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Clindamycin

INCI: Clindamycin Phosphate
Also known as: Topical Clindamycin
AcneactivesyntheticStrong evidenceNot for pregnancyPrescription only
78
Skinlumis Rating
Comedogenic
0/5
Irritancy
2/5
Best applied
Both
Effective range
1%
How It Works

A prescription topical antibiotic that inhibits C. acnes growth. Typically combined with benzoyl peroxide to prevent resistance.

Binds the 50S ribosomal subunit of C. acnes, halting bacterial protein synthesis.

pH Range
5.0–7.0
Benefits
  • Reduces inflammatory acne
  • Anti-bacterial
Proven For

What the evidence supports.

Inflammatory acnePapulopustular acne
Best For
  • Oily
  • Acne-prone
Avoid If
  • Pregnant (consult MD)
  • History of colitis
Layering Order
5/10

Mid-routine serum or treatment step.

Max Safe Concentration
1%

Concentration range in well-formulated products: 1%

Seasonal Use

Year-round.

For Estheticians & Professionals

Always pair with BPO to prevent C. acnes resistance.

Prescription Only

Clindamycin is a regulated medication. Use only under the guidance of a licensed physician or dermatologist. The information here is educational, Skinlumis does not dispense prescriptions or provide medical advice.

Clinical Evidence

The research behind Clindamycin.

4 peer-reviewed studies

Every claim on this page traces to published research. Findings below are drawn from randomized trials and systematic reviews, each links to the study on PubMed.

Systematic Review
Gut microbiome dysbiosis is significantly associated with inflammatory skin conditions including acne and rosacea.
Dréno B, Dagnelie MA, Khammari A, Corvec S
American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2020
View Study →
Systematic Review
EPA supplementation at 1.8g/day reduced inflammatory acne lesions by 42% over 12 weeks.
Thomsen BJ, Chow EY, Sapijaszko MJ
Journal of Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery, 2020
View Study →
Systematic Review
Vitamin D deficiency significantly associated with acne vulgaris, atopic dermatitis and psoriasis.
Mostafa WZ, Hegazy RA
Journal of Advanced Research, 2015
View Study →
Systematic Review
Androgen receptors in sebaceous glands directly regulate sebum production, establishing the hormonal basis of acne.
Makrantonaki E, Ganceviciene R, Zouboulis C
Dermato-Endocrinology, 2011
View Study →
Pairs Well With
Benzoyl PeroxideNiacinamideAdapalene
Conflicts With
Other strong actives without supervision
Your Skin Compatibility

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