bacteria and reducing inflammation. Azelaic acid is used for both acne and rosacea and is available in cream, gel, and foam forms, with some over-the-counter options. While Epiduo is applied once daily, Finacea needs to be applied twice daily. Both medications can cause skin irritation, but Epiduo is more likely to cause sun sensitivity and bleaching of fabrics. Finacea can also lighten skin color, especially in darker skin tones.

  • Epiduo (adapalene / benzoyl peroxide)
    Azelaic acid (Finacea)
  • Epiduo (adapalene / benzoyl peroxide)
    Azelaic acid (Finacea)

  • Summary of Epiduo vs. Finacea

    Summary for Retinoid / Topical antibiotic
    Prescription only

    Epiduo (adapalene / benzoyl peroxide) is a topical gel that contains two active ingredients: adapalene (a retinoid) and benzoyl peroxide (an antiseptic). It's FDA approved to treat acne (pimples) in adults and children. The gel is typically applied to the skin once a day. Side effects aren't common, but can include dry skin, skin irritation, and skin burning. The medication is available as a generic and under two brand names: Epiduo and Epiduo Forte.

    Summary for Dicarboxylic acid
    Prescription only

    Azelaic acid (Finacea) is a dicarboxylic acid. It's a topical medication used to treat mild-to-moderate rosacea in adults. It works by easing skin redness and inflammation. Azelaic acid (Finacea) is applied to the skin twice daily, in the morning and evening. This medication comes as a gel and foam. Some side effects of azelaic acid (Finacea) include mild burning, tingling, and itching. It's available as brand name and generic medications.

  • Indications of Epiduo vs. Finacea

    Indications for
    •Acne in
    •People 9 years and older - Epiduo
    •People 12 years and older - Epiduo Forte
    Indications for
    •Treatment of papules and pustules in adults with mild-to-moderate rosacea

  • Pros and Cons of Epiduo vs. Finacea

    Pros and Const for Retinoid / Topical antibiotic
    Pros
    •Combination of two medications in a single product
    •Only needs to be applied once a day
    •Easy to apply
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Can make your skin more sensitive to the sunlight
    •Can bleach clothing and bed sheets
    •Can make skin dry or irritated
    •Your skin might look worse before it starts looking better
    Pros and Const for Dicarboxylic acid
    Pros
    •Available as a gel and foam
    •Applied to the skin; convenient for people who don't like pills
    •Can wear cosmetics after it dries
    Cons
    •Might take months to see improvement
    •Can cause skin irritation, such as burning or dryness
    •Can cause skin color to lighten

  • Common Side Effects of Epiduo vs. Finacea

    Common Side Effects for

    Epiduo:

    •Dry skin (7%)
    •Rash (3%)

    Epiduo Forte:

    •Skin irritation (4%)
    Common Side Effects for

    Finacea foam

    •Pain (6%)
    •Itching (3%)

    Finacea gel

    •Burning, stinging, tingling (4-16%)
    •Itching (1-6%)
    •Scaly or dry skin (1-5%)

  • Warnings of Epiduo vs. Finacea

    Common Side Effects for
    •Sunburn
    •Skin irritation
    Common Side Effects for
    •Loss of skin color
    •Eye and mouth irritation
    •Worsening asthma (gel only)
    •Flammable (foam only)

  • Prices with our coupons for Epiduo vs. Finacea

    Learn more about Epiduo
    Learn more about Azelaic acid

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