Clindamycin and Benzoyl Peroxide Gel 1%/5%
Clindamycin and Benzoyl Peroxide Gel 1%/5%
Product Description
Product overview
A prescription-strength topical combination gel delivering 1% Clindamycin Phosphate and 5% Benzoyl Peroxide — fighting acne-causing bacteria through dual mechanisms, reducing inflammation, and unclogging pores for clinically proven clearer skin. FDA-approved for mild to moderately severe acne vulgaris in patients 12 and older.
Dual Antibacterial Action
Clindamycin inhibits bacterial protein synthesis while Benzoyl Peroxide releases oxygen radicals that kill P. acnes bacteria — two mechanisms working simultaneously.
Texture & feel
SENSORYDual Antibacterial Action
Clindamycin inhibits bacterial protein synthesis while Benzoyl Peroxide releases oxygen radicals that kill P. acnes bacteria — two mechanisms working simultaneously.
Reduces Antibiotic Resistance
Benzoyl Peroxide actively counteracts the development of clindamycin-resistant bacterial strains — a major advantage over using clindamycin alone.
Anti-Inflammatory Effect
Clindamycin suppresses PMN chemotaxis in vitro, reducing inflammatory cascade. Clinical studies show significant reduction of inflammatory lesions within 10 weeks.
Pore-Clearing Keratolytic
Benzoyl Peroxide concentrates into lipid-rich sebaceous follicles and promotes gentle desquamation, helping to unclog blocked pores and prevent comedone formation.
Clinically Proven Formula
Demonstrated superiority over vehicle, clindamycin alone, and benzoyl peroxide alone in two adequate and well-controlled clinical studies of 758 patients.
Oil-Free, Non-Greasy Gel
Water-based aqueous gel formula leaves no residue or shine. Compatible with non-medicated makeup applied one hour after application.
Safety & compatibility
SAFEClindamycin Phosphate is FDA Category B (animal studies showed no risk; no adequate human studies). Benzoyl Peroxide has minimal systemic absorption (<2%). Always consult your OB-GYN or dermatologist before use during pregnancy. Avoid applying to chest/breast area if breastfeeding.
Do not apply to the chest or breast area to prevent infant ingestion. Systemic absorption is <1% for clindamycin. Consult your doctor before use while breastfeeding.
Contains no C11–C24 fatty acids or problematic esters. Benzoyl Peroxide has documented antifungal activity against Malassezia. The diheptyl sodium sulfosuccinate (C7 chains) falls below the carbon chain length that feeds Malassezia.
Contains no oils, silicones, or high-comedogenic ingredients. Oil-free aqueous gel base is suitable for oily and acne-prone skin without clogging pores.
Benzoyl Peroxide can increase sensitivity to sunlight and UV radiation. Minimize sun exposure after application. Use protective clothing and broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen daily. Avoid tanning beds and sunlamps.
May cause dryness, peeling, erythema, burning, or itching — especially in the first 2–4 weeks. Start with once-daily application and use a gentle non-comedogenic moisturizer. Discontinue and consult a physician if severe irritation occurs.
History of regional enteritis, ulcerative colitis, pseudomembranous colitis, or antibiotic-associated colitis. Hypersensitivity to clindamycin, lincomycin, benzoyl peroxide, or any formula component. Not for oral, ophthalmic, or intravaginal use.
Benzoyl Peroxide will bleach hair, colored fabrics, furniture, and carpeting on contact. Allow gel to fully absorb before contact with clothing, pillowcases, and towels. Use white or old linens while on treatment.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSClindamycin Phosphate 1%Proven
A water-soluble phosphate ester of the semisynthetic lincosamide antibiotic clindamycin, specifically chosen for topical acne treatment. Once on the skin, phosphatase enzymes convert clindamycin phosphate to its active form, clindamycin base, which then penetrates into sebaceous follicles.
- Mechanism: Inhibits bacterial protein synthesis by binding to the 50S ribosomal subunit, blocking peptide-bond formation in Cutibacterium acnes (formerly P. acnes).
- Anti-Inflammatory: Suppresses complement-derived chemotaxis of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) in vitro, reducing inflammatory lesion count.
- Bioavailability: Mean systemic absorption is <1%, minimizing systemic antibiotic side effects compared to oral clindamycin.
- Clinical Data: In controlled trials, twice-daily application for 10–16 weeks reduced inflammatory lesions significantly more than vehicle or clindamycin alone.
Benzoyl Peroxide 5%Proven
An organic peroxide and the most widely studied OTC-to-Rx acne active. BPO releases free radical oxygen intermediates that directly kill bacteria without inducing antibiotic resistance — a key advantage when combined with antibiotics. Its lipophilic nature allows it to concentrate within sebaceous follicles where acne bacteria proliferate.
- Bactericidal Mechanism: Oxidized intermediates interact with bacterial cell membranes and proteins, killing C. acnes without the resistance risk associated with antibiotics.
- Keratolytic: Promotes gentle shedding of dead skin cells (desquamation), helping to clear blocked pores and reduce comedone formation.
- Anti-Resistance: BPO actively prevents clindamycin-resistant P. acnes strains from developing — critical for long-term treatment efficacy.
- Systemic Safety: <2% enters systemic circulation as benzoic acid, which is rapidly excreted. No systemic accumulation has been observed.
Propylene Glycol InactiveFunctional
A humectant and solvent that helps maintain the gel's consistency, aids in active ingredient delivery, and provides a degree of hydration to offset the drying effects of BPO. Also acts as a preservative co-solvent.
- Comedogenic Rating: 0/5 — safe for acne-prone skin.
- Fungal Acne Safe: Yes — not a fatty acid ester.
- Function: Humectant, solvent, penetration enhancer for actives.
Limonene InactiveFragrance
A naturally occurring terpene found in citrus peel oils and many plants. Present in trace amounts as part of the formulation base. Provides a faint, clean citrus scent. Note: Classified as a fragrance ingredient by INCI standards.
- Antioxidant: Acts as a free radical scavenger in the formulation.
- Comedogenic Rating: 0/5.
- Fungal Acne Status: Safe — terpene, not a fatty acid ester.
9 ingredients total
Benzoyl Peroxide (5%), Clindamycin Phosphate (1%), Carbon, Diheptyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate, Limonene, Phosphoric Acid, Propylene Glycol, Sodium Hydroxide, Water
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEApply to the entire face — not just individual pimples — twice daily (morning and evening) unless directed otherwise. Wait 15 minutes after cleansing before applying. Do not layer with other topical acne actives (AHA, BHA, retinoids) without physician guidance.
How to use
HOW TO USECleanse Gently
Wash your face with a mild, non-medicated cleanser using only your hands — avoid abrasive scrubs or exfoliating cleansers. Rinse thoroughly with warm water and pat dry.
Wait 15 Minutes
Allow skin to fully dry before applying the gel. Applying to damp skin can increase irritation and erythema, especially during the initial weeks of treatment.
Apply a Thin Layer
Dispense a small pea-sized amount and spread a thin, even layer over the entire affected area. Avoid the eyes, lips, nostrils, and any mucous membranes or broken skin.
Allow to Absorb
Let the gel absorb fully — approximately 30 seconds. Do not rinse off. Resist the urge to apply more product to stubborn areas; excess application increases dryness without added benefit.
Follow with Moisturizer
Apply a non-comedogenic, oil-free moisturizer to minimize dryness and peeling. Products such as Cetaphil, CeraVe, or La Roche-Posay Toleriane are commonly recommended by dermatologists with this medication.
Apply SPF in the Morning
Benzoyl Peroxide increases photosensitivity. Apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher sunscreen every morning as the final step. Reapply every 2 hours if outdoors. Non-medicated makeup may be applied 1 hour after the gel.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You have mild to moderately severe inflammatory acne vulgaris (papules, pustules)
- OTC benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid products have not produced adequate results
- You want a single-product dual-action treatment prescribed by a dermatologist
- Your skin is oily or combination and prone to frequent breakouts
- You are 12 years of age or older
- You want to minimize antibiotic resistance risk vs. clindamycin monotherapy
Consider alternatives if:
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding without explicit physician approval
- You have a history of colitis, ulcerative colitis, or antibiotic-associated diarrhea
- You have severe cystic or nodulocystic acne (may require isotretinoin or oral antibiotics)
- You have known hypersensitivity to clindamycin, lincomycin, or benzoyl peroxide
- You have rosacea or severely reactive skin prone to extreme sensitization
- You need a fully fragrance-free formula (contains limonene)
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESIdeal match. The oil-free aqueous gel formula absorbs quickly without adding shine, while BPO helps reduce excess sebum production and keeps pores clear.
This is the primary target skin type. Non-comedogenic, targets bacteria and inflammation simultaneously, and helps prevent new breakouts while treating existing ones.
Works well on T-zone acne while remaining light enough for drier facial zones. Pair with a good moisturizer to keep cheeks and jaw hydrated.
Effective when breakouts are the primary concern. Moisturizer is still recommended to counterbalance BPO's drying effect even on normal skin types.
Can be used but requires diligent moisturization. BPO and clindamycin may exacerbate dryness, flaking, and tightness. Start with once-daily application and build tolerance gradually.
Requires extra caution. Initial redness, burning, and flaking are common. Use every other day to start, and always apply a barrier-supporting moisturizer. Contains limonene — patch test advised for fragrance-sensitive individuals.
Results timeline
WEEKS 8–12Adjustment Phase — Initial Irritation Possible
Most users experience some dryness, mild redness, and occasionally a brief purging phase as BPO accelerates skin cell turnover. This is normal and expected. Begin with once-daily use if irritation is significant.
~70% notice initial drynessEarly Antibacterial Effect — Fewer New Pimples
Clindamycin begins suppressing C. acnes bacterial load. New inflammatory lesions start appearing less frequently. Some users report visible clearing of surface-level pustules within the first 2 weeks.
~45% report early improvementVisible Lesion Reduction — Fewer Papules and Pustules
Clinical studies show statistically significant reductions in both inflammatory and noninflammatory lesion counts by week 4–6. Skin texture begins to improve. Redness from healing lesions starts to fade.
~60% see notable clearingPeak Efficacy — Sustained Clearance
The 10-week endpoint used in pivotal clinical trials. Users see maximum reduction in total lesion count and global improvement. Physician-rated global improvement scores are significantly greater than benzoyl peroxide or clindamycin monotherapy.
~69% report positive outcomesRatings by platform
1K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- FDA-approved with two robust clinical trials
- Dual-action formula outperforms either ingredient alone
- BPO actively reduces antibiotic resistance — a major long-term benefit
- Fast-absorbing, non-greasy oil-free gel texture
- Works on both inflammatory papules and noninflammatory comedones
- Can be worn under makeup (applied 1 hour before)
- Affordable generic price vs. brand-name equivalents
- Highly rated by dermatologists as a first-line combo therapy
Criticized
- Requires a prescription — not available OTC
- Bleaches fabric, pillowcases, and towels
- Short 3-month PAO after dispensing; may be wasted if used infrequently
- Initial purging and dryness can be significant
- Contains limonene — not 100% fragrance-free
- Increased photosensitivity requires strict daily SPF use
- Not evaluated for use beyond 12 weeks
- Contraindicated for patients with a history of colitis
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPESAnother FDA-approved generic version of the same 1%/5% combination. Virtually identical active ingredient profile. May differ slightly in inactive excipients. Check with your pharmacist for the best-priced generic at your pharmacy.
Using a separate topical clindamycin 1% gel alongside an OTC BPO wash or cream can replicate the therapeutic rationale. However, requires two products, careful sequencing, and is less convenient. BPO wash may be less effective than leave-on BPO gel at the same concentration.
A fully OTC alternative combining adapalene (retinoid) with benzoyl peroxide. No antibiotic resistance concerns. Different mechanism — retinoids normalize cell turnover rather than killing bacteria directly. Less effective for purely inflammatory acne but excellent for comedonal and mixed acne. No bleaching risk from adapalene.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDEPerrigo Clindamycin/BPO Gel 1%/5%
BenzaClin Gel (Valeant / Bausch) — Brand Name
Acanya Gel — Clindamycin 1.2% / BPO 2.5%
Epiduo Forte — Adapalene 0.3% / BPO 2.5%
Storage & shelf life
3 MONTHS3 months (approximately 90 days) after dispensing. This applies to BenzaClin-equivalent formulations. After this period, the stability of the active ingredients may be compromised. Check the expiration date provided by your pharmacy.
Store at room temperature between 68°F–77°F (20°C–25°C). Store in a cool, dry place away from moisture and heat. Do not freeze. Keep jar or tube tightly closed when not in use. Keep upright if using a pump dispenser.
Available as a 50g glass or plastic jar, or with a pump dispenser depending on manufacturer. The Perrigo version is typically dispensed in a 50g jar. Some versions may come as a kit requiring pharmacist mixing before dispensing.
Yes — 50g (approximately 1.76 oz) is under the 100ml TSA carry-on liquid limit. Keep in original packaging with pharmacy label for identification. Prescription medications are generally allowed in carry-on baggage with proper documentation.
Frequently asked questions
FAQThis product should only be used during pregnancy under the explicit guidance of a physician or OB-GYN. Clindamycin Phosphate is FDA Pregnancy Category B — animal studies have not demonstrated fetal risk, but there are no adequate, well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Benzoyl Peroxide has very low systemic absorption (<2%), but safety in pregnancy has not been formally established. During breastfeeding, avoid applying the gel to the chest or breast area to prevent any possibility of infant ingestion. The safest approach is to consult your dermatologist and OB-GYN before starting or continuing this medication during pregnancy or lactation.
Yes, this formula is generally considered safe for those prone to fungal acne (Malassezia folliculitis). The ingredient list contains no fatty acids in the C11–C24 range that Malassezia feeds on. The diheptyl sodium sulfosuccinate present in the Perrigo formula uses short C7 heptyl chains that fall below the carbon chain length required to feed Malassezia. Additionally, Benzoyl Peroxide itself has well-documented antifungal activity and has been used as a treatment for Malassezia-related conditions. If you are uncertain, consult your dermatologist who prescribed this medication.
Proceed with caution and physician guidance before layering this medication with other topical actives. Combining with AHA (glycolic/lactic acid), BHA (salicylic acid), or retinoids (retinol, tretinoin, adapalene) significantly increases the risk of skin irritation, excessive dryness, peeling, and barrier damage — especially in the first weeks of treatment. Many dermatologists recommend starting with this gel alone, building skin tolerance over 4–6 weeks, and then carefully introducing other actives if needed. Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is generally lower-risk but should still be used at a separate time of day. Do not use with erythromycin-containing products — they may counteract the antibacterial activity of clindamycin.
This prescription gel is best suited for oily and acne-prone skin types dealing with mild to moderately severe inflammatory acne vulgaris (papules, pustules). It performs excellently on oily skin because the oil-free aqueous gel texture absorbs quickly without adding shine. Combination skin also responds very well. Dry and sensitive skin types can use it, but they require more diligent moisturization and a gradual build-up in frequency (starting every other day) to prevent excessive dryness and irritation. It is not recommended as a first-choice option for purely non-inflammatory or comedonal-only acne — adapalene-based products may be more effective in those cases.
Results vary by individual, but here is a general timeline based on clinical data and patient experience: Days 1–14: Adjustment phase — possible initial dryness, redness, or minor purging as skin adapts to BPO. Some users see early improvement in surface pustules within the first week. Weeks 2–4: Reduction in the frequency of new breakouts as clindamycin suppresses bacterial load. Weeks 4–8: Visible reduction in inflammatory lesions; skin texture begins to improve. Weeks 8–12: Peak efficacy per clinical trials — up to 69% of patients report a positive outcome by week 10. Do not discontinue early due to initial irritation; the most meaningful results come after sustained use. Consult your dermatologist if you see no improvement after 8 weeks.
Apply this gel as your first treatment step after cleansing and fully drying your skin. The correct routine order is: (1) Gentle non-medicated cleanser → (2) Pat dry, wait 15 minutes → (3) Apply this gel to the entire face in a thin layer → (4) Let absorb for 30 seconds → (5) Non-comedogenic moisturizer → (6) SPF 30+ sunscreen in the morning. Non-medicated makeup may be applied approximately 1 hour after the gel. Do not layer other topical acne medications unless directed by your physician. This gel is applied twice daily — morning and evening — for the 1%/5% formulation.
No — this formulation has a comedogenic rating of 0/5. It is an oil-free aqueous gel with no comedogenic oils, waxes, or heavy silicones. The active ingredients (clindamycin and benzoyl peroxide) actually work to unclog pores by reducing bacterial populations and promoting gentle desquamation (skin cell shedding). The inactive ingredients — propylene glycol, carbon, diheptyl sodium sulfosuccinate, and water — are all non-comedogenic. This product was specifically designed for acne-prone skin and is a standard dermatologist prescription precisely because it does not aggravate existing blockages.
This gel has a Period After Opening (PAO) of approximately 3 months (90 days) after dispensing by the pharmacy. After this point, the stability and potency of the active ingredients — particularly benzoyl peroxide, which can degrade over time — may be compromised. The 50g jar used twice daily on the face should be largely consumed within this window for typical adult acne treatment. Always check the expiration date label your pharmacist provides. Store at room temperature (68–77°F / 20–25°C), away from moisture and heat, and do not freeze. Discard any unused product after the expiration date.
Verdict: Perrigo's Clindamycin and Benzoyl Peroxide Gel 1%/5% is a gold-standard prescription acne treatment backed by robust clinical evidence and decades of dermatological use. Its dual-mechanism formula — combining an antibiotic that inhibits bacterial protein synthesis with an oxidizing antibacterial that generates zero antibiotic resistance — makes it more effective than either ingredient used alone, as demonstrated in controlled trials of 758 patients. The lightweight, oil-free gel texture is ideal for oily and acne-prone skin, absorbing quickly without shine. The key trade-off: it requires a prescription, bleaches fabrics, has a short 3-month PAO, and the initial 2–4 weeks can involve dryness and irritation that demands commitment. For anyone with moderate inflammatory acne who has not responded adequately to OTC treatments, this remains one of the most clinically justified options available. Pair it with a non-comedogenic moisturizer and daily SPF for best results.
Product Overview
What are Quick Product Notes?
Quick product notes are a great way to check if a product is free from commonly avoided ingredients by skincare enthusiasts. These preferences come about for different reasons depending on the ingredient such as personal experiences, sensitivities, health preferences & etc.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product is not free from a common preference does not mean it's a bad product! You can make a personal decision whether or not you want to use a product that contains these ingredients or not - click the labels of the preference to read more about them.
Quick Product Notes
Paraben-Free
Paraben-Free
Understanding Parabens
Parabens are a large group of preservatives which are used to prevent bacteria growing in cosmetic formulations. There has been some healthy controversy surrounding them due to a few studies finding paraben presence in breast tumours and breast tissue. However, the majority of the scientific community have deemed these findings non-conclusive due to the limitations of these studies. There's still a lot of support for avoiding parabens following the better safe than sorry route. If you do we completely support you! If you are concerned about the health safety of parabens, then feel free to avoid them by looking out for the Paraben-Free icon. If not, don't worry about it - they do have had one of the longest safety records as preservatives!
Which Ingredients are classified as Paraben?
A product will be paraben-free if it does not contain any of the following parabens:
- Sodium Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Ethylparaben
- Sodium Butylparaben
- Propylparaben
- Isopropylparaben
- Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Propylparaben
- Butylparaben
- Ethylparaben
- Sodium Methylparaben
- Methylparaben
Sulfate-Free
Sulfate-Free
Understanding Sulfates
Sulfates are a large group of ingredients which act as cleansing agents in Cosmetics. They help loosen up the dirt and grime from your skin and hair to allow for water to wash it away with ease. However some sulfates are so good at their job, they can wash off your skin’s own natural oils that keep it moisturised and protected which can lead to dryness and irritation. Most people will find no issues with sulfate, however if you find your skin doesn't like sulfates then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the sulfate-free icon on Skincarisma.
Which ingredients are classified as sulfates?
We've taken the Sulfates which are considered more harsh for our Sulfate-Free status. A product will be Sulfate-Free if it does not contain any of the following Sulfates:
- TEA-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate
- Ammonium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
- PEG-15 Cocamine
- Sodium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Cocoyl Sarcosinate
- Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
- Dioctyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate
- Ammonium Xylenesulfonate
- Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate
- Sodium Xylenesulfonate
- Sodium Myreth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate
Alcohol-Free
Alcohol-Free
Understanding Simple Alcohols
Alcohol ingredients are widely used in cosmetics and come in different types. For the most part alcohols are not problematic at all. However one type of alcohols, simple alcohols can be quite drying to the skin because it evaporates very quickly. This can cause irritation which can also lead to other skin complications. These alcohols should never be used alone on your skin, but combined with other cosmetic ingredients, they are normally without issue. However, for some people with sensitive and easily irritable skin, avoiding products with these simple alcohols may be beneficial. If you find your skin doesn't like these simple alcohols, then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the Alcohol-Free icon.
Which Ingredients are classified as Alcohol?
A product will be alcohol-free if it does not contain any of the following alcohol ingredients:
- SD Alcohol
- Alcohol Denat
- Isopropyl Alcohol
- Alcohol
Silicone-Free
Silicone-Free
Understanding Silicones
If you've ever used a skincare, makeup or beauty product that's made your skin look and feel smoother tempoarily - it's likely contained Silicone. They are a popular class of ingredients found in cosmetics due to their smooth, soft, easy-to-spread and smooth properties that help creates an artificial layer/barrier on top of skin or hair (commonly found in conditioners).
For the same reasons they are popularly used, they are also commonly avoided. Anecdotally, many individuals have reported that Silicones cause/excerbate breakouts, irritation, cause a feeling of skin being unable to breathe, cause clumping of cosmetic products and find it difficult to wash off. As a result, those who find them problematic are avoiding them and increasingly, cosmetic companies are avoiding them as well.
If you have had bad experiences with Silicones in the past, or suspect they are problematic then look out for the tick on the Silicone-free label.
Disclaimer
The Silicone-free label only includes the most common Silicone ingredients that have indentified been reported by individuals that could potentially cause issues.
These include: Amodimethicone, Behenoxy Dimethicone, Bis-Aminopropyl Dimethicone, Cetearyl Methicone, Cetyl Dimethicone, Cyclomethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Dimethicone Copolyol, Dimethiconol, Methicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Stearoxy Dimethicone, Stearyl Dimethicone, Trimethylsilylamodimethicone.
Note, that this does not include all ingredients part of the Silicone class of ingredients.
EU Allergen-Free
EU Allergen-Free
Understanding the Identified Contact Allergens
The EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has identified and established 26 cosmetic ingredients that are likely contact allergens (potential to cause skin allergies) as demonstrated in clinical or epidemiological studies. The EU's SCCS have recommend cosmetic companies to disclose them on the labels if used and in cases where the concentration exceeds 0.001% in leave-on products and 0.01% in rinse-off products, then they must be labelled.
Look out for the tick on the EU-Allergen free label to know your cosmetic is free from any of the 26 identified cosmetic ingredients.
For more information regarding the EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety, please visit their official website.
Disclaimer
The EU Allergen Free label is for the 26 ingredients identified by the EU SCCS and products will be only flagged if a suspected ingredient is on it's ingredient list. It is possible for cosmetics to contain one of the suspect ingredients without it appearing on the ingredient list due to it not reaching the concentration threshold to disclose it and cosmetic manufacturers choice to not disclose it.
Also note, the EU Allergen Free label is not personalized for your own allergies you may have and it does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Understanding Fungal Acne (Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia Folliculitis)
Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia folliculitis or simply known as Fungal Acne is a persistent acne-like condition that commonly responds poorly to traditional acne-treating methods. Unlike most cases of Acne where bacteria is the culprit, Fungi is the culprit of Fungal Acne (Hence the name!). There are certain classes & groups of ingredients that have been shown to promote and feed the growth of the Fungal Acne, Fungi such as fatty acids, oils, esters, polysorbates and fermented ingredients.
For more information regarding Fungal Acne, please visit Simple Skincare Science (f.c) - #3 of our Recommend Skincare Resources for an amazing comprehensive guide!
Please Read: How to use the Fungal Acne (Malassezia) Label
At SkinCarisma, we've done our best to identify as many ingredients as possible but note the fungal-free label may not be 100% accurate due to the complexconditions and combination of ingredients that malezzeria can thrive on.
Additionally, products that may contain ingredients that have shown to feed Malassezia may not neccessarily exacerbate the condition due to concentration of ingredient used in the product, this information is simply not available on the products.
As a result, please note this is only an experimental label that can be best used to possible identify problematic products you have used in the past. It is in no way a perfect identifier nor a predictor in whether or not it will exacerbate or cause fungal acne. It will continue to be worked on as more information and research comes to light.
If you find any ingredients you believe should be included, please email us at snails@skincarisma.com.
Disclaimer
Due to the lack of substantial research into this area it is very likely there are other ingredients and class/groups of ingredients that could feed Fungal Acne which have not been indentified.
The Fungal-Safe label does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
What are Notable Effects & Ingredients?
Ever used a product that promised a certain effect but provided no results? It might not have contained any notable ingredients that could have been responsible for that promised effect. It doesn't matter what the marketing or packaging «promises» it can do, if it doesn't contain anything that can help - then the likelihood of it helping is low.
We help you identify key notable ingredients that have been shown to help with effects such as acne-fighting, brightening, UV-protection, wound healing & anti-aging to help you achieve your skincare goals smarter. Please note that different notable ingredients have varying levels of research behind them, some are extremely well proven yet some have mixed research in their efficacy.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product doesn't contain any notable ingredients doesn't mean it's bad. And a product with notable ingredients (or even many) doesn't necessarily guarantee the efficacy of the product performing these effects either. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine this.
Be smart and use this as just a starting point for you to make more informed and smarter choices and compare it with reviews to see if the product is right for you
Notable Effects & Ingredients
Ache-fighting from 2 ingredient(s):
What are Ingredients Related to Skin Type?
Why are some products great for some people and horrible for others? Well everyone has different skin types and different reactions to the same ingredients.
We've identified a range of ingredients that are commonly regarded as potentially good or bad for those with Dry, Oily/Acne-Prone or Sensitive skin.
Pro Tip Alert!
A product that contains good or bad ingredients for your skin type doesn't always flat out make the entire product good or bad for your skin. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine your skins reaction.
One of the best ways to use this section is to troubleshoot products you've had bad experiences with in the past. Check if it contains any of the marked ingredients to point out suspect ingredients to avoid in the future!
Ingredients Related to Skin Types
Dry Skin
Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
Sensitive Skin
What is the Ingredient Safety Breakdown?
Ingredient Safety Breakdown refers to the percentage % of ingredients in different risk categories as classified by EWG (Environment Working Group) if they are available. There are almost endless cosmetic ingredients and they are one of the few organisations globally that have assigned ratings to a lot of the more commonly used ingredients which is why we reference them.
Pro Tip Alert!
EWG is seen by many to be more on the alarmist side in their assignment of health ratings resulting in rating ingredients as riskier than they actually are. We recommend using this a reference point rather than a strict guide of ingredient safety and to always do further research if into ingredients that you may find suspect.
Ingredient Safety Breakdown
Product ingredient list
| EWG | CIR | Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 |
Benzoyl Peroxide
Antiacne Agent, Oxidising Agent
|
Ache-fighting
|
|
| 0 |
Carbon
|
|
|
| 0 |
Clindamycin Phosphate
|
Ache-fighting
|
|
| 6 |
Limonene
Deodorant, Perfuming, Solvent
|
|
|
| 0 |
Diheptyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate
Cleansing
|
|