Tag: Antiseptic cream

Used in hospitals for over 50 years, Betadine is a trusted brand for infection prevention [1.2.5]. When asked 'What color is Betadine antiseptic cream?', many picture the iconic brown of the solution, but the cream formulation is surprisingly different.

Despite being common fixtures in household first-aid kits for decades, many people are unsure about the fundamental differences between Savlon and Germolene. While both are popular antiseptic creams, they are not the same thing and contain different active ingredients that produce distinct effects.

Germolene Antiseptic Cream contains two primary active ingredients: Phenol and Chlorhexidine Digluconate. This combination is the key to understanding why is Germolene so good for treating a variety of minor skin ailments, offering both pain relief and infection prevention.

Fundamentally, the main difference between creams and ointments is their base—creams are typically oil-in-water emulsions, while ointments are oil-based and contain very little water. This foundational distinction dictates the primary differences, including formulation, absorption speed, and ideal uses, which also applies to Germolene, a long-trusted household first-aid remedy.

Povidone-iodine, the active ingredient in Betadine, has been trusted by healthcare professionals for over 50 years [1.2.3, 1.2.5]. So, what is the color of Betadine cream? This topical antiseptic is recognized by its distinct golden-brown or reddish-brown color [1.3.3, 1.2.5, 1.3.2].

Germolene is a well-known antiseptic cream that offers a dual-action formula, combining antiseptic properties to prevent infection with a local anaesthetic to relieve pain. This makes it a popular and effective choice for treating a wide range of minor skin injuries and conditions in the home first-aid kit.

According to a 2018 review in *Infection and Drug Resistance*, topical antiseptics were found to be effective at reducing infection risk in uncomplicated wounds. So, **what is antiseptic cream**, and how does this household first-aid staple work to protect minor cuts and scrapes from infection? This guide explores everything you need to know about its function, ingredients, and proper use.

For generations, Germolene was famously a distinctive, thick pink ointment. However, a reformulation and the introduction of a new product mean that today's over-the-counter version is white, which is why many people question: Is Germolene pink or white?

The distinctive pink Germolene ointment, with its familiar wintergreen scent, was officially discontinued for public sale in the UK around 2014, leaving many to wonder what replaced Germolene. The original formula was withdrawn due to safety concerns regarding one of its ingredients. While the classic ointment is gone, a reformulated white Germolene cream is still available alongside numerous other effective modern antiseptic products.

According to official product leaflets, Germolene is explicitly **not** recommended for use on large, deep, or severely open wounds, only for minor skin injuries. This critical distinction is essential for proper wound care and understanding if **is it okay to put Germolene on an open wound** is the right question to ask for your injury.