Lidocaine Numbing Cream (4–5%)
Over-the-counter numbing cream at 4% lidocaine in the US (the FDA's ceiling for skin) or 5% in Canada, where Health Canada licenses it. The label's onset time is 20–60 minutes depending on the product (4% lidocaine about 20–30, EMLA-type about 60).
Last edited · written by PepPrep
- Lidocaine 4–5%
- Label onset 20–60 min
What it’s for
Popular with anyone who hates needles. Which is most people.
What to check in the listing
The legal ceiling depends on where you are: 4% in the US, where the FDA has warned about stronger over-the-counter products, and 5% in Canada, where licensed creams carry an NPN number on the label. In Europe the pharmacy standard is Emla, which uses lidocaine plus prilocaine instead. Buy what's legal where you live and skip anything advertising more.
At a glance
For what actually takes the sting out, and in what order to try it, read Making injections hurt less.
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