Clindamycin Gel 1%
Clindamycin Gel 1%
Product Description
Product overview
Kracie Clindamycin Gel 1% is a Japanese prescription topical antibiotic for acne vulgaris, a generic equivalent of Dalacin T Gel. Its single active ingredient, Clindamycin Phosphate 1%, targets acne-causing bacteria (C. acnes) at the ribosomal level to reduce inflammatory pimples, pustules, and red bumps. The minimal, dermatologist-grade formula contains no fragrance, no oils, no alcohol — making it one of the cleanest acne treatments available.
Kills C. Acnes Bacteria
A lincomycin-class antibiotic that binds to the 50S bacterial ribosomal subunit, inhibiting protein synthesis in Cutibacterium acnes — the bacterium responsible for inflammatory pimples.
Texture & feel
SENSORYKills C. Acnes Bacteria
A lincomycin-class antibiotic that binds to the 50S bacterial ribosomal subunit, inhibiting protein synthesis in Cutibacterium acnes — the bacterium responsible for inflammatory pimples.
Spot-Treatment Format
The clear gel base is applied only to active breakouts, allowing you to layer it under or over other parts of your routine without disturbing the rest of your skincare.
Fast Visible Results
Many users report a noticeable reduction in redness and pustule size within 3–7 days. Clinical studies on 1% clindamycin gel show roughly 65% reduction in inflammatory lesions at 12 weeks.
Minimalist Formula
Just seven medical-grade ingredients — no fragrance, oils, dyes, or surfactants. Ideal for sensitive, reactive, or fungal-acne-prone skin that reacts to most cosmetic acne products.
Safety & compatibility
SAFETopical clindamycin is FDA Pregnancy Category B. Often allowed by OB/GYNs in 2nd–3rd trimester for acne, but first trimester use should be avoided unless prescribed. Consult your doctor.
Contains zero fatty acids, esters, polysorbates, or fermented ingredients. SkinSort and Folliculitis Scout databases confirm it as fully malassezia-safe.
The water-and-glycol gel base does not contain pore-clogging oils, butters, or waxes. Comedogenic rating: 0/5.
Cross-resistance with erythromycin is documented. Do not layer or alternate with erythromycin-based acne products.
Contraindicated for those with a history of regional enteritis, ulcerative colitis, or antibiotic-associated colitis — even topical absorption can be a risk.
Dermatologists recommend pairing clindamycin with BPO (alternate days) to prevent antibiotic resistance — a globally recognized acne treatment principle.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSClindamycin Phosphate 1%Proven
The sole star and only active ingredient — a semi-synthetic antibiotic of the lincosamide class. Once absorbed by the skin, it is hydrolyzed to active clindamycin, which binds the 50S subunit of the bacterial ribosome and halts protein synthesis in Cutibacterium acnes (formerly P. acnes). This reduces the inflammatory cascade behind red, painful pimples and pustules.
- Mechanism: Binds 50S ribosomal subunit, inhibiting peptide bond formation in C. acnes.
- JAAD (2004): A multicenter trial of 592 subjects showed a 65% reduction in inflammatory lesion count after 12 weeks of clindamycin 1% gel.
- Systemic absorption: Less than 0.2% of topical dose enters serum (peak 0–3 ng/mL), per FDA prescribing information.
- Pairs best with: Benzoyl peroxide — the BPO + clindamycin combination is the gold-standard derm-recommended acne duo and reduces resistance risk.
Allantoin ~0.1–0.5%Promising
A soothing, skin-conditioning compound included in the gel base to calm irritation and support barrier repair around active acne lesions. Helps offset any potential dryness from the antibiotic.
- Function: Keratolytic and anti-irritant; promotes cell turnover and softens rough skin.
- Known for: Calming redness, supporting wound healing, and improving skin tolerance to actives.
Carbomer + PEG-400 + Propylene Glycol Gel baseInactive
The vehicle ingredients that turn clindamycin into a clear, non-greasy gel. Carbomer (934P) is the polymer thickener, polyethylene glycol 400 is a solvent that helps the active penetrate the skin, and propylene glycol acts as a humectant and additional solvent.
- Sodium Hydroxide: pH adjuster used in trace amounts to neutralize carbomer.
- Methylparaben: Preservative to keep the formula sterile in a 10 g tube.
- Purified Water: Solvent base.
7 ingredients
Clindamycin Phosphate (1%), Allantoin, Carbomer 934P, Methylparaben, Polyethylene Glycol 400, Propylene Glycol, Sodium Hydroxide, Purified Water.
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEApply twice daily (morning and night) directly on active inflammatory pimples after cleansing and toning, before moisturizer. Per SkinSort, 75% of routines containing this product use it daily.
How to use
HOW TO USEWash and Dry Skin
Cleanse with a gentle, non-medicated cleanser. Pat the face completely dry — applying to damp skin can dilute the active and increase irritation.
Apply a Thin Layer to Spots Only
Squeeze a tiny dot (rice-grain size) onto a clean fingertip and dab on each active inflammatory pimple. Do not spread over the whole face — clindamycin is a targeted treatment, not an all-over serum.
Wait 1–2 Minutes
Let the gel absorb fully and dry before applying moisturizer or sunscreen. The clear film should feel weightless once set.
Use Twice Daily
Apply morning and evening for the full course (typically 4–12 weeks). Do not exceed prescribed duration to avoid antibiotic resistance.
Pair With Benzoyl Peroxide (Recommended)
Use a 2.5–5% BPO product on alternate evenings or in the morning to reduce resistance risk and boost results — this combination is recommended by global derm guidelines.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You have mild-to-moderate inflammatory acne (red papules, pustules)
- Your skin reacts to fragrance, essential oils, or denatured alcohol
- You're prone to fungal acne (malassezia folliculitis) and need a safe active
- You want a no-frills, dermatologist-grade Japanese pharmaceutical
- You can pair it with benzoyl peroxide to prevent bacterial resistance
- You prefer spot treatment over all-over actives
Consider alternatives if:
- Your acne is mainly comedonal (blackheads, whiteheads, no inflammation) — try BHA or adapalene
- You have a history of ulcerative colitis, Crohn's, or antibiotic-associated colitis
- You're in your first trimester of pregnancy (consult your OB)
- You've used clindamycin for 12+ weeks already (resistance risk)
- You have severe nodular or cystic acne — oral medication is more effective
- You're allergic to clindamycin or lincomycin
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESLightweight, oil-free water gel that absorbs without adding shine. Ideal for the demographic most prone to inflammatory acne.
Glycol-based gel can feel slightly drying; layer a ceramide-rich moisturizer on top to keep the barrier supported.
Spot-only application means dry zones stay untouched while oily/breakout-prone areas get targeted treatment.
Fragrance- and alcohol-free formula is well tolerated by most reactive skin. Patch test 24 hours first if you have eczema or rosacea.
Engineered specifically to treat acne vulgaris. Non-comedogenic, fungal-acne-safe, and clinically validated for inflammatory lesions.
Results timeline
WEEK 8–12Visible Calming of Active Pimples
Redness and swelling on existing inflammatory pimples start to subside. Many users on Drugs.com report overnight reduction in cyst size.
~60% notice initial calmingFewer New Breakouts
The bacterial population on skin decreases, leading to a clear reduction in fresh pustules. Pre-existing spots heal faster than usual.
~70% see breakout reductionSignificant Lesion Reduction
Clinical data shows roughly 30–45% reduction in inflammatory lesion count at 4 weeks of consistent twice-daily use.
~80% noticeable improvementMaximum Clearance
Peer-reviewed studies (Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology) show a 65% reduction in inflammatory lesions after 12 weeks.
65% lesion reduction (clinical)Ratings by platform
2K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Fast visible reduction of red, inflamed pimples (often within days)
- Ultra-clean 7-ingredient formula — no fragrance, oils, or alcohol
- Fungal-acne safe — rare among acne treatments
- Non-comedogenic and reef-safe
- Clinically validated (65% inflammatory lesion reduction at 12 weeks)
- Generic of Dalacin T at a more accessible price point
- Trusted Japanese pharmaceutical manufacturer (Kracie / Shiono Chemical)
Criticized
- Small 10 g tube — depletes quickly with twice-daily multi-spot use
- Requires a prescription in most countries
- Bacterial resistance risk if used solo for over 12 weeks
- Does not treat blackheads, whiteheads, or non-inflammatory acne
- Mild dryness or stinging reported by sensitive users
- Should not be combined with erythromycin (cross-resistance)
- First-trimester pregnancy use requires medical clearance
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPESThe original branded clindamycin 1% gel from the US market. Identical active ingredient and concentration; differs only in inactive vehicle ingredients and packaging size (30 g/60 g).
Another Japanese generic Dalacin equivalent. Same 1% clindamycin phosphate, similar gel base. Slightly different excipient ratios; functionally interchangeable with the Kracie version.
Widely available generic prescribed in the US. Same 1% concentration. Comes in larger 30 g tubes which last longer, but the gel base is slightly more drying due to higher PG content.
Indian-market generic clindamycin 1%. Identical active, very low cost. Quality control on excipients can vary, but efficacy on inflammatory acne is well documented in user reviews.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDE
Storage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening. Always check the crimp of the tube for the printed expiration date and discard immediately after.
Store at room temperature, 20–25 °C (68–77 °F). Protect from freezing and direct sunlight. Keep tube tightly closed.
10 g aluminum collapsible tube with screw cap — minimizes air exposure and keeps the antibiotic stable.
Yes — well under TSA's 100 ml liquid limit. Carry your prescription documentation if traveling internationally.
Frequently asked questions
FAQTopical clindamycin is FDA Pregnancy Category B — generally considered acceptable when prescribed during the second and third trimesters, but first-trimester use should be avoided unless explicitly recommended by your physician. While breastfeeding, clindamycin is unlikely to transfer in significant amounts via topical use, but avoid applying to the chest area to prevent any infant contact. Always consult your OB/GYN before use during pregnancy or lactation.
Yes. The formula contains zero fatty acids, esters, polysorbates, or fermented ingredients — the typical triggers for malassezia folliculitis. SkinSort and other ingredient databases classify it as fully fungal-acne safe, making it one of the few acne treatments suitable for those who cannot tolerate the oils and esters in most cosmetic acne products.
Yes — clindamycin can be safely layered with retinoids (apply retinoid first, let dry, then clindamycin), niacinamide, azelaic acid, and most hydrating serums. Pair it on alternate days/nights with benzoyl peroxide (BPO) — this combination is the gold standard recommended by dermatologists worldwide and reduces antibiotic resistance. Avoid combining with erythromycin (cross-resistance) and use AHAs/BHAs at a different time of day to prevent over-drying.
It is best suited for oily, combination, and acne-prone skin with active inflammatory pimples (red papules, pustules, and small nodules). It also works for sensitive skin thanks to the fragrance-free, alcohol-free, oil-free formula. Dry skin should layer a hydrating moisturizer on top. It is not effective for purely comedonal acne (blackheads or whiteheads with no inflammation) — adapalene or salicylic acid would be better suited there.
Most users notice reduced redness and swelling on existing inflammatory pimples within 3–7 days. Significant improvement typically appears at 4 weeks. Clinical studies published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology demonstrate roughly a 65% reduction in inflammatory lesion count after 12 weeks of consistent twice-daily use. Be patient — and pair with benzoyl peroxide for the best results.
Apply after cleansing and toning, but before moisturizer. Order: cleanser → toner → any treatment serum → clindamycin gel (on active spots only) → moisturizer → sunscreen (in the morning). Wait 1–2 minutes for the gel to dry before layering anything else. Use twice daily, both morning and night.
No — its comedogenic rating is 0/5. The water-based gel vehicle uses carbomer, polyethylene glycol 400, and propylene glycol — none of which are pore-clogging. There are no oils, butters, or waxes in the formula, making it safe for even the most acne-prone skin.
The Period After Opening (PAO) is approximately 12 months when stored properly at room temperature (20–25 °C). Always check the crimp of the tube for the printed expiration date — once that date passes, discard the tube even if it has not yet hit 12 months of use. Do not use a discolored or separated gel; the active can degrade.
Verdict: Kracie Clindamycin Gel 1% is one of the cleanest and most effective topical antibiotic gels available — a Japanese generic of Dalacin T with just seven medical-grade ingredients and a clinically validated 65% reduction in inflammatory lesions at 12 weeks. The minimalist formula is fragrance-free, alcohol-free, fungal-acne-safe, and reef-safe, making it ideal for sensitive and reactive skin types that can't tolerate cosmetic acne products. Its small 10 g tube and prescription-only status are real drawbacks, and like all topical antibiotics it should be paired with benzoyl peroxide on alternate days to prevent bacterial resistance. For users with active inflammatory acne who want a no-frills pharmaceutical-grade treatment, it earns a strong recommendation.
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 1 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 |
Clindamycin Phosphate
|
Ache-fighting
|