Neosporin vs. Polysporin

Written by licensed aesthetician Kerry Benjamin.

The short version: Skip Neosporin on your face. It contains neomycin, a common allergen that can cause an itchy, red rash. For a small cut on your face, Polysporin is the better choice. For breakouts, neither one works, because antibiotic ointments don't target the bacteria that cause acne.

Why You Shouldn't Use Neosporin on Your Face

If you ever scraped your knee as a kid, chances are your mom reached for a tube of Neosporin, and you probably still have one in your medicine cabinet. Some people use it as a cure-all, putting it on blemishes and even using it as a moisturizer. But while it can help with minor cuts, putting Neosporin on your face can cause real skin problems. Here's why, and what to use instead.

What Is Neosporin?

Neosporin is an over-the-counter antibiotic ointment used to prevent infection and help minor cuts, scrapes and burns heal. It contains petroleum jelly and three antibacterial ingredients: neomycin sulfate, bacitracin and polymyxin B.

The problem is neomycin. It's a highly allergenic ingredient that can cause contact dermatitis, a skin rash with red, itchy, scaly patches. Contact dermatitis can look like the start of an infection, so people put on more Neosporin, and the cycle keeps going.

Neosporin vs. Polysporin: What's the Difference?

Neosporin contains neomycin. Polysporin doesn't, so it's much less likely to cause an allergic reaction.

If you have a small cut or scrape on your face, use Polysporin instead. It helps keep the skin moist to prevent scarring and helps keep bacteria out of the wound. Apply it only to the affected area, not all over your face.

Should You Put Neosporin or Polysporin on a Pimple?

No. The antibacterial ingredients in these ointments don't target Cutibacterium acnes (formerly called Propionibacterium acnes), the bacteria behind acne.

Using a topical antibiotic on your face for a long time can also break down your skin's protective barrier. That leaves your skin open to irritation and can make breakouts worse.

What to Use Instead

To help a small nick or a picked blemish heal: EGF Activating Serum. It's made with plant-based growth factors and yeast extract to speed healing and calm inflammation, and it's safe on skin that's already broken out. It's what I recommend for a small nick from dermaplaning.

To treat breakouts: Our High Frequency Acne Device helps reduce acne-causing bacteria and calm inflammation. The TCA Multi-Acid Face Peel, with salicylic acid, clears clogged pores and speeds up cell turnover. Use it at night, 3–5 times a week.

To fade the marks breakouts leave behind: Use EGF Activating Serum with the TCA Multi-Acid Face Peel. Together, post-breakout marks often fade in about 4 weeks.

For a deep cut or a wound that looks infected: see your doctor.

Learn More

• Acne Scars vs Dark Marks
• What Is EGF Serum?
• What to Do If You Have an Allergic Reaction on Your Face