Prescription
Prescription RequiredCompoundedMetformin Cream
Compounded topical metformin cream is prepared by a licensed pharmacy for skin conditions such as acne, rosacea, eczema, and psoriasis when your healthcare provider believes standard treatments are not enough or not well-tolerated. It is not an FDA-approved product for skin use, but it is made under pharmacy compounding regulations for individual patients with a valid prescription.
Requires a valid prescription from your provider. Not sure if it's right for you? Ask a pharmacist.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Compounded products are not FDA-approved and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Individual results may vary. This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice — always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment.
Clinical information
Medication information for patients and providers.
Use as directed by your healthcare provider. Apply a thin layer to the affected skin once or twice daily, or as prescribed. If you forget a dose, apply it when you remember unless it is almost time for your next dose. Do not apply extra cream to make up for a missed dose.
Metformin is best known as an oral diabetes medicine, but on the skin it helps lower local insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1) and reduces inflammation in oil glands. By calming these pathways, it may lessen redness, swelling, and clogged pores. Most people notice gradual improvement in 4–8 weeks, with full benefit often seen after 3 months of steady use. The effect lasts as long as the cream is used regularly.
Do not use if you are allergic to metformin or any ingredient in this cream. Do not apply to open wounds, severe burns, or infected skin. Avoid use if you have severe kidney disease that limits your ability to clear metformin from your body. Do not use on infants or children under 12 years unless specifically directed by a pediatric dermatologist. Talk to your provider before use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Because very little metformin is absorbed through normal skin, drug interactions are unlikely. Still, tell your provider about all medicines you use, especially other topical products that can irritate skin (retinoids like tretinoin, benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid). Using multiple strong treatments together may increase dryness or redness. If you take oral metformin or other diabetes drugs, continue your usual routine and monitor blood sugar as advised; systemic effects from the cream are rare but possible if applied over large areas or on broken skin.
Common (may affect up to 1 in 10 people): mild burning, stinging, or redness for the first few minutes after application; dry or flaky skin. Uncommon (up to 1 in 100 people): itching, peeling, or darkening/lightening of treated skin. Rare but serious: severe rash, swelling, or blistering—stop use and seek medical care right away. Most mild reactions improve as your skin gets used to the cream within 1–2 weeks.
Store at room temperature (68-77°F, 20-25°C). Keep the cap tightly closed and protect from moisture and direct sunlight. Do not freeze. Keep out of reach of children and pets. Do not use past the beyond-use date on the label. Dispose of leftover or expired cream through a pharmacy take-back program or mix it with coffee grounds in a sealed plastic bag before throwing it in the trash.
Frequently asked questions.
Most people notice some improvement in redness or breakouts within 4 to 8 weeks. Best results often appear after 3 months of steady, daily use.
Yes, but apply them at different times of day or to different areas if your skin becomes irritated. Tell your provider about all products you use so they can set up a safe routine.
A mild sting that fades quickly is common. If burning is strong or lasts more than 10–15 minutes, wash the area with mild soap and cool water, skip the next dose, and contact your provider for advice.
Topical metformin has not been well studied in pregnancy or nursing. Use it only if your healthcare provider decides the benefit is greater than any risk. Always discuss your plans with them first.
Absorption through healthy skin is very low, so changes in blood sugar are unlikely. If you have diabetes and apply the cream to large or broken areas, monitor your blood sugar as usual and tell your provider about any unexpected changes.
Keep it at room temperature in a dry place away from sunlight. When it expires or you no longer need it, return it to a pharmacy take-back program or mix it with coffee grounds in a sealed bag before throwing it away.
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