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
February 1, 2018
got jaundiced and saw zero improvement
Like someone else said, this product isn't for people with oily skin, at least from my experience. My skin which I *thought* was oily before got worse than ever on this product - like visibly oily whereas before it was a little more concealable. I had body acne and facial acne - my dr prescribed this for me to use in conjunction with their benzoyl product they had. I heard them tell me about some potential side effects but didn't really pay attention cause that always seems like something that wouldn't happen to me. Anyways, long story short, I didn't notice anything really positive, like no improvement in my cysts, size or frequency. The worst part was that I actually became jaundiced and my mom freaked out, looked up all possible side effects and yup, that was one. She made me promise to stop which wasn't too tough since I wasn't too impressed anyways. I called my dr and explained what was going on, said I didn't like being on prescription stuff and asked if they could recommend some other brand I could just get myself without a prescription. I thought I had tried them all honestly. But she gave me a recommendation of a brand called Ninja. Since she had heard good things (but hadn't tried it herself), I thought I might as well give it a try. I am happy to report that after 1 month of using it, my skin is clearer than after 3 months of using Clindamycin - like I haven't had a pimple or a cyst in nearly 3 weeks. Their benzoyl product was way more effective than the one I was using during my Clindamycin days (although it did bleach my sheets, which was a bummer. I'll take that for clear skin though!).
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January 30, 2018
Bad for people with oily skin (or maybe everyone IDK)
Like someone else said, this product isn't for people with oily skin, at least from my experience. My skin which I *thought* was oily before got worse than ever on this product - like visibly oily whereas before it was a little more concealable. I had body acne and facial acne - my dr prescribed this for me to use in conjunction with their benzoyl product they had. I heard them tell me about some potential side effects but didn't really pay attention cause that always seems like something that wouldn't happen to me. Anyways, long story short, I didn't notice anything really positive, like no improvement in my cysts, size or frequency. The worst part was that I actually became jaundiced and my mom freaked out, looked up all possible side effects and yup, that was one. She made me promise to stop which wasn't too tough since I wasn't too impressed anyways. I called my dr and explained what was going on, said I didn't like being on prescription stuff and asked if they could recommend some other brand I could just get myself without a prescription. I thought I had tried them all honestly. But she gave me a recommendation of a brand called Ninja. Since she had heard good things (but hadn't tried it herself), I thought I might as well give it a try. I am happy to report that after 1 month of using it, my skin is clearer than after 3 months of using Clindamycin - like I haven't had a pimple or a cyst in nearly 3 weeks. Their benzoyl product was way more effective than the one I was using during my Clindamycin days (although it did bleach my sheets, which was a bummer. I'll take that for clear skin though!).
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December 31, 2012

Pros:

Skin became 95% clear by 2 months of use. Cysts are completely gone. The liquid roll-on is best because there is no residue, just a fast-drying solution.

Cons:

None yet for me. Some people get rebound acne once they try to stop, but I have tapered down from 2x/day to 1x/day and my skin is still clear.

It is the only thing that has worked for me, superior to otc BP or LED in my experience.
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November 14, 2012

Pros:

-lightweight
-very effective
-easy to use

Cons:

-can make eyes/nose burn if you get it too close to your eyes/nose
-pricey if you don't have insurance ($60 without insurance, but only 2$ if you have insurance)

great product ! I have been using clindets for a little over a year now and they work great for me. My acne on my face is gone, and now I'm starting to use them on my back and have been having great results. I would definitely recommend !
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October 12, 2011

Pros:

Works amazing for the first 2 months
Easy to apply (Cleaocin-T solution)
Comes in a bottle with roll-on application
Use morning and eveing
Does not sting or smell
Cheap in US

Cons:

Expensive in Canada
Does not work later on, after about 2-3 months

This is the best medicine I have used for my acne so far! Nothing ever helped me, any antibiotics or lotions, creams (and I tried so many!), this was the best thing that started to clear my face and no more new breakouts. I also tried Clindamycin lotion (that I was given by mistake, I asked for solution) and it didnt help but I went back to ask for solution and it helped right away. I used this solution 3 times in my life, however it helps only for the first 1-3 months only. Therefore I no more ask for this product.
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August 30, 2011

Pros:

Acne didn't seem as bad as before when i first started using the product.

Foam absorbs fast.

Cons:

After the first use the product burned my skin. ALOT. You know that feeling when you accidentally scratch a sunburn? Well, applying Evoclin foam felt like doing that to your face, except 10x worse.

After two days of usage my skin became bright RED (hard to cover up with makeup) and riduculously, painfully, emberasingly DRY. My face is peeling.

I would much rather have a few zits than be a red peely ugly mess.

Soo not worth the pain & uncomfortableness. Makes your skin DRY and TIGHT. Way worse than having acne. Not for sensetive skin. I warn you; do not use this product!!!! It will tear up and ruin your face!
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November 4, 2009
I have used this for about 2 weeks and I am having great results! It is drying, but I have been using with a moisturizer and my skin looks great!
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August 8, 2009

Pros:

This product did not irritate my skin at all. In combination with tretinoin it works pretty well.

Cons:

I am using the solution and it smells kinda funky.

I have used everything and the current treatment seems to be the only thing that has worked for me. I am using tretinoin .05% cream in the morning and clindamycin 1% solution in the evening. I have used both products separately before but didn't have such good results. I still have some acne but it isn't nearly as bad as it was and I have only been using the combination treatment for about a month.
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August 2, 2009

Pros:

seemed to work A LITTLE, i saw my acne go away a little but then it came back

Cons:

didn't do much for my face

didn't do much for my face my acne was still pretty bad
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July 7, 2009

Pros:

Benzaclyn is the way to go and now they give you more with a attachable pump. Absorbs well in the skin

Cons:

Expensive if no insurance, but worth it,

I have used this med for about 3 years consistently and NOTHING I mean nothing worked better. I was on everything from Ceplex, to drugs to treat TB! All of this for a breakout on my chin! I still have minor breakouts in the area, but using Benzaclyn daily keeps them from actually forming. Now I do not have to "pop" anything. I have less scars, because of this. Benzaclyn is truly the best and I suggest using only the Brand name and nothing else. I love this med!! I just purchased my refill yesterday!!
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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.