Benadryl Extra Strength Anti-Itch Topical Analgesic Gel Review

Benadryl Extra Strength Anti-Itch Topical Analgesic Gel
0.3
/ 10
Moisturizing
0.6 Humectancy icon Humectancy
0.0 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
Rich Skin Soothing icon
in Skin Soothers
Ingredients

Benadryl Extra Strength Anti-Itch Topical Analgesic Gel Ingredients

Hover to see details. On mobile? Tap for ingredient stories!

Full Ingredient List (INCI):

SD Alcohol 38-B, Camphor, Citric Acid, Diphenhydramine HCl, Diazolidinyl Urea, Glycerin, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Methylparaben, Propylene Glycol, Propylparaben, Water, Sodium Citrate
Review

Does Benadryl Extra Strength Anti-Itch Topical Analgesic Gel Work?

 
According to CreamScan's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Benadryl Extra Strength Anti-Itch Topical Analgesic Gel has to offer:
 
✅ A bit of moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 0.3 out of 10.
✅ Soothing: Benadryl Extra Strength Anti-Itch Topical Analgesic Gel contains a high concentration of soothing ingredients, which may help to reduce irritation and calm the skin.

  

Key Benefits of Benadryl Extra Strength Anti-Itch Topical Analgesic Gel

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Benadryl Extra Strength Anti-Itch Topical Analgesic Gel:
 

🔵 Slight Moisturizing When Used Alone

According to CreamScan analysis, Benadryl Extra Strength Anti-Itch Topical Analgesic Gel is slightly moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 0.3 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? This product is purely humectant, but with a low Humectancy of 0.6 out of 10. It has zero Occlusivity as we didn't find any occlusive ingredients on the ingredient list.

This type of product provides relatively light moisturizing on its own but can contribute to overall moisturizing efficacy when used as part of a skincare routine, alongside another moisturizer.

📌 Certain studies suggest that humectants alone may not effectively moisturize the skin. If you use this product as your only moisturizer, we recommend following it with one that contains at least some occlusive ingredients.

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the moisturizing rating calculation.

🔴 Skin Soothing and Calming Potential

Based on the ingredient list analysis, Benadryl Extra Strength Anti-Itch Topical Analgesic Gel is rich (> 5%) in soothing ingredients, particularly Camphor (est. ≈28.3%).

When applied to the skin, compounds of soothing ingredients, such as triglycerides, phospholipids, fatty acids, phenolic compounds, and antioxidants, work together to soothe the skin through various mechanisms: reducing inflammation, promoting wound healing, repairing the skin barrier, and providing antimicrobial and antioxidant activities.

📌 Please note that this is not a complete list of benefits. We are in the process of enhancing our model to incorporate anti-pigmentation, exfoliation and anti-acne ratings.

Pros & Cons of Benadryl Extra Strength Anti-Itch Topical Analgesic Gel

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Benadryl Extra Strength Anti-Itch Topical Analgesic Gel to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

🟩 Pros:

Provides relatively light moisturizing on its own but can contribute to the moisturizing efficacy of any skincare routine
✅ Potentially soothing, as it contains a high concentration of soothing Camphor
 

⭕ Cons: 

✅ We couldn't find any
   

Summary: Benadryl Extra Strength Anti-Itch Topical Analgesic Gel

 
Based on the ingredient list analysis, CreamScan AI suggests that Benadryl Extra Strength Anti-Itch Topical Analgesic Gel
, as a moisturizer, provides relatively light hydration on its own but can enhance the moisturizing efficacy of any skincare routine.
 
With a high concentration of soothing ingredients, Benadryl Extra Strength Anti-Itch Topical Analgesic Gel has the potential to calm and comfort irritated skin. Whether you’re experiencing redness, irritation, or general sensitivity, its soothing properties may help restore balance and provide relief.
 
📌 Fact check. At CreamScan, we are committed to accuracy and fairness. If you spot any errors or something that doesn’t seem right, please click here to let us know. We regularly update the ingredient lists and monitor the latest research on ingredient efficacy to ensure that our information remains as complete and precise as possible. The information provided here is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional advice. We do not guarantee the efficacy or safety of any product, as individual results may vary.

 

Ingredient Breakdown

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
55
28.3
14.1
2
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
SD Alcohol 38-B
Function:
Origin:
Camphor
Function:
Origin:
Citric Acid
Function:
Origin:
Diphenhydramine HCl
Function:
Origin:
Diazolidinyl Urea
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose
Function:
Origin:
Methylparaben
Function:
Origin:
Propylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Propylparaben
Function:
Origin:
Water
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Citrate
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
0.6
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
0.0
None
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
0.3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 0.6 10
0.6
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 0.0 20
0.0
None
Moisturizing rating
0.3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
0.3
0.3
All humectants 0.6 10
0.6
All humectants
0.6
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
None
All occlusives 0.0 20
0.0
All occlusives
0.0
None
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
None
Total
0
None
Anti-wrinkle rating
0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
None
All antioxidants 0 3 No
All antioxidants
0
None
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
28.3
All soothing 28.3 5 Rich in soothing
All soothing
28.3
28.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

SD Alcohol 38-B
Est. %55
Function
Origin
SD Alcohol 38-B
Camphor
Est. %28.3
Function
Origin
CamphorA multifunctional fragrance ingredient that makes a great plasticizer.
Citric Acid
Est. %14.1
Function
Origin
Citric AcidA gently exfoliating AHA that helps to remove the top layer of dead skin cells. In comparison to other AHAs, citric acid has been shown to be one of the least effective. It is also very commonly used as a stabilizing and pH-controlling agent.
Diphenhydramine HCl
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Diphenhydramine HCl
Diazolidinyl Urea
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Diazolidinyl UreaA synthetic preservative that is effective against most common bacteria. It is not considered broad-spectrum because it does not act against any type of yeast or mold. It is therefore commonly paired with antifungal preservatives.
Glycerin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glycerin

The most popular moisturizing ingredient in the world. It is a powerful humectant – cheap yet very effective.

Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hydroxypropyl MethylcelluloseA natural viscosity controlling agent that is commonly used in skin cleansing products to thicken the consistency. It also functions as an emulsion stabilizing agent and binding agent.
Methylparaben
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
MethylparabenA preservative that keeps a product unspoiled. There has been a lot of controversy surrounding parabens, although the concentrations found in cosmetic formulations are generally considered to be safe.
Propylene Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Propylene GlycolA clear, thick, odorless liquid of synthetic origin. Its main function is to stabilize cosmetic products exposed to varying temperatures. It is also a moderately strong humectant with similar properties to glycerin.
Propylparaben
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PropylparabenA preservative that keeps a product unspoiled. There has been a lot of controversy surrounding parabens, although the concentrations found in cosmetic formulations are generally considered to be safe.
Water
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
WaterThe most used ingredient in skincare. Its concentration defines the product texture: rich creams may have about 50% of water while a light jelly about 90%. Water doesn’t moisturize the skin by itself and is used in skincare as a solvent for other ingredients.
Sodium Citrate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium CitrateA salt of citric acid that has a salty and tart flavor and is used as a fragrance. It is mildly basic, meaning that its addition to a skincare product can adjust the pH upward.