Ivermectin Cream 1%
Ivermectin Cream 1%
Product Description
Ivermectin Cream 1% by Viona USA is a prescription-only topical treatment for the inflammatory bumps and pimples (papules and pustules) of rosacea. As an FDA-approved generic equivalent of Soolantraยฎ, it delivers ivermectin's dual anti-inflammatory and anti-parasitic action against Demodex mites in a once-daily, antibiotic-free cream. Each gram contains 10 mg (1%) of ivermectin.
โจ Texture & Feel
Targets Demodex Mites
Anti-parasitic action reduces the Demodex mites associated with rosacea inflammation.
Calms Inflammation
Anti-inflammatory action helps reduce the papules and pustules of papulopustular rosacea.
Early Results
Improvement was seen as early as week 2 in the phase 3 clinical studies.
Antibiotic-Free
Avoids the antibiotic-resistance concerns of long-term topical or oral antibiotics.
๐ก๏ธ Safety & Compatibility
This is a prescription-only medicine. Use only as directed by a licensed healthcare provider, not as a general cosmetic.
Use only if clearly needed and advised by your doctor. Tell your provider if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or nursing.
A temporary burning sensation or short-lived worsening can occur in the first 1โ2 weeks before improvement begins.
Does not contribute to antibiotic resistance, unlike topical metronidazole or oral antibiotics.
Not for oral, ophthalmic (eye), or intravaginal use. Avoid the eyes, lips, and inside the nose.
Allergic and contact dermatitis have been reported rarely. Stop and seek advice if severe irritation, swelling, or hives occur.
๐ฌ Ingredient Breakdown
๐งฌ Ivermectin 1% Proven
The single active ingredient โ a macrocyclic lactone with both anti-inflammatory and anti-parasitic (anti-Demodex) activity. Each gram of cream contains 10 mg of ivermectin.
- FDA: Approved December 2014 for the inflammatory lesions of rosacea (brand Soolantraยฎ).
- Clinical: In two trials of 1,371 adults, 38.4% and 40.1% reached "clear/almost clear" at week 12 versus 11.6% and 18.8% for vehicle.
- Head-to-head: More effective than metronidazole 0.75% cream from as early as week 3 onward.
๐ฆ Glycerin Humectant Proven
A well-established humectant that draws water into the upper skin layers, helping offset the dryness or tightness some users feel with active treatment.
- Role: Supports the skin barrier and improves the cream's moisturizing feel.
๐ก๏ธ Dimethicone Emollient Proven
A silicone emollient that smooths the skin surface and forms a light, breathable film to reduce trans-epidermal water loss.
- Role: Improves spreadability and gives the soft, non-greasy finish.
๐ง Isopropyl Palmitate Emollient ester Promising
A fatty-acid ester used to soften skin and give the cream its slip. It is also the main reason this formula is not fungal-acne friendly and rates moderately comedogenic.
๐ฏ๏ธ Cetyl & Stearyl Alcohol Fatty alcohols Proven
Fatty alcohols (not drying like ethanol) that act as emollients and emulsifiers, giving the cream its stable, creamy texture.
- Note: Generally well tolerated, but contribute to the formula's richness and fungal-acne unsuitability.
๐งช Carbomer Thickener Proven
A gel-forming polymer that thickens and stabilizes the emulsion so the cream stays uniform and spreads evenly.
๐ Methylparaben & Propylparaben Preservatives Proven
Preservatives that keep the product free of microbial growth over its shelf life. Note this product is not paraben-free.
๐งผ Sodium Lauryl Sulfate Surfactant Promising
A surfactant/emulsifier present in small amounts to help blend the oil and water phases. At leave-on concentrations it can be mildly irritating for very reactive skin.
16 ingredients
Ivermectin 1%, Carbomer, Cetyl Alcohol, Citric Acid, Butyl Diethanolamine, Dimethicone, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Disodium EDTA, Glycerin, Isopropyl Palmitate, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Water, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Stearyl Alcohol.
๐ Where It Fits in Your Routine
Apply once daily, usually at night. Let skin dry fully after cleansing to reduce stinging. Always wear SPF during the day โ rosacea-prone skin is especially sun-sensitive.
๐ How to Use
Cleanse
Wash your face with a gentle, non-irritating cleanser and pat dry.
Wait Until Dry
Allow skin to dry for a few minutes before applying to minimize stinging.
Apply a Thin Layer
Use a pea-sized amount, spreading a thin layer over the whole face. Avoid the eyes, lips, and nostrils.
Once Daily
Use once per day, every day, exactly as prescribed by your provider.
Moisturize & Protect
Follow with a moisturizer if needed and apply sunscreen every morning.
Be Patient
Continue for 12 weeks or more. Don't stop early, even if skin briefly worsens at the start.
๐ค Who Is It For?
โ Perfect for you if:
- You have a diagnosis of papulopustular rosacea (bumps and pimples)
- You want an antibiotic-free, once-daily topical option
- It has been prescribed for you by a healthcare provider
- You prefer a treatment backed by strong clinical evidence
- You want the same active as Soolantraยฎ at a generic price
โ Consider alternatives if:
- You only have facial redness/flushing without bumps (consider brimonidine or azelaic acid)
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding without medical guidance
- You are allergic to ivermectin or any listed ingredient
- You want an over-the-counter product (this is prescription-only)
- You are treating fungal acne or are highly acne-prone (richer, ester-containing base)
๐ฏ Skin Type Compatibility
This is its core use โ targets the inflammatory bumps and Demodex mites of rosacea.
Fragrance-free, but a brief sting or flare can occur early; patch test and ease in slowly.
Absorbs well with a soft finish that suits mixed zones.
Lightweight enough for oilier skin, though the base contains pore-clogging esters.
Glycerin and dimethicone help, but dry skin may need an extra moisturizer on top.
๐ Results Timeline
Early Improvement
In a US study, patients saw roughly 27% fewer bumps and blemishes; some users notice calmer redness, though a brief flare is also common at this stage.
~27% fewer lesionsClear Separation from Vehicle
Significant benefit over a plain base cream is established, and it begins to outperform metronidazole 0.75% from week 3.
More effective vs. metronidazoleMajor Clearance
Up to ~75% fewer symptoms reported; about 38โ40% of trial patients were rated "clear" or "almost clear" by an investigator.
Up to ~75% fewer symptomsLong-Term Maintenance
Improvement continued with ongoing use and the cream was well tolerated for up to a full year in study extensions.
Safe through 52 weeks in studiesโญ Ratings by Platform
โ๏ธ Pros & Cons
โ Praised
- Strong clinical evidence for papulopustular rosacea
- Convenient once-daily, antibiotic-free application
- Visible results possible from week 2
- Generic price is far lower than brand Soolantraยฎ
- Fragrance-free and generally well tolerated long-term
โ Criticized
- Prescription-only โ needs a provider and diagnosis
- Common temporary stinging or "purge" early on
- Brand version is expensive without insurance
- Not fungal-acne safe; contains parabens and esters
- Symptoms often return within months of stopping
๐ฐ Budget-Friendly Alternatives (Dupes)
Same active ingredient and strength as brand Soolantraยฎ, just a different inactive base. With a GoodRx-style coupon a 45g tube can run around $100 versus much higher brand pricing.
Treats both bumps and redness via a different mechanism. Generic versions are cheaper; can sting and is applied twice daily rather than once.
A long-standing, inexpensive topical for rosacea, but an antibiotic-class agent applied twice daily. In head-to-head trials it was less effective than ivermectin 1%.
๐ Comparison with Competitors
Ivermectin 1% Cream โ Viona USA (Featured)
~$100 / 45gSoolantraยฎ (Brand Ivermectin 1%)
~$320 / 30gMetronidazole 0.75% Cream
~$120 / 45gAzelaic Acid 15% Gel (Finacea)
~$360 / 30g๐ฆ Storage & Shelf Life
Approximately 12 months after opening โ but always follow the printed expiry date on the tube/carton.
Store at room temperature, 68โ77ยฐF (20โ25ยฐC). Do not freeze. Keep out of reach of children.
Sealed aluminum/laminate tube (commonly 30 g; some generics 45 g).
Yes โ well under 100ml. Carry the labeled tube and your prescription information when traveling.
โ Frequently Asked Questions
Use with caution. Topical ivermectin is absorbed only minimally, but it has not been established as safe in pregnancy and should be used only if clearly needed and recommended by your doctor. Tell your provider if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding so they can weigh the benefits and risks for you.
No. The base contains isopropyl palmitate plus cetyl and stearyl alcohols โ esters and fatty alcohols that can feed Malassezia yeast. If you are specifically managing fungal acne, this formula is not ideal, even though it is excellent for the bacterial/parasitic-linked bumps of rosacea.
It can usually be combined, but rosacea-prone skin is easily irritated, so layering strong actives at the same time may cause stinging or flares. A common approach is ivermectin at night and a gentle vitamin C in the morning, introducing exfoliating acids or retinoids slowly. Ask your provider before combining prescription actives.
It is best for people with diagnosed papulopustular rosacea (the bumps-and-pimples subtype), across oily, combination, and many sensitive skin types. Very dry skin may want an added moisturizer, and people without rosacea who are highly acne-prone should be cautious because of the richer base.
Clinical studies showed improvement as early as week 2 (about 27% fewer bumps), with continued gains and up to roughly 75% fewer symptoms by week 12. Most dermatologists suggest using it for 12โ16 weeks before judging full effectiveness. A brief worsening in the first 1โ2 weeks is common.
After cleansing and drying, apply a thin, pea-sized layer once a day (commonly at night), then moisturize if needed. Always finish your morning routine with sunscreen, since sun is a major rosacea trigger.
It rates moderate (around 3/5). The active itself doesn't clog pores, but the base contains isopropyl palmitate and fatty alcohols that can be pore-clogging for very acne-prone, non-rosacea users. For its intended rosacea use, most people tolerate it well.
Plan on roughly 12 months after opening, but always defer to the expiry date printed on the tube and carton. Store it at room temperature, away from heat and freezing, and out of reach of children.
Verdict: Ivermectin 1% Cream is one of the best-evidenced topical treatments for the bumps and pimples of rosacea, with trials showing up to ~75% fewer lesions by week 12 and real-world ratings of roughly 3.8โ4.2 out of 5 across medical review platforms. As an FDA-approved generic of Soolantraยฎ, it offers the same active at a lower price. Keep expectations realistic: it is prescription-only, can cause a temporary flare or stinging early on, isn't fungal-acne friendly, and should be used in pregnancy or breastfeeding only on medical advice. It is best suited to people with a confirmed papulopustular rosacea diagnosis who want an antibiotic-free, once-daily option. This page is informational and not a substitute for advice from a licensed healthcare provider.
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
Anti-Aging from 1 ingredient(s):
Brightening from 2 ingredient(s):
Promotes Wound Healing from 2 ingredient(s):
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 |
Ivermectin
|
|
|
| 1 |
Carbomer
Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Increasing Agent, Emulsion Stabilising, Gel Forming
|
|
|
| 1 |
Cetyl Alcohol
Emulsion Stabilising, Fragrance, Opacifying, Emulsifying, Surfactant, Foam Boosting, Viscosity Increasing Agent, Emollient, Masking, Viscosity Controlling
|
|
|
| 2 |
Citric Acid
Masking, Fragrance, Chelating Agent, Ph Adjuster, Buffering Agent
|
Brightening
Anti-Aging
Promotes Wound Healing
Texture
Pores
|
|
| 0 |
Butyl Diethanolamine
Buffering
|
|