Dalacin T 1% Topical Gel
Dalacin T 1% Topical Gel
Product Description
Pfizer Dalacin T 1% Topical Gel is a dermatologist-prescribed acne treatment powered by clindamycin phosphate, a lincosamide antibiotic that targets acne-causing bacteria (Cutibacterium acnes) and calms inflammatory breakouts, papules and pustules. Lightweight, water-based and fragrance-free, with soothing allantoin, it is a recognised first-line option for mild-to-moderate acne vulgaris.
β¨ Texture & Feel
Targets Acne Bacteria
Clindamycin binds the 50S bacterial ribosome to halt protein synthesis in Cutibacterium (Propionibacterium) acnes, reducing the bacteria that drive inflammatory breakouts.
Clinically Proven
Topical clindamycin is backed by strong clinical evidence, with studies reporting roughly a 56% reduction in acne lesions over a 12-week course.
Lightweight & Fragrance-Free
A water-based gel free from fragrance, oils, silicones and sulfates, designed to layer easily without a greasy or sticky finish.
Soothing Allantoin
Contains allantoin, a skin-conditioning agent added to calm, protect and support healing alongside the active antibiotic.
π‘οΈ Safety & Compatibility
Topical clindamycin is generally considered a first-line acne option in pregnancy (former FDA Category B) and the AAD notes it is thought to be safe. As a prescription antibiotic, always confirm with your OB-GYN or dermatologist first.
Not fungal-acne safe. It is an antibacterial (not antifungal) and the formula contains PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate, a coconut-derived ester that may feed malassezia yeast.
Used alone long-term, topical antibiotics can encourage bacterial resistance. Dermatologists usually pair clindamycin with benzoyl peroxide to prevent this.
Fragrance-free with soothing allantoin and generally well tolerated. A patch test is still recommended, as propylene glycol can irritate very reactive skin.
Avoid if you are allergic to clindamycin or lincomycin, or have a history of inflammatory bowel disease, ulcerative colitis or antibiotic-associated colitis.
Clindamycin is not strongly photosensitising, but daily broad-spectrum SPF is recommended to protect healing, acne-prone skin and fade post-acne marks.
π¬ Ingredient Breakdown
π¦ Clindamycin Phosphate 1% Proven
The star active and the only medicinal ingredient. A lincosamide antibiotic that is hydrolysed on the skin to active clindamycin, which suppresses acne-causing bacteria and reduces the inflammation behind red, swollen pimples.
- Mechanism: Binds the 50S bacterial ribosomal subunit to inhibit protein synthesis in C. acnes.
- Efficacy: Clinical evidence shows roughly 56% acne-lesion reduction over 12 weeks of use.
- Indication: Approved for the topical treatment of acne vulgaris.
πΏ Allantoin Soothing Proven
A skin-conditioning and protecting agent often added alongside strong actives. It soothes irritation and supports the skin barrier, helping offset potential dryness from the antibiotic.
- Function: Skin conditioning, skin protecting and soothing.
- Research: Higher concentrations have been shown to support wound healing.
- Source: Produced synthetically for cosmetic purity (can occur naturally in comfrey).
π¦ Propylene Glycol Humectant Promising
A colourless humectant that helps skin retain moisture and, importantly, acts as a penetration enhancer that helps deliver the clindamycin into the skin. It also adds antimicrobial stability to the product.
- Function: Humectant, solvent and skin-conditioning agent.
- Delivery: Aids absorption of active ingredients into the skin.
- Stability: Helps prevent the product from melting or freezing and prolongs shelf life.
𧫠PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate Emulsifier Promising
A synthetic polymer made from polyethylene glycol and coconut-derived fatty acids. It works as an emulsifier and mild cleansing agent, keeping oil- and water-based components from separating.
- Function: Emulsifying and cleansing.
- Role: Stabilises the gel and helps lift away oil and impurities.
- Note: Coconut-fatty-acid derived, which is relevant for malassezia-prone skin.
π‘οΈ Methylparaben Preservative Proven
A widely used paraben preservative that prevents the growth of fungus, mould and harmful bacteria, keeping the formula safe and stable over its shelf life.
- Function: Preservative (antimicrobial).
- Source: Can be synthetic or found naturally in fruits such as blueberries.
- Use: Often combined with other preservatives to extend product life.
8 ingredients
Water (Aqua), Propylene Glycol, Clindamycin Phosphate (equivalent to 1% clindamycin), Allantoin, Carbomer, PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate, Methylparaben, Sodium Hydroxide.
Carbomer acts as a gel-forming and stabilising polymer for the signature gel texture, while Sodium Hydroxide is a pH buffer that keeps the formula at the level the antibiotic needs to work. Ingredient order may vary by market batch; always check the carton dispensed by your pharmacy.
π Where It Fits in Your Routine
Apply to clean, fully dry skin before heavier creams. Pairing with a benzoyl peroxide wash or gel boosts results and helps prevent antibiotic resistance. Always finish your morning routine with SPF.
π How to Use
Cleanse & dry
Wash the affected area with a gentle, non-stripping cleanser and pat completely dry, as damp skin can increase irritation.
Apply a thin film
Smooth a thin layer over the whole affected area (not just single spots) twice daily, or exactly as your prescriber directs.
Let it absorb, then moisturise
Allow the gel to dry, then follow with a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturiser to keep the barrier comfortable.
SPF & complete the course
Use daily broad-spectrum sunscreen in the morning and keep using for the full prescribed period, even once skin clears, unless advised otherwise.
π€ Who Is It For?
β Perfect for you if:
- You have mild-to-moderate inflammatory acne (red papules and pustules)
- Your skin is oily or combination
- You want a fragrance-free, lightweight prescription treatment
- You plan to pair it with benzoyl peroxide for best results
- You prefer a treatment that won't trigger retinoid-style purging
β Consider alternatives if:
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding without doctor approval
- You have a history of IBD, ulcerative colitis or antibiotic-associated colitis
- You are allergic to clindamycin or lincomycin
- Your acne is mainly blackheads/whiteheads (a retinoid suits better)
- You specifically need a fungal-acne-safe product
π― Skin Type Compatibility
Lightweight, fast-absorbing gel that targets breakouts without adding shine or grease.
Spot-treats the oilier, breakout-prone zones while remaining comfortable elsewhere.
Purpose-built for inflammatory acne; most effective when combined with benzoyl peroxide.
Fragrance-free with soothing allantoin, but patch test first as propylene glycol can irritate reactive skin.
Can feel drying for some; pair with a richer non-comedogenic moisturiser to stay balanced.
π Results Timeline
Early calming
Many users report redness and swelling of inflamed spots starting to settle; some see fewer new pustules within the first week.
~40% notice early calmingVisible reduction
Fewer new papules and pustules appear and existing breakouts clear faster as bacterial load drops.
~60% notice improvementSignificant clearing
Peak results window β clinical studies report roughly a 56% reduction in acne lesions by week 12.
~56% lesion reduction (studies)Maintenance
Continue only as prescribed. Avoid long-term solo use; switching to benzoyl peroxide or a retinoid for maintenance helps prevent resistance.
Use as directedβ Ratings by Platform
βοΈ Pros & Cons
β Praised
- Effective and relatively fast on inflammatory acne
- Lightweight, fragrance-free and non-greasy
- Does not cause retinoid-style purging
- Soothing allantoin; generally well tolerated
- Inexpensive generic versions are widely available
β Criticized
- Prescription only
- Antibiotic resistance if used alone long-term
- Not fungal-acne (malassezia) safe
- Can cause dryness, peeling or irritation
- Less effective on blackheads/comedonal acne
- Rare but serious GI side effects (colitis)
π° Budget-Friendly Alternatives (Dupes)
The exact same active at the same strength, without brand markup. Texture and excipients vary slightly by manufacturer, but the clinical effect is essentially identical.
A popular international generic of clindamycin phosphate 1%. Same antibiotic mechanism at a fraction of the price; availability depends on region.
A different topical antibiotic with the same anti-inflammatory acne goal β a useful alternative for those who can't tolerate clindamycin, though resistance is also a concern.
Over-the-counter and no prescription needed. A retinoid rather than an antibiotic, so it tackles clogged pores and texture but works more slowly and can purge.
π Comparison with Competitors
Dalacin T 1% Gel (Featured)
RxDuac / Clindoxyl Gel
RxDifferin Adapalene Gel 0.1%
~$13The Ordinary Azelaic Acid 10%
~$11π¦ Storage & Shelf Life
3 months after opening (use within the carton expiry date, and follow your pharmacist's advice for any prescribed course)
Store below 25Β°C (77Β°F). Protect from freezing. Keep the tube tightly closed, away from heat and direct sunlight, and out of reach of children.
Laminate/aluminium tube with a screw cap, in a printed carton
Yes β 30g tube, well under the 100ml carry-on limit; carry the original carton for the prescription label
β Frequently Asked Questions
Topical clindamycin is generally regarded as one of the safer, first-line acne treatments during pregnancy (former FDA Category B), and the American Academy of Dermatology notes it is thought to be safe. Only small amounts are absorbed through the skin. That said, it is a prescription antibiotic, so you should always get explicit approval from your OB-GYN or dermatologist before using it while pregnant or breastfeeding.
No. Clindamycin is an antibacterial, not an antifungal, so it does not treat fungal acne (malassezia folliculitis). On top of that, the formula contains PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate, a coconut-fatty-acid-derived ester that may feed malassezia yeast. If your breakouts are uniform, itchy bumps that don't respond to antibiotics, you may be dealing with fungal acne and should speak to a professional.
Its best partner is benzoyl peroxide, which boosts results and prevents antibiotic resistance. It can be layered with a retinoid (such as adapalene or tretinoin) β typically clindamycin in the morning and the retinoid at night to limit irritation. Strong vitamin C, AHAs and BHAs are best used at a different time of day or on alternate days to avoid over-exfoliation, since clindamycin can already be drying. Introduce one active at a time and follow your prescriber's guidance.
It suits oily, combination and acne-prone skin with mild-to-moderate inflammatory breakouts the best. Sensitive skin can usually tolerate it thanks to the soothing allantoin and fragrance-free base, but a patch test is wise. Dry skin may find it slightly drying and should pair it with a nourishing, non-comedogenic moisturiser.
Some people notice calmer, less swollen spots within the first one to two weeks. More meaningful clearing usually appears around week four, with peak results between weeks eight and twelve β clinical studies report roughly a 56% reduction in acne lesions over a 12-week course. Consistency matters, so apply it as directed and don't stop early just because spots fade.
Apply it to clean, fully dry skin after cleansing and before your moisturiser. A common dermatologist-recommended pairing is to layer or alternate it with a benzoyl peroxide product, then seal everything in with a lightweight moisturiser, and always finish your morning routine with broad-spectrum SPF.
It has a low comedogenic rating of about 1/5. The water-based gel is oil-free, silicone-free and lightweight, so it is unlikely to clog pores for most people. It is the antibiotic active fighting acne, not a pore-clogging emollient, though as always individual reactions can vary.
Use it within the expiry date printed on the carton, and as a general guide discard around 3 months after opening. Store it below 25Β°C, protect it from freezing and keep the tube tightly closed. Because it is a prescription medicine, follow your pharmacist's advice and don't keep leftover product for a future, unsupervised course.
Verdict: Pfizer's Dalacin T 1% Topical Gel is a proven, dermatologist-trusted workhorse for mild-to-moderate inflammatory acne. The 1% clindamycin active is backed by strong clinical evidence (around 56% lesion reduction over 12 weeks), and the lightweight, fragrance-free, allantoin-soothed gel is easy to wear and well tolerated. Its limitations are real but manageable: it's prescription-only, not fungal-acne safe, and should be paired with benzoyl peroxide to avoid antibiotic resistance rather than used solo long-term. Used correctly and under medical guidance, it remains one of the most reliable first-line topical acne treatments available.
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 skinβs 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 Β«promisesΒ» 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
Promotes Wound Healing from 1 ingredient(s):
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
|
|
| 1 |
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Soothing
|
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
Redness
Irritation
|
|
| 1 |
Carbomer
Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Increasing Agent, Emulsion Stabilising, Gel Forming
|
|
|
| 4 |
Methylparaben
Fragrance, Preservative
|
|
|
| 1 |
Polyethylene
Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Increasing Agent, Emulsion Stabilising, Film Forming, Abrasive, Bulking Agent, Adhesive
|
|