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Clindamycin Phosphate Topical Solution 1% Pledgets

Clindamycin Phosphate Topical Solution 1% Pledgets

Product Description

Product overview

Made in Various INTERNATIONAL

Padagis Clindamycin Phosphate Topical Solution 1% Pledgets is a prescription-strength topical antibiotic treatment for acne vulgaris. Each individually-wrapped pledget (pre-moistened swab) delivers 10 mg of clindamycin per mL in a fast-drying alcohol-based vehicle that targets acne-causing bacteria (C. acnes), reduces inflammation, and lowers surface free fatty acids. An AT-rated generic equivalent to Cleocin-T®.

Prescription Antibiotic FDA-Approved Generic (AT-Rated) Dermatologist-Prescribed Fragrance-Free Paraben-Free Oil-Free Non-Comedogenic Single-Use Pledgets Generic to Cleocin-T®
Pregnancy
Caution
Fungal Acne
Yes
Comedogenic
0/5
Type
Rx Antibiotic
Active
Clindamycin 1%
Count
60 Pledgets
Treats
Acne Vulgaris
Ingredients
5
Real reviews · YouTube Shorts
Why it's different

Targets C. acnes Bacteria

Clindamycin inhibits bacterial protein synthesis, reducing the C. acnes population that drives inflammatory breakouts.

01

Texture & feel

SENSORY
Consistency
Watery Solution
Scent
Alcohol Smell
Absorption
Instant (Flash Dry)
Finish
Matte / Dry

Targets C. acnes Bacteria

Clindamycin inhibits bacterial protein synthesis, reducing the C. acnes population that drives inflammatory breakouts.

Lowers Surface Oil

Clinical data shows skin-surface free fatty acids drop from around 14% to 2% after consistent use, helping calm oily skin.

Pre-Measured Pledgets

Each single-use pad is individually sealed to keep the solution sterile and dose-consistent — ideal for travel and gym bags.

Affordable Generic

AT-rated therapeutic equivalent to brand-name Cleocin-T® at a fraction of the price, with identical active ingredient.

No Hands, No Mess

Pledget format means no tube, no pump, no fingertip contamination — just swipe and dispose.

Fragrance & Oil Free

Simple 5-ingredient formula with no dyes, parabens, sulfates, or fragrance — suitable for sensitive acne-prone skin.

02

Safety & compatibility

SAFE
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Consult Physician

Topical clindamycin absorbs at under 5% systemically, but safety in pregnancy is not established. Clindamycin crosses the placenta. Use only if clearly directed by your doctor.

Fungal Acne (Malassezia) Safe

Contains no fatty acids, esters, or polysorbates. The formula is simply alcohol, water, propylene glycol, and the antibiotic — malassezia cannot feed on it.

Non-Comedogenic (0/5)

Oil-free, pore-clearing formulation. The alcohol-water base leaves nothing behind that could clog pores.

Contains 50% Isopropyl Alcohol

Highly drying by design. Expect some stinging, tightness, or flaking — especially at first. Always pair with a supportive moisturizer.

Avoid with Strong Retinoids Same Time

Layer tretinoin/adapalene at the opposite time of day (e.g. clindamycin AM, retinoid PM) to minimize irritation and inactivation.

Pairs Perfectly with Benzoyl Peroxide

BPO prevents antibiotic resistance. Clinical studies show BPO + clindamycin outperforms either alone for inflammatory acne.

Not for IBD / Colitis History

Contraindicated if you have a history of regional enteritis, ulcerative colitis, or antibiotic-associated colitis. Very rare systemic absorption risk.

Flammable — Keep Away from Flame

50% alcohol content makes the solution flammable. Do not use near open flames, cigarettes, or heat sources until fully dry.

03

Ingredient breakdown

INGREDIENTS

Clindamycin Phosphate 1%Proven

A semi-synthetic lincosamide antibiotic that is the sole active ingredient. After topical application, skin enzymes rapidly hydrolyze it into active clindamycin, which binds to the 50S ribosomal subunit of Cutibacterium acnes (formerly Propionibacterium acnes) and halts bacterial protein synthesis. It also suppresses inflammatory chemotaxis of white blood cells, calming red, painful pustules.

  • FDA Indication: Approved for topical treatment of acne vulgaris.
  • Comedone Penetration: Mean antibiotic concentration of 597 mcg/g measured inside comedones after 4 weeks of twice-daily use.
  • Oil Reduction: Surface free fatty acids drop from roughly 14% to 2% with consistent use.
  • Systemic Absorption: Less than 0.2% of the applied dose is recovered in urine; serum levels stay at 0–3 ng/mL.
Always combine with benzoyl peroxide or a retinoid — using topical antibiotics as monotherapy for longer than 12 weeks encourages bacterial resistance.

Isopropyl Alcohol 50%Proven

The primary solvent vehicle. Dissolves and carries the clindamycin phosphate into the follicle where acne bacteria live, then evaporates fast for a completely matte, non-sticky finish. Also contributes mild antiseptic action on its own.

  • Role: Solvent, penetration enhancer, antiseptic, flash-dry agent.
  • Why 50%? This concentration is high enough to dissolve clindamycin fully and degrease the skin surface for better absorption.
  • Downside: Classified by the National Rosacea Society as an astringent alcohol that can strip natural oils and trigger irritation in the top half of an ingredient list.
This is the ingredient responsible for the stinging sensation and any dryness. Follow with moisturizer — do not skip.

Propylene Glycol SupportingProven

A humectant and co-solvent that partially offsets the drying effect of the alcohol. It helps pull a small amount of moisture back into the skin, boosts delivery of the clindamycin, and keeps the formula stable and resistant to microbial contamination.

  • Humectant: Helps skin retain some water despite the alcohol.
  • Delivery Aid: Well-documented penetration enhancer for active ingredients.
  • Preservation: Adds antimicrobial properties that extend product lifespan.
Considered safe in cosmetic concentrations. A small minority of very sensitive users may develop a rash — patch test first.

Purified Water q.s.Proven

USP-grade purified water makes up the remainder of the solution. It acts as the base in which the other ingredients dissolve and is what you feel cooling your skin on contact before the alcohol flashes off.

  • Role: Base solvent that balances the alcohol concentration and suspends the active.
  • Grade: USP (United States Pharmacopeia) purified — meets pharmaceutical purity standards.

Sodium Hydroxide pH AdjusterProven

Also called lye or caustic soda. Present only in tiny amounts to buffer the final solution to a skin-compatible pH between 4.0 and 7.0 — crucial for clindamycin stability and to minimize stinging on application.

  • Role: pH neutralizer only — used in microscopic amounts.
  • Target pH: 4.0–7.0 range verified per FDA monograph.
  • Safety: Fully neutralized in the final formula; no free lye remains on skin.

5 ingredients

Active: Clindamycin Phosphate 1% (equivalent to 10 mg clindamycin per mL). Inactive: Isopropyl Alcohol 50% v/v, Propylene Glycol, Purified Water USP, Sodium Hydroxide (pH adjuster).

FREE FROM: Fragrance, parabens, sulfates, phthalates, mineral oil, silicones, dyes, gluten, coconut, nickel, lanolin, essential oils, retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid.
04

Where it fits in your routine

ROUTINE
1
Cleanser
2
Toner
3
Clindamycin Pledget
4
BPO / Retinoid
5
Moisturizer
6
Sunscreen (AM)

Apply to clean, dry skin as your treatment step — before moisturizer. Use twice daily (AM and PM) unless your dermatologist directs otherwise. Wait at least 1–2 minutes for the alcohol to fully flash off before layering other products.

05

How to use

HOW TO USE
1

Cleanse & Pat Dry

Wash the affected area with a mild, non-abrasive cleanser. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water and pat completely dry with a clean towel.

2

Open One Pledget

Remove a single pledget from the jar or foil just before use. Keep the jar tightly sealed to preserve the remaining pledgets.

3

Swipe a Thin Film

Gently swipe the pledget across the entire affected area — not spot-treatment only. One pledget covers the full face; use more than one if treating chest or back.

4

Avoid Sensitive Zones

Keep away from eyes, lips, inside of nostrils, and any broken or irritated skin. If contact occurs, rinse immediately with large amounts of cool water.

5

Discard & Wash Hands

Each pledget is single-use only — toss after one application. Wash your hands to avoid transferring antibiotic residue to eyes or mouth.

6

Repeat Twice Daily

Use morning and night for 6–12 weeks. Expect initial visible improvement around week 4 and fuller results by week 8–12. Do not exceed 12 weeks without medical reassessment.

06

Who is it for?

WHO

Perfect for you if:

  • You have mild-to-moderate inflammatory acne (red papules, pustules)
  • You have oily or combination skin that tolerates alcohol-based products
  • You want a mess-free, travel-friendly dose-controlled format
  • You're already using benzoyl peroxide or a retinoid and need an antibacterial addition
  • You prefer a generic at a lower cost than Cleocin-T®
  • You have body acne (chest, back, shoulders) — pledgets are easier than tubes here

Consider alternatives if:

  • You have very dry, eczema-prone, or compromised skin barrier
  • You have rosacea — alcohol can trigger flushing and flare-ups
  • You have a history of clindamycin or lincomycin allergy
  • You have a history of ulcerative colitis, regional enteritis, or C. diff colitis
  • You're pregnant or breastfeeding (consult physician first)
  • Your acne is primarily comedonal (blackheads/whiteheads) — retinoids work better
07

Skin type compatibility

SKIN TYPES
Oily Skin
Excellent

Ideal match. The alcohol base degreases, the clindamycin reduces surface oil, and the matte flash-dry finish feels comfortable all day.

Combination
Excellent

Works well on the T-zone without disturbing drier cheeks — just layer a richer moisturizer on top of affected areas only.

Acne-Prone
Excellent

Built for this exact skin type. Non-comedogenic, fungal-acne safe, and clinically proven against inflammatory C. acnes lesions.

Dry Skin
Moderate

Can work, but the 50% alcohol will amplify dryness. Consider asking your dermatologist about the gel or lotion form of clindamycin instead.

Sensitive
Moderate

Fragrance-free and simple, but the alcohol can sting on reactive skin. Patch test on the inner forearm for 48 hours first.

Rosacea / Eczema
Poor

Not recommended. The astringent alcohol base is flagged by the National Rosacea Society as a common trigger and can worsen eczema itching.

08

Results timeline

WEEK 12+
Day 1–3

Calming Begins

Redness around active pimples may look slightly less angry. Some users notice tightness or light stinging — this is the alcohol, not an allergic reaction.

60% notice calming
Week 1–2

Inflammation Dropping

Existing papules and pustules start healing faster. New breakouts slow down as the C. acnes population on skin diminishes.

55% notice fewer new pimples
Week 4

First Meaningful Clearing

Comedonal concentration of clindamycin peaks around this point. Pustule and papule counts drop significantly in controlled studies versus placebo.

68% see clear improvement
Week 6–8

Full Therapeutic Effect

Peak bacterial suppression and oil-reduction achieved. Most patients in clinical trials reach their best results here.

74% satisfied at 8 weeks
Week 12+

Reassess with Doctor

Monotherapy beyond 12 weeks is discouraged due to resistance risk. Your dermatologist may transition you to a retinoid or combination therapy for maintenance.

Doctor re-evaluation recommended
09

Ratings by platform

1K+ REVIEWS
Drugs.com (topical clindamycin)
7.4/10
Rating
151+
Reviews
Main complaint: Can cause excessive dryness and stinging, especially on oily skin types that feel even more oily as rebound.
Acne.org Community
4.0/5
Rating
200+
Reviews
Main complaint: Results plateau if used alone; most effective when stacked with benzoyl peroxide or a retinoid.
WebMD Patient Reviews
3.8/5
Rating
300+
Reviews
Main complaint: Alcohol smell is strong at first application and some users report initial purging during week one.
Amazon / Mountainside Medical
4.3/5
Rating
500+
Reviews
Main complaint: Pledgets can dry out in the jar if the lid is not sealed tightly between uses.
SkinSort Community
4.1/5
Rating
197 routines
Usage data
Main complaint: Flagged as potentially aggravating for eczema and rosacea-prone skin due to high isopropyl alcohol content.
Padagis Website / Pharmacies
4.2/5
Rating
AT-rated
FDA Generic
Main complaint: Requires a prescription — not available OTC in the US, which delays access for new users.
10

Pros & cons

BALANCED

Praised

  • Fast visible results on inflamed pimples (often within days)
  • Hygienic single-use pledget format with no cross-contamination
  • Alcohol flash-dries instantly — wearable under makeup and sunscreen
  • Significantly cheaper than brand-name Cleocin-T®
  • Fragrance-free, paraben-free, sulfate-free, oil-free
  • Non-comedogenic and malassezia-safe
  • Excellent for back and chest acne thanks to wider pledget surface
  • FDA-approved with decades of clinical evidence

Criticized

  • Prescription-only in the United States
  • 50% isopropyl alcohol is drying and can sting sensitive skin
  • Strong alcohol odor on application (dissipates in under a minute)
  • Bacterial resistance risk if used alone past 12 weeks
  • Not recommended during pregnancy or with IBD history
  • Rare but serious risk of C. difficile colitis from systemic absorption
  • Pledgets can dry out if jar is left open
  • Less effective on non-inflammatory comedones (blackheads/whiteheads)
11

Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)

DUPES
95% Match
Clindamycin Phosphate Topical Solution
~$15–30
Budget Pick

Same active, same concentration, same vehicle — just in a 60 mL pour bottle instead of individual pledgets. Cheaper per mL but less hygienic and less travel-friendly.

90% Match
Clindamycin Phosphate 1% Gel (Padagis / Generic)
~$20–40
Similar Formula

Identical active but in a gel base with less alcohol — much gentler on dry or sensitive skin. Costs slightly more than the solution and leaves a slightly heavier finish.

75% Match
Clindamycin 1% + Benzoyl Peroxide 5% Gel (Generic Duac/BenzaClin)
~$40–80
Upgrade Pick

Contains the same clindamycin plus benzoyl peroxide in one tube — more effective and prevents antibiotic resistance, but requires refrigeration and can bleach fabric.

65% Match
Salicylic Acid 2% Solution
$7.00
OTC Alternative

Non-prescription BHA that unclogs pores instead of killing bacteria. Works on blackheads where clindamycin doesn't, but won't match it on inflamed red pimples.

55% Match
Acne Foaming Wash Benzoyl Peroxide 10% Maximum Strength
$11.00
OTC Alternative

OTC antibacterial that kills C. acnes without causing resistance. Drying and can bleach towels, but no prescription required. Pairs well with clindamycin if used together.

50% Match
Adapalene Gel 0.1%
$15.00
OTC Alternative

OTC retinoid that normalizes cell turnover — better for comedonal acne than clindamycin. Takes longer to show results and causes initial purging.

12

Comparison with competitors

SIDE-BY-SIDE

Cleocin-T® (Pfizer Brand)

Active Ingredient Clindamycin 1%
Format Solution, gel, lotion, pledget
Alcohol Content 50% isopropyl (solution)
Prescription? Yes (Rx)
Targets Inflammatory acne
Fungal-Acne Safe Yes
Main Difference 3–5× the price for same active

Duac / BenzaClin (Clindamycin + BPO 5%)

Active Ingredient Clindamycin 1% + BPO 5%
Format Gel (tube)
Alcohol Content Low
Prescription? Yes (Rx)
Targets Inflammatory + comedonal
Fungal-Acne Safe Yes
Main Difference More effective, less resistance

Differin (Adapalene 0.1%)

Active Ingredient Adapalene 0.1% (retinoid)
Format Gel (tube)
Alcohol Content None
Prescription? OTC (US)
Targets Comedonal > inflammatory
Fungal-Acne Safe Yes
Main Difference Cell-turnover, not antibacterial
13

Storage & shelf life

24 MONTHS
Period After Opening (PAO)

Use within 24 months of manufacture; follow the printed expiration on the jar. Each pledget is single-use — discard immediately after application.

Storage

Store at controlled room temperature, 20–25°C (68–77°F). Protect from freezing and direct sunlight. Keep jar tightly closed between uses to prevent evaporation.

Packaging

Resealable plastic jar containing 60 individually-saturated single-use pledget applicators (NDC 45802-263-37).

Travel Friendly

Yes — individually saturated pledgets make this one of the easiest acne treatments to travel with. Under 100 mL total volume. Note: flammable, so check airline rules.

13

Frequently asked questions

FAQ

Topical clindamycin absorbs at less than 5% systemically, which is low — but clindamycin is known to cross the placenta, and no adequate controlled reproduction studies have been conducted in pregnant women. The American Academy of Dermatology generally considers topical clindamycin acceptable in pregnancy when clearly needed, but it should only be used if the benefit clearly outweighs the risk. Do not use during pregnancy or breastfeeding without explicit direction from your physician.

Yes. The formula contains only clindamycin phosphate, isopropyl alcohol, propylene glycol, water, and sodium hydroxide — none of which feed malassezia yeast. There are no fatty acids, esters, oils, or polysorbates, which are the usual culprits that trigger fungal acne flare-ups.

Yes, but separate them in time to reduce irritation. The classic dermatologist combination is clindamycin in the morning and a retinoid (tretinoin, adapalene) at night — this pairing has strong clinical evidence. Benzoyl peroxide is an even better partner as it prevents antibiotic resistance. Avoid layering directly with high-strength AHA/BHA or vitamin C on the same application; use them on alternating days or at opposite times of day to prevent barrier damage from the combined alcohol and acid.

Best suited for oily, combination, and acne-prone skin with mild-to-moderate inflammatory acne (red papules and pustules). The 50% isopropyl alcohol makes it less ideal for dry, sensitive, rosacea-prone, or eczema-prone skin — in those cases ask your dermatologist about the clindamycin gel or lotion forms, which are much gentler.

Early calming can appear within the first few days as inflammation drops. Clinical studies using twice-daily application show significantly lower pustule and papule counts by week 8 compared to placebo, with the best results typically around weeks 6–12. The Mayo Clinic notes full improvement may take 8–12 weeks. Do not extend monotherapy beyond 12 weeks without medical reassessment due to resistance risk.

Apply it as your treatment step: after cleansing and toning, but before moisturizer and sunscreen. Wait about 1–2 minutes for the alcohol to fully evaporate so the clindamycin has settled in before layering the next product. Typical order: Cleanser → Toner (optional) → Clindamycin Pledget → Benzoyl Peroxide or Retinoid → Moisturizer → Sunscreen (AM only).

No. The comedogenic rating is 0/5. The formula is completely oil-free and actively reduces surface free fatty acids (from about 14% to 2% with consistent use). Nothing in the ingredient list is pore-clogging — it is in fact designed to unclog and treat clogged, infected pores.

Use by the expiration date printed on the jar — typically up to 24 months from manufacture. Because each pledget is individually saturated and single-use, there is no per-pledget PAO. Keep the jar tightly closed between uses to prevent alcohol evaporation, which could dry out the remaining pledgets. Store at room temperature between 20–25°C (68–77°F) and protect from freezing and direct sunlight.

— Skincarisma verdict
4.2 / 5 ★★★★☆

Verdict: Padagis Clindamycin Phosphate Topical Solution 1% Pledgets is a workhorse prescription antibiotic that delivers exactly what it promises — measurable reduction of inflammatory acne lesions within 4–8 weeks at a fraction of the cost of brand-name Cleocin-T®. The hygienic single-use pledget format is a genuine advantage for face, chest, and back treatment, and the minimalist 5-ingredient, fragrance-free, oil-free, malassezia-safe formula avoids the usual cosmetic pitfalls. The main tradeoffs are the drying 50% isopropyl alcohol vehicle (not for dry, sensitive, rosacea, or eczema-prone skin), the prescription requirement, and the absolute need to combine it with benzoyl peroxide or a retinoid to prevent antibiotic resistance. For the right skin type and paired correctly, it remains one of the most reliable and affordable inflammatory-acne treatments in dermatology.

Product Overview

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lightbulb 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.

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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.

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Quick Product Notes

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lightbulb 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.

muscle 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

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Notable Effects & Ingredients

ache Ache-fighting from 1 ingredient(s):
Clindamycin Phosphate
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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.

muscle 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!

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Ingredients Related to Skin Types

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dry-skin Dry Skin
1
oily-skin Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
sensitive-skin Sensitive Skin
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lightbulb 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.

muscle 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.

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Ingredient Safety Breakdown

EWG Health Ratings
Low risk
Medium risk
High risk
Unknown risk
40% 40% 20%

Product ingredient list

Showing first 5 of 5 ingredients
EWG CIR Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions Notes
0 Unknown
Clindamycin Phosphate
ache Ache-fighting
2 A
Isopropyl Alcohol
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Antifoaming Agent
3 B
Propylene Glycol
Solvent, Skin Conditioning, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Skin-Conditioningagent - Miscellaneous
Hydrating
1 Unknown
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
3 B
Sodium Hydroxide
Ph Adjuster, Buffering Agent, Denaturant, Buffering