Best Cold Sore Remedies of 2025

Phoebe Cooper Avatar
Phoebe Cooper
Last Updated: 2 Feb 2025

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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

Zovirax Cold Sore Cream for Fast Healing Cover #TOP 1
Zovirax Cold Sore Cream for Fast Healing
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Zovirax Cold Sore Treatment Cream 2g Cover #TOP 2
Zovirax Cold Sore Treatment Cream 2g
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Compeed Discreet Healing Patch for Cold Sores Cover #TOP 3
Compeed Discreet Healing Patch for Cold Sores
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Cold Sore Remedies

#TOP 1

Zovirax Cold Sore Cream for Fast Healing

Zovirax
10000000049622
Blue
2 g (Pack of 1)
Zovirax Cold Sore Cream for Fast Healing Cover
Zovirax Cold Sore Cream, Cold Sore Treatment That Speeds Healing Time, 2 g

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.

What We Like
Fast healing in 3 days
Contains effective aciclovir
Works at first signs
Reduces pain duration
#TOP 2

Zovirax Cold Sore Treatment Cream 2g

Zovirax
10000000049623
Multicolour
2 g (Pack of 1)
Zovirax Cold Sore Treatment Cream 2g Cover
Zovirax Cold Sore Treatment Cream, Pump Dispenser, 2 g, packaging may vary

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.

What We Like
Quick healing time
Contains effective aciclovir
Convenient pump dispenser
Relieves pain duration
#TOP 3

Compeed Discreet Healing Patch for Cold Sores

100694636
Blue
Compeed Discreet Healing Patch for Cold Sores Cover
Compeed Cold Sore Discreet Healing Patch, 15 Count (Pack of 1)

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.

What We Like
Fast healing with moisture
Protective barrier against contamination
Stays in place for hours
Discreet and blends with skin
#TOP 4

Virasorb Cold Sore Cream 5% for Quick Relief

2480606 5011309895018
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.

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 Effective Propolis Ointment - Cold Sores

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.

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

Zovirax Cold Sore Treatment Cream, 2 g Pack

Zovirax
10000000049623
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.

What We Like
Fast healing time
Easy application
Reduces pain duration
Effective for tingle and blister
#TOP 7

Bonjela Gel for Fast Mouth Pain Relief

90510
15 g (Pack of 1)
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.

What We Like
Effective pain relief
Reduces inflammation
Sugar-free formula
Easy to apply
Speeds up healing
#TOP 8

5 Packs of Virasorb Cold Sore Cream

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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.

What We Like
Multiple packs for convenience
Effective cold sore relief
Promotes faster healing
Easy to carry and use
#TOP 9

Bonjela Adult Gel for Mouth Ulcers

15g x 2 (Pack of 2)
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.

What We Like
Effective pain relief
Sugar-free and pleasant flavour
Reduces inflammation
Supports healing process
Suitable for adults
#TOP 10

2 Packs of Virasorb Cold Sore Cream

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VIRASORB_2
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.

What We Like
Effective cold sore relief
Convenient two-pack option
Direct application for ease
5% formulation for faster healing
Buying Guide Image

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 49 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 £5.97.

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

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."