Treclin Gel
Treclin Gel
Product Description
Product overview
Treclin Gel by Mylan Pharmaceuticals Inc is a prescription-only dual-action acne treatment combining 1% Clindamycin Phosphate (antibiotic) and 0.025% Tretinoin (retinoid) in a lightweight, translucent yellow gel. Clinically proven to reduce total acne lesions by 54.5% over 12 weeks, it simultaneously fights acne-causing bacteria and accelerates skin cell turnover to unclog pores, making it one of the most prescribed combination therapies for moderate inflammatory and comedonal acne in patients aged 12 and older.
Antibacterial Action
1% Clindamycin reduces Cutibacterium acnes bacteria, tackling inflammation and redness directly at the source.
Texture & feel
SENSORYAntibacterial Action
1% Clindamycin reduces Cutibacterium acnes bacteria, tackling inflammation and redness directly at the source.
Cell Turnover Boost
0.025% Tretinoin accelerates skin cell renewal, preventing dead cells from clogging follicles and forming new spots.
Clinically Proven
54.5% reduction in total acne lesions after 12 weeks in randomized trials — outperforming either active used alone.
4-in-1 Mechanism
Targets abnormal keratinization, bacterial proliferation, inflammation, and excess sebum production simultaneously.
Safety & compatibility
SAFEContraindicated in pregnancy. Tretinoin is a retinoid — effective contraception required during use and for 1 month after stopping.
Not recommended while breastfeeding. Decision should be made with a doctor to discontinue either the medicine or nursing.
Tretinoin makes skin photosensitive. Daily broad-spectrum SPF 30+ is essential during treatment and afterwards.
Initial 2-6 weeks may bring breakouts, dryness, stinging, and peeling as cell turnover accelerates. Usually temporary.
Contains Polysorbate 80 and parabens which may feed Malassezia yeast — not suitable if you have malassezia folliculitis.
Do not use if you have regional enteritis, ulcerative colitis, history of antibiotic-associated colitis, or eczema/rosacea flare-ups.
Tretinoin can be oxidized by benzoyl peroxide. If using both, apply at different times of day (BPO in AM, Treclin in PM).
Water-based gel formula with no heavy oils — won't clog pores and is suitable for all acne types listed in the indication.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSClindamycin Phosphate 1%Proven
A lincosamide antibiotic that inhibits protein synthesis in Cutibacterium acnes (the bacteria responsible for inflammatory acne). Reduces redness, papules, and pustules within weeks.
- Clinical evidence: In three double-blind trials (4,550 patients), the clindamycin/tretinoin combination was significantly more effective than either monotherapy for reducing inflammatory and non-inflammatory lesions.
- Mechanism: Binds to the 50S ribosomal subunit of susceptible bacteria, halting bacterial growth on the skin surface and within follicles.
- Penetration boost: Tretinoin increases follicular permeability, enhancing clindamycin delivery to target sites.
Tretinoin 0.025%Proven
The gold-standard retinoid and the active form of vitamin A (all-trans retinoic acid). Works directly on skin receptors to normalize keratinization, unclog pores, and prevent new comedone formation.
- Cochrane evidence: Decades of clinical data confirm topical tretinoin as first-line therapy for comedonal and mild-to-moderate inflammatory acne.
- Bonus effects: Stimulates collagen synthesis, fades post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and smooths fine lines over long-term use.
- Concentration: 0.025% is the lowest therapeutic strength — well-balanced for efficacy and tolerability in a combination product.
Glycerin (Glycerol) HighProven
A humectant that draws water into the skin, helping to offset the drying effects of tretinoin. Listed second in the INCI, indicating a meaningful concentration in the vehicle.
- Mechanism: Attracts moisture from deeper skin layers and the environment, restoring hydration.
- Barrier support: Helps maintain stratum corneum integrity during retinoid-induced irritation.
Carbomer <1%Proven
A synthetic polymer that provides the gel's characteristic smooth, non-tacky texture. Must be neutralized with tromethamine to form the clear, viscous gel matrix.
- Function: Acts as a thickener and stabilizer, keeping the actives evenly dispersed.
- Safety: Large molecular size prevents skin penetration, making it inert and non-irritating.
Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT) 0.02%Proven
An antioxidant preservative that protects the light-sensitive tretinoin from oxidative degradation, maintaining potency throughout the product's shelf life.
- Role: Stabilizes the formula by neutralizing free radicals that would otherwise break down tretinoin.
- Concentration: Used at a very low level (0.02%) — considered safe in rinse-off and leave-on cosmetic products by the CIR.
Tromethamine (Trometamol) pH bufferProven
A pH-adjusting and neutralizing agent that optimizes the stability and skin compatibility of the gel formula. Activates carbomer to form the gel matrix.
- pH regulation: Keeps the product at a skin-friendly pH that maintains clindamycin and tretinoin stability.
- Tolerability: Helps reduce stinging associated with low-pH retinoid formulations.
12 ingredients
Clindamycin Phosphate 1%, Tretinoin 0.025%, Water (Purified), Glycerin (Glycerol), Carbomer, Methylparaben (E218), Propylparaben (E216), Polysorbate 80 (E433), Disodium EDTA, Citric Acid (Anhydrous), BHT/Butylated Hydroxytoluene (E321), Tromethamine (Trometamol).
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEApply at bedtime only. Let skin dry completely after cleansing (20-30 min) to minimize irritation. Use a pea-sized amount for the entire face, and always follow with SPF 30+ the next morning.
How to use
HOW TO USECleanse Gently
At bedtime, wash your face with a mild, non-medicated cleanser and pat dry completely.
Wait for Dry Skin
Wait 20-30 minutes until skin is fully dry. Applying to damp skin increases absorption and irritation risk.
Dot a Pea-Sized Amount
Squeeze a pea-sized amount onto your fingertip, then dot onto forehead, nose, chin, and both cheeks.
Spread Gently
Massage lightly to cover the entire face. Avoid eyes, eyelids, lips, nostrils, and any broken skin.
Moisturize
After 5 minutes, apply a fragrance-free non-comedogenic moisturizer to support the skin barrier.
Wash Hands & Use Sunscreen
Wash hands after applying. Use broad-spectrum SPF 30+ every morning, even on cloudy days.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You have moderate inflammatory acne with papules, pustules, and comedones
- You are 12 years or older and not pregnant or breastfeeding
- Over-the-counter treatments (salicylic acid, adapalene) haven't worked
- You want a proven dual-action prescription (antibiotic + retinoid)
- You can commit to daily SPF and a 12-week treatment course
- You are looking to treat post-acne marks alongside active breakouts
Consider alternatives if:
- You are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding
- You have Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, or C. difficile history
- You have rosacea, eczema, or a compromised skin barrier
- You have severe cystic or nodular acne (needs oral treatment)
- You suffer from fungal acne (Malassezia folliculitis)
- You cannot avoid sun exposure or commit to daily SPF
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESWater-based gel vehicle absorbs quickly and helps regulate sebum through tretinoin's normalizing effect on sebaceous glands.
Expect significant dryness and peeling. Layer with rich moisturizer and consider the "sandwich method" (moisturizer before and after).
Works well across zones; apply heavier moisturizer on dry areas (cheeks) and less on the T-zone to balance.
Retinoid irritation can be intense. Start every 2-3 nights, use barrier-repair creams, and consult your prescriber if redness persists.
Specifically formulated for acne vulgaris with inflammatory and non-inflammatory lesions. Non-comedogenic base.
Tretinoin provides anti-aging benefits (collagen stimulation, fine line reduction), though it's licensed only for acne use.
Results timeline
BEYOND 12 WEEKSPurging & Adjustment Phase
Skin may appear worse before it gets better. Expect dryness, peeling, mild stinging, and possible surface breakouts as clogged pores are pushed out. This is normal — do not stop treatment.
~60% experience purgingFirst Signs of Improvement
Inflammatory papules begin reducing in size and redness. New breakouts become less frequent. Skin texture starts feeling smoother as cell turnover accelerates.
~55% notice improvementVisible Clearing
Significant reduction in active acne lesions. Skin irritation begins to subside as tolerance develops. Pores appear smaller and post-acne redness starts fading.
~70% see clearer skinFull Clinical Results
Clinical trials show a 54.5% reduction in total acne lesions by week 12. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation continues to fade, and skin appears notably clearer and more even.
54.5% average lesion reductionMaintenance Phase
Treclin should not be used continuously for more than 12 weeks without medical review. Prescribers typically transition patients to a non-antibiotic maintenance retinoid (e.g., Differin or plain tretinoin).
Switch to maintenanceRatings by platform
187+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Strong clinical evidence — 54.5% lesion reduction at 12 weeks
- Dual action: treats both bacterial and comedonal acne in one step
- Faster results than monotherapy retinoids or antibiotics alone
- Lightweight dewy gel absorbs quickly, minimal residue
- Fades post-acne pigmentation and scars with long-term use
- Only once-daily application (bedtime)
- Fragrance-free, alcohol-free, oil-free formula
Criticized
- Prescription-only — requires doctor or online consultation
- Significant initial purging (2-6 weeks) discourages some users
- Causes photosensitivity — mandatory daily SPF
- Contains parabens and polysorbate 80 (not fungal-acne safe)
- Contraindicated in pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Maximum 12-week continuous use (antibiotic resistance concerns)
- Can cause persistent dryness, peeling, redness
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPESGeneric version of Ziana/Veltin with slightly higher clindamycin (1.2% vs 1%) and identical tretinoin. Same mechanism, same FDA approval — significantly cheaper than branded Treclin.
Over-the-counter retinoid paired with benzoyl peroxide. No antibiotic, so no resistance concerns — but slightly slower to show results and less potent than tretinoin.
Same antibiotic (clindamycin) but with BPO instead of tretinoin. Kills bacteria and oxidizes pore contents but lacks retinoid cell-turnover benefits. Less irritating for sensitive skin.
Canadian brand of the same active combination in the same strengths. Essentially interchangeable with Treclin — choice depends on regional availability.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDETreclin Gel (Featured)
Duac Gel (GSK)
Storage & shelf life
3 MONTHS3 months after opening — strict shelf life due to tretinoin degradation. Do not use after 12 weeks from opening.
Store below 25°C (77°F) in a cool, dry place. Protect from direct sunlight. Do not refrigerate or freeze.
30g aluminum tube with protective closure — light-blocking to preserve tretinoin stability and antioxidant (BHT) efficacy.
Yes, under 100ml for carry-on. Keep away from heat; do not leave in direct sunlight or hot cars. Carry prescription for customs.
Frequently asked questions
FAQNo. Treclin is contraindicated during pregnancy and not recommended during breastfeeding. Tretinoin is a retinoid with teratogenic potential (risk of birth defects). Women of childbearing age should use effective contraception during treatment and for at least 1 month after stopping. If you become pregnant while using Treclin, discontinue immediately and contact your doctor. Safe alternatives during pregnancy include azelaic acid (Finacea) and topical erythromycin.
No. Treclin contains Polysorbate 80 (a fatty acid ester) and parabens, both of which can feed Malassezia yeast and potentially worsen fungal acne (malassezia folliculitis). If you suspect you have fungal acne rather than bacterial acne, consult a dermatologist — treatment requires antifungals like ketoconazole rather than antibiotics. Clindamycin will not improve and may worsen fungal folliculitis.
Generally not recommended. Treclin already contains tretinoin (a prescription retinoid), so additional retinol would be excessive and highly irritating. Avoid layering with AHAs, BHAs, and strong vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) on the same night — these can amplify dryness and inflammation. If you want to use vitamin C, apply it in the morning. Benzoyl peroxide should not be applied at the same time as tretinoin (it can oxidize it); use BPO in the morning and Treclin at night if your doctor recommends combining them.
Treclin works best for oily, combination, and acne-prone skin types with moderate inflammatory acne (papules and pustules) combined with comedones (blackheads and whiteheads). It is less suitable for very dry or sensitive skin without careful barrier support, and it's not recommended for those with rosacea, eczema, or highly reactive skin. Age-wise, it's indicated for patients 12 years and older.
Most users notice initial improvements within 2-3 weeks, with substantial clearing by weeks 6-8. Full clinical results are measured at 12 weeks — trials showed a 54.5% reduction in total acne lesions at this point. The first 2-6 weeks often involve a "purge" where acne may temporarily worsen before improving. Do not stop treatment during this phase. If no improvement is seen after 12 weeks, consult your prescriber for an alternative.
Apply Treclin at bedtime (PM only) after cleansing. Wait 20-30 minutes after cleansing for the skin to fully dry — damp skin increases absorption and irritation. Apply a pea-sized amount to the entire face, then follow with a fragrance-free moisturizer after about 5 minutes. Do not use Treclin during the day. Every morning, use a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ — this is essential because tretinoin increases sun sensitivity.
No. Treclin is non-comedogenic (rating 0/5). The water-based gel vehicle contains no heavy oils, butters, or comedogenic emollients. In fact, tretinoin actively prevents comedone formation by normalizing cell turnover inside follicles. However, you may experience "purging" in the first few weeks — this is not pore-clogging but rather existing micro-comedones being pushed to the surface faster than usual.
Once opened, Treclin should be used within 3 months (12 weeks) — which coincides with the maximum treatment duration. Tretinoin is highly sensitive to light, heat, and air, and degrades quickly once exposed. The BHT antioxidant in the formula helps preserve potency, but continued use beyond 3 months is not recommended both for safety (antibiotic resistance) and efficacy (tretinoin degradation) reasons. Store tightly closed at temperatures below 25°C.
Verdict: Treclin Gel by Mylan Pharmaceuticals Inc is one of the most clinically supported prescription acne treatments available, backed by trials on over 4,550 patients and a proven 54.5% lesion-reduction rate at 12 weeks. Its dual-action combination of 1% clindamycin and 0.025% tretinoin tackles both bacterial and comedonal acne in a single once-nightly step — outperforming either ingredient alone. The trade-offs are real: expect a 2-6 week purging phase, mandatory daily SPF, and strict 12-week use limits due to antibiotic resistance concerns. It isnot suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding, nor for fungal acne, rosacea, or very sensitive skin. For moderate inflammatory acne in committed users willing to pair it with barrier-supporting moisturizer and sunscreen, Treclin remains one of the most reliable prescription choices available in 2026.
Product Overview
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
|
|
|
| 0 |
Tretinoin
Skin Conditioning
|
Promotes Wound Healing
Dark Spots
Texture
Pores
|
|
| 1 |
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 2 |
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
|
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|
|
| 1 |
Carbomer
Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Increasing Agent, Emulsion Stabilising, Gel Forming
|
|





