Neosporin Reviews – Does It Actually Heal Scrapes and Wounds?

Neosporin is a natural triple-antibiotic ointment which promises to decrease redness and inflammation and heal minor cuts, scrapes, and burns.

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In This Review

What is Neosporin?

Neosporin Original is a topical ointment with triple antibiotic power which promises to heal minor cuts, scrapes, and burns fast and decrease pain and inflammation. The line also offers variations for kids, burn relief and first aid, overnight lip renewal therapy, and others.

Neosporin may kill harmful germs and bacteria on the skin and prevent infection. It should protect you for 24 hours. According to the customer experience, it works well for some people and less so for others.

How Does It Rate?

Overall Rating: 3.8
ingredient

4/5Ingredients
Return Policy

0/5Return Policy
Customer Reviews

3.8/5Customer Reviews
Safety

4.5/5Safety

Brand Highlights

  • According to the manufacturer, the ointment is doctor-recommended.
  • Neosporin Ointment has triple-antibiotic power.
  • The manufacturer does not sell the products directly and has no return policy.
  • Neosporin Ointment for Wounds is free of gluten.

Key Ingredients

  • Bacitracin Zinc
  • Neomycin Sulfate
  • Polymyxin B Sulfate 
  • Olive Fruit Oil
  • Cocoa Seed Butter
  • Cotton Seed Oil
  • Petrolatum
  • Tocopherol

Pros

  • Neosporin may kill germs and bacteria on the skin.
  • It could prevent infection.
  • The ointments promise 24-hour protection.
  • Neosporin Skin Ointment might heal cuts and scrapes more quickly.
  • The formulas may decrease pain and inflammation in cuts and wounds.

Cons

  • Neosporin comes in a very small tube.
  • Some reviewers said the cap is too tight and is difficult to open.
  • There is no return policy from the manufacturer.

Highlighted Additional Products

Neosporin + Pain, Itch, Scar
Neosporin + Pain, Itch, Scar

Neosporin + Pain, Itch, Scar

No More Scars

Key Ingredients: Bacitracin Zinc, Neomycin Sulfate, Polymyxin B Sulfate, Pramoxine Hydrochloride Ointment

Best For: Pain, Itching, and Scar Reduction

What It Does: Reduces Redness and Inflammation, Decreases Pain and Itchiness, Prevents Infection, Reduces Scarring, Heals Wounds and Cuts, Kills Germs and Bacteria


Neosporin Pain Relief Cream For Kids
Neosporin Pain Relief Cream For Kids

Neosporin Pain Relief Cream For Kids

For Childhood Scrapes and Cuts

Key Ingredients: Neomycin Sulfate, Polymyxin B Sulfate, Pramoxine Hydrochloride Cream

Best For: Healing Cuts, Burns, and Scrapes in Kids

What It Does: Decreases Pain and Inflammation, Heals Wounds and Burns, Protects From Infection, Kills Germs and Bacteria


Burn Relief & First Aid Antibiotic Ointment
Burn Relief & First Aid Antibiotic Ointment

Neosporin Burn Relief & First Aid Antibiotic Ointment

Don’t Let it Burn

Key Ingredients: Bacitracin Zinc, Neomycin Sulfate, Polymyxin B Sulfate, Pramoxine Hydrochloride

Best For: Healing Burns

What It Does: Lessens Pain and Inflammation, Heals Cuts and Wounds, Destroys Germs and Bacteria, Protects From Infection, Heals Burns


How Does It Work?

The Neosporin products are topical antibiotic ointments which can kill germs and bacteria or slow down their development. They may sterilize the area and help prevent infections.

A review in Emergency Medical Journal discussed the routine use of antibiotic ointment in wound healing [1].

The antibiotics in Neosporin also decrease swelling, inflammation, and pain associated with minor cuts, scrapes, and burns, healing them more quickly than usual.

A systematic review and meta-analysis in Infection and Drug Resistance concluded that topical antibiotics were somewhat effective in healing surgical wounds [2].

Besides the antimicrobial and antibiotic benefits, the formula contains antioxidants which may get rid of some of the free radicals on the skin, decreasing oxidative stress.

This helps heal damage to the skin barrier, improve immunity, and protect from UV rays and other environmental agents. A review of the current evidence in Medicine discussed the potential role of antioxidants in healing wounds [3].

In addition, Neosporin uses some inactive ingredients which are hydrating for the skin and may help eliminate dryness and soften.

What Are the Ingredients?

These are the primary active Neosporin Ointment ingredients:

Bacitracin Zinc

This polypeptide antibiotic may kill bacteria and help to heal minor skin infections, scraps, and burns. It’s a common ingredient in topical healing ointments, in combination with other substances.

An article published in StatPearls discussed the topical use of bacitracin [4]. It also offers skin hydrating and soothing benefits, and may help to prevent infection.

Unfortunately, it’s an allergen for some people and may cause a reaction according to the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology [5].

Neomycin Sulfate

This is an aminoglycoside antibiotic which slows the growth of bacteria. Along with polymyxin and bacitracin, it may heal wounds and cuts and prevent infection.

A study on rats in the International Journal of Immunopathology and Pharmacology confirmed the wound-healing abilities of Neomycin Sulfate [6].

In addition, a study in the Journal Of Pharmaceutical Negative Results concluded that a similar gel may be suitable for healing wounds in healthy human volunteers [7].

Polymyxin B Sulfate

This is an antibiotic which may help heal infections and wounds, preventing the growth of bacteria, decreasing inflammation, and preventing infection.

A meta-analysis in the Journal of Burn Care Research found evidence to support the effectiveness and speed of Polymyxin B Sulfate in healing wounds [8].

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How Do You Apply It?

A: Begin by cleansing the treatment area well with soap and water. Take a small amount onto the tip of your finger, and rub it into the infected area 3-5 times a day until it’s healed. You may then cover the wound with a sterile bandage.

Q: What is the Return Policy?

A: The manufacturer does not sell the products directly, and they offer no return policy themselves. However, you can buy Neosporin Antibiotic Ointment from numerous other retailers, and they each should have their own policy or guarantee.

Q: Is It Cruelty-Free?

A: No, Neosporin is not a cruelty free brand. The manufacturer, Johnson and Johnson Consumer Inc, does test their products on animals.

Q: Where to Buy It?

A: These ointments are not for sale on the offical website, but you can buy them from many online retailers like Amazon and iHerb as well as in stores like pharmacies, Walmart, and others. The prices vary depending on where you buy, and range from approximately $3-$7.

Q: What Sets Neosporin Apart From the Competition?

A: Neosporin is a well-regarded brand for the most part, and not every similar ointment has the triple-antibiotic potency. On the negative side, unlike many brands, you can’t purchase from the manufacturer directly and there’s no guarantee.

Neosporin Reviews from Customers

A: The reviews for this triple antibiotic ointment brand varied, but many of them were quite good. A number of users said they were loyal customers and found the formulas effective at healing minor wounds and burns in themselves and family members.

However, there were also users who did not find it as helpful. In addition, some customers complained that it actually caused a rash or burning sensation. Here is a selection of feedback:

Product Does What It Claims

Like this one because it’s more of a Vaseline texture, not a cream. The tube is small and fits into all band aid holders. You can buy it at pretty much any store. Bought this one at the local Dollar General.

Doesn’t sting and it only takes a little bit. Will continue to buy it in the future. Would like it better if it had more pain control. –Katrina M.

Accident Prone Daughter

Had a bad reaction to this ointment as it caused redness, made the skin hard, and led to rash and blisters around the laceration.

It felt like the skin was burning after a few hours of use, as directed by the doctor. Only used it for a couple of days as couldn’t wait to change out of the bandage. Now the skin is slowly healing. –Skeeta

Antibiotic Ointment

Easy to apply and good for healing properties. Good value. –Miss A.

Conclusion

Neosporin is a brand of antiseptic antibiotic creams, the primary being Neosporin Original with a number of variations. The ointments promise to heal small cuts, scrapes and burns, and decrease pain and inflammation. The price is average to high, and the manufacturer does not offer a guarantee.

Many of the Neosporin Original Antibiotic Ointment reviews had good things to say about the product, and claimed it was effective at healing minor wounds and burns. Some users didn’t find it worked as well, and there were customers who had actual skin reactions like rash and burning.

Neosporin products are all natural, but obviously there is some potential for a reaction. Check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients, and if you do have symptoms stop applying the cream immediately. You may want to check with a dermatologist or general physician before using Neosporin.

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Product reviews are provided for informational purposes only and reflect solely the views and opinions expressed by the contributors and not those of Consumer Health Digest. We do not verify or endorse any claims made in these reviews. Please read the full product reviews disclaimer. *All individuals are unique. Your results can and will vary.

1
Customer Reviews for Neosporin

Neosporin Reviews – Does It Actually Heal Scrapes and Wounds?

Customer Reviews & Ratings

3.0 out of 5

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  1. Green H.




    Neosporin is easy to use..
    Neosporin was easy to use the tube, easy application for itch relief & helped to heal small cuts & scrapes delivered right to your door. Value is better than local pharmacy prices, but sometimes I feel itchiness after using this product.

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PRODUCT NAME
Neosporin
PRODUCT BRAND
Neosporin
PRICE (in USD)
$4.19
INGREDIENTS
Bacitracin Zinc, Neomycin Sulfate, Polymyxin B Sulfate Olive Fruit Oil, Cocoa Seed Butter, Cotton Seed Oil, Petrolatum, and Tocopherol.

8 sources

We review published medical research in respected scientific journals to arrive at our conclusions about a product or health topic. This ensures the highest standard of scientific accuracy.

[1] Routine Use Of Antibiotic Ointment And Wound Healing: https://emj.bmj.com/content/19/6/556.1
[2] A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis On The Use Of Prophylactic Topical Antibiotics For The Prevention Of Uncomplicated Wound Infections: https://www.dovepress.com/a-systematic-review-and-meta-analysis-on-the-use-of-prophylactic-topic-peer-reviewed-fulltext-article-IDR
[3] The Role of Antioxidants on Wound Healing: A Review of the Current Evidence : The Role of Antioxidants on Wound Healing: A Review of the Current Evidence - PMC (nih.gov)
[4] Bacitracin Topical: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK536993/
[5] Bacitracin For Lubrication: An Allergen For More Convenience?: https://www.jaad.org/article/S0190-9622(05)00969-2/fulltext
[6] Evaluation Of The Wound Healing Effect Of Neomycin-Silver Nano-Composite Gel In Rats: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9277443/
[7] Formulation And Evaluation Of Neomycin Sulfate Hydrogels For Wound Healing: https://www.pnrjournal.com/index.php/home/article/view/584
[8] Effectiveness and Safety of Compound Polymyxin B Ointment in Treatment of Burn Wounds: A Meta-analysis: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34091661/

**This is a subjective assessment based on the strength of the available informations and our estimation of efficacy.

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