Compare benzoyl peroxide vs. Cleocin
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.
Treats acne.
Benzac (benzoyl peroxide) is the most effective over-the-counter treatment for mild acne.
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3.4/ 5 average rating with 394 reviewsforbenzoyl peroxide
Treats acne.
Cleocin (clindamycin) is proven to be effective at treating acne when combined with another acne medicine and is available in a variety of formulations.
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3.5/ 5 average rating with 115 reviewsforCleocin
Upsides
- Available over-the-counter from many brands.
- Benzac (benzoyl peroxide) comes in many different forms and combinations with other acne products.
- Available in generic.
- Comes in different formulations (gel, solution, lotion, foam) to fit your preferences.
- Works well for the kind of acne that causes large, red, and swollen pimples.
Downsides
- Benzac (benzoyl peroxide) increases your skin's sensitivity to the sun and may also cause dryness or stinging.
- Be careful when applying Benzac (benzoyl peroxide) to large areas since it can bleach hair, clothing, and pillow cases upon contact.
- Benzac (benzoyl peroxide) needs to be combined with other medications to effectively treat severe acne.
- Foam formulation can cause headaches.
- You will likely have to use another acne medicine along with Cleocin (clindamycin) since it is not as effective by itself.
- Is only preferred for mild to moderate acne. If you have severe acne your doctor will most likely prescribe an oral medication.
- If you only have comedonal acne (small skin-colored bumps on the skin) without any red, swollen pimples, your doctor may give you an alternative medicine.
Used for
Dosage forms
- Cream
- Lotion
- Liquid
- Gel
- Foam
- Soap
- Gel
- Foam
- Solution
- Lotion
Price
Lowest price
$17.93
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$100.31
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Reviews
394 reviews so far
60%
saidit'sworth it
29%
saiditworked well
9%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Benzac (benzoyl peroxide)?
Leave a review115 reviews so far
57%
saidit'sworth it
43%
saiditworked well
19%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Cleocin (clindamycin)?
Leave a reviewSide effects
The Benzac (benzoyl peroxide) FDA package insert doesn’t have numbers about how common side effects are.
9possible side effects
- Dryness23%
- Oiliness/Oily skin18%
- Redness16%
- Burning11%
- Burning/Itching11%
- Peeling11%
- Itching11%
- Burning where applied6%
- Headache3%
Risks and risk factors
- Bleaching
- Skin irritation
- Using other medicines or products that irritate the skin
- Eczema
- Extreme temperatures (hot or cold)
- Allergic reaction
- Skin irritation
- Using other medicines or products that irritate the skin
- Eczema
- Extreme temperatures (hot or cold)
- Severe diarrhea and stomach cramps
- Using Cleocin (clindamycin) for a long time