Dermabond Topical Skin Adhesive

Dermabond is Johnson & Johnson's clinically proven topical skin adhesive, used to close and seal wound edges in place of sutures, staples, or adhesive strips. Formulated with 2-octyl cyanoacrylate, it bonds within seconds to hold approximated skin edges together while forming a flexible, water-resistant protective film over the wound.

Clinicians reach for Dermabond on clean, easily approximated laceration and incision edges — from minor emergency-department repairs to elective surgical closures. Beyond convenience, it offers real clinical value: the microbial barrier of the cured film has been shown to guard against many common wound pathogens, and because there's nothing to remove, patients avoid a return visit for suture removal. It typically sloughs off naturally in 5 to 10 days as the skin heals.

Which applicator you choose comes down to the wound. The Dermabond Advanced Topical Skin Adhesive (0.7 mL, DNX12) pairs a precision tip for controlled linear placement with a dome tip for broader coverage, making it a versatile choice for longer or higher-tension closures. For smaller lacerations and shorter incisions, the Dermabond Mini (0.36 mL, DHVM12) delivers the same 2-octyl cyanoacrylate formulation in a right-sized volume that reduces waste on minor repairs.

A few application notes worth remembering: apply Dermabond only to intact, dry, well-approximated skin — never inside the wound itself — and hold the edges together as you paint thin layers over the surface. Keep it away from the eyes and mucous membranes, and avoid ointments over the cured film, since petroleum-based products can loosen it prematurely.

Dermabond fits naturally alongside the rest of your closure and repair supplies. Explore related options in our Wound Closure collection, or browse the broader Wound Care & First Aid category for dressings and post-closure protection.