Best Cold Sore Treatments of 2025

"I noticed a cold sore starting yesterday, and I bought this product that night. It was delivered by 5 am, and I started using it. Just 12 hours later, it was almost completely gone. The tube is tiny, but it only takes the smallest amount each time."

"These little tubes were for my sister. She said they work well within 5 days, but not as good as the pump. There's no tingly feeling after applying, and she mentioned it smells different too. I ordered this because there are 2 tubes vs 1 pump, and it’s cheaper."

"I gave it 3 stars because I know the original is good. I first learned about this product when I was in the USA. I had a herpes outbreak there, and it was recommended to me. The next day, it was as if I had nothing! Fantastic! However, when I ordered it here in Brazil, it didn’t have the same effect. I have doubts about its originality. If you can buy it abroad, it's worth it!"

“As a nurse, I wasn't familiar with hydrocolloid patches for cold sores until now. These patches are snug and waterproof for 12-14 hours! I even wore one while working in a hot, humid garage, and it stayed in place despite the sweat. I love that they are nearly invisible, so I don’t have to worry about my toddlers trying to pull them off. They’ve also significantly cut my healing time in half. I wish I had discovered these years ago!”

“I had been dealing with cold sores for years and decided to try these patches when I felt the first tingle. They arrived quickly, and I applied one right away. I was amazed at how invisible it was! It lasted all day under a face mask, and I found that it helped me avoid the usual scabbing process. These patches kept the sore small and manageable, and I was thrilled with the results!”

“I can’t live without these patches! I get cold sores once a year, and they always perform wonderfully. They cover well, stay on during meals, and provide great relief. I highly recommend them to anyone who suffers from cold sores!”

“This is my first time using this product and I am pleasantly surprised. I applied it with a q-tip, and it immediately soothed my cold sore and moisturized the area to prevent cracking. It looks like it's healing well. Worth every penny for relief!”

“It goes on nicely, but it doesn't stay on long if I drink, so I have to use a straw.”

“This product made my lips feel numb, but I surprisingly liked that. It worked quickly and is definitely worth the money.”

"I've been a loyal user of the expensive name brand for years. As fall approached, I needed more and discovered this product on Amazon for a much lower price. I decided to give it a shot and I can honestly say it worked better for me than the name brand. It acted quickly and stopped the cold sore before it fully developed since I used it at the very first sign. It also provided relief from pain and tingling. I'm really glad I found this!"

"This product has worked well for me. I still feel that tingle upon application, but it's significantly cheaper than Abreva. I would have given it five stars, but when I opened it, quite a bit of product came out—enough for two or three applications. However, the pain relief is just as effective as Abreva."

"This is the best ointment ever! I used to rely on the name brand at the first sign of tingles and swelling, but I would still end up with a terrible blister and swollen lip that took over a week to heal. This time, due to budget constraints, I opted for this generic brand, and after two applications, the swelling went down the very next day! Now, on day three, my lip looks completely normal. This has become my go-to product. Thank you!"

"I had to wait a few days for this to arrive, so I can't comment on its effects at the tingle stage. However, I took oral lysine supplements alongside it, which might have helped reduce the severity. I've been getting cold sores once a year, and they’ve gotten worse each time. But this time, while it went through the usual stages over six days, it never fully bloomed outside the border of my lips or became too noticeable. I'm pregnant and have been dealing with cracked, dry lips for months, and this is the first product that actually relieved those symptoms and felt nice to wear. I personally enjoy the light menthol scent and the cooling sensation. I will definitely buy it again for ongoing use!"

"I hadn't experienced a cold sore in years and used to rely on spirit of camphor, which burned the sore and left a scab. This ointment, however, doesn't sting at all. My cold sore didn’t spread, and I didn't end up with a scab. I highly recommend this product!"

"I always keep this in my medicine cabinet; it's like cheap insurance for me."

"I experience cold sores and dry lips during winter, and it can be quite painful. When I couldn’t find my usual brand, I compared this one on Amazon. Both contain the same active ingredients, but this worked great for me. Instant pain relief and quick drying action—my cold sore was gone in days with no scarring, and it’s affordable too!"

"My son usually suffers from blisters after sunburns, and it takes a week for him to heal. I found this product on Amazon and was impressed by the reviews. We applied it right away, and by the next day, his healing time was cut in half. He doesn’t care for the taste or smell, but he’s willing to use it because it works!"

"I remember using Campho years ago for cuts. When I got a fever blister recently, I decided to try this new formula. It worked so much faster than what I remembered! Within a day, the blister was drying up, and by day two, it was gone. Even my perioral dermatitis lesions were healing beautifully—a fantastic product to have in your home medicine kit!"

"I was skeptical at first, but after using the patches, I was amazed! Within two days, the blisters disappeared. They adhered really well, even while I ate and drank. I didn’t experience any issues, and by day four, there was no pain or itching. If you're uncertain about these, I say go for it!"

"These patches have been a game changer for me! I used to spend a fortune on a different brand, but these are not only more affordable but also highly effective. They made my cold sore look much better, and I felt comfortable being out without worrying about it."

"I started using the patches on the third day of my breakout, and they really helped soothe the discomfort. The next day, my blister was already scabbing over. My only issue was that the patch curled a bit on my lip, but overall, they are the best solution I've found so far."

"I got this for pain relief and it definitely works if you follow the instructions."

"Having had cold sores for years, I can say this is the only product that seems to really work for me. If I apply it quickly when I feel the tingling, it usually prevents the cold sore from surfacing or helps it heal within days. It's worth the price!"

"I had a rough experience with a cold sore and ended up with a chemical burn from misusing the product. However, when used correctly, it healed my next cold sore in about three days. I’m now always prepared and carry it with me. I can't imagine living without it."

"I find this product works well on my fever blisters. It's just as effective as the popular brand but costs less."

"I apply castor oil before this treatment, which helps it penetrate deeper for faster healing. Thought this tip might be helpful!"

"This product is a great deal with the same active ingredients as Abreva. I can’t tell the difference, and my husband agrees. Same size, better price!"

"I get cold sores about three or four times a year, but after being really stressed, I experienced one of the worst breakouts I've had in years. I tried my usual laser treatment and Abreva, but nothing worked. Then I discovered Releev about four days into this brutal cold sore, and I was amazed. In just 24 hours, it reduced to a tiny scab. I can't believe I didn't know about this sooner; just a drop each time is all you need!"

"Releev has been a miracle for me! After struggling with cold sores that were painful and prolonged, I found that if I apply Releev at the first sign—a slight bump or tingle—it really does make them disappear in one day. Even if I wait until it gets worse, it still works quickly and can clear it up within three to four days. I carry the little bottle everywhere and use it multiple times a day. It lasts a really long time and is so easy to apply!"

"Cold sores have always been a source of embarrassment for me, often leading to weeks of hiding and depression. But since I started using Releev, my life has changed. Applying it at the first tingle is key; I shake the bottle and use it liberally throughout the day. I usually see complete healing in just three to six days, even when multiple sores appear. This product is far more effective than anything else I've tried!"