[1]

The history of Cortizone 10 is closely linked to the development of topical hydrocortisone. According to the brand’s own history, hydrocortisone received FDA approval in the United States in 1952, initially as a prescription treatment. In 1983, hydrocortisone was indicated for OTC use, making low-strength topical hydrocortisone considerably more accessible to consumers.

Cortizone 10 subsequently developed as a consumer brand focused specifically on itch relief, building products around 1% hydrocortisone and various skincare formulations. The brand today describes its mission as providing accessible OTC topical treatments for itch while combining relief with skin comfort and moisturization.[2]

Meaning of the “10” designation

Despite the name Cortizone 10, the product is not a 10% hydrocortisone medicine. Standard Cortizone 10 products contain 1% hydrocortisone. The “10” is part of the brand name rather than an indication of a 10% concentration. Current U.S. labeling identifies hydrocortisone 1% as the active ingredient.[1]

This distinction is significant because 10% hydrocortisone would be a dramatically different concentration from the 1% OTC products sold under the Cortizone 10 name.

Hydrocortisone is a corticosteroid that acts locally on the skin to reduce inflammatory responses. In Cortizone 10 products, it serves two closely related purposes:

• Anti-itch: Reduces the sensation of itching.
• Anti-inflammatory: Helps reduce inflammation, redness, and irritation.

The brand states that its products use 1% hydrocortisone, which it describes as the maximum-strength hydrocortisone available OTC for anti-itch treatment in the U.S.

Depending on the specific formulation and labeling, Cortizone 10 products are intended for the temporary relief of itching associated with conditions such as:

• Eczema
• Psoriasis
• Insect bites
• Poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac
• Minor skin irritation
• Reactions to detergents
• Reactions to jewelry
• Reactions to cosmetics
• Reactions to soaps
• Seborrheic dermatitis
• Certain external anal or genital itching

These indications appear in current U.S. OTC labeling for Cortizone 10.[1] It is important to distinguish symptom relief from treatment of the underlying cause. Hydrocortisone can reduce itching and inflammation but does not necessarily eliminate the underlying cause of a rash.

Cortizone 10 is not a single product but a family of topical formulations designed for varying consumer needs.

Original Cortizone-10 Cream

The traditional cream contains 1% hydrocortisone and is marketed as an anti-itch treatment. It is intended for the temporary relief of itching associated with minor skin irritation, inflammation, and rashes.[1]

Intensive Healing Formula

The Intensive Healing Formula also contains 1% hydrocortisone but adds several moisturizing and skin-conditioning ingredients. The formulation includes components such as aloe, glycerin, dimethicone, oat extract, and other cosmetic/skin-conditioning agents.[1] The concept combines itch relief with moisturization rather than relying solely on the corticosteroid.

Cooling Relief Gel

The Cooling Relief Gel contains 1% hydrocortisone and is formulated to provide a cooling sensation in addition to anti-itch treatment. Its labeling lists ingredients including aloe vera and menthyl lactate.[1] It is positioned particularly for situations such as insect bites, poison ivy, and sunburn-related itching.

Ointment

Cortizone 10 also offers an ointment formulation containing 1% hydrocortisone. Current U.S. labeling identifies petrolatum as the inactive ingredient in the basic ointment.[1] Ointments are generally more occlusive than creams and can be useful when skin is particularly dry.

Water-Resistant Ointment

The Water Resistant formulation contains 1% hydrocortisone with petrolatum as the inactive ingredient and is designed for situations where greater resistance to water is desirable.[1]

Cortizone-10 Plus

Cortizone-10 Plus combines 1% hydrocortisone with a moisturizing formulation. The current label describes it as a maximum-strength OTC anti-itch cream with additional moisturizing ingredients.[1]

Other specialized products

The brand has expanded beyond conventional cream into specialized formats. Current U.S. listings include products such as Overnight Creme, Soothing Aloe Creme, and a Bug Bite Relief Stick.[1] This illustrates a broader strategy wherein Cortizone 10 differentiates products through texture, moisturizing ingredients, cooling effects, convenience, and intended use occasions rather than selling only generic hydrocortisone cream.

Cortizone 10 positions itself primarily around the concept of “itch relief.” Rather than presenting itself simply as a pharmaceutical hydrocortisone manufacturer, the brand combines an OTC drug ingredient with consumer-oriented skincare features.

Current brand messaging emphasizes:

• Fast itch relief
• Relief lasting for hours
• Treatment of common sources of itching
• Moisturization and skin comfort
• Different formulas for different types of skin
• Convenience and accessibility

The brand describes its mission as helping people regain comfort and freedom from the disruption caused by itching.[2]

Cortizone 10 is primarily aimed at consumers experiencing temporary itching or inflammatory skin irritation who seek an OTC option. Typical consumer situations include dealing with:

• Occasional insect bites
• Eczema-related itching
• Poison ivy exposure
• Dry, irritated skin
• Minor allergic or contact irritation
• Psoriasis-associated itching
• Itching that interferes with sleep or daily activities

The product range allows the brand to target different preferences, such as consumers wanting a cooling gel versus those preferring a heavier moisturizing ointment.

In the United States, Cortizone 10 products are classified as human OTC drugs. Current DailyMed records identify Chattem, Inc. as the packager and list the products under the applicable OTC monograph framework.[1]

Cortizone 10 is not simply a cosmetic skincare brand. Its principal active ingredient, hydrocortisone, classifies the relevant products as OTC medicines. Consequently, the products carry drug-fact labeling, active-ingredient information, warnings, directions, and restrictions.

Because Cortizone 10 contains a corticosteroid, it should be used according to its labeling rather than treated like an ordinary moisturizer. For the standard U.S. formulation, the label states:

• For external use only.
• Adults and children 2 years and older may generally apply it to affected areas no more than 3–4 times daily for indicated skin itching.
• Children under 2 should be evaluated by a doctor before use.
• It should not be used for diaper rash without medical advice.
• Certain genital-area symptoms require medical consultation.
• Users should stop and consult a doctor if the condition worsens, persists for more than seven days, or clears and returns within a few days.[1]

These are U.S. product-label instructions; formulations and regulations can differ between countries.

The core medicine in Cortizone 10 is not unique to the brand. Hydrocortisone 1% is available under many generic and competing brand names. Cortizone 10’s differentiation therefore comes largely from:

• Brand recognition
• Product formulation
• Packaging
• Consumer marketing
• Additional moisturizing or soothing ingredients
• Different delivery formats
• Specialized products such as cooling gel and overnight cream

A generic hydrocortisone cream can contain the same 1% active ingredient without being a Cortizone 10 product. DailyMed explicitly distinguishes generic hydrocortisone products from Cortizone 10 and notes that such products may not be manufactured or distributed by Chattem.[1]

In current U.S. drug labeling, Chattem, Inc. is identified as the company associated with Cortizone 10. The labels provide a Chattanooga, Tennessee address for Chattem.[1]

Chattem is a consumer-healthcare company whose portfolio has included several well-known OTC brands. Cortizone 10 fits into this consumer-healthcare model by taking an established active pharmaceutical ingredient—hydrocortisone—and developing a recognizable consumer brand around it.

The name Cortizone 10 is constructed to evoke cortisone/corticosteroid-based treatment while using “10” as part of the proprietary brand identity. Consumers may easily associate the name with cortisone-type anti-inflammatory products, although technically the principal active ingredient is hydrocortisone, not cortisone.

This distinction matters pharmacologically: cortisone and hydrocortisone are related corticosteroids, but they are not identical substances.

Cortizone 10 occupies a recognizable niche in the OTC dermatological market as a consumer-facing topical anti-itch treatment. Its commercial model sits between two categories:

• OTC medicine: Hydrocortisone provides the therapeutic action.
• Skincare: Ingredients such as aloe, moisturizers, petrolatum, dimethicone, oat extract, and other cosmetic ingredients improve the sensory and moisturizing experience.

This combination allows the brand to compete not merely on the presence of hydrocortisone but on formulation and consumer experience.

Cortizone 10 is a long-established OTC anti-itch brand centered on 1% hydrocortisone. Its products are designed primarily to temporarily relieve itching and inflammation associated with common skin irritations and conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, insect bites, and poison ivy. The brand has evolved from basic hydrocortisone cream into a broader portfolio containing creams, ointments, gels, and specialized products aimed at different skincare needs.[1]

It is essential to note that “Cortizone 10” is a brand name—not an indication that the product contains 10% hydrocortisone. Standard U.S. products documented by DailyMed contain 1% hydrocortisone.[1]

1. DailyMed – Cortizone-10
2. Our Mission | Cortizone-10®