Treclin Gel (Clindamycin 1% / Tretinoin 0.025%) — Prescription Acne Treatment
The only UK-licensed tretinoin treatment. Combination clindamycin + tretinoin gel for inflammatory and mixed acne, supplied only after an online consultation reviewed and approved by our pharmacist independent prescriber. 30g tube (6–8 weeks). Maximum course 12 weeks.
£29.99
What is Treclin gel?
Treclin is a prescription-only combination gel for acne containing clindamycin 1% (an antibiotic that targets the bacteria involved in inflamed spots) and tretinoin 0.025% (a retinoid that unblocks pores and speeds up skin renewal). It is the only tretinoin-containing treatment licensed in the UK, and treats both the inflamed spots and the blocked pores of mixed acne with one evening application. Treclin is prescribed through our Online Skin Clinic.
Who is it for?
Adults and young people aged 16+ with mild to moderate acne that includes inflamed spots (papules and pustules), particularly mixed acne with blackheads and whiteheads too. It is not suitable in pregnancy or while breastfeeding, alongside oral isotretinoin, with a history of antibiotic-associated colitis or inflammatory bowel disease, or for severe nodular/cystic acne — which needs specialist referral. Our prescriber checks all of this in your consultation.
How to use it
Apply a pea-sized amount once daily in the evening to clean, dry skin across the whole affected area (not just individual spots). Wash your hands after use and avoid eyes, lips and nostrils. Use a daily SPF 30+ every morning — tretinoin makes skin more sensitive to the sun. Mild dryness, peeling and redness are common in the first weeks and usually settle; a temporary flare (“purging”) in weeks 2–6 can happen before skin improves. Results build over 6–12 weeks.
The 12-week limit
Because Treclin contains an antibiotic, the course is a maximum of 12 weeks — using topical antibiotics for longer drives antibiotic resistance. Our pharmacist will recommend a maintenance plan for after your course (usually an antibiotic-free retinoid or azelaic acid product).
Price
| Treclin gel 30g (6–8 weeks’ supply) | £29.99 |
Includes the prescriber consultation. If treatment is not approved, you are refunded in full.
Side effects
Common: dry, peeling or red skin, mild stinging, increased sun sensitivity. Uncommon: contact dermatitis — stop and contact us. Rare but important: severe or persistent diarrhoea must be reported immediately (a rare clindamycin effect). Full details in the patient information leaflet supplied with your medicine.
How ordering works
- Start your consultation — answer our prescriber’s questions about your skin and health and upload two photos (about 5 minutes).
- Pay securely — your order is placed but nothing is dispatched yet.
- Prescriber review — our pharmacist independent prescriber (GPhC 1126145) reviews your consultation, and contacts you if anything needs clarifying.
- Dispatch or refund — approved orders are dispatched in discreet packaging; if treatment isn’t right for you, we tell you why and refund in full.
This medicine is supplied only after an individual consultation and approval by our prescriber. Completing checkout does not guarantee supply.
Treclin gel — frequently asked questions
Is Treclin the same as tretinoin?
Treclin contains tretinoin 0.025% combined with the antibiotic clindamycin 1%. It is currently the only licensed tretinoin product in the UK — standalone tretinoin creams are unlicensed here and are supplied by some clinics as specials or imports.
How long does Treclin take to work?
Most people see meaningful improvement at 6–8 weeks, with full results by 12 weeks. A temporary flare in weeks 2–6 is common and normally settles as skin adjusts.
Why is the course limited to 12 weeks?
The clindamycin component is an antibiotic. Using topical antibiotics beyond 12 weeks encourages resistant bacteria, so UK prescribing guidance limits the course. After 12 weeks we recommend an antibiotic-free maintenance treatment.
Can I use Treclin when pregnant?
No. Tretinoin must not be used in pregnancy, while planning pregnancy, or while breastfeeding. Our consultation checks this, and safe alternatives such as azelaic acid can be discussed with our pharmacist.
Can I use benzoyl peroxide (Acnecide) with Treclin?
Not at the same time of day — benzoyl peroxide inactivates tretinoin. If your prescriber recommends both, they’ll be scheduled at different times.
Do I need a prescription?
Yes — Treclin is prescription-only. Your online consultation is reviewed by our pharmacist independent prescriber, who issues the prescription if treatment is appropriate. Declined orders are refunded in full.
Written and clinically reviewed by Hassan Khan, Pharmacist Independent Prescriber (GPhC 1126145). Last reviewed July 2026.