Clotrimazole Antifungal Cream
Clotrimazole Antifungal Cream
Product Description
Canesten Antifungal Cream is a clinically proven topical treatment powered by 1% clotrimazole โ a broad-spectrum imidazole that tackles athlete's foot, ringworm, jock itch and fungal sweat or nappy rash. Its light, non-greasy vanishing-cream base rubs in fast, is fragrance-free, and is gentle enough for the whole family.
โจ Texture & Feel
Broad-Spectrum Action
Clotrimazole kills the dermatophytes and yeasts behind most common fungal skin infections.
Antibacterial Too
Also tackles bacteria that can accompany infection and the odour they cause.
Family-Friendly
Mild vanishing-cream base suitable for adults and children, including fungal nappy rash.
Non-Greasy Base
Rubs in quickly and invisibly without staining socks, clothing or bedding.
๐ก๏ธ Safety & Compatibility
Topical clotrimazole has minimal systemic absorption and is widely considered safe in pregnancy (FDA Category B). Always confirm with your doctor or midwife.
Poor skin absorption and oral bioavailability make it unlikely to affect a nursing infant. Wipe off any excess before nursing if applied near the breast.
These excipients can cause local irritation or contact dermatitis in sensitive users. Patch test before first full use.
Avoid the eyes; not intended for nail or scalp infections. See a doctor if there is no improvement after 2 weeks.
๐ฌ Ingredient Breakdown
๐งช Clotrimazole 1% w/w Proven
The hero active and the only medicinal ingredient. Clotrimazole is a broad-spectrum imidazole antifungal that fights the cause of fungal skin infections rather than just masking symptoms.
- Mechanism: Inhibits ergosterol synthesis, damaging the fungal cell membrane and stopping fungal growth.
- Spectrum: Active against dermatophytes (athlete's foot, ringworm, jock itch) and yeasts such as Candida and Malassezia.
- Strength: 10 mg of clotrimazole per gram of cream (1%).
๐งด Benzyl Alcohol 2% (20mg/g) Promising
A naturally derived preservative and solvent with a faint, sweet scent. It protects the formula from microbial growth and helps dissolve and spread the other ingredients.
- Role: Preservative, solvent and texture enhancer; commonly sourced from fruits such as apricots.
- Listed effect: The UK product information flags it as an excipient that can cause mild local irritation in some people.
๐ Polysorbate 60 Excipient Promising
A sorbitol-based surfactant and emulsifier that keeps the oil and water phases of the cream blended into a smooth, stable formula.
- Role: Emulsifier and stabiliser; widely used in both medicines and foods.
- Note: In cosmetics it is sometimes flagged as not malassezia-safe, but here it carries the antifungal active that actively kills that yeast.
๐งท Sorbitan Stearate Excipient Promising
A gentle emulsifier made from sorbitol (a fruit sugar) and stearic acid. It helps the water and oil portions of the cream stay together for a uniform texture.
- Role: Water-in-oil emulsifier that supports a smooth, spreadable cream.
- Source: Derived from sorbitol and a plant-based fatty acid.
๐ฏ๏ธ Cetyl Palmitate Excipient Promising
A wax-like emollient from palmitic acid and palmityl alcohol, naturally found in guava fruit. It conditions and softens the skin and gives the cream body.
- Role: Emollient and skin-conditioning agent; helps trap moisture during treatment.
- Note: A waxy ester, so it sits toward the moderate end of the comedogenic scale.
๐ฟ Cetostearyl (Cetearyl) Alcohol 10% (100mg/g) Proven
A blend of cetyl and stearyl fatty alcohols, usually plant-derived. It is the cream's main emollient and emulsifier, soothing and softening skin while thickening the formula.
- Role: Emollient, emulsifier and emulsion stabiliser; studies show it is non-toxic and generally non-irritating.
- Listed effect: The UK leaflet notes it may cause local skin reactions such as contact dermatitis in susceptible users.
8 ingredients
Clotrimazole 1% w/w, Benzyl Alcohol, Polysorbate 60, Sorbitan Stearate, Cetyl Palmitate, Cetostearyl (Cetearyl) Alcohol, Octyldodecanol, Purified Water.
๐ Where It Fits in Your Routine
Apply to clean, fully dry skin. For athlete's foot, dry carefully between the toes first. Continue the full course even after symptoms clear to kill the root of the infection.
๐ How to Use
Clean & Dry
Wash the affected area and dry it thoroughly, paying special attention to skin folds and between the toes.
Apply Thinly
A strip of cream about ยฝ cm long covers an area roughly the size of a hand. Smooth in gently.
Repeat 2โ3ร Daily
Apply morning and night (and midday if directed) for consistent coverage.
Complete the Course
Keep going for at least 1 month for athlete's foot and ringworm, or at least 2 weeks for candida โ and continue a little after symptoms clear. Wash hands after each use.
๐ค Who Is It For?
โ Perfect for you if:
- You have athlete's foot, ringworm, jock itch, fungal sweat rash or fungal nappy rash
- You want a pharmacy-proven, broad-spectrum over-the-counter option
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding and need a topical (with medical sign-off)
- You prefer a non-greasy, fragrance-free cream the whole family can use
โ Consider alternatives if:
- You have a nail or scalp fungal infection (this cream won't reach those)
- You need a one-week cure (terbinafine creams act faster)
- You are allergic to cetostearyl alcohol or benzyl alcohol
- Symptoms haven't improved after 2 weeks โ see a doctor instead
๐ฏ Skin Type Compatibility
Light, non-greasy vanishing base treats the infection without adding shine.
Conditioning emollients soften flaky skin; follow with a moisturiser on surrounding areas.
Works reliably across different body zones and skin folds.
Contains cetostearyl and benzyl alcohol; patch test first as these can occasionally irritate.
Clotrimazole actively clears Malassezia-driven fungal acne, tinea versicolor and pityrosporum folliculitis.
๐ Results Timeline
Itch & Soreness Ease
Symptoms such as itching, burning and soreness typically start to settle within the first few days.
Most users noticeVisible Clearing
Redness and scaling reduce; many candida (yeast) infections are resolved within this window.
Majority improveFull Cure
Stubborn dermatophyte infections like athlete's foot and ringworm clear when the full course is completed.
~70% cured at 4 weeksโญ Ratings by Platform
โ๏ธ Pros & Cons
โ Praised
- Clinically and pharmacy proven with decades of trusted use
- Broad-spectrum โ one cream for many fungal infections
- Non-greasy, fragrance-free and family-friendly
- Affordable and widely available over the counter
- Topical formula compatible with pregnancy and breastfeeding
โ Criticized
- Slower than terbinafine (2โ4 weeks vs around 1 week)
- Requires twice- or thrice-daily application
- Contains cetostearyl and benzyl alcohol (possible irritation)
- Not suitable for nail or scalp infections
- Generic clotrimazole offers the same active for less
๐ฐ Budget-Friendly Alternatives (Dupes)
Identical 1% clotrimazole active. Plainer base and packaging, but the same medicine at a fraction of the brand price.
The US clotrimazole equivalent. Same active and uses, slightly different excipients and texture.
A different azole (miconazole) with an overlapping spectrum and added antibacterial action. Good when clotrimazole isn't available.
๐ Comparison with Competitors
Canesten Clotrimazole 1% (Featured)
~$8Lamisil AT (Terbinafine 1%)
$14.97Lotrimin AF (Clotrimazole 1%)
$9.97Daktarin (Miconazole 2%)
~$5๐ฆ Storage & Shelf Life
3 months after opening
Store below 25ยฐC in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Do not freeze. Keep out of reach of children and use before the printed expiry date.
Laminate/aluminium squeeze tube with a screw cap
Yes โ 20g and 50g tubes are well under the 100ml carry-on limit
โ Frequently Asked Questions
Topical clotrimazole is generally considered safe in pregnancy (FDA Category B) because very little is absorbed through the skin, and it is also regarded as compatible with breastfeeding. If applying near the breast, wipe off any excess before nursing. As with any medicine in pregnancy or while breastfeeding, confirm with your doctor, midwife or pharmacist first.
Yes โ and more than that, it actively treats it. Clotrimazole is an antifungal used against Malassezia, the yeast behind fungal acne, tinea versicolor and pityrosporum folliculitis. While the emollient base contains esters and fatty alcohols that skincare communities sometimes flag, the antifungal active itself targets and kills that yeast, so the formula is not "malassezia-feeding."
This is a medicated treatment rather than a skincare step, so it should be applied directly to the infected area. If that area overlaps with where you use actives, separate the applications (for example, treat the infection morning and night and use actives at a different time) and prioritise clearing the infection first. Avoid layering strong exfoliating acids over broken or irritated infected skin.
It suits all skin types since it treats a medical condition rather than catering to a cosmetic skin profile. It performs especially well for those prone to fungal or yeast-related issues. Very sensitive or reactive skin should patch test first, as the cetostearyl and benzyl alcohol excipients can occasionally cause irritation.
Itching and soreness often ease within 2โ3 days. Visible clearing of redness and scaling usually follows over 1โ2 weeks, with many candida infections resolved in that time. Stubborn dermatophyte infections like athlete's foot and ringworm need the full course โ at least one month โ for a reliable cure. Always finish the course even if symptoms disappear early.
Apply it to clean, fully dried skin on the affected area, before any moisturiser or other products on that spot. For athlete's foot, dry between the toes first; follow with clean socks and clothing and wash your hands afterward to avoid spreading the infection.
Its comedogenic potential is low (around 2 out of 5). It contains a waxy ester (cetyl palmitate) and fatty alcohols, so it isn't designed as a daily facial cosmetic, but it is a non-greasy, fragrance-free treatment cream applied only to affected areas โ making pore-clogging unlikely with normal use.
As a medicine, always go by the expiry date printed on the tube and carton. For hygiene, an opened tube is best used within around 3 months. Store it below 25ยฐC, away from direct sunlight, and never use cream that has changed in colour, smell or texture.
Verdict: Canesten Clotrimazole 1% is a gold-standard, pharmacy-proven antifungal that reliably clears athlete's foot, ringworm, jock itch and other common fungal skin infections. It is affordable, widely available, fragrance-free and topical-safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding with medical guidance. It works a little slower than terbinafine and isn't for nails or scalp, and budget generics share the identical active โ but as an effective, gentle, all-purpose family antifungal, Canesten remains a top choice.
Product Overview
What are Quick Product Notes?
Quick product notes are a great way to check if a product is free from commonly avoided ingredients by skincare enthusiasts. These preferences come about for different reasons depending on the ingredient such as personal experiences, sensitivities, health preferences & etc.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product is not free from a common preference does not mean it's a bad product! You can make a personal decision whether or not you want to use a product that contains these ingredients or not - click the labels of the preference to read more about them.
Quick Product Notes
Paraben-Free
Paraben-Free
Understanding Parabens
Parabens are a large group of preservatives which are used to prevent bacteria growing in cosmetic formulations. There has been some healthy controversy surrounding them due to a few studies finding paraben presence in breast tumours and breast tissue. However, the majority of the scientific community have deemed these findings non-conclusive due to the limitations of these studies. There's still a lot of support for avoiding parabens following the better safe than sorry route. If you do we completely support you! If you are concerned about the health safety of parabens, then feel free to avoid them by looking out for the Paraben-Free icon. If not, don't worry about it - they do have had one of the longest safety records as preservatives!
Which Ingredients are classified as Paraben?
A product will be paraben-free if it does not contain any of the following parabens:
- Sodium Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Ethylparaben
- Sodium Butylparaben
- Propylparaben
- Isopropylparaben
- Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Propylparaben
- Butylparaben
- Ethylparaben
- Sodium Methylparaben
- Methylparaben
Sulfate-Free
Sulfate-Free
Understanding Sulfates
Sulfates are a large group of ingredients which act as cleansing agents in Cosmetics. They help loosen up the dirt and grime from your skin and hair to allow for water to wash it away with ease. However some sulfates are so good at their job, they can wash off your skinโs own natural oils that keep it moisturised and protected which can lead to dryness and irritation. Most people will find no issues with sulfate, however if you find your skin doesn't like sulfates then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the sulfate-free icon on Skincarisma.
Which ingredients are classified as sulfates?
We've taken the Sulfates which are considered more harsh for our Sulfate-Free status. A product will be Sulfate-Free if it does not contain any of the following Sulfates:
- TEA-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate
- Ammonium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
- PEG-15 Cocamine
- Sodium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Cocoyl Sarcosinate
- Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
- Dioctyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate
- Ammonium Xylenesulfonate
- Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate
- Sodium Xylenesulfonate
- Sodium Myreth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate
Alcohol-Free
Alcohol-Free
Understanding Simple Alcohols
Alcohol ingredients are widely used in cosmetics and come in different types. For the most part alcohols are not problematic at all. However one type of alcohols, simple alcohols can be quite drying to the skin because it evaporates very quickly. This can cause irritation which can also lead to other skin complications. These alcohols should never be used alone on your skin, but combined with other cosmetic ingredients, they are normally without issue. However, for some people with sensitive and easily irritable skin, avoiding products with these simple alcohols may be beneficial. If you find your skin doesn't like these simple alcohols, then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the Alcohol-Free icon.
Which Ingredients are classified as Alcohol?
A product will be alcohol-free if it does not contain any of the following alcohol ingredients:
- SD Alcohol
- Alcohol Denat
- Isopropyl Alcohol
- Alcohol
Silicone-Free
Silicone-Free
Understanding Silicones
If you've ever used a skincare, makeup or beauty product that's made your skin look and feel smoother tempoarily - it's likely contained Silicone. They are a popular class of ingredients found in cosmetics due to their smooth, soft, easy-to-spread and smooth properties that help creates an artificial layer/barrier on top of skin or hair (commonly found in conditioners).
For the same reasons they are popularly used, they are also commonly avoided. Anecdotally, many individuals have reported that Silicones cause/excerbate breakouts, irritation, cause a feeling of skin being unable to breathe, cause clumping of cosmetic products and find it difficult to wash off. As a result, those who find them problematic are avoiding them and increasingly, cosmetic companies are avoiding them as well.
If you have had bad experiences with Silicones in the past, or suspect they are problematic then look out for the tick on the Silicone-free label.
Disclaimer
The Silicone-free label only includes the most common Silicone ingredients that have indentified been reported by individuals that could potentially cause issues.
These include: Amodimethicone, Behenoxy Dimethicone, Bis-Aminopropyl Dimethicone, Cetearyl Methicone, Cetyl Dimethicone, Cyclomethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Dimethicone Copolyol, Dimethiconol, Methicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Stearoxy Dimethicone, Stearyl Dimethicone, Trimethylsilylamodimethicone.
Note, that this does not include all ingredients part of the Silicone class of ingredients.
EU Allergen-Free
EU Allergen-Free
Understanding the Identified Contact Allergens
The EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has identified and established 26 cosmetic ingredients that are likely contact allergens (potential to cause skin allergies) as demonstrated in clinical or epidemiological studies. The EU's SCCS have recommend cosmetic companies to disclose them on the labels if used and in cases where the concentration exceeds 0.001% in leave-on products and 0.01% in rinse-off products, then they must be labelled.
Look out for the tick on the EU-Allergen free label to know your cosmetic is free from any of the 26 identified cosmetic ingredients.
For more information regarding the EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety, please visit their official website.
Disclaimer
The EU Allergen Free label is for the 26 ingredients identified by the EU SCCS and products will be only flagged if a suspected ingredient is on it's ingredient list. It is possible for cosmetics to contain one of the suspect ingredients without it appearing on the ingredient list due to it not reaching the concentration threshold to disclose it and cosmetic manufacturers choice to not disclose it.
Also note, the EU Allergen Free label is not personalized for your own allergies you may have and it does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Understanding Fungal Acne (Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia Folliculitis)
Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia folliculitis or simply known as Fungal Acne is a persistent acne-like condition that commonly responds poorly to traditional acne-treating methods. Unlike most cases of Acne where bacteria is the culprit, Fungi is the culprit of Fungal Acne (Hence the name!). There are certain classes & groups of ingredients that have been shown to promote and feed the growth of the Fungal Acne, Fungi such as fatty acids, oils, esters, polysorbates and fermented ingredients.
For more information regarding Fungal Acne, please visit Simple Skincare Science (f.c) - #3 of our Recommend Skincare Resources for an amazing comprehensive guide!
Please Read: How to use the Fungal Acne (Malassezia) Label
At SkinCarisma, we've done our best to identify as many ingredients as possible but note the fungal-free label may not be 100% accurate due to the complexconditions and combination of ingredients that malezzeria can thrive on.
Additionally, products that may contain ingredients that have shown to feed Malassezia may not neccessarily exacerbate the condition due to concentration of ingredient used in the product, this information is simply not available on the products.
As a result, please note this is only an experimental label that can be best used to possible identify problematic products you have used in the past. It is in no way a perfect identifier nor a predictor in whether or not it will exacerbate or cause fungal acne. It will continue to be worked on as more information and research comes to light.
If you find any ingredients you believe should be included, please email us at snails@skincarisma.com.
Disclaimer
Due to the lack of substantial research into this area it is very likely there are other ingredients and class/groups of ingredients that could feed Fungal Acne which have not been indentified.
The Fungal-Safe label does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
What are Notable Effects & Ingredients?
Ever used a product that promised a certain effect but provided no results? It might not have contained any notable ingredients that could have been responsible for that promised effect. It doesn't matter what the marketing or packaging ยซpromisesยป it can do, if it doesn't contain anything that can help - then the likelihood of it helping is low.
We help you identify key notable ingredients that have been shown to help with effects such as acne-fighting, brightening, UV-protection, wound healing & anti-aging to help you achieve your skincare goals smarter. Please note that different notable ingredients have varying levels of research behind them, some are extremely well proven yet some have mixed research in their efficacy.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product doesn't contain any notable ingredients doesn't mean it's bad. And a product with notable ingredients (or even many) doesn't necessarily guarantee the efficacy of the product performing these effects either. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine this.
Be smart and use this as just a starting point for you to make more informed and smarter choices and compare it with reviews to see if the product is right for you
Notable Effects & Ingredients
What are Ingredients Related to Skin Type?
Why are some products great for some people and horrible for others? Well everyone has different skin types and different reactions to the same ingredients.
We've identified a range of ingredients that are commonly regarded as potentially good or bad for those with Dry, Oily/Acne-Prone or Sensitive skin.
Pro Tip Alert!
A product that contains good or bad ingredients for your skin type doesn't always flat out make the entire product good or bad for your skin. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine your skins reaction.
One of the best ways to use this section is to troubleshoot products you've had bad experiences with in the past. Check if it contains any of the marked ingredients to point out suspect ingredients to avoid in the future!
Ingredients Related to Skin Types
Dry Skin
Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
Sensitive Skin
What is the Ingredient Safety Breakdown?
Ingredient Safety Breakdown refers to the percentage % of ingredients in different risk categories as classified by EWG (Environment Working Group) if they are available. There are almost endless cosmetic ingredients and they are one of the few organisations globally that have assigned ratings to a lot of the more commonly used ingredients which is why we reference them.
Pro Tip Alert!
EWG is seen by many to be more on the alarmist side in their assignment of health ratings resulting in rating ingredients as riskier than they actually are. We recommend using this a reference point rather than a strict guide of ingredient safety and to always do further research if into ingredients that you may find suspect.
Ingredient Safety Breakdown
Product ingredient list
| EWG | CIR | Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 |
Clotrimazole
Antimicrobial
|
|
|
| 5 |
Benzyl Alcohol
Solvent, Masking, Fragrance, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Preservative, External Analgesic, Perfuming
|
|
|
| 3 |
Polysorbate 60
Surfactant, Emulsifying
|
|
|
| 1 |
Sorbitan Stearate
Surfactant, Fragrance, Emulsifying
|
|
|
| 1 |
Cetyl Palmitate
Fragrance, Emollient, Masking, Skin Conditioning
|
|