Last reviewed 2026-04-22 · How we verify

Duac Gel

Duac Gel combines benzoyl peroxide and clindamycin to kill acne-causing bacteria and reduce inflammation in acne lesions.

Duac Gel combines benzoyl peroxide and clindamycin to kill acne-causing bacteria and reduce inflammation in acne lesions. Used for Acne vulgaris.

At a glance

Mechanism of action

Benzoyl peroxide is an antimicrobial and keratolytic agent that penetrates the skin and releases oxygen to kill Propionibacterium acnes bacteria, while also helping to unclog pores. Clindamycin is a lincosamide antibiotic that inhibits bacterial protein synthesis. Together, these agents provide synergistic antibacterial activity and reduce comedonal and inflammatory acne lesions.

Approved indications

• Acne vulgaris

Common side effects

• Skin irritation
• Dryness
• Erythema
• Peeling
• Contact dermatitis

Key clinical trials

• A Study Assessing the Efficacy and Safety of Combined Use of Clascoterone 1% Cream and Duac Gel (Benzoyl Peroxide/Clindamycin) for the Treatment of Acne (PHASE4)
• Clinical Study Between Two 1% Clindamycin/5% Benzoyl Peroxide Topical Gel Formulations (NA)
• Cutibacterium Dermal Colonization: Implications for Total Hip Arthroplasty (PHASE4)
• Combination Therapy With Differin® Gel 0.3% and Duac® (Clindamycin/Benzoyl Peroxide Gel) in Subjects With Acne Vulgaris (PHASE4)
• A Study to Compare Clindamycin Phosphate and Benzoyl Peroxide Topical Gel 1.2%/2.5% to Acanya® Topical Gel in the Treatment of Acne Vulgaris (PHASE3)
• Clinical Study Between Two Clindamycin 1%/Benzoyl Peroxide 5% Topical Gels (PHASE3)
• To Compare the Efficacy and Safety of Clindamycin Phosphate 1.2% / Benzoyl Peroxide 5% Gel of CHL Versus DUAC® Gel (PHASE3)
• Double-blind Placebo-controlled Trial of Generic Clindamycin/Benzoyl Peroxide Gel Versus Onexton Gel in Acne Vulgaris (PHASE3)

Primary sources

Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.