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. Apply about 20 minutes ahead.

• Lidocaine 4–5%
• Apply ~20 min ahead

Why you’d want it: Popular with anyone who hates needles. Which is most people.

Picking tip: 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.

Category

Comfort & Safety

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