Polysporin vs. Neosporin: Which Antibiotic Ointment Heals Cuts Faster?
Polysporin and Neosporin are over-the-counter topical antibiotics; Polysporin contains bacitracin and polymyxin B, while Neosporin adds neomycin to that duo.
Parents often grab whichever tube is closest in the medicine cabinet, and since both come in nearly identical squeeze packets with red labels, the names blur together during 3 a.m. boo-boo emergencies.
Key Differences
Neosporin’s extra neomycin widens bacterial coverage but increases allergy risk; Polysporin skips neomycin, cutting allergy odds yet leaving some gram-negative bugs untouched. Both speed healing within 24–48 hours on clean, minor cuts.
Which One Should You Choose?
If you’ve ever reacted to drugstore “triple antibiotic,” pick Polysporin. Otherwise, Neosporin’s third ingredient can edge out stubborn contaminants on kids’ scraped knees or gym blisters—just stop if redness spreads.
Can I use either on stitches?
Yes, thin layers on clean sutures help prevent infection, but follow surgeon instructions.
Are generic versions as effective?
Absolutely—store brands with identical active ingredients perform the same at half the price.