8 Best Acne Gels For Clearer Skin - UK Expert Guide

If you’re experiencing acne, it can be very frustrating. The odd spot here and there might be okay to deal with, but when you get them regularly, or get more serious breakouts, it can really knock your confidence.

Fortunately, there are many acne treatments available for you to help battle those pesky spots. Not every treatment suits everyone, so it’s important to know which are more likely to work with your skin type.

Acne gels are a popular option because they work fast and target blemishes directly. Effective gels usually contain ingredients like salicylic acid to help unclog pores, and benzoyl peroxide to kill spot-causing bacteria. But not every gel suits every skin type.

Different skin types need different products to avoid making things worse. Dry or sensitive skin may need gentler gels than oily skin. Some people can get away with using over-the-counter gels, whereas you may need to try a prescription one.

Knowing where to start can be overwhelming, so we’ve put together this expert guide. We’re here to help you find the best acne gel to get you the clear skin you deserve.

Duac Gel (3% & 5%)

Duac Gel is a combination prescription acne treatment, using a blend of benzoyl peroxide and clindamycin to tackle stubborn spots. As well as killing the bacteria that cause spots, benzoyl peroxide can dry out excess oil within your skin. Clindamycin is an antibiotic that can target inflammation and reduce redness and swelling in existing spots.

Duac Gel comes in two strengths: 3% and 5%. If you have sensitive skin, only have the occasional breakout, or are trying Duac Gel for the first time, you’ll probably want to try the milder strength formula. If you have more stubborn acne, the higher strength might work better for you.

Whichever strength you use, you should apply Duac Gel to your entire face, not just where you have pimples. It typically takes around four weeks of daily use to work, so you will have to be patient to see results.

Duac Gel (3% & 5%)

Duac Gel (3% & 5%) is one of the most popular acne treatments in the UK. It works by killing the bacteria that’s responsible for causing acne and is clinically proven to help reduce symptoms, ease flare-ups and prevent acne from spreading.

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Acnecide Gel

Acnecide Gel is an over-the-counter spot-busting product containing benzoyl peroxide. It has a triple action mechanism to fight acne - it attacks bacteria-causing spots, reduces inflammation and helps to clear clogged pores.

To beat acne, use a gentle cleanser, and then apply a thin layer of Acnecide Gel to the affected areas, up to twice daily. Always start with one application each day initially to see how your skin reacts as it gets used to the product. You may initially notice some dryness, redness, or peeling, but this should calm down after your skin adapts to the Acnecide Gel.

Acnecide Gel

Start your journey to clearer, fresher-looking skin today by answering a few simple questions, and get your benzoyl peroxide spot treatment delivered to you at home.

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Treclin Gel

Treclin Gel uses a combination of the antibiotic clindamycin and a retinoid called tretinoin. Tretinoin is a type of vitamin A that speeds up your skin’s renewal process. Making your skin cell turnover faster keeps pores clear and minimises the chance that new spots will appear. The clindamycin kills bacteria that cause spots, and can reduce the redness of existing acne.

These two ingredients work together to make Treclin a great option for acne-prone skin, clearing existing breakouts and preventing future ones. It’s recommended that you apply a small amount before bed for six to eight weeks, and this should start to reduce your acne and improve the appearance of your skin.

Treclin Gel

Treclin gel normally takes a few weeks of continued use to build up an effect by killing bacteria and helping your skin to replace and remove dead skin cells. It is normally prescribed for a period of 10-12 weeks.

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Differin 0.1% Cream/Gel

Differin Cream and Gel both contain adapalene to fight acne. This synthetic form of vitamin A helps treat acne by speeding up how quickly the skin’s renewal process works. This means that dead cells don’t build up on the surface of your skin, so they can’t clog your pores. Retinoids also reduce inflammation, so they can calm current acne.

Experts recommend that you treat acne-prone areas with a pea-sized amount of Differin before you sleep. Regular use is essential to see results - it can take around six weeks of consistent use to get beautifully clear skin.

Differin 0.1% Cream/Gel

Differin reduces the growth of keratin skin cells that would normally act to block pores in acne vulgaris. Start a free consultation and have it delivered as soon as the next working day.

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Epiduo 0.1%/2.5% Gel

Epiduo Gel is another combination treatment designed to target existing and future acne. It blends adapalene and benzoyl peroxide to battle spots from two angles at once. The bacteria-killing benzoyl peroxide works with the clog-busting adapalene to prevent new spots from forming while beating back existing blemishes.

Cover the entire problem area with a thin layer of Epiduo after cleaning and drying your face. This treatment can take up to 12 weeks to produce clear skin, but with consistent use, you will see results. Common side effects include irritation and peeling, but these can be reduced by being mindful about only using a small amount.

Epiduo & Epiduo Forte Gel

Here at The Independent Pharmacy, we sell both Epiduo 0.1%/2.5% and Epiduo Forte 0.3%/2.5%, the main difference being that the Forte Gel is stronger, and should be tried after you have already tried using the regular version. See if you are eligible today after a brief assessment.

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Zindaclin 1% Gel

Some people don’t get on with strong doses of retinoids or benzoyl peroxide. If that sounds like you, Zindaclin might be a good option. It contains the antibiotic clindamycin, which binds to bacteria on your skin. When it binds to the bacteria, it stops them from multiplying, so you end up with fewer bacteria to cause spots. Clindamycin also calms the redness and swelling that happens when you break out.

If your skin is sensitive to stronger ingredients, it may tolerate Zindaclin better. To use, smooth a thin layer over the affected area twice daily. It can take up to 12 weeks to see a noticeable improvement in breakouts, so make sure you use it regularly so it can work.

Zindaclin 1% Gel

Zindaclin gel is a prescription-strength topical antibiotic treatment that is effective at treating acne, reducing spots to leave skin looking less irritated.

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Freederm Gel (10g)

Another more gentle approach to blemish control is Freederm Gel. It’s different from stronger treatments because the main ingredient is vitamin B3, called nicotinamide. It controls the production of oil, reducing the amount available to clog pores. This water-based formula helps reduce redness and swelling linked to acne by calming inflammation and helping the skin to heal, instead of drying it out.

Apply a small amount to clean skin twice a day. You can use Freederm Gel alongside other treatments as part of a complete skincare routine or as a maintenance product when you’ve got the clear skin you’re after.

Freederm Gel

Freederm Gel is a cooling translucent, fragrance-free topical gel containing nicotinamide - a proven anti-inflammatory treatment for mild to moderate inflamed acne spots and pimples in all age groups.

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CeraVe Blemish Control Gel

CeraVe Blemish Control Gel blends three key ingredients to tackle acne: niacinamide, salicylic acid, and ceramides. Salicylic acid is a chemical exfoliator that unclogs pores and reduces spot formation. Niacinamide calms redness and soothes skin, while ceramides support your skin’s natural barrier and help it to heal. The three ingredients work together to clear skin from blemishes and prevent new ones from forming.

Apply the non comedogenic (non pore clogging) gel to clean, dry skin morning and night for four to six weeks to see the best results. You shouldn’t use it with other salicylic acid products, as the combination might irritate your skin.

CeraVe Blemish Control Gel

CeraVe Blemish Control Gel is a moisturiser that offers gentle exfoliation and hydration in a formula that is proven to improve skin texture & tone and reduce the appearance of pores.

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Tips For Maximising Effectiveness

Using your acne gel correctly is key to maximising the results you get from it.

The most important piece of advice we can give you is to be patient and consistent. Acne gels take time to work, so once you’ve found a routine, stick to it. Give it at least four to eight weeks to see improvement. Some gels can take up to 12 weeks, so make sure you know what to expect for your chosen product.

• Frequency: Not all gels are applied in the same way, so always follow the instructions on the tube. If your skin becomes irritated or dry, you might consider using the gel every other day instead.
• Amount: Always apply a thin layer of the gel. Using too much can cause skin irritation, especially when you’re using products with strong active ingredients. 
• Preparation: Make sure your face is clean and dry before applying any gels. Introduce treatments one at a time and avoid using too many strong products at once. 
• Layering: Let the gel dry fully before you apply other products to your skin. That way, you can get the optimal benefit from each product without diluting any of them.

Selecting The Best Acne Gel For Your Skin

Deciding on the best pimple cream for your skin means you must first know what type of spots you have, and the underlying cause. Then, you can choose products that tackle the root cause of your acne.

If you typically get red and inflamed spots, you might choose an acne gel containing calming ingredients like benzoyl peroxide or clindamycin. Salicylic acid or adapalene can help with blackheads and clearing out clogged pores. You also need to consider if you have sensitive skin - gentle formulas like products containing nicotinamide might work better for you.

You should also look at how much time you can realistically afford to invest in a skincare regimen. Most gels need to be used daily and can take weeks to show results. Do you want something that can be used alone or do you want an entire routine?

If you’re still unsure about the best acne gel for you, speak to a pharmacist or GP. They can help determine the most appropriate treatment for your circumstances.

Always Remember...

It is essential that you speak to a licensed medical professional before starting any prescription skin medication. They can provide personalised, expert guidance, assess potential risks and ensure that your chosen treatment is safe and suitable for your health needs. 

Ready For Clearer Skin?

Different gels are better for different types of breakouts - the active ingredients all work to tackle acne from different angles. Choosing ingredients that work best for your skin means you have a higher chance of success. All gels require consistent use to provide the best results, so make sure you’re committed, and speak to one of our discreet, friendly cliniciansl for recommendations.

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If you’re still not sure where to start, it can help to speak to a licensed pharmacist. Take our online acne assessment to find the best match for your skin in just a few minutes.