Cabtreo Is a Prescription Topical Gel That Combines Three Acne-Fighting Ingredients in One Product

Cabtreo is a prescription topical gel used to treat acne vulgaris in adults and teenagers 12 years of age and older. It is the first FDA-approved medication to combine Clindamycin Phosphate 1.2%, Adapalene 0.15%, and Benzoyl Peroxide 3.1% in a single formulation — giving patients an antibiotic, a retinoid, and an antimicrobial in one tube.

If you've been prescribed Cabtreo or are researching it as a treatment option, this guide covers everything you need to know: what it is, what it treats, how to use it, who shouldn't take it, and how much it costs.

What Is Cabtreo?

Here are the key facts:

• Brand name: Cabtreo
• Generic name: Clindamycin Phosphate 1.2%, Adapalene 0.15%, and Benzoyl Peroxide 3.1%
• Drug class: Topical acne agent (triple combination)
• Manufacturer: Bausch Health Companies Inc.
• FDA approval: Approved for the treatment of acne vulgaris
• Controlled substance: No — Cabtreo is not a controlled substance
• Generic available: No generic version is available as of 2026

Cabtreo comes as a topical gel in a 50-gram pump bottle. Each pump delivers a measured dose of all three active ingredients.

The Three Active Ingredients

What makes Cabtreo unique is its triple combination. Each ingredient attacks acne through a different mechanism:

1. Clindamycin Phosphate (1.2%) — A lincosamide antibiotic that kills Cutibacterium acnes, the bacteria most associated with acne breakouts
2. Adapalene (0.15%) — A synthetic retinoid that normalizes skin cell turnover, reduces inflammation, and improves skin texture
3. Benzoyl Peroxide (3.1%) — An oxidizing agent that kills bacteria and helps unclog pores through keratolytic (skin-peeling) action

By combining all three in one product, Cabtreo simplifies what used to require two or three separate products applied at different times. For a deeper explanation, see our guide on how Cabtreo works.

What Is Cabtreo Used For?

Cabtreo is FDA-approved for one indication:

• Topical treatment of acne vulgaris in patients 12 years of age and older

Acne vulgaris is the medical term for common acne — the pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, and sometimes deeper cystic lesions that most people experience at some point. Cabtreo is typically prescribed for moderate to moderately severe acne that hasn't responded well to simpler over-the-counter treatments.

Your doctor might prescribe Cabtreo if:

• You've tried Benzoyl Peroxide or Adapalene alone without enough improvement
• You need both an antibiotic and a retinoid but want to simplify your routine
• Your acne involves both inflammatory lesions (red, swollen pimples) and comedones (blackheads and whiteheads)

How Is Cabtreo Taken?

Cabtreo is applied once daily to the affected areas of the face. Here's the step-by-step process:

1. Wash your face gently with a mild or soap-free cleanser
2. Rinse with warm water and pat dry — make sure your skin is completely dry before applying
3. Dispense a pea-sized amount from the pump onto your fingertip
4. Dot the gel onto six areas of your face: chin, left cheek, right cheek, nose, left forehead, right forehead
5. Spread gently over your entire face in a thin, even layer
6. Avoid getting the gel in your eyes, nostrils, or mouth
7. Wash your hands after applying

Important Usage Tips

• Apply at the same time each day — many people prefer nighttime application to avoid sun sensitivity during the day
• Use a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer after the gel absorbs (wait 5-10 minutes)
• Wear SPF 30+ sunscreen during the day — Adapalene increases sun sensitivity
• It may take several weeks to see full results — don't give up after a few days
• Some initial dryness and peeling is normal (read more about Cabtreo side effects)

Who Should Not Take Cabtreo?

Cabtreo is not for everyone. You should not use Cabtreo if you have:

• Known allergy to Clindamycin, Adapalene, Benzoyl Peroxide, Lincomycin, or any ingredient in the gel
• History of Crohn's disease (regional enteritis)
• History of ulcerative colitis
• History of antibiotic-associated colitis

These contraindications exist because the Clindamycin component can worsen inflammatory bowel conditions and has been linked to serious colitis in rare cases.

Talk to Your Doctor First If You:

• Are pregnant or planning to become pregnant
• Are breastfeeding (Clindamycin may pass into breast milk)
• Are under 12 years old (not studied in younger children)
• Take Erythromycin (oral or topical) — it interacts with Clindamycin
• Use other topical acne products that could increase irritation

For a full list of interactions, see our guide on Cabtreo drug interactions.

How Much Does Cabtreo Cost?

Cabtreo is a brand-name medication with no generic alternative, which means it's expensive:

• Cash price: $960 to $1,330 for one 50-gram pump bottle
• With insurance: Coverage varies — many plans require prior authorization or step therapy (trying cheaper alternatives first)
• Medicare Part D: Not typically covered

How to Save Money

There are several ways to reduce the cost of Cabtreo:

• Cabtreo Rx Access Program — Commercially insured patients may pay as little as $0 copay. Insured patients without coverage may pay as little as $75.
• Discount cards — GoodRx, SingleCare, and other platforms may offer savings at participating pharmacies
• Patient assistance programs — The Bausch Health Patient Assistance Program helps uninsured or underinsured patients
• NeedyMeds and RxAssist — Additional resources for finding financial help

For the complete breakdown, read our guide to saving money on Cabtreo.

Final Thoughts

Cabtreo is a powerful, convenient option for treating moderate acne. By combining three proven active ingredients in one daily application, it simplifies treatment regimens and addresses multiple causes of acne at once — bacteria, clogged pores, and inflammation.

That said, it's not cheap, it's not right for everyone (especially those with a history of inflammatory bowel disease), and it may cause skin irritation during the first few weeks. Talk to your doctor about whether it's the right fit for your skin and your budget.

When you're ready to fill your prescription, Medfinder can help you find Cabtreo in stock near you.