Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.
Key takeaways
Halcinonide (Halog) and clobetasol (Clobex, Olux, Tovet, Impeklo, Impoyz) are both topical corticosteroids used to treat skin inflammation and itching. However, there are some key differences between the two. Halcinonide is a strong steroid, while clobetasol is considered super potent, making it one of the strongest available. Halcinonide is available in cream, ointment, and solution forms, whereas clobetasol comes in a wider variety of formulations, including cream, shampoo, lotion, and spray. Clobetasol is generally recommended 1 to 2 times daily for short-term use (up to 2 weeks, or 4 weeks for shampoo) due to its high potency and risk of serious side effects, while halcinonide can be used 2 to 3 times daily but also requires caution to avoid long-term use. Both are availible as generics, but halcinonide can be expensive without insurance and some dosage forms are brand name only. Both medications can cause skin irritation and other side effects, but clobetasol has additional risks like skin thinning and high blood sugar if used improperly.
Halcinonide (Halog)
Clobetasol
Halcinonide (Halog)
Clobetasol
Summary of Halog vs. Clobetasol
Summary for Corticosteroid
Prescription only
Halcinonide (Halog) is a prescription topical steroid. It's used to treat many types of inflammatory and itchy skin conditions. Halcinonide (Halog) is applied directly to the skin 2 or 3 times per day. This medication comes as a cream and topical solution. Side effects aren't common, but can include skin burning and irritation.
Summary for Corticosteroid
Prescription only
Clobetasol is a super potent (very strong) corticosteroid that's applied to the skin. It helps relieve skin inflammation and irritation from moderate-to-severe skin problems, like psoriasis. Clobetasol is available in many different formulations. This includes a cream, ointment, shampoo, topical solution, and foam. Most formulations are for people 12 years and older. But others, like the shampoo and lotion, are for adults only. Some side effects include burning, stinging, and irritation where it's applied. Clobetasol has both brand-name and generic options.
Indications of Halog vs. Clobetasol
Indications for
•Inflammatory and itchy skin conditions
Indications for
•Skin rashes and itchy skin - all topical forms except shampoo
•Plaque psoriasis not on the scalp - all topical forms except shampoo
•Moderate-to-severe scalp psoriasis - shampoo and certain foams only
Pros and Cons of Halog vs. Clobetasol
Pros and Const for Corticosteroid
Pros
•High-potency steroid that's useful for many different types of more severe skin conditions
•Fewer side effects compared to oral steroids
•Available as a cream and topical solution
Cons
•Available by prescription only
•Need to apply up to 3 times per day
•Not meant for long-term use due to the risk of side effects
Pros and Const for Corticosteroid
Pros
•One of the most potent (strongest) topical steroids
•Applied directly to the affected area(s) of skin
•Many formulations to choose from, such as ointment, cream, and spray