A US laboratory analysis found a potent corticosteroid not listed on the label in one in three skincare products tested – in some cases at a higher dose than in prescription ointments.
Over-the-counter creams for eczema, psoriasis or pigmentation spots may contain undeclared medicinal substances. This is shown by a study published in the journal JAMA Network Open. The researchers had 18 products analysed in the laboratory. They were selected on the basis of their advertising claims and their popularity with buyers.
Clobetasol in six of 18 products
Six of the 18 products – a third – contained active substances that were not stated on the packaging. All six contained clobetasol propionate, one of the most potent topical corticosteroids. Two products also contained an antifungal agent.
The measured concentrations ranged from about 0.01 to 0.46 per cent. The highest value was more than nine times higher than in approved clobetasol products, which usually contain 0.05 per cent.
Why this is dangerous
In Germany, clobetasol is available on prescription only. Doctors use it in a targeted way and usually only for short periods, because with prolonged use it can thin the skin, promote stretch marks and infections, and be absorbed through the skin into the body. Anyone who unknowingly uses such a product for weeks on large areas or on the face exposes themselves to these risks. In addition, the skin can deteriorate markedly when the product is stopped.
Editorial assessment
The sample is small and not representative of all skincare products. However, it confirms warnings from authorities in several countries, which have been withdrawing creams with hidden corticosteroids from the market for years. Particular caution is advised with products that promise very rapid effects against eczema or skin lightening and are sold via online marketplaces without clear manufacturer information.
Our advice: buy skin creams with medical claims from a pharmacy and seek medical advice for persistent skin problems. If the skin suddenly deteriorates severely after stopping a product, this may be a sign of hidden corticosteroids.
Sources
- JAMA Network Open, 2026 – summarised in: Dermatology Times, Journal Digest of 14.10.2026
- DermNet: Unregulated topical steroids in commercial medication
