Last updated: August 12, 2021

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Welcome to our big wound ointment test 2021. Here we present all the wound ointments that we have tested in detail. We have compiled detailed background information and added a summary of customer reviews on the internet.

We would like to make your purchase decision easier and help you find the best ointment for you.


The most important

  • Wound ointment has different active ingredients, dexpanthenol and calendula are the most common. Both have anti-inflammatory effects and help in the healing process.
  • Wound ointment with zinc has a different range of action than dexpanthenol and calendula, while grade dexpanthenol gives moisture to the wound, zinc takes this away from the wound. This makes it ideal for wounds in places where there should be no moisture, a common area of application being the buttocks.
  • You should apply ointment several times a day, especially in the beginning, until the wound is completely healed. Fresh air is also helpful for healing, so only cover the wound if absolutely necessary.

The Best Ointments: Our Picks

Guide: Questions you should ask yourself before buying a wound ointment

How does a wound ointment work?

Ointment can have different effects, depending on the active ingredient.

Ointment can be disinfectant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, cooling, drying or moisturising.

You can use ointment in many ways; you can get it over the counter or make it yourself. They are suitable for children and babies. (Picture source: / 85584294)

Depending on what kind of complaints you have, you need a certain ointment with a certain substance.

Usually, advice from a pharmacist is enough, but for more serious problems, you should go to a doctor.

If it has been open for more than 3 months, you should throw it away.

It is also important to make sure that your ointment is still stable and if you open an ointment, it is best to write on it when you opened it for the first time.

What is dexpanthenol wound ointment?

Dexpanthenol is an active ingredient that is often found in wound ointments. It promotes the healing of the skin layer and also provides moisture.

This active ingredient is ideal for wound healing, while the wound closes up and crusts over for a long time.

Are there wound ointments without zinc?

Zinc in wound ointments strengthens the cross-linking of the so-called fibrin and the production of collagen.

These are both active substances that are beneficial for the healing of wounds, but zinc also has a drying effect. Therefore, you should only use zinc ointments if you have a wet wound.

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When lips tend to dry out, it can sometimes cause minor skin damage. Bacteria and fungi can penetrate the skin and inflame the corners of the mouth. Therefore, a wound ointment containing zinc is a recommended remedy for torn corners of the mouth.


This is the best way to get the best effect from the zinc. However, check the package leaflet first to see whether your zinc ointment is suitable for wounds.

However, there are of course wound ointments without zinc as an active ingredient. Below we have listed the most common main active ingredients in wound ointments.

Which ointment should I use for what?

Of course, it always depends on your problem and also in which area your problem occurs. The best known is, of course, wound ointment for open wounds.

There are many different types of wound ointment, one of which is Bepanthen wound ointment with the active ingredient dexpanthenol. This active ingredient promotes the healing process.

Wet wounds

This also helps with injuries to the mucous membrane. Wound ointments with zinc as the main active ingredient are also frequently used.

This is mainly used when you have a wet wound, as zinc has a drying effect on the wound, which is why it then heals better.

Small wounds

Wound ointment with the substance calendula helps against small wounds.

The Latin name Calendula officinalis stands for marigold, so Calendula ointments have been used for a long time for small wounds, cuts and abrasions.

Calendula wound ointments prevent bacteria from entering the wound, thus preventing worse.

Wounds in the genital area

If you have a sore anus, there are ointments for this too. Zinc ointments can help. If this is not the case, you should see a doctor.

Of course, it always depends on your problem and in which area your problem occurs.

For example, if your problem is in the intimate area, which is very sensitive, you should make sure that you only buy ointment that is suitable for the intimate area.

Did you know that there are also scented ointments with a synthetic sandalwood scent?

The balancing scent has an antispasmodic and antibacterial effect, soothes the skin and makes wounds heal 40% faster.

Is there ointment for scars?

If you have a scar after healing, you can buy scar ointment at the pharmacy, over the counter.

You can apply it to the scar several times a day until it heals. The ointments work with active ingredients that contain silicone.

However, you should only apply the wound ointment against scars when the wound has healed and is free of crusts.

What ointments are available for children and babies?

All wound ointments that you can use for yourself can also be used on children. So you don't have to worry about this.

With babies, however, things are a bit different, as baby skin is 5 times thinner than the skin of an adult and has not yet formed a callus, you have to pay attention to a few small things.

It is not unusual for a baby to get a sore bottom at some point.

Even with very good treatment with constant nappy softeners, for good dryness throughout and generally good care of the nappy area, it can still happen.

Even though you won't be able to prevent a sore bottom. Don't worry, buy a sore ointment with the extra baby and the redness will be gone quickly. (Photo source: / 49562453)

There are extra baby ointments for this, so you don't have to look for anything other than that the ointment has the extra baby in the name. The Weleda Calendula Wound Ointment without zinc for babies is very popular.

The ointment consists mainly of natural substances such as beeswax, lanolin and zinc oxide.

These substances protect the baby's skin from getting wet, and calendula also has a calming effect.

Can I use wound ointment during pregnancy?

Wound ointments with the substance dexpanthenol can be used during pregnancy and also during breastfeeding.

Wound ointments can also be used during pregnancy.

There are no known side effects and your baby will not be affected. You don't have to worry if you use it on your belly.

So if you have any small wounds, dry skin or other problems during pregnancy, you can use ointments with dexpanthenol.

You don't have to worry about sores on your anus during pregnancy either, you can use the usual medicines.

Can I use ointment for my tattoo?

Yes, you can use ointment on your tattoo. However, there are a few things you should be aware of.

Do not apply too much ointment to your tattoo.

While Vaseline and foil used to be the only way to go, you now have better options that can also help with other tattoo problems.

However, be careful not to apply too much, as this can soften the skin and cause the tattoo to lose colour or pustules to form.

If you don't put enough ointment on the tattoo, a crust can form, which can cause the tattoo to crack, resulting in colour loss and even scarring.

Foil is also often used here, and you should do this for the first 2 to 3 days to protect the tattoo from dirt, fluff and other small things.

You should not wear the foil for too long, otherwise you run the risk of germs forming under it.

After removing the foil, clean the skin with warm water and apply the ointment again.

You can ask your pharmacist for advice. Often, ointments with dexpanthenol are used, which prevents the skin from drying out, but some customers find such ointments too greasy.

Which wound ointment should I use for animals?

For small animals, such as dogs, cats or rabbits, you can simply use the ointment that you use on yourself. If you don't feel comfortable with this, talk to your vet first.

After applying the ointment, you should protect it with a bandage, otherwise the dogs or cats will lick the ointment off.

This can be a bit more complicated, as dogs or cats usually don't hold still when this happens.

Small injuries can easily occur when dogs are romping around. You don't have to worry about this, as long as your dog is generally healthy, a wound ointment, which is also suitable for humans, is sufficient. Bandage it so that it is protected from licking. (Image source: / Peter Hershey)

With cats, you should also make sure that you know where the wound came from.

If it's a bite from another cat, a wound ointment probably won't be enough, because bacteria go under the skin in a bite, so a visit to the vet is probably the better choice.

However, for large animals, such as horses, you should rather buy products suitable for this purpose. It always depends on the injury and how severe it is.

For minor injuries that have no effect, buy a wound ointment for horses. For other major injuries, however, it is better to call the vet.

What are the alternatives to a wound ointment?

Manuka honey can be used on burns, suppurations, insect bites and cuts, it prevents infection and generally helps healing.

Manuka's antibacterial properties help to keep harmful pathogens at bay so that the wound can heal properly.

The moist environment provided by Manuka honey is self-disinfecting and further seals the wound from the outside.

It also prevents dressings from sticking to the wound, and the honey layer prevents new tissue from being damaged when dressings are changed.

  • Herbal remedy
  • Helps not only against wounds
  • Hard to get
  • Expensive

Manuka honey is available in different varieties, the rating scale for this is the so-called MGO, the higher the MGO, the higher the quality of the Manuka honey.

For minor injuries, MGO 100+ is sufficient, has an anti-inflammatory effect and accelerates the healing process.

However, you should always rinse the wound before applying anything.

For larger and deeper injuries, you should use at least MGO 250+ or, depending on the severity of the case, MGO 400+; here you have to work according to the trial and error procedure, as everyone reacts differently.

The higher the Manuka honey is listed, the more painful it is at the same time. However, the pain is a good sign that the antibacterial substances are taking effect.

Did you know that beeswax ointment is a good alternative to wound ointment?

It serves as a protective ointment for the face, hands and feet. In addition, beeswax ointment is suitable for particularly dry skin areas.

Buying criteria: You can use these factors to compare and evaluate wound ointments

In the following, we would like to show you which factors you can use to compare and evaluate wound ointments. This will make it easier for you to decide whether a particular ointment is suitable for you or not.

In summary, these are:

  • Ingredients
  • Brand
  • Area of application

In the following paragraphs, we will explain to you what is important in the individual criteria to make your purchase decision easier.


Depending on the type of wound, you should select the ingredients.

The different ingredients all help with different problems. While zinc is used more when you have a moist wound that needs to be dry.

This is the other way round with dexpanthenol, which moisturises and is therefore in stark contrast to zinc wound ointment.

Iodine has a disinfecting effect and is used for superficial wounds or minor burns, iodine supports wound healing and promotes healing flesh.

Iodine is not only available in the typical yellow colour, but also in colourless. If a wound ointment contains alcohol, this means the active ingredient cetearyl alcohol, which, in contrast to drinkable alcohol, usually consists of natural fats and oils.

It is also often used in cosmetics and creates an optimal combination of oils and water, which also supports wound healing.

Active ingredient Area of application Function
Dexpanthenol Can be used anywhere where moisture does not interfere with healing Creates moisture, healing of the skin layer
Zinc Use on moist wounds, for example with problems on the buttocks Drying effect, promotes substances that accelerate healing.
Iodine For small superficial wounds Disinfecting effect, promotes healing
Urea Good for dry skin because moisture is added Breaks down the connection to dead skin cells, which speeds up healing

Urea ointments are good for dry skin, furthermore urea is there to break down the connection to dead skin cells, also urea has skin-soothing and antimicrobial effects.

It also protects the skin, germs, bacteria and dirt have a hard time for about 48 hours.


There are many different brands and they all work a little differently, well-known brands are Linola, Ratiopharm, Bepanthen or Weleda.

While Bepanthen mostly works with Dexpanthenol and Walesa with Calendula, which work differently.

The effect varies depending on the brand of wound ointment.

Ratiopharm Panthenol wound ointment also works with dexpanthenol, Ratiopharm also has nasal sprays with the active ingredient dexpanthenol, if you find that easier to use than ointment.

Linola's wound ointment also helps with abrasions, scratches or festering wounds. The ointment protects against bacteria and blocks germs that promote inflammation.

Weleda supports the formation of new, healthy skin tissue, furthermore it is anti-inflammatory and also helps against suppurations. The active ingredient used is calendula.

Area of application

The areas of application of the ointments are easy to find out, if they are more specific, such as buttocks, intimate area, mouth or tongue, it is written on the product.

If there is no specific area written on the product, you can assume that this ointment is suitable for all other areas.

Facts worth knowing about wound ointment

How often should I apply my wound ointment?

How often you apply the ointment depends on the wound. First, however, you should listen to the doctor's prescription.

If it is only a small wound and you have not seen a doctor about it, you can apply the ointment 4-5 times a day until the wound has healed.

If you are not sure, read the package leaflet, and of course it depends on the type of ointment you are using.

Can I prevent pain from cycling with wound ointment?

Before you have to use ointment because you have been riding too long, there are a few other little tips you can follow. First of all, make sure that your seat is not too high.

Also, pay enough attention to your cycling shorts, they should fit perfectly so that they can withstand the strain. You should also change and wash your shorts every day.

If you still have problems, you can use antibacterial ointments with cortisone.

The specially developed vascular cream is much preferable to wound ointments; wound ointments are often too greasy and therefore tend to be less helpful.

Can I make wound ointments myself?

That is also possible; there are already wound ointments made from camomile or sage in the pharmacy. Ointments are based on fats and/or oils.

It is up to you which oils or fats you use, and you have to try out what you like best.

Just make sure that you use high-quality and natural products, preferably organic products from regional cultivation.

You can also make your own ointment with different ingredients. (Picture source: / 49003294)

You can use simple sunflower oil or olive oil, but if you use a liquid fat, you need to add spreadable fats like cocoa butter or shea butter for consistency.

These will ensure that you can easily apply the ointment to the wound later, but you should not store the ointment above room temperature. You can also add waxes to make the ointment spreadable.

Essential oils enhance the effect of your ointment.

You can go to a local beekeeper and get your own wax, vegan alternatives are carnauba wax or rose wax.

Although the oils and waxes already have a healing effect, add essential oils to enhance the effect.

Just a few drops are enough to have an amplifying effect against inflammation, rashes, skin fungus or microbes.

(Image / 97402664)

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