Acanya : Clindamycin Phosphate (1.2%) and Benzoyl Peroxide (2.5%) Gel

Brand:
Reviews
4.2
47 Reviews

Active Ingredients:
Clindamycin Phosphate (1.2%) and Benzoyl Peroxide (2.5%).

Inactive Ingredients:
Purified water, carbomer 980, propylene glycol, and potassium hydroxide.

The list of ingredients above is provided for informational purposes only. Always check the actual product label in your possession for the most accurate ingredient information due to product changes or upgrades that may not yet be reflected on our web site.

5
53.2%
4
27.7%
3
8.5%
2
6.4%
1
4.3%
December 11, 2010

Pros:

Worked really fast for me
Reduced redness
Reduced inflammation

Cons:

It made my skin dry after I applied it
You're suppose to wait 15 minutes or so before applying a moisturizer
Expensive

I went to my dermatologist after having a HORRIFIC experience with Proactiv and he prescribed me Acanya gel in the morning, Atralin gel at night as well as Minocycline. I was using Acanya a while ago, but it's really expensive so I thought I'd try something a little cheaper...big mistake. I've come to accept that I'll always have to see a derm doc to keep my skin clear, when I break out it tends to be cystic and painful. Acanya has always worked SO well on my skin. It's kind of uncomfortable right after you apply it, but it goes away eventually. It made my acne just a little worse for about the first 2 days I used it, although I've been using it for almost 2 weeks and i'm so suprised how fast it's cleared things up. I still have a couple of spots that have yet to get the hell on...but the rest of it is just hyperpigmentated marks from where the acne was...which I'm sure with more time will go away. It healed the cystic acne I had within almost 2 weeks time...anything that can do that to cystic acne which could normally hang around for a month or so is well worth the money to me :) I can't say if I'd recommend it to anyone because you can only get it from your dermatologist...and everyones skin is so different, although if your doc does end up suggesting it to you I hope it works as good for you as it has for me :)
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May 5, 2012

Pros:

Cleared acne in conjunction with Atralin (in PM)
Easy to use
Worked fairly quickly for me, erasing acne flare ups within 4 weeks

Cons:

Expires 10 weeks after opening it
Drying
May irritate sensitive skin

I had been using Klaron & Tazorac for years. I had run out of Klaron 6 weeks or more ago and didn't want to go back to same dermie, since he always kept me waiting forever. I went to new dermie who looked at me as if I had beamed down from Mars when I said I was using Klaron + Tazorac. He asked if my skin were irritated, and I said, "Um, of course." He said that these Rx I was using were a little old-school and he prescribed Acanya in the AM and Atralin in the PM. Wow! It transformed my skin. After 12 weeks, I have no acne. Even my blackheads are going away. I apply the Acanya and Atralin over moisturizer in the AM and PM, as per my dr's recommendation, and I haven't had any flaking. I did have irritation on my left check so I reduced usage for a few days and it went away. I cannot recommend this combo highly enough. I have had acne for 20+ years. I was on Accutane about 20 years ago, which reduced my chronic acne from severe to moderate but persistent. I use Simple Gel Cleanser. Very non-irritation in the PM. I only splash my face with warm water in AM.. I use Simple nighttime moisturizer at night, and I use Purpose with SPF 30 or CeraVe with SPF 30 in the AM. I think Purpose works just fine and doesn't cost nearly as much as CeraVe. I hope this helps others, and I wish everyone all the best in beating their acne!
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November 2, 2010

Pros:

Worked instantly for me
Not too harsh
No icky smell

Cons:

Mild flaking and redness if used too much, which I did. I learned my lesson.

Ok. I've been using this for about 2 weeks and my skin is clear. Thats really the most important thing right there. I had one tiny spot pop up and it was gone over night using this... Excellent product, just go easy on it at first. P.s. I hear its expensive, I'm using free sample right now, but was given a discount card to make it 25$
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January 1, 2011

Pros:

Works fast and over time
Doesnt become innefective like others
Jar lasts forever
Doesnt cause redness

Cons:

Can cause dryness (what doesnt)

I love this product and I have tried every over the counter spot treatment as well as Epiduo and other prescription and this is the best I have ever tried. It can be expensive but your derm should give you a card that will make you pay no more than $25
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May 17, 2012

Pros:

Works great

Cons:

Prescription expires in 10 weeks

I've suffered from SEVERE cystic acne for most of my adulthood (20+ years) and tried everything. My last really bad flare up 3 years ago was so severe, the dermo wanted to put me on Accutane because nothing I tried worked and in fact was making everything worse. My face was in constant pain and I could feel it throbbing night and day. I wore make-up the consistency of a kabuki mask As a last resort, we tried Acanya gel and Doryx (150mg) combo. For the first 2-3 weeks I thought 'Great! Another thing that doesn't work!' and was pretty miserable but then slowly I started seeing improvements and things got better with every passing day. I have since gotten off Doryx but continue to use Acanya gel every morning. A little goes a long way and although it is pricey, the results are so worth it I don't even think about it. My one and only complaint is that the prescription has to be re-authorized through my insurance (Blue Cross/Blue Shield) every 10 weeks which is a huge pain.
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April 26, 2012

Pros:

works

Cons:

drying

ok i left a review before all ecstatic that it was working- i was so pleased that i actually FORGOT what it was like having acne and how miserable i was and was all happy with my clear skin that i stopped using acanya. BAD MOVE. within a few months my acne came back...so i started using acanya again and it has yet to start working 1 week in- i know i need to be patient. but i want to remind everyone that once your skin clears you still need to use this, maybe not every day... but don't just stop altogether.
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January 11, 2012

Pros:

WORKS, no bad side effects just a little dryness, doesn't smell

Cons:

expensive, expires in 10 weeks?!

I used to have to turn the lights off and run from the bathroom to bed so that my boyfriend wouldn't see my make up free skin and in the morning I used to cover my face. Not anymore!!!
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July 5, 2011

Pros:

Clears up acne right away
Easy to apply
Face is smooth in the morning instead of oily
Only apply once a day

Cons:

Burns a little in the beginning
Temporary redness
Face discoloration if out in sunlight
Pretty expensive

I had pretty bad acne and was prescribed this medication from my dermatologist. I've been using it for a week now and the results are amazing. I couldn't be any happier with this product, it really works for me. I can feel my face becoming less bumpy and rigidy and more smooth everyday!
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March 24, 2011

Pros:

Really helps stop acne!!
I haven't had any new spots since I started using it a few weeks ago

Cons:

Price (even though my dermatologist gave me a card so I don't pay more than 25 dollars)
it dries out your skin (but benzoyl peroxide is famous for that)

Great product if benzoyl peroxide works for you, and I will happily keep lotion companies in business if it means being break out free.
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June 18, 2011

Pros:

Clears up acne
Less is more
Not too drying
Cost depending on insurance

Cons:

Bleaches fabrics
Takes a few weeks for skin to adjust

Acanya has been my little miracle when mixed with other acne fighting medications. I have suffered from acne for about 10 years now and nothing helped me get 99% clear. When putting Acanya with .05% tazorac gel and birth control, my acne has cleared up to basically 100%. I usually have persistant acne with at least one new break out everyday and with using Acanya I don't get new break outs. The 2.5% bp is subtle enough that it doesn't dry the skin out so much it's always chapped and the clindimyacin helps to fight p.acne bacteria. *If you are going to be put on Acanya be patient because it takes a few weeks for your skin to not be so red and irritated. Once it acclimates your skin will be flawless. Ask your derm. about gradually going onto it like every other day for the first 2 weeks and then use it every day!! I highly reccomend this product :]
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