Best Antibiotic Ointment (2026): Neosporin vs. Polysporin vs. Bacitracin vs. Store Brands
The first-aid shelf holds a dozen tubes that look different but share just three antibiotics. Here's what's actually inside each one, which are identical to the brands, what they cost per gram, which to skip if you react to Neosporin, and what the FDA label allows.
- Updated Sep 24, 2026
- Prices checked Aug 17, 2026
- 14 cited sources
- No paid placements
On this page 10 sections
Quick answer
Nearly every antibiotic ointment on US pharmacy shelves uses the same three antibiotics: bacitracin, neomycin and polymyxin B. Neosporin has all three, Polysporin has two (no neomycin), and plain bacitracin has one.
Store brands are the same formula for about half the price. In our data, a 1 oz store-brand triple antibiotic ointment costs $0.41 per gram, versus $0.79 for a 0.5 oz Neosporin Original. The active ingredients and strengths match.
If Neosporin ever gave you an itchy rash, pick a neomycin-free product (Polysporin, a store-brand "double antibiotic" such as CVS Poly Bacitracin, or plain bacitracin). For clean minor cuts, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends plain petroleum jelly over antibiotic ointment.
Best antibiotic ointment by situation
There's no "strongest" OTC ointment: they share the same three FDA-approved antibiotics. Pick by formula and price per gram, not by brand.
Best for: everyday cuts and scrapes. Same actives and strengths as Neosporin Original.
Skip if: you've had an itchy rash from Neosporin (likely neomycin).
Best for: anyone who reacts to Neosporin, or who wants to avoid the most common antibiotic allergen.
Note: the brand, Polysporin, costs about $0.48/g, so the store version saves little here.
Best for: stinging scrapes and minor burns. The cheapest product per gram in our data.
Note: the brand, Neosporin + Lidocaine, costs $0.95/g, nearly 3× more.
Best for: people who want one ingredient, or who react to neomycin.
Watch out: the 0.5 oz tube costs $0.69/g. Buy the 1 oz size.
9 antibiotic ointments and creams compared
Read the Drug Facts box, not the brand name. Nine products on the shelf come down to five formulas.
Swipe the table sideways →
| Product (size) | Bacitracin | Neomycin | Polymyxin B | Pain reliever | Price range | Per gram (lowest) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Neosporin Original ointment0.5 oz / 14.2 g | 400 u | 3.5 mg | 5,000 u | — | $11.27–$17.04 | $0.79 |
| Store-brand triple antibiotic1 oz / 28.4 g | 400 u | 3.5 mg | 5,000 u | — | $11.65–$16.73 | $0.41 |
| Polysporin ointment1 oz / 28.3 g | 500 u | — | 10,000 u | — | $13.58–$19.24 | $0.48 |
| Store-brand double antibiotic1 oz / 28.4 g · e.g. CVS Poly Bacitracin | 500 u | — | 10,000 u | — | $12.89–$17.68 | $0.45 |
| Bacitracin zinc ointment1 oz / 28.4 g | 500 u | — | — | — | $12.54–$18.01 | $0.44 |
| Bacitracin ointment0.5 oz / 14 g | 500 u | — | — | — | $9.68–$16.26 | $0.69 |
| Neosporin + Lidocaine ointment0.5 oz / 14.2 g | 500 u | 3.5 mg | 10,000 u | Lidocaine 4% | $13.51–$18.18 | $0.95 |
| Neosporin + Pain Relief cream0.5 oz / 14.2 g | — | 3.5 mg | 10,000 u | Pramoxine 1% | $13.19–$17.92 | $0.93 |
| Store-brand triple + pain relief1 oz / 28 g | Yes | Yes | Yes | Pramoxine 1% | $9.82–$15.62 | $0.35 |
Strengths are per gram, from each product's Drug Facts label (u = units). Store-brand pain-relief versions vary in antibiotic strength by maker, so check the label. Prices: RxHelp US pharmacy price panel, discount-card prices at Kroger, Harris Teeter, Food Lion, Costco and Publix, Aug 17, 2026. Shelf prices may differ.
Store brands vs. brand names: same formula, about half the price
A store-brand triple ointment and Neosporin Original list identical actives at identical strengths. Most of the price gap comes from the brand name and the smaller tube.
A 1 oz store-brand triple antibiotic ointment costs $0.41 per gram, versus $0.79 per gram for 0.5 oz Neosporin Original, with the same three antibiotics at the same strengths. That's 48% less per gram.RxHelp US pharmacy price panel, lowest discount-card prices, Aug 17, 2026
Lowest discount-card price ÷ tube size in grams. RxHelp US pharmacy price panel, Aug 17, 2026.
Brand name → store-brand equivalent
Neosporin Original
Look for "triple antibiotic ointment"
- Bacitracin zinc 400 units
- Neomycin 3.5 mg
- Polymyxin B 5,000 units (per gram)
Sold under chain names such as CVS Health, Walgreens, Equate and GoodSense. The FDA monograph allows a few other strengths, so match the numbers, not just the words "triple antibiotic".
Polysporin
Look for "double antibiotic" or "Poly Bacitracin"
- Bacitracin zinc 500 units
- Polymyxin B 10,000 units (per gram)
- No neomycin
CVS Poly Bacitracin uses exactly these strengths. Neosporin also sells a neomycin-free version, Simply Neosporin (bacitracin + polymyxin B).
Buy the 1 oz tube
Size changes the price more than brand. The same 500-unit bacitracin ointment cost $0.69/g in a 0.5 oz tube and $0.44/g in a 1 oz tube in our data.
Which antibiotic ointment should you use?
Start with the label's limits, then your allergy history. After that, price is the only real difference.
Neomycin and bacitracin allergy: why a rash can appear
Two of the three antibiotics are well-known skin allergens. A red, itchy rash that gets worse after a few days of use is a sign to stop, as the label directs.
| Ingredient | In which products | Allergy note |
|---|---|---|
| Neomycin | Neosporin Original, triple antibiotic, Neosporin + Pain Relief / Lidocaine | Contact Allergen of the Year 2010 American Contact Dermatitis Society. Reactions can appear 3–4 days after starting. |
| Bacitracin | Triple, double and single-ingredient ointments (not in Neosporin + Pain Relief cream) | Contact Allergen of the Year 2003 American Contact Dermatitis Society |
| Polymyxin B | Triple and double antibiotic products | Not named an ACDS Allergen of the Year Allergy is still possible. Stop if a rash develops. |
Sources: DermNet (neomycin and bacitracin allergy pages), FDA first-aid antibiotic labeling (21 CFR 333.150).
What the label says to do
"Stop use and consult a doctor if the condition persists or gets worse, or if a rash or other allergic reaction develops. Do not use if you are allergic to any of the ingredients." (FDA first-aid antibiotic labeling, 21 CFR 333.150)
Ointment vs. cream vs. spray: which form?
The antibiotics are the same. What changes is the base, which affects how it feels, how long it stays on, and which ingredients are included.
| Form | Base | Feels like | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ointmentmost products | Petrolatum | Greasy, stays put | Keeps the wound moist. Almost every formula comes as an ointment. |
| Creame.g. Neosporin + Pain Relief cream | Water-based | Absorbs, less shiny | Often leaves out bacitracin (neomycin + polymyxin B only), so check the label if you avoid neomycin. |
| Spray / powder | Aerosol or powder | No-touch application | The FDA monograph allows bacitracin + polymyxin B sprays and powders. Handy for hard-to-reach scrapes. |
| Bandage with antibiotic pad | Pre-applied ointment | One step | Convenient for small cuts. Check the box for the actives, and change the bandage daily. |
What the FDA label allows, and how to use it
All OTC first-aid antibiotics follow one FDA rule (21 CFR 333), so every tube carries the same uses, directions and limits.
- Step 1
Clean the area
Rinse the cut or scrape. The label directions start with "Clean the affected area."
- 1–3× a day
Apply a small amount
About the size of your fingertip's surface, 1 to 3 times daily.
- Optional
Cover it
"May be covered with a sterile bandage."
- Max 1 week
Stop or see a doctor
Not longer than 1 week unless a doctor directs. Sooner if it gets worse.
Labeled use
- First aid to help prevent infection in minor cuts
- Minor scrapes
- Minor burns
Label says: not without a doctor
- Deep or puncture wounds
- Animal bites
- Serious burns
- Large areas of the body, or in the eyes
Do you need an antibiotic ointment at all?
For a clean minor cut, often not. The American Academy of Dermatology advises plain petroleum jelly instead of topical antibiotics to keep the wound moist while it heals.
Antibiotic ointment
FDA-labeled to help prevent infection
- Contains 1–3 antibiotics plus a petrolatum base
- Can trigger allergic rashes (neomycin, bacitracin)
- $0.35–$0.95 per gram in our data
Plain petroleum jelly
What the AAD recommends for minor cuts
- Keeps the wound moist so it heals
- No antibiotic, so no antibiotic allergy
- Use a tube rather than a jar to keep it clean
Either way, the AAD's basics are the same: wash the cut with mild soap and water, cover it with a bandage and change it daily, and see a doctor if it's deeper than ¼ inch, won't stop bleeding, or shows signs of infection.
Prescription antibiotic ointments and creams
When an infection has already started, such as impetigo or a burn needing wound care, a clinician may prescribe a prescription-only topical antibiotic. These aren't sold over the counter.
| Prescription topical | Labeled for | Quantity priced | Price range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mupirocin 2%Bactroban, ointment | Impetigo caused by staph or strep | 22 g tube | $9.99–$25.94 |
| Silver sulfadiazine 1%Silvadene, cream | Helps prevent and treat wound infection in second- and third-degree burns | 50 g | $11.72–$26.99 |
| Ozenoxacin 1%Xepi, cream | Impetigo, ages 2 months and up | 10 g tube | $1,227.50–$1,325.00 |
Labeled uses from FDA prescribing information. Discount-card prices across 9 US pharmacy chains, Aug 17, 2026. A 10 g tube of Xepi costs about 120 times as much as a 22 g tube of generic mupirocin. If you're prescribed it, ask whether a lower-cost option fits.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best antibiotic ointment?
No single brand is better, because they share the same FDA-approved antibiotics. For most minor cuts and scrapes, a store-brand triple antibiotic ointment (same ingredients as Neosporin) or double antibiotic ointment (same as Polysporin) gives you the same formula for about half the price per gram. If you've reacted to Neosporin before, choose a neomycin-free product. For clean minor cuts, dermatologists often recommend plain petroleum jelly instead.
Is Neosporin an antibiotic?
Yes. Neosporin Original is an over-the-counter first-aid antibiotic ointment with three antibiotics per gram: bacitracin zinc 400 units, neomycin 3.5 mg and polymyxin B 5,000 units. Its labeled use is to help prevent infection in minor cuts, scrapes and burns. It isn't labeled to treat an infection that has already started.
Is triple antibiotic ointment the same as Neosporin?
Usually, yes. "Triple antibiotic ointment" means bacitracin + neomycin + polymyxin B, the same three ingredients as Neosporin Original, and most store brands copy its exact strengths (400 units / 3.5 mg / 5,000 units per gram). The FDA monograph allows six strength combinations, though, so compare the units per gram in the Drug Facts box. See triple antibiotic ointment, explained.
What's the difference between Neosporin and Polysporin?
Polysporin leaves out neomycin. It contains bacitracin zinc 500 units and polymyxin B 10,000 units per gram, while Neosporin Original adds neomycin. That matters mainly if you're allergic to neomycin, a common cause of contact dermatitis. See our bacitracin vs. Neosporin comparison.
What is CVS Poly Bacitracin?
It's CVS's store-brand antibiotic ointment with bacitracin zinc 500 units and polymyxin B 10,000 units per gram, the same actives and strengths as Polysporin. Other chains sell the same formula as "double antibiotic" ointment.
Is bacitracin an antibiotic?
Yes. Bacitracin is a single-ingredient first-aid antibiotic ointment (500 units per gram), sold over the counter. Buy the 1 oz tube if you can: in our data it cost $0.44 per gram, versus $0.69 per gram for the 0.5 oz size. See bacitracin prices.
Is mupirocin an antibiotic, and can I buy it over the counter?
Mupirocin (brand Bactroban) is a prescription-only antibiotic ointment. Its label covers impetigo caused by staph or strep bacteria. Generic mupirocin 2% costs $9.99–$25.94 for a 22 g tube with a discount card. See mupirocin prices.
What is the best antibiotic cream for a skin infection?
Over-the-counter antibiotic ointments and creams are labeled to help prevent infection in minor wounds, not to treat one. If a wound shows signs of infection (pus, spreading redness, warmth, swelling or worsening pain), the American Academy of Dermatology advises contacting a doctor. Treatment may need a prescription such as mupirocin or an oral antibiotic.
Can you put antibiotic ointment on an open wound?
The label covers minor cuts, scrapes and burns. It says to consult a doctor for deep or puncture wounds, animal bites or serious burns, and not to apply it over large areas of the body. Clean the area first, then apply a fingertip-sized amount 1–3 times a day.
How long can you use antibiotic ointment?
The FDA label says not to use it longer than 1 week unless a doctor tells you to. Stop and see a doctor if the wound gets worse or doesn't improve, or if a rash or other allergic reaction develops.
Related guides
Sources
- 21 CFR 333.120 — Permitted combinations of first aid antibiotic active ingredients
- 21 CFR 333.150 — Labeling of first aid antibiotic products (uses, warnings, directions)
- American Academy of Dermatology — How to treat minor cuts
- American Academy of Dermatology — When to use (or not use) antibiotics on your skin
- DailyMed — Neosporin products (Original, Simply Neosporin, + Pain Relief)
- DailyMed — Neosporin + Pain Relief ointment (bacitracin, neomycin, polymyxin B, pramoxine)
- DailyMed — Neosporin + Pain Relief cream (neomycin, polymyxin B, pramoxine)
- DailyMed — Neosporin + Lidocaine ointment label
- CVS — Poly Bacitracin first aid antibiotic ointment ingredients
- DermNet — Neomycin contact allergy (ACDS Allergen of the Year 2010)
- DermNet — Bacitracin allergy (ACDS Allergen of the Year 2003)
- DailyMed — Mupirocin ointment 2% prescribing information
- FDA — Xepi (ozenoxacin) cream 1% label
- DailyMed — Silver sulfadiazine cream 1% labels
How we researched this
Formulas come from each product's Drug Facts label (DailyMed, manufacturer and retailer ingredient pages) and the FDA first-aid antibiotic monograph (21 CFR 333). Prices are discount-card prices from our US pharmacy price panel: 5 chains for OTC products (Kroger, Harris Teeter, Food Lion, Costco, Publix) and 9 chains for prescription products, checked Aug 17, 2026. Shelf prices can differ. We don't take payment from any brand listed. Methodology · Editorial policy
Last updated September 24, 2026. General education, not medical advice — a licensed clinician or pharmacist decides whether you need an antibiotic and which one.