Like acne, a cold sore outbreak can be a frustrating dilemma that makes everyday activities (like eating, drinking and talking) cumbersome. Thankfully, the best products can help eliminate some pain and discomfort associated with the condition.
“Depending on how often you have cold sores outbreaks, the most effective treatment would be with an oral medication that can be prescribed by a physician, to be used either for flares (if you get them rarely), or on a daily basis to prevent outbreaks (if you get flares frequently),” says Dr. David Li, a board-certified dermatologist based in Massachusetts. “Topical treatments can be found over the counter as well.”
We spoke with two board-certified dermatologists about the best topical treatments and how to know which one is right for you. We also put together a list of what to shop based on their recommendations and guidance.
SKIP AHEAD How we picked the best products for cold sores | The best cold sore products in 2025 | How to shop for cold sore products | Why trust NBC Select?
How we picked the best products for cold sores
The best products for cold sores should reduce pain, discomfort and redness as well as help minimize the spread, according to our experts. Below, we highlight their suggestions about what to consider when curating this list:
- Type: You can find cold sore treatments in patch, gel and cream form. Patches act as a physical barrier for the cold sore, helping to reduce the spread of the virus, says Li. They also prevent exposure to potential irritants, offer a discreet way of covering up the sore and are a good way to prevent picking or touching it. Gels provide a protective barrier due to their thicker consistency, and some formulas dry into a film, which can shield the cold sore from bacteria, dirt and further irritation. If you’re seeking a more lightweight formula with quicker absorption and the ability to layer makeup on top, a cream may be a good option.
- Active ingredients: When shopping for the best products for cold sores, there are a few active ingredients to be aware of. Docosanol is an over-the-counter antiviral that helps prevent the virus from spreading. Rather than attacking the virus directly, it blocks the virus from reaching healthy cells, thus slowing the spread, reducing the severity of the cold sore outbreak and shortening healing time. Hydrocortisone is another ingredient that can help offer cold sore relief. This mild corticosteroid helps minimize inflammation, redness and swelling associated with the outbreak, and is a good ingredient to use in conjunction with oral medication. Finally, hydrocolloid, often found in patches, creates a moist environment for the cold sore to prevent it from drying out.
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The best products for cold sores in 2025
Abreva Cold Sore Treatment
- Fast-acting
- Relieves discomfort
- Small, portable packaging
- Pricey
Dr. Tracy Evans, a board-certified dermatologist and medical director of Pacific Skin and Cosmetic Dermatology, points to this formula from Abreva as one of the best topical treatments for cold sores because it “penetrates deeply into the skin to block the herpes virus from entering healthy cells.” It’s formulated with 10% docosanol, an ingredient that Li says has been studied to reduce healing time by 18 hours. The cream also comes in small, portable packaging that makes it easy to travel with or take on the go.
Type: cream | Active ingredients: 10% docosanol
Cortizone 10 Anti-Itch Cream
- Anti-inflammatory
- Relieves itching
- Multi-use
- May not be safe if pregnant
For an anti-inflammatory treatment that can help calm cold sores and reduce redness, itching and pain, Evans recommends this hydrocortisone cream. In addition to 1% hydrocortisone, this has vitamins A, C and E in it to keep skin nourished, according to the brand. Plus, you can use it to offer relief for other skin conditions such as eczema, allergic reactions and dermatitis. To use, Evans says to apply a half pea-sized amount three times a day.
Type: cream | Active ingredients: 1% hydrocortisone
Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patch
- Thin profile, matte finish
- Affordable
- Long-wearing adhesion
- One size
Evans is a fan of these patches from Hero Cosmetics because they’re discreet with a thin profile and matte finish — plus, they help promote healing. While designed primarily for acne, they’re made with medical-grade hydrocolloid, which absorbs fluids and keeps the cold sore from drying out. Choose from a 72-count or 24-count package.
Type: patch | Active ingredients: hydrocolloid
Campho Phenique Cold Sore Treatment
- Affordable
- Can use if aged 2+
- Has a numbing effect
- Doesn't smell great
This cold sore treatment is ideal if you’re dealing with high levels of discomfort because it’s made with camphor and phenol to provide a numbing effect that temporarily halts the pain, according to the brand. It also has aloe, which helps soothe skin and prevent dryness and cracking from exacerbating any tenderness. Both adults and children over two can use the formula, and it has a precise applicator that disperses a small amount of product to ensure there’s no waste.
Type: gel | Active ingredients: camphor, phenol, aloe
Cerave Hydrating Facial Cleanser
- Gentle formula
- Noncomedogenic
- Pump applicator
- May not be good for oily skin
If your cold sore has entered the crust-over stage, this noncomedogenic facial cleanser is a good choice. It’s gentle, won’t contribute to further irritation and supports healing since it doesn’t have any harsh acids or alcohols. Instead, it’s made with ceramides, which Li says are helpful to protect the skin’s barrier, in addition to trapping moisture within the surface of the skin. “This has the benefit of preventing moisture loss in addition to protecting the barrier from harsh compounds in the environment,” he says. Application-wise, the pump makes for sanitary and mess-free usage.
Type: cream cleanser | Active ingredients: ceramides
Mederma Healing Patch
- Portable box
- Can apply makeup on top
- 12-hour protection
- May peel
The benefits of this patch from Mederma is two-fold: It makes your cold sore appear less visible, and it has hydrocolloid gel technology to speed up healing, says Evans. This comes with 15 patches in an easily transportable box. It also seamlessly fits into your routine, as you can also apply lipstick and makeup on top.
Type: patch | Active ingredients: hydrocolloid
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How to shop for cold sore treatments
When shopping, our experts recommend looking at several factors, including the form of treatment.
What your symptoms are will impact what kind of treatment you’ll need:
- To speed up healing, look for antiviral treatments with docosanol or lysine.
- For easing itching, burning and pain, look for numbing agents, often found in gels. Gels typically consist of one or more active ingredients that dull the pain of the HSV infection using benzocaine, lidocaine or menthol, says Li.
- To support recovery, look for protective products like patches. Formulas with aloe, honey and vitamin E can also help with skin repair and protection.
Meet our experts
At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
- David Li is a board-certified dermatologist and operator of Boston Derm Advocate, a digital platform dedicated to the exploration of evidence-based skin care.
- Tracy Evans is a board-certified dermatologist and the medical director of Pacific Skin and Cosmetic Dermatology.
Why trust NBC Select?
Michelle Rostamian has more than 10 years of experience covering beauty and skin care topics. For this story, Rostamian spoke to board-certified dermatologists about the causes and treatments for cold sores, and included their direct recommendations and products based on their guidance.
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