Topical Antibiotic
Reviews
3.6
671 Reviews
Topical Antibiotic
Efficacy
55%
Based on All Available Studies
Strength of Evidence
1
2
3
4
5
Note: Should never be used on its own and for a maximum of 3 months.
Topical Antibiotic
Side Effects
Low
Topical Antibiotic
Acne.org’s Real World Take
One of the less effective treatments out there. It should never be used on its own or for longer than 3 months and may lead to resistant strains of bacteria. It may provide a slight improvement in mild acne in some people.
Topical Antibiotic
How to Get It
Have a dermatologist? Make an appointment to get this medication. Don't have a dermatologist? See The American Academy of Dermatology Physician Database to find one.
Read All About Clindamycin
Compare To Other Treatments
5
27.7%
4
32.3%
3
18.9%
2
14.2%
1
6.9%

Used Clindamycin? Rate It:

Choose from 1 to 5 stars
December 6, 2006

Pros:

It may clear some acne- SOME, most of skin does not clear up

Cons:

Makes skin feel tacky, does not work to clear acne, makes skin worse

Do not use unless you have very very little acne
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January 25, 2014
Moderate to severe acne: my miracle product!

Pros:

Clears inflamed pimples
Reduces redness
Works relatively fast

Cons:

Won't help blackheads or whiteheads
It's an antibiotic, so it may stop working
Costly if you're uninsured

I've always struggled with acne, but when I hit age 27, it flared up again... worse than ever. Whiteheads, blackheads, cystic zits all over my chin, and 'rashy looking' little zits on my cheeks. I tried Tretinoin 0.05% and 0.1% for over a year with very little results. I remembered using this as a teen, and my dermatologist prescribed it to me about 3 weeks ago... save for the occasional pimple here and there, my skin is FINALLY clearing up! My only complaint is that Clindamycin isn't a stand alone product. It does very little for blackheads/whiteheads and you may become immune after a while. Use in conjunction with another topical at night.
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October 18, 2012

Pros:

inexpensive
does not leave a shiny residue or film
no initial breakout

Cons:

alcohol smell

I use clindamycin pads every morning after washing my face with Cetaphil cleanser and I have found it to be very effective on my skin. Over the last few weeks I have significantly less breakouts and my pimples are becoming less and less inflamed and fading away. I gave this product 5 stars because it is inexpensive and seems to really target the main problem of my breakouts. The only draw back to this product is that it is only available by prescription. Other than that, I cannot complain.
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October 3, 2011

Pros:

It's very light, absorbs quickly, and clears my acne.

Cons:

difficult to apply to scalp.

I was prescribed it for my scalp which has terrible breakouts that are really painful and it does help considerably but it is difficult to apply through my hair. I started using it on my face too and it's amazing for that. It does dry my skin out so I just alternate it with a light lotion and it's all better.
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September 15, 2011

Pros:

This is the best product ive ever used! I started getting acne at 12 years old all over my face, and and over the years have tried many different products from proactiv to several kinds of pills. Ever since my dermatologist perscribed me evoclin ive been 95% acne free.

Cons:

Yes it drys up the skin and does burn slightly but its deffinatley worth it, you know its actually working right as you apply it. It does take a few weeks to start seeing the results. And this probably would be costly without good insurance. I pay 15 bucks after using a 50 dollar rebate card.

Deffinatley worth to try has saved me alot of grief, i hope this product never goes off the market for any reason.
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May 2, 2011

Pros:

cleared up cystic acne on back and chest
foam is easy to apply

Cons:

can't travel with it - bottle is too large and because it is a foam, you can't put it in a smaller bottle

I had severe cystic acne on my back and chest from stress and other causes. After using Evoclin for a month, I have not had a single breakout. I can't say enough about the effectiveness of this product. However, you must be consistent with your usage. I can immediately tell the difference if I forget for a few days. I use it every time I get out of the shower. I would recommend washing your hands off afterwards because the product can really dry out cuticles, etc. Ask your Dr. for a prescription discount card.
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September 13, 2009

Pros:

It's a very light gel that goes smoothly on your face. The nice thing about it is that it moisturizes as well as heals. You don't need to apply anymore than a dime sized blob on your entire face!

Cons:

The smell is neutral, with a bit of bitterness. Not a pleasant smell. It also takes about 5-10 minutes to fully dry.

Work really good to heel and prevent breakouts, makes skin smooth and healthy. Very affordable and perfect for mild acne. My friend uses it as well and has the same results. Include it in your nightly routine and you should see great results.
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July 26, 2009

Pros:

It doesn't irritate.

Cons:

It does not. do. anything. I used it for two months every single day on my face and on my back. Absolutely nothing happened. Then I went back to it and used it for a few weeks. Nothing.

I have fougera Clindamycin Phosphate Gel USP 1%. I don't know if it is just this brand that is so ineffective, but this product is completely useless. I just use it for the sake of using an acne product when you have acne. I tried the Clinique Acne solutions (Salycilic Acid) and nothing happened. this is the only thing I can use because I developed an allergic reaction to Benzoyl Peroxide right in the middle of my use of it. I've heard mixing Clindamycin with something else works. Try that
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July 19, 2009

Pros:

Works very well at clearing up all the little pimples and drying out the bigger ones

Cons:

Makes your face kinda itchy and oily. The solution smells like alcohol.

Well for me, this worked a few days after i began using it. I put it on my face 2 times a day along with the Tretinoin cream at night. Cleared my face up completely in about a month. I still use it to prevent any more acne from showing up.
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May 26, 2009

Pros:

It works within hours! I apply it to my pimples and within a few hours i'm already seeing drastic results! It works for acne ANYWHERE on your body and also works for razor bumps! I absolutely love this product.

Cons:

It's a bit greasy feeling at first but absorbs quickly.

It's a great product and i highly reccomend it!
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Finding a Doctor

The right dermatologist can make a big difference to your patient experience and the success of your acne treatment plan. Here are the steps to find a dermatologist who is a good fit:

  1. Use the search feature on the American Academy of Dermatology website to look for board-certified dermatologists in your area, and filter the search results for doctors with a special interest in treating acne.
  2. Read online patient reviews of any dermatologists you are considering and ask people you know whether they have any experience with these dermatologists.
  3. Do your research and go to your first appointment with questions prepared.
  4. Listen to what your gut feeling tells you once you see a dermatologist in person. If you are not completely comfortable, try a different dermatologist.

Finding a Doctor

Only a select few plastic surgeons specialize in acne scar revision surgery. Be certain to find a provider who specializes in acne scar repair and who is passionate and experienced in this area.

Be sure to:

  • Look at before and after photos, the more the better, especially patients with similar scarring to your own.
  • Be realistic about results. Look for improvement, not a cure.

Questions to ask a potential scar revision specialist:

  • Are you board certified? Be certain that they are board certified.
  • How long have you been performing these procedures? Normally, the more experience the better, however, some younger surgeons may be more on top of the latest procedures.
  • Can I speak to some of your other patients? Ask for references for several patients who had similar scarring and speak to them about the process and their satisfaction with results.

Red flags:

  • Their story changes: As you discuss different treatment options, if they tend to change their mind easily, or agree with whatever you say, consider this a red flag. A confident, experienced surgeon will possess strong, unwavering opinions.
  • Your gut tells you "no": Trust your gut. If you just don't feel that the doctor is the right fit, trust that and move on. On the other hand, if you feel they are the perfect specialist for you, trust that feeling.