When Your Go-To Acne Treatment Isn't Available

You've been using Benzoyl Peroxide/Clindamycin to manage your acne, and it's been working. But now you can't find it — your pharmacy is out, it's on backorder, or maybe the cost has become too high. Whatever the reason, going without acne treatment isn't a great option. Breakouts can flare within weeks, and getting skin back under control takes time.

The good news: there are several proven alternatives that treat acne through similar or complementary mechanisms. Let's walk through your options so you can have an informed conversation with your doctor.

What Is Benzoyl Peroxide/Clindamycin and How Does It Work?

Benzoyl Peroxide/Clindamycin — sold under brand names like BenzaClin, Acanya, Duac, and Onexton — is a prescription topical gel for acne vulgaris. It combines two active ingredients:

• Clindamycin Phosphate (an antibiotic) kills Cutibacterium acnes, the bacteria involved in acne inflammation
• Benzoyl Peroxide (an antiseptic) destroys bacteria through oxidation and helps unclog pores

The combination is especially effective because Benzoyl Peroxide helps prevent the antibiotic resistance that can develop when Clindamycin is used by itself. For a deeper dive, read our article on how Benzoyl Peroxide/Clindamycin works.

When looking for alternatives, your doctor will consider medications that either target the same bacteria, reduce inflammation, or address clogged pores — ideally doing more than one of these things at once.

Alternative #1: Adapalene/Benzoyl Peroxide (Epiduo, Epiduo Forte)

Adapalene/Benzoyl Peroxide is one of the most commonly prescribed alternatives. Sold as Epiduo (0.1%/2.5%) and Epiduo Forte (0.3%/2.5%), this combination pairs a retinoid with Benzoyl Peroxide.

How it works: Adapalene is a retinoid that normalizes skin cell turnover, preventing pores from clogging. Benzoyl Peroxide provides the same antibacterial benefit you're already familiar with. Together, they tackle acne from two angles — unclogging pores and killing bacteria.

Key differences from Benzoyl Peroxide/Clindamycin:

• Contains a retinoid instead of an antibiotic, so there's no risk of antibiotic resistance
• May cause more initial dryness and peeling as your skin adjusts to the retinoid
• Applied once daily (usually at bedtime)
• Adapalene 0.1%/Benzoyl Peroxide 2.5% (generic Epiduo) is also available over the counter in some formulations

Cost: Generic Adapalene/Benzoyl Peroxide gel is available and typically costs $50 to $150 with discount coupons.

Alternative #2: Clindamycin/Tretinoin (Veltin, Ziana)

Clindamycin/Tretinoin — sold as Veltin or Ziana — keeps the Clindamycin antibiotic but swaps Benzoyl Peroxide for Tretinoin, a stronger retinoid.

How it works: Clindamycin fights acne bacteria while Tretinoin promotes rapid skin cell turnover, preventing comedones (clogged pores) from forming. This combination is particularly effective for acne that involves a mix of inflammatory pimples and blackheads/whiteheads.

Key differences:

• Contains Tretinoin, which is more potent than Adapalene — may cause more irritation initially
• Does not contain Benzoyl Peroxide, so it won't bleach fabrics or hair
• Applied once daily at bedtime
• Since it contains an antibiotic without Benzoyl Peroxide, there's a higher risk of antibiotic resistance with long-term use

Cost: Generic versions are available; prices range from $40 to $120 with discount coupons.

Alternative #3: Benzoyl Peroxide Alone (Over the Counter)

If your main concern is keeping acne-causing bacteria in check while you sort out your prescription, over-the-counter Benzoyl Peroxide is widely available and doesn't require a prescription.

How it works: It provides the same antibacterial and keratolytic (pore-unclogging) effects as the Benzoyl Peroxide in your combination gel — you're just missing the Clindamycin component.

Available strengths: 2.5%, 5%, and 10% in washes, gels, creams, and leave-on treatments. Studies show that 2.5% is often just as effective as higher concentrations with less irritation.

Key considerations:

• Good as a short-term bridge while you find your prescription medication
• No antibiotic component, so less effective against inflammatory acne on its own
• Very affordable — $5 to $15 at most drugstores
• Still bleaches fabrics, so use white towels and pillowcases

Alternative #4: Cabtreo (Adapalene/Benzoyl Peroxide/Clindamycin)

Cabtreo is a newer option approved by the FDA in October 2023. It's actually a triple-combination gel that contains Adapalene, Benzoyl Peroxide, and Clindamycin — all three in one product.

How it works: It combines the antibacterial action of both Clindamycin and Benzoyl Peroxide with the retinoid benefits of Adapalene. It's the first and only FDA-approved triple-combination topical acne treatment.

Key considerations:

• Applied once daily
• May be a good upgrade if your doctor thinks you'd benefit from adding a retinoid to your regimen
• As a newer brand-name product, it's more expensive and may require prior authorization from insurance
• Manufactured by Bausch Health/Ortho Dermatologics

How to Talk to Your Doctor About Switching

Before switching to an alternative, have a conversation with your prescriber. Here's what to discuss:

• Why you're switching: Is it an availability issue, a cost issue, or are you experiencing side effects? The reason matters for choosing the right alternative.
• Your acne type: Mostly inflammatory (red, swollen pimples)? Mostly comedonal (blackheads and whiteheads)? Mixed? Different alternatives work better for different types.
• Your skin sensitivity: If you have sensitive skin, retinoid-containing alternatives (Epiduo, Veltin) may cause more irritation initially. Your doctor can recommend starting at a lower frequency.
• Cost: Ask about generic availability and whether the alternative is covered by your insurance.

If you need help finding a dermatologist or prescriber, check out our guide on how to find a doctor who can prescribe Benzoyl Peroxide/Clindamycin near you.

Final Thoughts

Not being able to fill your Benzoyl Peroxide/Clindamycin prescription is frustrating, but it doesn't mean your acne has to spiral out of control. Adapalene/Benzoyl Peroxide, Clindamycin/Tretinoin, over-the-counter Benzoyl Peroxide, and the newer Cabtreo are all legitimate alternatives that your doctor can help you choose from.

Before switching, try using Medfinder to see if any pharmacies near you have Benzoyl Peroxide/Clindamycin in stock — you might find it closer than you think. And for cost-saving strategies, read our guide on how to save money on Benzoyl Peroxide/Clindamycin.