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Benzoyl peroxide / clindamycin topical and Peeling: What Users Say

Brand names: Benzaclin, Duac, Onexton, Acanya, Neuac, Z-Clinz 10

Peeling: mentioned by 70 users (12.2%)

Based on user experiences from 576 Benzoyl peroxide / clindamycin topical reviews, the following table shows the most commonly mentioned side effects.

All user comments are moderated by Drugs.com. Each review is verified for relevance and screened for inappropriate content. Side effects are user-reported and not clinically verified.

dryness 24.0%
dry skin 15.1%
peeling 12.2%
burning 11.8%
itching 11.1%
redness 10.2%
acne 3.8%
pain 3.0%
stinging 3.0%
swelling 2.6%

Reviews for Benzoyl peroxide / clindamycin topical

Commonly mentioned side effects
  • Anonymous
  • December 20, 2014

Benzoyl peroxide / clindamycin topical for Acne "I was prescribed this cream by my doctor, and it's brilliant! I've seen a lot of comments saying that it burns and it made people's faces itchy, but not everyone has the same skin. Our skin will react in different ways. But I have to say, after the 1st time of using it, the blackheads on my nose got smaller. I would highly recommend this cream. However, it does leave my skin a bit dry and flaky, but on the instruction sheet, it says you can use a perfume-free moisturizer or stop using it for a couple of days."

10 / 10
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57 Report
  • zoz...
  • December 2, 2015

Benzoyl peroxide / clindamycin topical for Acne "Honestly, this cream is a MIRACLE! About 3 years ago, my skin was full of spots and acne, and I had blackheads all in my T-zone, and they never went away. I went to my doctor as I couldn't stand looking in the mirror anymore. He gave me this, and yes, it gave me very bad, painful, red skin and peeling skin, but after a few weeks, it went away, and you could see a difference in my spots in a few days as my family was commenting on it. I did it for 12 weeks, and my face was COMPLETELY clear. I was so happy. Then, after about a month, it all came back, so I went back to the doctors. He said I should try the cream again but for as long as I needed it. I'm still using it now, and that was nearly a year ago. My face is clear, and it's because of this cream."

10 / 10
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48 Report
  • mma...
  • September 26, 2019

Benzoyl peroxide / clindamycin topical for Acne "For those of us talking about dry skin (particularly sillylilly), I had this issue too. It was so bad that my skin was flaking and peeling, and it hurt to even touch it! After a lot of research, I found that you need to avoid any areas where the skin is especially thin, so around and under the eyes, nose, and mouth. You can use something like Vaseline, Pawpaw, or Aquaphor and apply it to those areas as a barrier."

10 / 10
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31 Report
  • mma...
  • September 26, 2019

Benzoyl peroxide / clindamycin topical for Acne "For those of us talking about dry skin (particularly sillylilly), I had this issue too. It was so bad that my skin was flaking and peeling, and it hurt to even touch it! After a lot of research, I found that you need to avoid any areas where the skin is especially thin, so around and under the eyes, nose, and mouth. You can use something like Vaseline, Pawpaw, or Aquaphor and apply it to those areas as a barrier."

10 / 10
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31 Report
  • Acn...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • February 15, 2014

Benzoyl peroxide / clindamycin topical for Acne "Great product, but the side effects are awful! I've been using Duac for a week now, and literally all of my blackheads have disappeared. It's amazing! My spots have also shrunk in size a lot and have almost healed, and my scars are fading too. The only trouble I have had with Duac is that when I first put it on, it dried my skin out a lot and made it extremely flaky. Then, when I continued to use it, applying it on most of the area of my face, I woke up the next morning and both of my cheeks were burning, bright red, and really itchy. I stopped using it for a couple of days until the redness had gone and then applied a smaller amount, but still, the burning and itchy sensation has returned."

7 / 10
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58 Report

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  • Mel...
  • February 9, 2014

Benzoyl peroxide / clindamycin topical for Acne "What an amazing product. I have struggled with acne for about 10 years (now 22). My entire T-zone has always had blackheads, which (although not good for the skin) I have been extracting almost every second day. It has made me extremely frustrated that no matter how much money I spend on keeping my skin healthy, it was always a temporary fix. I wanted an alternative to the pill as I was terrified of the side effects it came with. The doctor gave me Duac. I have been using this product every night (after I moisturize), and I am now on my fifth day - ALL OF MY BLACKHEADS ARE GONE. Don't ask me how! I have not had any peeling, dryness, redness, or burning. There is only a small tingling sensation when applied. This is a lifesaver of a product."

10 / 10
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45 Report
  • cal...
  • May 27, 2015

Benzoyl peroxide / clindamycin topical for Acne "My doctor prescribed Benzaclin after my other acne medicine stopped working for me. The first month was rough, my skin was really dry, and it peeled a lot. Things got better, my face cleared up. I did get some breakouts here and there, but with a pea-sized amount of Benzaclin, it would shrink and dry out my pores and pimples. If you do not see results within a week or two, do not stop applying Benzaclin! The first 6-8 weeks may be rough, but it really does clear up your skin. And my scars have faded. Do not over-apply the medicine, it can cause over-dryness of the face and excessive peeling. Hope Benzaclin will help you beat acne like it helped me!"

9 / 10
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35 Report
  • Anonymous
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • April 27, 2012

Benzoyl peroxide / clindamycin topical for Acne "I am 49 yrs old, had cystic acne all my adult life. My dermatologist put me on Acanya 5 months ago, and my skin looks the best it ever had. My co-workers all think I am wearing makeup. Have such large pores, and they are shrinking too. No peeling, I guess because I have oily skin. But as an African American woman, I didn't think I would ever find anything that would successfully help my skin. I am so grateful. It just takes patience!"

8 / 10
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39 Report
  • NCL...
  • March 16, 2017

Benzoyl peroxide / clindamycin topical for Acne "I have struggled with moderate to severe acne since high school (now 24) and have tried just about every product on the market, including two rounds of Accutane. Last week, I saw my derm, and she put me on Onexton, as well as Retin-A. After less than a week of being on this combination, my skin looks better than it has in months, and I'm certain it is primarily due to Onexton. Fair warning: the first few days of this medication are very, very rough. I looked like a burn victim, and my entire face was peeling, red, and burning. However, by about day 4 or 5, it had appeared as though I had gotten a chemical peel, and my skin was glowing! I'm so, so happy with this medication and have been recommending it to everyone I know."

10 / 10
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21 Report
  • Van...
  • May 21, 2015

Benzoyl peroxide / clindamycin topical for Acne "Onexton is absolutely amazing! I have been using it now for about 3-4 months. I apply it every night after removing my makeup and washing my face thoroughly with CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser. I was worried about facial skin peeling/redness that I experienced with other prescription topical medications that I had tried in the past for acne (ex. tretinoin, benzaclin, etc.). I have not had any redness or peeling since starting Onexton. My face is pretty much clear (exceptionally noticeable difference compared to 4 months ago). I also take Spironolactone 100 mg daily for acne, which was started at the same time as the Onexton. For the first time in years, my face is mostly clear without any redness or peeling. $0 copay with savings card!"

10 / 10
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25 Report
  • Hin...
  • October 12, 2010

Benzoyl peroxide / clindamycin topical for Acne "LOVE this. Nothing has ever worked on my face. I have been using it for 5 days (mornings only), and people have already commented that my skin looks so good. I have no burning, no redness, no flaking, etc. (and I have extremely sensitive skin). I am so excited. I put a very thin layer on in the morning and then apply my make-up over top. It does not leave a film/residue on my skin, and my makeup goes on flawlessly. Pro's: WORKS GREAT! Cons: Prescription only - Small jar."

10 / 10
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30 Report
  • Jon...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • February 28, 2015

Benzoyl peroxide / clindamycin topical for Acne "I got prescribed this a few months ago, and I saw a difference within a week or so UNTIL I noticed how dry and flaky my skin was getting. I couldn't bear it any longer as I was itching, itching, and itching. HOWEVER, I was back to my doctors and got prescribed the same stuff, only this time I am going to give it time and hope for the best results."

5 / 10
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37 Report
  • Vuh...
  • August 15, 2013

Benzoyl peroxide / clindamycin topical for Acne "I went to the dermatologist almost a year ago, and she prescribed Acanya. At first, it dried my skin and peeled it very badly. When I went back to the dermatologist 3 months later, I told her, but she said to continue the use. But then one day I ran out, and I realized my skin was the best it's been in 3 years. I would get compliments, so when my new bottle came in, I decided not to use it. Then, about 3 months later, my acne was the worst it's been, so I did research on Acanya and realized I used it wrong. I would put it all over my face, causing it to dry. Now I put it in my problem areas only, and my face is getting better. But it makes my skin itch a little, but that's okay. I'm not saying it will work for everyone, but I wanted to share my experience."

9 / 10
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23 Report
  • Hhh...
  • October 15, 2013

Benzoyl peroxide / clindamycin topical for Acne "My doctor prescribed me this gel for my mild to many spots on my face and back. The first day I applied it, the next morning my face was almost clear of blackheads, and I had noticed an improvement, however, I decided to do what may have been a really foolish thing. I applied it on all of my cheeks and basically most of my face, the parts which rarely had spots on. I woke up the next day to a stinging, bright red face. My skin was so, so dry. It was patchy orange and red, it was half peeling, and it looked like I was wearing patchy foundation."

7 / 10
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25 Report
  • Car...
  • April 4, 2018

Benzoyl peroxide / clindamycin topical for Acne "Post no. 2. Patience is key, my loves. And now, after more than a year of using it every day, my skin is completely clear. I have tiny scars that are almost gone, but from a standing distance, they are barely visible. I’m gonna start using it 2/3 times a week now because it does make my skin peel (not noticeably; I only realized when I use fake tan because it comes off quickly in the places I use Duac), and it’s making me pale as anything. SOOO, in conclusion, stay lit and happy and just be patient. Stress is your no. 1 enemy; just stay calm. P.S. I hardly ever wear face makeup anymore; I only wear concealer under my eyes and a bit of brows, and that's definitely helped. Wearing full coverage foundation every day was one of the worst things for my skin. Also, I don’t know if this actually helped or not, but around the time my skin started improving for real, I only drank water and green tea, very rarely anything else. Sorry this post is long, but I know you wanna, as I've been in your shoes."

10 / 10
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14 Report
  • Chl...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • September 5, 2015

Benzoyl peroxide / clindamycin topical for Acne "At first, I hated this cream. I suffered from really bad redness (people thought I was sunburned). Then came the peeling face and irritation, burning feeling, it was awful. However, after using it frequently now for a few months, the effects have all disappeared, and now applying this cream is just a part of my bedtime routine. However, I would recommend starting the treatment when you have free time off work or school, whatever, because the first few days you can have irritated skin, redness, and it's not exactly pretty. Overall, I have grown to love this cream, as I've already noticed my acne clearing, which has given me the confidence to go without makeup because I think that just makes my acne worse. I highly recommend a good moisturizer."

7 / 10
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18 Report
  • Jen...
  • March 9, 2010

Benzoyl peroxide / clindamycin topical for Acne "I tried this gel after suffering from severe acne once a month (after stopping birth control). I'm 28 years old, have always had a few pimples at a time, but never anything like what I experienced after stopping birth control! I used the gel, and the first day was terrible. My whole skin burned and peeled, and I stopped using Acanya after that for about 3 weeks. I then researched the gel and was informed that I shouldn't have put it all over my face, especially in sensitive areas. So I tried using it again, only on my forehead and jawline. I have literally not had one acne breakout since I have started up again, and it has been about 7 months! One pimple once in a while, but that's it! Amazing! No more burning as well!"

10 / 10
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24 Report
  • Mag...
  • October 4, 2016

For Acne "I suffered from hormonal and cystic acne on my chin/jawline and around my mouth, and my dermatologist prescribed this for me. I began using it in June, and the first few days of use, I felt my acne getting way worse, so I stopped using it for a couple of days, but my derm told me to stick with it, so I began using it every single day for the next 2 months, and my acne has all disappeared and my scars are fading. I barely break out anymore, and my skin looks so much better thanks to this product. (Side note: for the first couple of weeks of using this, my skin dried out a little bit and kind of peeled, but eventually, my skin adjusted and it doesn't dry me out anymore.) Just stick with it ;)"

9 / 10
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15 Report
  • meg...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • May 4, 2019

Benzoyl peroxide / clindamycin topical for Acne "I am a teen who has had severe acne for two years with red, angry spots and whiteheads. I was prescribed Duac, which I have been on for a week now. It hasn't taken away all my spots but has shrunk them considerably. It doesn't sting but can cause redness and can make your face feel very tight. If you use makeup, wash it off in the morning because it will come up really weird under foundation and flaky, and I would recommend using moisturizer before using and in the morning. I'm not getting any new spots coming either :)"

9 / 10
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10 Report
  • Ano...
  • August 12, 2015

Benzoyl peroxide / clindamycin topical for Acne "Wow, this product is awesome! I have only been on it for a week now, and I'm seeing impressive results. I'm a teenager, and I have mild acne, and I've been struggling with it since I was 10. I figured it's about time to put an end to this, and I went to my doctor, and she prescribed this medicine. I have scars and occasionally really big pimples that hurt. This product magically reduces the size of your pimples. However, I will warn people that this medicine also dries your skin out and can cause flaking and peeling. So, use a moisturizer to counter the drying effect, and you should be all set. And make sure to wash your face too to prevent further acne! Other than this minor issue, it's a great product so far."

9 / 10
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14 Report
  • Ano...
  • August 12, 2015

Benzoyl peroxide / clindamycin topical for Acne "Wow, this product is awesome! I have only been on it for a week now, and I'm seeing impressive results. I'm a teenager, and I have mild acne, and I've been struggling with it since I was 10. I figured it's about time to put an end to this, and I went to my doctor, and she prescribed this medicine. I have scars and occasionally really big pimples that hurt. This product magically reduces the size of your pimples. However, I will warn people that this medicine also dries your skin out and can cause flaking and peeling. So, use a moisturizer to counter the drying effect, and you should be all set. And make sure to wash your face too to prevent further acne! Other than this minor issue, it's a great product so far."

9 / 10
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14 Report
  • Ste...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • March 1, 2018

Benzoyl peroxide / clindamycin topical for Acne "Before trying Duac, I had tried loads of expensive serums, creams, gels, rollers, and diets to no avail. I finally saw my GP three weeks ago, and she prescribed me a combined treatment of Duac gel and doxycycline. Initially, the Duac caused a burning effect, this lasted for about a week. It literally felt and looked like it was burning the top layer of my skin off. I pushed on, having read that this was common and not a reaction. Heading into week two, I started to get excited! Patches of my skin were already starting to clear up, and the burning and flaking weren’t as bad. Week three, and my skin looks amazing! I have a couple of teeny spots, but they are not pus-filled, and my skin is so smooth, even, non-greasy, and glowing!! I swear it looks like it did when I was 20!! I am blown away! My chest is almost clear, my back is getting there. I’m just so happy with the results so far. My advice to people starting out is to push through that initial horrible part because it’s sooooo worth it. Good luck, everyone."

10 / 10
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11 Report
  • jek...
  • April 12, 2016

Benzoyl peroxide / clindamycin topical for Acne "I've only been using Duac for 5 days, but my skin is already so much clearer. I'm experiencing the dryness and peeling, but I can count the number of new spots I've had since using it on one hand. Usually, when I get up in the morning, I can expect to see at least 3 new spots on various parts of my face, so it's a huge improvement for me. I was put on it because I obsessively pick at my skin (which is linked with my anxiety), and so the more blemishes I have, the more I damage my face. So far, Duac is really helping me to leave my face alone, and I hope it will continue this way. If anyone has a similar problem, I would recommend at least giving it a try."

8 / 10
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14 Report
  • May...
  • July 3, 2018

Benzoyl peroxide / clindamycin topical for Acne "I started to get spots for 2 months. I tried everything to get rid of it, but nothing helped, and it got worse (I only had it on my forehead). The doctor gave me Duac, and at first, it didn't work, and then it went red and started to sting. It's now my 6th, and my acne has gone flat but is brown and peeling. I peeled some, and it's gone. I am so amazed by it, and I can't wait for my skin to get better, inshallah."

7 / 10
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10 Report
  • Mic...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • January 24, 2020

Benzoyl peroxide / clindamycin topical for Acne "I've had acne since I was 10. It got worse (not severe but more than mild) through high school, so by the time I hit 18 (and it wasn't showing any signs of disappearing), I was proper fed up. I got an infected pimple on my cheek last year, and it swelled up to my eye. I finally went to a GP to sort out the big'un and get something for the rest while he was at it. He gave me some oral antibiotics for the infection and prescribed Duac for the rest of it. Generally, my skin is fairly oily and not sensitive at all, so Duac didn't make my skin red or peel. I know it's worse for a lot of people, but for me, it's like a harmless magic cream. My horrible skin is at once-a-week small pimple level now, after 3 months."

10 / 10
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11 Report

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Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or remove inappropriate content. Reviews appearing to come from parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any medication and should not replace the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals.