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
July 1, 2012

Pros:

Clears most acne, no side effects

Cons:

none

I usually don't write reviews, but this is a great product. I had pretty bad acne, and in the matter of 4 months it has all cleared up!! Amazing!
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April 1, 2012

Pros:

Got rid of acne
Got rid of visable clogged pores
Quickly soaks into skin
Could be used under foundation
Works quickly
Free (with my insurance coverage)

Cons:

None

I'm 18 yrs old with sensitive skin. I've been using Clindamycin Phosphate Top Gel 1% in the morning after I was my face and at night with Differin .3% (put it on before applying Differin works better). Have seen my many visable clogged pores on my cheeks practially disapper within 3 days, looked so clear I haven't been needing to wear any foundation. I have also notcied it gets rid of acne cuts ( you know how when you pop a pimple and it turns into a cut after) go away quickly as though it wasn't even there. I really enjoy this product it works so well with Differin. So excitied to not be needing to use any foundation anymore with the help of this new addition with my other acne medicine Differin.
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August 12, 2009

Pros:

It's wonderful, and wroks so quickly. I remember using it Friday, and waking up the net day with beautiful glowing skin, after my face was just a nightmare the day before.

Cons:

The only con I can think of is that it makes your face a bit greesy, but not too bad.

Use this...Request it, actually. My doctor hooked me up, and it is something I know I can rely on!
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July 14, 2009

Pros:

When paired with Tretinoin Cream .1% it works.

Cons:

Have to use it every single day. If you stop, the acne comes back. Also, after 1-2 years of use, my acne developed a resistance to this, and I had to switch to another medication.

I used Clindamycin gel by applying a thin film to my face in the morning and at night I would apply a thin film of Tretinoin Cream 0.1%. It took about 3 weeks to see results, but eventually all my acne went away. I was clear for a period of 1-2 years, but then my face started building a resistance to the medication, and the acne came back. I find that with these prescription medications, they will work for about 1-2 years and then they stop working, so I have to switch from one to the other. All these dermatologist prescribed medications do work, but they do not cure acne. They just temporarily mask it. You have to use them on a consistent basis every day, or your acne will come back. Right now, I have stopped taking all these and I am trying natural methods such as taking probiotics and fiber supplements to see if I can get to the root of the problem.
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April 7, 2009

Pros:

this is the best stuff. Wash with cetaphil then apply a thin layer over your face...twice a day...takes about 2-3weeks to work. All of my daughters acne is gone..(she has cystic acne) she had no itching, redness, or reactions what so ever.

Cons:

none at this point

Try it!!.. it takes longer, but works and the gel is the best, keeps skin soft - no drying. Her scars are fading and she has had no new breakouts since starting this
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April 1, 2009

Pros:

Helps clear acne without causing dry patches or irritation.

Cons:

Can't think of any.

My mom reccommended this treatment because I've tried using just about EVERYTHING such as Differin, ProActiv, Murad etc. I began breaking out alot on my forehead and this really helped clear it. I use it once a day every night after my skin care regimen and I don't know what I would do without this! This has got to be my holy grail acne treatment.
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March 16, 2009

Pros:

Easy to apply, works well, and doesnt dry out skin. Oh, and super affordable ($5)!!

Cons:

Takes time.

I have used EVERY THING, I mean everything. From all the stuff on the shelf at drug stores to all the late night commercials. Even ProActive. Nothing worked. Until I finally got fed up and got the insurance to go to the doctor. He proscribed me Clindamycin Phosphate Gel 1%. At first I didnt think it was working, but I was determined to stick with it. Now its been 4 weeks and I am very happy with it. The best thing about it is that it prevents acne from forming. I highly recommend this product. And hope that all those who feel like I did will use it too.
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January 3, 2009

Pros:

I am pregnant and needed something that was safe during pregnancy but effective...pregnancy acne is hormonal and I was VERY skeptical if a topical could improve my skin. I just started the product last night, and already the pimples are reduced!!

Cons:

Cost. It was 60 bucks AFTER what the insurance covered.

worth a try...if you have acne then you know, if there's a chance it can give you your confidence back, 60 bucks is a small price to pay!
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December 31, 2008

Pros:

Keeps acne under control

Cons:

strong smell that you have to get used to. Does nothing to control oil!

I was using this liquid form of clindamycin that come with a sponge applicator. It has a real strong odor, but once its dries you can't smell it anymore. I used it for over a month and people started to comment on how my skin was clearing up. It cleared up alot of my little bumps I had on my face and the antibiotics I was on cleared up the big cystic bumps. Once my prescription ran out I started breaking out again with little bumps. Try to get the liquid form, it works alot better than the gels/creams.
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March 26, 2008

Pros:

doesn't irritate your skin

Cons:

doesn't seem to work for those with oily skin

i have oily type skin. my doctor prescribed this at first and it started to reduce the size of my pimples, but it didn't take care of the redness or anything, and it made my face very oily. bottom line is it did not work for me in the long run, even though it initially did during the first...maybe 2 weeks
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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.