Acne showdown: which gel wins for clearer skin?
NCT ID NCT07392047
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tests two prescription gels—metronidazole and clindamycin—to see which works better for moderate acne. Sixty adults aged 18 to 35 will apply the gel twice daily for 12 weeks. Doctors will check acne severity at the start and at weeks 4, 8, and 12 to measure improvement.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- metronidazole gel 2% and clindamycin gel 1%
- What this could lead to
- If one gel works better, it could offer a new or cheaper option for treating moderate acne.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-phase trial with only 60 people, so results may not apply to everyone. Both gels can cause skin irritation.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Phase 4
Runs after approval, following long-term safety and how well the treatment works in everyday use.
- Participants
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About 60 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Expected to start
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Feb 2026
An estimate. Start dates often move.
- Expected to finish
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Aug 2026
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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A government agency
The lead sponsor is a government body.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 to 35 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
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Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria Adults aged 18-35 years of either sex. Clinical diagnosis of moderate acne vulgaris, defined as a Modified Global Acne Grading System (mGAGS) score of 45-80. Not currently using any other anti-acne treatment (topical or systemic). Exclusion Criteria Pregnant or lactating women. Severe acne vulgaris, defined as an mGAGS score \>80. Known hypersensitivity/allergy to metronidazole or clindamycin (or any component of the study gels). Any other dermatologic condition affecting the face that may interfere with assessment of acne severity or treatment response.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
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