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A third of tested OTC skin products had secret prescription steroids. A new study found that 6 of 18 over-the-counter skin products sold online contained undeclared clobetasol propionate — a potent prescription corticosteroid — with some concentrations nearly 10 times above FDA-approved limits. These products, marketed for eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis, had racked up over 10,000 combined user reviews.
Hidden prescription steroids found in popular OTC skin products
A new study published in JAMA Network Open reveals a troubling finding: one-third of over-the-counter skin products tested contained undeclared clobetasol propionate, a prescription-only corticosteroid typically used for severe inflammatory skin conditions. The products — marketed online for eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, and hyperpigmentation — were purchased from major retail platforms and analyzed using high-resolution mass spectrometry.
Of the 18 products screened, 6 (33.3%) tested positive for the hidden steroid, with concentrations ranging from 0.01% to 0.46%. The highest levels were 9.2 times above the FDA-approved limit of 0.05%. Two products also contained undisclosed antifungals (miconazole or terbinafine) — none of which appeared on product labels.
Key Takeaways:
Why it matters: Unsuspecting consumers using these products long-term could face serious side effects — from skin thinning to adrenal suppression — without ever knowing they're using a prescription-strength drug. Clinicians should ask patients about OTC skincare use, especially for chronic skin conditions.
