Neosporin alternatives: What to use instead

Key takeaways

• Neosporin is an antibacterial ointment that aims to support wound healing and help prevent infection. Alternatives include other OTC options, prescription drugs, and natural remedies like honey.
• Bacitracin and polymyxin B ointment (like Polysporin) may be used as an alternative if you know that you are only allergic to the neomycin ingredient in Neosporin.
• Natural alternatives like honey may work, as well as certain topical antibiotics to promote the healing of burns. Tea tree oil has proven antibacterial and antifungal properties that may support wound healing.

Overview

When it comes to wound care, Neosporin has long been a household name. This popular over-the-counter (OTC) antibiotic ointment helps treat minor injuries. The term “antibiotic” means it fights bacteria, so it also helps prevent infection and heals wounds.

While Neosporin is a go-to solution for many, you may want to search for other suitable alternatives. Many different alternatives are available, including other OTC options, prescription drugs, and even natural remedies.

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OTC alternatives

Neosporin is a brand-name ointment that contains three types of antibiotics:

• neomycin sulfate
• polymyxin B sulfate
• bacitracin zinc

It helps prevent infections and supports the healing of minor injuries like:

• cuts
• light burns
• scrapes

In addition to the original ointment, you can purchase other Neosporin products like: 

• an ointment that contains a numbing agent for added pain and itch relief
• an ointment designed to minimize the appearance of scars
• a balm that repairs chapped lips

But you can consider several alternatives if Neosporin is not suitable for or accessible to you.

Bacitracin and polymyxin B sulfate ointment

A 2022 study explains that neomycin — one of the ingredients in Neosporin — is one of the most common contact allergens in North America.

If you are allergic to neomycin but can use bacitracin and polymyxin B, then opting for a bacitracin and polymyxin B ointment can be a potential alternative. One such ointment is called Polysporin. 

Other antibiotic and antiseptic ointments and creams

Several different antibacterial ointments and creams are available in the market. They contain antibacterial agents that differ from those in Neosporin. 

Some branded products include:

• Hibiclens: It contains chlorhexidine gluconate, and it works as a skin cleanser to prevent bacterial infections. You might see it in hospital settings.
• Bacitraycin Plus: It contains bacitracin zinc. You can also buy a version with pain- and itch-relieving effects. It is suitable for wound care.
• Betadine: This antiseptic contains povidone-iodine to help prevent infection. In addition to an ointment, you can purchase a spray form. 
• Bactine: This contains benzalkonium chloride, which prevents skin infection, and lidocaine HCL, which reduces pain and itching. It comes in liquid and spray forms.
• Dermoplast: This contains the antibacterial agent benzethonium chloride and the numbing agent benzocaine. In addition to preventing infection and relieving itch and pain, it can help treat sunburns and bug bites. It comes in a no-touch spray form. 

All of these are helpful in preventing infection, but they’re only recommended for the first cleaning of the wound. They may even delay wound healing in the long term. If your wound doesn’t heal on its own after using these, consider speaking with a doctor.

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Prescription alternatives

If your wound worsens and develops a bacterial infection, a doctor may prescribe medication to treat it. Some antibiotics come in topical form, like Neosporin, but there are also stronger options that a doctor needs to monitor.

Examples include:

• metronidazole (Flagyl)
• mupirocin (Centany)
• silver sulfadiazine (Silvadene)

Natural alternatives

Alongside medications, you may consider trying natural options.

Honey

Honey is a sweet ingredient you can add to baked goods and tea, but it also has wound-healing properties. 

A 2021 paper suggests that honey has antiseptic, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties that make it a promising option for treating wounds like burns and inflammation. It may reduce costs and help limit antibiotic resistance.

What’s more, honey’s wound-healing properties are so effective that authors of a 2020 paper suggest that honey has the potential to become a future alternative treatment for wounds with antibiotic-resistant infections.

Tea tree oil

Tea tree oil is renowned for its antibacterial and antifungal properties. 

For example, a large 2023 review of 46 randomized controlled trials found that tea tree oil can remove certain antibiotic-resistant bacteria and fungal infections on the skin and support wound healing. However, the authors of the review commented that more studies with larger samples are required to further solidify this claim.

Before applying tea tree oil to your skin, make sure you dilute it with water. If you use it undiluted, it might cause skin irritation. To dilute, for every 1 to 2 drops of tea tree oil, mix in 12 drops of a carrier oil like almond or coconut.

Aloe vera

Aloe vera doesn’t offer antibacterial or antifungal properties, but it can still support wound healing. 

A 2019 review that included 23 trials concluded this, suggesting that it’s especially effective at retaining skin moisture and preventing ulcers.

Neosporin risks

While Neosporin is a trusted first-aid staple for many, you may want to consider its potential risks and side effects. 

As listed on the product label, these include:

• Doesn’t kill all bacteria: Although the three antibacterial ingredients target a range of bacteria, they are not effective for all types.
• Allergic reactions: Some individuals are allergic to the active antibiotics in Neosporin. Others cannot tolerate the inactive ingredients, which include cocoa butter and cottonseed oil. Potential allergic reactions include a rash or even anaphylaxis, which can be life threatening. 
• Not suitable for larger injuries: Neosporin is not suitable for larger injuries like serious burns, animal bites, or deep or puncture wounds. 

Another concern with using Neosporin is antibiotic resistance. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) explains that antimicrobial products can lose their effectiveness if certain microorganisms become resistant to them. It’s a significant public health issue that causes thousands of deaths every year. 

When to speak with a healthcare professional

Before using Neosporin or any alternatives, you should contact a healthcare professional if:

• The wound is large or deep: Ointment might not be enough if your wound is large. For instance, you may need stitches. 
• The injury was caused by a scratch or bite from an animal or human: These injuries carry a higher risk of serious infection and disease, including rabies.
• The injury was caused by something metallic, dirty, or rusty: You may need a tetanus vaccination.
• You experience signs of sepsis: Sepsis is a serious form of infection that spreads throughout your body and requires treatment. Symptoms include a fever, fast heart rate, confusion, kidney issues, low blood pressure, and difficulty breathing. 
• Other injuries: If you think your wound might be accompanied by tendon, joint, or bone sprains, strains, or breaks, you might need additional treatment, like a cast. 

If you use Neosporin, consult a healthcare professional if:

• you need to use it for more than 1 week
• your injury gets worse
• you develop an allergic reaction

If you are using Neosporin alternatives, the same guidelines generally apply.

A healthcare professional can provide personalized recommendations based on the nature of your injury and individual health considerations.

Summary

Neosporin can help prevent infection of smaller cuts, burns, and scrapes, but it isn’t suitable for larger injuries or those who are allergic to its ingredients.

Alternatives include other antibiotic ointments and sprays, as well as nonantibacterial products. 

If you are unsure of which, if any, products to use, it’s best to seek the advice of a healthcare professional. 

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