Topical pharmaceutical compositions, containing clindamycin phosphate, a zinc fatty acid salt, such as zinc acetate, and a non-aqueous vehicle, are disclosed. The compositions provide antibiotic performance and are present as physically stable, aesthetically-pleasing, clear, ringing gels, without requiring the use of conventional gelling agents. The method of topically treating clindamycin responsive dermatoses, such as acne, using these compositions is also disclosed.