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Best Cold Sore Remedies of 2026

Phoebe Cooper Avatar
Phoebe Cooper

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Cold sores are a common and contagious viral infection that can cause pain and discomfort on the lips, mouth and surrounding areas. Fortunately, there are a variety of over-the-counter cold sore remedies available to help alleviate symptoms and speed up the healing process. These products come in a range of forms, including creams, gels, and patches, and often contain ingredients like docosanol or aciclovir. While there is no cure for cold sores, these remedies can help to reduce the severity and duration of outbreaks.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Top 10 Cold Sore Remedies

#TOP 1

Zovirax Cold Sore Treatment Cream 2g

  • Zovirax
  • 60000000106577
  • Multicolour
  • 2 g (Pack of 1)
Zovirax Cold Sore Treatment Cream 2g Cover

Zovirax Cold Sore Cream for Lips, with Aciclovir, Cold Sore Cream Treatment, Pain Relief, Pump 2g

Zovirax Cold Sore Cream offers a convenient solution for managing cold sores. You could be cold sore free in just three days, with a median healing time of four days. The cream contains aciclovir, which actively combats the virus causing cold sores. Its easy-to-use pump format ensures you can apply the cream precisely where needed, whether at the first tingle or on an existing blister. Additionally, it helps to reduce the duration of pain, providing relief when you need it most.

9.8
FTB Score

What We Like

  • Quick healing time
  • Contains effective aciclovir
  • Convenient pump dispenser
  • Relieves pain duration
#TOP 2

Compeed Discreet Healing Patch for Cold Sores

Compeed Discreet Healing Patch for Cold Sores Cover

Compeed Hydrocolloid Cold Sore Treatment Patches (15 Invisible Plasters for Cold Sores) - 12 Hours Protection from Water, Bacteria & Viruses - Discreet, Easy to Apply Patches with Patch Applicator

The Compeed Healing Patch offers fast healing with its ultra-thin hydrocolloid gel, creating a moist environment that helps to reduce scab formation. It acts like a shield, providing a protective barrier against external elements, which lowers the risk of contamination. You can enjoy the convenience of the patch staying in place for up to 12 hours, thanks to its adhesive, tapered edges that flex with your movements. Additionally, its discreet translucent design blends seamlessly with your skin, helping you avoid any social embarrassment.

9.7
FTB Score

What We Like

  • Fast healing with moisture
  • Protective barrier against contamination
  • Stays in place for hours
  • Discreet and blends with skin
#TOP 3

Zovirax Cold Sore Cream for Fast Healing

  • Zovirax
  • 60000000106576
  • Blue
  • 2 g (Pack of 1)
Zovirax Cold Sore Cream for Fast Healing Cover

Zovirax Cold Sore Cream for Lips, with Aciclovir, Cold Sore Treatment that Speeds Healing and Pain Relief, Tube 2g

Zovirax Cold Sore Cream offers a swift solution to cold sores, potentially leaving you cold sore-free in just three days. The cream contains aciclovir, which works effectively at the early signs, like tingling and blistering. By accelerating the healing process, it helps you recover faster and get back to your daily routine. Additionally, it reduces the duration of any pain associated with cold sores, providing comfort during the healing phase.

9.5
FTB Score

What We Like

  • Fast healing in 3 days
  • Contains effective aciclovir
  • Works at first signs
  • Reduces pain duration
#TOP 4

Virasorb Cold Sore Cream 5% for Quick Relief

  • Virasorb
  • 2480606 5011309895018
  • White
  • 2 g (Pack of 1)
Virasorb Cold Sore Cream 5% for Quick Relief Cover

Virasorb Cold Sore Cream, Aciclovir 5%, 2g

Virasorb Cold Sore Cream is a powerful solution specifically designed to tackle the virus that causes cold sores. It is quickly absorbed into the skin, helping you regain healthy lips and skin around your mouth. For the best results, apply it at the first tingling sensation, but it can also reduce healing time once a blister has formed. Suitable for all ages, this cream offers effective relief and convenience for anyone suffering from cold sores.

9.5
FTB Score

What We Like

  • Prescription strength effectiveness
  • Fast absorption into the skin
  • Reduces healing time
  • Suitable for all ages
#TOP 5

Herstat Propolis Ointment for Cold Sores

  • Herstat
  • Herstat Cold Sore Care
  • Clear
  • Small
Herstat Propolis Ointment for Cold Sores Cover

Herstat Cold Sore Cream | Effective Coldsore Treatment Provides Rapid Relief and Aids Healing with 3% Propolis | Use at Any Stage

Herstat Cold Sore Ointment provides effective relief from cold sore symptoms such as dryness, cracking, and irritation. It creates a protective barrier that locks in moisture, soothing your lips when they feel sore and cracked. You can apply it at any stage of a cold sore outbreak, whether you notice early tingling or if blisters have appeared. Formulated with 3% purified propolis extract, this ointment not only helps to moisturise but also has a pleasant smell and taste, enhancing your experience.

9.5
FTB Score

What We Like

  • Relieves cold sore symptoms
  • Moisturises and softens lips
  • Can be used at any outbreak stage
  • Natural, soothing ingredients
#TOP 6

Bonjela Gel for Fast Mouth Pain Relief

Bonjela Gel for Fast Mouth Pain Relief Cover

Bonjela 15g Oral Gel - Fast Acting Pain Relief For Mouth Ulcers, Cold Sores, Swelling, Infection, Suitable With Dentures, Adult Treatment, Quick Medication Solution

Bonjela Oral Gel offers effective relief from mouth ulcers and cold sores, alleviating the pain and discomfort you may experience. It works by reducing inflammation and fighting infection, ensuring that you feel more comfortable. Being sugar-free and almost colourless with a pleasant aniseed flavour makes it easy and enjoyable to apply. Additionally, Bonjela can help speed up the healing process, giving you the support you need to recover more quickly from oral discomfort.

9.3
FTB Score

What We Like

  • Effective pain relief
  • Reduces inflammation
  • Sugar-free formula
  • Easy to apply
  • Speeds up healing
#TOP 7

5 Packs of Virasorb Cold Sore Cream

5 Packs of Virasorb Cold Sore Cream Cover

5 x Virasorb 2g 5% Cold Sore cream (5 Packs)

The Virasorb Cold Sore Cream is a convenient solution for managing cold sores. This product comes in a pack of five 2g tubes, ensuring you have enough supply when needed. As a nutritional supplement, it works effectively to help alleviate the discomfort associated with cold sores. With its 5% formulation, it provides targeted relief and promotes faster healing, allowing you to get back to your routine with confidence.

9.2
FTB Score

What We Like

  • Multiple packs for convenience
  • Effective cold sore relief
  • Promotes faster healing
  • Easy to carry and use
#TOP 8

Bonjela Adult Gel for Mouth Ulcers

Bonjela Adult Gel for Mouth Ulcers Cover

Bonjela Adult Gel, 15g X 2, 30g Total, Oral Gel, Mouth Ulcer, Gum Pain Relief, Antiseptic, Cold Sore, Dental Gel, Protects Mouth, Effective Pain Relief, Cold Sores, Medication

Bonjela Adult Gel is designed to provide effective relief from the pain and discomfort caused by mouth ulcers and cold sores. You will benefit from its sugar-free formula, which has a pleasant aniseed flavour, making it easy to use. Not only does it help reduce inflammation, but it also supports the healing process and protects against infection. Suitable for adults and those over 16, Bonjela is a convenient choice for managing oral pain.

9.0
FTB Score

What We Like

  • Effective pain relief
  • Sugar-free and pleasant flavour
  • Reduces inflammation
  • Supports healing process
  • Suitable for adults
#TOP 9

2 Packs of Virasorb Cold Sore Cream

2 Packs of Virasorb Cold Sore Cream Cover

2 x Virasorb 2g 5% Cold Sore cream (2 Packs)

The Virasorb Cold Sore Cream is an effective medication designed to help alleviate the discomfort associated with cold sores. Each pack contains two 2g tubes, providing you with ample treatment for multiple outbreaks. The 5% formulation targets the healing process, helping to reduce the duration of symptoms. With this product, you can quickly apply the cream directly to the affected area, offering you relief and convenience whenever you need it.

9.0
FTB Score

What We Like

  • Effective cold sore relief
  • Convenient two-pack option
  • Direct application for ease
  • 5% formulation for faster healing
#TOP 10

Zovirax Cold Sore Treatment Cream, 2 g Pack

  • Zovirax
  • 60000000106577
  • Multicolour
  • 2 g (Pack of 2)
Zovirax Cold Sore Treatment Cream, 2 g Pack Cover

Zovirax Cold Sore Treatment Cream, Pump Dispenser, 2 g (Pack of 2)

Zovirax Cold Sore Cream provides an effective solution for cold sores, helping you become cold sore free in as little as three days. It contains aciclovir, which is essential for targeting the virus at both the tingle and blister stages. The easy-to-use pump format allows for precise application, ensuring you can treat affected areas with ease. Additionally, it reduces the duration of pain associated with cold sores, offering you much-needed relief during an uncomfortable time.

8.8
FTB Score

What We Like

  • Fast healing time
  • Easy application
  • Reduces pain duration
  • Effective for tingle and blister

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What can trigger a cold sore?

Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus. Once this virus is in you, it can cause outbreaks of cold sores. Cold sore outbreaks are often triggered by exposure to hot sun, cold wind, a cold or other illness, a weak immune system, changing hormone levels, or even stress.

2. What is the best treatment for cold sores?

If your cold sore is especially painful or irritating, your doctor may prescribe an anesthetic gel to alleviate pain or an antiviral oral medication to speed healing or prevent recurrence. The antiviral medicines available for treatment include acyclovir (Zovirax), famciclovir (Famvir), and valacyclovir (Valtrex).

Editor's Notes

During our cold sore remedy research, we found 75 cold sore remedy products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 134,437 customer reviews through our big data system to write the cold sore remedies list. We found that most customers choose cold sore remedies with an average price of £5.80.

The cold sore remedies are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of cold sore remedies, including Zovirax, Compeed, Virasorb, Herstat, Bonjela.

Written by

Phoebe Cooper Avatar

Phoebe Cooper

In 2000, Phoebe Cooper graduated from the University of London as a Pharmacist. She practiced as a Pharmacist for the better part of 2 decades. Phoebe says she has worked in the majority of health sectors and has sufficient accumulated knowledge and experience. In her practice, Phoebe published a series of eBooks, one of which is titled "Good Health Good Living."