Preparation H.

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About this product

An over-the-counter topical treatment for hemorrhoid symptoms, typically containing a vasoconstrictor and anti-inflammatory ingredients to reduce swelling, itching, and discomfort.

Full ingredients

Glycerin, Phenylephrine Hcl(Vasoconstrictor), Pramoxine Hcl, White Petrolatum, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Anhydrous Citric Acid, Butylated Hydroxy Anisole, Carboxymethylcellulose, Cetyl Alcohol, Citric Acid Monohydrate, Dexpanthenol, Edetate Disodium, Glyceryl Monostearate, Methylparaben, Mineral Oil, Propyl Gallate, Propylene Glycol, Propylparaben, Purified Water, Sodium Benzoate, Stearyl Alcohol, Tocopherol, Vegetable Oil, Vitamin E Acetate, Xanthan Gum

Guru Score

60%

Mixed

3 experts · Moderate agreement

What the gurus are saying

One expert sees it as a practical short-term option for uncomfortable or itchy hemorrhoids, crediting the anti-inflammatory action and constricting effect on swollen blood vessels. However, another cautions that the vasoconstrictor may trigger rebound worsening once you stop using it, and flags that some formulations contain hydrocortisone, which should never be applied around the eye area. That means people considering it may want to check the ingredient list first and use it only as a temporary measure rather than ongoing.

Synthesized from 3 expert reviews · most recent take April 2024

What they liked

Anti-inflammatory and itch relief
Vasconstrictor reduces swelling

What they flagged

Rebound worsening after vasconstriction stops
May contain hydrocortisone, unsafe around eyes

Type

Balm & ointment

Key actives

Vitamin E

Formula notes

Fragrance-freeNo drying alcohol

Where to buy

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What the gurus are saying.

Every take we've logged from this product's reviews across YouTube. Click any row to watch the moment they said it.

All takes Yay takes Nay takes Mixed takes Hide sponsored

Dr Dray

2.69M subs

~Nay

"I don't recommend doing that for a few reasons. Phenylephrine is a vasoconstrictor, may actually temporarily help because of the vasoconstrictive effect, may help push some fluid away, tighten things up a bit, and may also help with redness, but you can get a rebound worsening effect. Also, I want to say what else is in these, sometimes these have a little bit of hydrocortisone in them, so you want to be careful there. That should not be used around the eyes."

Dr. Sam Ellis

902k subs

~Yay

"For really uncomfortable or itchy hemorrhoids, you can use Preparation H. This usually has an anti-inflammatory in it as well as something to help with itching as well as constriction of those swollen blood vessels."

Cassandra Bankson

2.46M subs

~Nay

"I don't think this is going to send someone to the ER even if you use the version that has the steroids in it, [...] but at this point it's not something that I would do, and based on my understanding of it having not tried it personally, it doesn't look like it's that effective. If you've got hemorrhoid cream and you are itching to put it under your eyes, I would say please call a doctor even just get on like a teledoc thing and speak to a doctor first before doing it."

What the evidence says.

Independent of what the gurus think, this is what the published research supports about the main active ingredients here.

Humectants and emollients

Ingredients like these draw water into the surface layers and slow how fast it leaves. The evidence is for comfort, softness and hydration rather than for changing the structure of the skin.

Source: DermNet

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is an antioxidant, and it is often in a formula to keep the other ingredients stable rather than as the active itself. It pairs well with vitamin C, though on its own the evidence for visible change is limited.

Source: NIH, National Library of Medicine

Frequently asked.

What is Preparation H?

An over-the-counter topical treatment for hemorrhoid symptoms, typically containing a vasoconstrictor and anti-inflammatory ingredients to reduce swelling, itching, and discomfort.

Is Preparation H worth it?

The gurus are split. 1 of the 3 gurus give it their stamp of approval while 2 would skip it, which lands it in the middle at a Guru Score of 60%.

What is Preparation H's Guru Score?

Preparation H holds a Guru Score of 60%. That is our read on how warmly the experts talk about it, based on the verdicts of 3 expert reviewers we have collected.