Neosporin First Aid Antibiotic Ointment & Cream

Neosporin is the trusted name for over-the-counter wound care, using a triple-antibiotic combination of bacitracin, neomycin, and polymyxin B to help prevent infection in minor cuts, scrapes, and burns. Applied to a cleaned wound, it creates a protective barrier that keeps the area moist for faster healing and guards against the bacteria that cause infection. HonestMed stocks the full lineup from Johnson & Johnson and GlaxoSmithKline in the sizes households, clinics, and first aid stations reach for most.

The choice usually comes down to formula. The Neosporin Original First Aid Antibiotic Ointment (0.5 oz and 1 oz tubes) is the classic triple-antibiotic petrolatum-based ointment for everyday nicks and abrasions. If a wound is tender, the Neosporin + Pain Relief Ointment, Maximum Strength adds pramoxine HCl to numb the site while it protects—available in both the standard and a gentler Neosporin + Pain Relief for Kids cream. Prefer something less greasy that rubs in clean under clothing or a bandage? The Neosporin First Aid Antibiotic Cream and the + Pain Relief Cream deliver the same infection protection in a lighter, water-based base.

Ointment versus cream is the question buyers ask most. Ointments seal in moisture and stay put on dry or exposed skin, while creams absorb faster and feel less occlusive—useful on the face or areas that rub. Both are for external use on minor injuries only; deep, puncture, or serious wounds need professional care, and anyone with a known neomycin sensitivity should choose a bacitracin-only option instead. The 1 oz tubes offer better value for frequent use, while 0.5 oz tubes fit neatly into a purse, glovebox, or restocked kit.

Stock up alongside the rest of your supplies in First Aid and browse related Wound Care essentials to complete your kit.