Can I buy numbing spray over-the-counter?

October 12, 2025 •

4 min read

Yes, you can buy numbing spray over-the-counter (OTC), with many products containing active ingredients like lidocaine or benzocaine. In fact, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates the maximum concentration of these topical anesthetics for OTC use. These readily available products are formulated to provide temporary relief from minor pain, itching, and irritation.

Quick Summary

Over-the-counter numbing sprays are widely available for temporary pain relief from minor cuts, scrapes, and burns. Common active ingredients include lidocaine and benzocaine. Products vary in application and strength, with safety precautions and specific uses outlined on product labels.

Key Points

Yes, OTC numbing sprays are available: Products containing lidocaine or benzocaine can be purchased over-the-counter for temporary pain relief.
Two main types: Lidocaine sprays are typically more potent and longer-lasting, while benzocaine sprays have a faster onset but shorter duration.
Follow FDA safety guidelines: Never use topical anesthetics heavily over large areas, on broken skin, or wrapped with dressings, as this can increase systemic absorption.
Match the spray to the ailment: Select a spray based on its intended use, such as a lidocaine spray for nerve pain or a benzocaine spray for a sore throat.
Read the label carefully: Always follow the specific product instructions regarding application site, and frequency to avoid adverse effects.
Not for infant teething: Topical anesthetics are not recommended for infants' teething pain due to the risk of swallowing and potential toxicity.
Know when to see a doctor: Consult a healthcare provider for severe or persistent pain, or if you experience concerning side effects.

Yes, over-the-counter (OTC) numbing sprays are widely available for purchase at pharmacies, grocery stores, and online. These topical anesthetic products are designed to provide temporary relief from minor pain, itching, and irritation. They achieve this by delivering a local anesthetic directly to the skin's surface, effectively blocking nerve signals in the treated area. The two most common active ingredients in these sprays are lidocaine and benzocaine. While both serve a similar numbing purpose, they differ in potency, duration of action, and typical applications.

The Role of Active Ingredients: Lidocaine vs. Benzocaine

When purchasing an OTC numbing spray, the active ingredient is the most critical factor to consider, as it determines the product's strength and suitability for your needs. The U.S. FDA regulates the maximum strength for OTC topical use.

Lidocaine-Based Sprays

How it Works: Lidocaine is an amide-type local anesthetic that blocks nerve signals, resulting in temporary numbness. It is generally considered more potent and longer-lasting than benzocaine.
Common Uses: OTC lidocaine sprays, such as Aspercreme Max Strength, are often used for minor muscle and joint pain, nerve pain (associated with conditions like shingles), hemorrhoidal pain, sunburn, and itching. The strength available for anorectal use is the maximum available without a prescription.
Key Features: These sprays are often odorless and dry quickly, offering a hands-free application for hard-to-reach areas.

Benzocaine-Based Sprays

How it Works: Benzocaine is an ester-type local anesthetic that also blocks nerve impulses to reduce pain and discomfort. It is particularly effective for numbing the surface of mucous membranes.
Common Uses: Products like Dermoplast and Chloraseptic utilize benzocaine. They are commonly used for temporary relief from minor cuts, scrapes, minor burns, insect bites, and sore throats.
Key Features: Benzocaine sprays are often available for specific applications, such as for oral pain or first aid, and may provide faster numbing than creams, but for a shorter duration.

Choosing the Right OTC Numbing Spray

Selecting the correct numbing spray depends on the specific ailment you are treating. Here are some factors to consider:

Location: For a sore throat, a spray containing benzocaine designed for oral use is appropriate. For a painful sunburn, sprays with lidocaine and aloe vera offer cooling, soothing, and numbing effects. For minor cuts and scrapes, a first-aid spray with an antiseptic and pain reliever like Bactine Max is a good option.
Application: Sprays offer a non-touch application, which is ideal for painful or hard-to-reach areas, such as a severe sunburn or hemorrhoidal pain. Some dry sprays are mess-free and can be applied at any angle.
Duration of Effect: If you need longer-lasting relief, lidocaine-based sprays are often the better choice. If you need a rapid, short-term effect for a specific procedure or oral pain, benzocaine may be sufficient.

How to Use Numbing Spray Safely

Topical anesthetics can cause harm if used improperly. Always follow the product's directions carefully to ensure safe and effective use. Key safety guidelines include:

Read the Label: Adhere strictly to the recommended application instructions.
Avoid Large Areas: Do not apply heavily over large areas of the skin, as this increases the risk of the medication being absorbed into the bloodstream.
Do Not Cover: Avoid wrapping treated skin with plastic wrap or other dressings. This practice significantly increases absorption and the risk of serious side effects.
Avoid Broken Skin: Do not apply to open wounds, raw surfaces, or blistered areas unless the product is specifically labeled for such use.
For External Use Only: Be mindful of sprays containing lidocaine not intended for oral use and avoid contact with eyes.
No Teething Relief: Do not use topical numbing sprays for teething pain in infants, as they may swallow the product, leading to potential toxicity.

Comparison of Common OTC Numbing Spray Active Ingredients


Feature	Lidocaine	Benzocaine
Drug Class	Amide-type anesthetic	Ester-type anesthetic
Typical OTC Strength	Up to the maximum regulated for OTC use	Up to the maximum regulated for OTC use
Duration of Effect	Longer-lasting (approx. 35-40 min)	Shorter-lasting (approx. 15 min)
Onset of Action	A few minutes	Very fast (seconds)
Common OTC Use	General pain, nerve pain, hemorrhoids, sunburn	Minor burns, cuts, scrapes, sore throats, oral pain
Primary Metabolizer	Liver	Plasma and liver
Potency	Higher potency at lower concentration	Lower potency at higher concentration
Special Considerations	Avoid large areas, broken skin, and prolonged use; potential for methemoglobinemia	Risk of allergic reactions, potential for methemoglobinemia

Conclusion

For those wondering, “Can I buy numbing spray over-the-counter?”, the answer is a clear yes. These sprays provide a convenient and effective way to manage temporary, minor pain from a variety of causes. However, it's crucial to understand the differences between the common active ingredients, primarily lidocaine and benzocaine, to select the most appropriate product for your needs. Always prioritize safety by carefully reading and following all label instructions. While OTC numbing sprays are safe for most when used as directed, they are not a substitute for professional medical advice for severe or persistent pain. If your condition worsens or if you experience unusual side effects, consult a healthcare provider. For additional information on medication safety, you can refer to the FDA website.

FDA - FDA Warns Consumers to Avoid Certain Topical Pain Relief Products

Final Recommendations

OTC numbing sprays can be a valuable addition to your first-aid kit, offering temporary relief for a wide range of minor skin issues. By understanding the active ingredients, reading labels thoroughly, and adhering to all safety precautions, you can use these products confidently and effectively. Always consult a healthcare professional if you have underlying conditions or questions about proper usage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Both lidocaine and benzocaine are effective topical anesthetics, but they have different properties. Lidocaine is generally considered more potent and provides longer-lasting relief, while benzocaine is known for its faster onset of action but shorter duration.

Yes, many OTC numbing sprays are specifically formulated to relieve sunburn pain. Products containing ingredients like lidocaine, benzocaine, and aloe vera can provide a cooling, soothing, and pain-relieving effect.

Lidocaine is available over-the-counter at various strengths, with some intended for specific uses like anorectal applications.

Misusing OTC numbing sprays, such as applying it to large areas, using it on broken or irritated skin, or covering the treated area, can lead to serious health issues. Excessive absorption into the bloodstream can cause toxicity, potentially leading to irregular heartbeat, seizures, or other serious side effects.

Yes, sore throat numbing sprays are available over-the-counter and typically contain benzocaine or phenol as the active ingredient to provide temporary numbing relief to the throat.

No, topical numbing sprays or gels should not be used for teething infants. There is a risk of them swallowing the medication, which can lead to serious adverse effects.

The choice depends on the application. Sprays are ideal for hard-to-reach areas or sensitive spots where touching is painful, as they offer a no-touch application. Creams or gels might be better for more precise application on smaller, accessible areas.