Praxis Medical Insights

Est. 2024 • Clinical Guidelines Distilled

Made possible by volunteer editors from the University of Calgary & University of Alberta

Last Updated: 10/7/2025

Low Potency Topical Steroids for Facial Use

  • The American Academy of Dermatology recommends hydrocortisone 2.5% as a low-potency option for facial use, minimizing the risk of skin atrophy and other adverse effects 1, 2, 3, 4
  • The National Comprehensive Cancer Network suggests desonide 0.05% and alclometasone 0.05% as alternative low-potency corticosteroid options for facial application 2, 3, 4

Classification Context

  • The American Academy of Dermatology classifies hydrocortisone 2.5%, desonide 0.05%, and alclometasone 0.05% as Class VI-VII (low potency) topical corticosteroids, which are suitable for facial use due to the lower risk of steroid-induced atrophy and other adverse effects 5, 6

Application Guidelines

  • The American Academy of Dermatology recommends applying low-potency topical corticosteroids once or twice daily for inflammatory facial conditions 4

Safety Profile

  • The American Academy of Dermatology states that low-potency corticosteroids have a minimal risk of skin atrophy when used on the face, with only 1% of participants experiencing abnormal skin thinning in trials 5, 6
  • The American Academy of Dermatology advises against using Class I-V (moderate to ultra-high potency) corticosteroids on the face due to the increased risk of atrophy, striae, telangiectasias, and rosacea-like eruptions 5, 6

REFERENCES

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