The concept behind our study was to combine an effect of antibiotic and anti-inflammatory agents for a more efficient acne therapy directed at the factors involved in the pathophysiology of the disease. For this purpose we evaluated a combination of clindamycin phosphate and salicylic acid in a non-irritating carrier.

Inclusion Criteria:

• mild to moderate acne vulgaris;
• at least 5 lesions on the face;
• a one-month wash-out period was established for any topical or systemic drug use for treatment of acne vulgaris.

Exclusion Criteria:

• acne that was primarily truncal, nodular, or due to secondary causes/internal disease;
• pregnancy, breastfeeding, or intention to become pregnant;
• another dermatological disease of the face;
• significant systemic disease;
• any drug/alcohol addiction;
• interacting medication;
• known hypersensitivity to study medications;
• history of chronic disease treated with medications which might affect acne condition and treatment outcome (e.g. corticosteroids, lithium, isoniazid, anti-androgens, phenytoin, phenobarbital) in the preceding month