What Numbs Skin Better: Lidocaine or Benzocaine?

A numbing cream can make the process significantly more comfortable if you're preparing for a cosmetic procedure, tattoo, waxing, or dermatological treatment. These topical anesthetics temporarily block nerve signals, helping reduce or eliminate pain and discomfort.

Lidocaine and benzocaine are among the most common active ingredients in numbing creams. While both serve the same basic purpose—numbing the skin—they work in slightly different ways and are suited to different procedures.

In this guide, we’ll compare Lidocaine and Benzocaine in depth, helping you understand which is more effective, safer, and better suited to your needs.

What Is a Numbing Cream?

A numbing cream is a topical anesthetic applied directly to the skin to desensitize nerve endings. These products are designed to temporarily reduce sensations of pain, itching, or irritation. They are often used before cosmetic or medical procedures to help patients tolerate uncomfortable treatments.

Common Applications of Numbing Creams:

• Tattooing and piercings

• Laser hair removal

• Microneedling and chemical peels

• Waxing and electrolysis

• Minor surgeries or skin procedures

• Dermatological treatments (e.g., mole removal, cyst drainage)

Choosing the right numbing agent is essential to ensure both effectiveness and safety. Some products offer profound, long-lasting numbness, while others provide quick, surface-level relief.

Lidocaine: Overview

What Is Lidocaine?

Lidocaine is an amide-type local anesthetic widely used in both medical and cosmetic fields. It is known for its deep-penetrating and long-lasting numbing effects.

How Does It Work?

Lidocaine works by blocking sodium channels in nerve endings, which stops pain signals from being transmitted to the brain. This creates a temporary numbing effect in the targeted area.

Common Strengths and Formulations:

• Over-the-counter (OTC): Typically 2% to 5% concentration

• Prescription strength: Up to 10% or higher

• Available forms: Creams, ointments, gels, sprays, patches

Pros of Lidocaine:

• Fast onset (10–15 minutes)

• Long-lasting effects (up to 1–2 hours or more)

• Effective for deep-tissue procedures

• Widely available and well-researched

Cons of Lidocaine:

• May cause skin irritation or redness in sensitive individuals

• Overuse can lead to systemic side effects like dizziness or irregular heartbeat.

• Not suitable for people allergic to amide anesthetics

Benzocaine: Overview

What Is Benzocaine?

Benzocaine is an ester-type local anesthetic often used for short-term, surface-level numbing. It’s commonly found in oral gels, sunburn relief creams, and first-aid ointments.

How Does It Work?

Benzocaine works similarly to Lidocaine by blocking nerve signals. However, it stays closer to the skin’s surface and penetrates less deeply.

Common Strengths and Usage:

• Concentrations: Typically ranges from 10% to 20%

• Common forms: Creams, sprays, gels, and oral anesthetics (e.g., toothache gels)

• Typical uses: Minor burns, insect bites, sore throats, and oral pain

Pros of Benzocaine:

• Acts quickly (5–10 minutes)

• Effective for superficial pain relief

• Generally inexpensive and widely available OTC

• Minimal systemic absorption in small areas

Cons of Benzocaine:

• Short duration (15–45 minutes)

• Higher risk of allergic reactions

• Can cause methemoglobinemia, a rare but serious condition

• Less effective for deeper procedures

Lidocaine vs. Benzocaine: Key Comparisons

Speed of Onset

• Lidocaine: 10–15 minutes

• Benzocaine: 5–10 minutes

Winner: Benzocaine, slightly faster onset.

Duration of Effect

• Lidocaine: Lasts up to 1–2 hours or more

• Benzocaine: Typically wears off in 15–45 minutes

Winner: Lidocaine, ideal for longer procedures.

Depth and Strength of Numbing

• Lidocaine: Penetrates deeper into skin layers

• Benzocaine: Stays mostly on the skin’s surface

Winner: Lidocaine, better for invasive procedures.

Safety and Side Effects

• Lidocaine: Lower allergy risk, but can be toxic in high doses

• Benzocaine: More likely to cause allergic reactions or methemoglobinemia

Winner: Lidocaine, generally safer when used properly.

Availability

• Lidocaine: OTC and prescription options

• Benzocaine: Mostly available OTC

Winner: Tie—both are easily accessible.

Common Uses

• Lidocaine: Tattoos, laser treatments, microneedling, minor surgeries

• Benzocaine: Toothaches, insect bites, sunburn, sore throat relief

Winner: Depends on your specific needs.

Which One Is Better for Your Needs?

Consider the following factors before choosing a numbing cream:

• Procedure Type: Deep procedures like tattoos or microneedling require Lidocaine. For quick surface relief, Benzocaine may suffice.

• Skin Sensitivity: If you're prone to allergic reactions, Lidocaine may be a safer bet. Always perform a patch test.

• Duration of Procedure: For anything over 30 minutes, Lidocaine’s longer-lasting effect is more reliable.

• Target Area: Benzocaine is often used for oral discomfort, while Lidocaine is used more on skin.

In summary, lidocaine is generally the better choice if you need a powerful, long-lasting numbing cream for a skin procedure.

Safety Tips When Using a Numbing Cream

Even the best numbing creams can be dangerous if misused. Follow these tips to use them safely:

Always Follow Instructions

Overuse can lead to skin damage or even systemic side effects. Stick to the dosage guidelines.

Patch Test Before Full Application

Apply a small amount to your skin and wait 24 hours to rule out allergies or irritation.

Don’t Apply to Broken Skin

Applying numbing cream to open wounds can lead to increased absorption and a higher risk of toxicity.

Consult Your Doctor

If you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking medication, talk to your doctor before using any anesthetic cream.

Final Verdict: Lidocaine or Benzocaine?

After evaluating both options, Lidocaine is superior for most skin-numbing needs. It provides deeper, longer-lasting relief, is widely available in different formulations, and is generally safer when used as directed. On the other hand, Benzocaine can be helpful for quick, surface-level relief, especially for oral or minor topical pain; however, it lacks the strength and duration needed for most skin-related procedures. Bottom line: Lidocaine is usually the best option for a dependable, effective numbing cream—unless you have specific needs or sensitivities that make Benzocaine a better fit.