Calamine Lotion 200ml

Calamine Lotion BP 200ml (calamine 15% + zinc oxide 5%) – the classic pink lotion that cools and soothes itchy, irritated skin.

  • Soothes mild sunburn, insect bites, prickly heat and chickenpox itch
  • Cooling, water-based and non-greasy – no steroid or anaesthetic
  • Gentle astringent action from calamine and zinc oxide
  • Suitable for adults and children; apply as often as needed
  • Handy 200ml family bottle from a UK pharmacy

£2.49

Calamine Lotion BP 200ml – calamine 15% and zinc oxide 5%, cooling pink lotion for itchy skin

Calamine Lotion is the classic pink soother for itchy, irritated skin, combining calamine 15% and zinc oxide 5% in a light, water-based lotion. This 200ml bottle cools and calms the skin and is a first-aid staple for mild sunburn, insect bites, prickly heat and the itch of chickenpox.

What is Calamine Lotion?

Calamine Lotion is a licensed medicine – a mild astringent lotion that cools and soothes irritated skin as it dries. Calamine and zinc oxide both have a gentle astringent action, and zinc oxide is also mildly antiseptic and protective. It is water-based rather than greasy, contains no steroid or anaesthetic, and can be bought without a prescription as a general sale (GSL) medicine. The lotion naturally separates on standing, which is why you shake the bottle before each use.

What is Calamine Lotion used for?

Calamine Lotion is licensed to relieve the symptoms of mild sunburn and other minor skin conditions. People most often reach for it to calm:

  • mild sunburn
  • itchy insect bites and stings
  • prickly heat (heat rash)
  • nettle rash and other minor itchy rashes
  • the itchy spots of chickenpox

It soothes the itching and stinging of these minor conditions but does not treat the underlying cause – for example, it eases the itch of chickenpox but does not shorten the illness.

How does it work?

As the water in the lotion evaporates it cools the skin, which helps take the edge off itching and stinging. The calamine and zinc oxide left behind have a mild astringent effect that soothes and protects, while the thin powdery film calms the area. The effect is gentle and short-lived, so it is simply reapplied whenever the itch returns.

How to use Calamine Lotion

Shake the bottle well, then dab the lotion onto the affected skin with a pad of cotton wool and let it dry.

  • Shake the bottle before each use.
  • Apply with a pad of cotton wool.
  • Let it dry to a fine pink film.
  • Reapply as often as needed when itching returns.
  • For external use only; keep away from the eyes.

It is suitable for adults, children and older people, and there is no fixed dose – use it as often as required.

Calamine Lotion for chickenpox, bites and prickly heat

This is a traditional favourite for the itchy rash of chickenpox: dabbed onto the spots, it cools and soothes without stinging. The same action helps with insect bites and stings, nettle rash and prickly heat in hot weather. For widespread or stubborn itching, an oral antihistamine such as Piriton can be used alongside it – ask your pharmacist for advice. Seek medical help if a rash is spreading rapidly, blistering badly, or comes with a high fever or feeling very unwell.

Side effects and safety

Calamine Lotion is very well tolerated and side effects are uncommon. Occasionally the skin may react with irritation or hypersensitivity, in which case stop using it. Do not use it if you are allergic to any of the ingredients, and keep it away from broken skin, the eyes and other mucous membranes. It contains a small amount of phenol as a preservative. Because it is mineral-based it can show up on X-ray images, so mention recent use if you are having skin imaging.

Who can use it?

The lotion is suitable for adults, the elderly and children, and is a common choice for soothing children’s chickenpox and heat rash. There is no evidence of harm in pregnancy or breastfeeding and it has been used for many years without apparent problems, but as with any medicine, check with your pharmacist if you are unsure. Store below 25°C and keep the bottle tightly closed.

Calamine Lotion vs calamine cream

Calamine Lotion is the light, water-based pink liquid that dries to a powdery film – cooling, but visible and a little drying. Calamine cream (aqueous calamine cream) carries the same actives at a lower strength in a moisturising base, so it is less messy and does not dry white, which some people prefer for the face or daytime. For simple dry skin an emollient such as E45 Cream is more suitable, while for nappy rash and minor broken skin a protective antiseptic like Sudocrem may be a better fit. Browse the wider skin care range to compare your options.

Buy Calamine Lotion online

Bury Healthcare Online is a UK pharmacy registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council (registered pharmacy 1126145). You can buy Calamine Lotion from us without a prescription, and our pharmacy team is happy to advise on soothing itchy or sunburnt skin. The NHS has more guidance on easing the itch of chickenpox.

Always read the label and the patient information leaflet before use. If your symptoms do not improve, speak to your pharmacist or doctor.

Medically reviewed by Hassan Khan, MPharm, Independent Prescriber — Superintendent Pharmacist, Bury Healthcare Online (GPhC-registered pharmacy 1126145). Last reviewed: July 2026.

Calamine Lotion FAQs

What is calamine lotion used for?
Calamine lotion soothes the symptoms of mild sunburn and other minor skin conditions, such as itchy insect bites, prickly heat, nettle rash and the itchy spots of chickenpox. It cools and calms irritated skin but does not treat the underlying cause.
Does calamine lotion stop itching?
It helps ease itching. As it dries it cools the skin and leaves a soothing, mildly astringent film that takes the edge off the itch. The effect is gentle and short-lived, so reapply whenever the itch comes back.
Is calamine lotion good for chickenpox?
Yes – it is a traditional choice for chickenpox. Dabbed onto the spots it cools and soothes the itch without stinging. It does not shorten the illness, and for widespread itching a pharmacist may also suggest an oral antihistamine.
Can I use it on insect bites and stings?
Yes. Calamine lotion soothes the itch and sting of minor insect bites, stings and nettle rash. Dab it on with cotton wool and reapply as needed. See a pharmacist or doctor if a bite becomes very swollen, hot or infected.
How often can I apply calamine lotion?
There is no fixed limit – apply it as often as needed when itching or stinging returns. Shake the bottle before each use and let each layer dry.
Can babies and children use calamine lotion?
It is suitable for children and is often used to soothe chickenpox and heat rash. For a young baby it is best to check with your pharmacist or GP first, and always keep it away from the eyes and mouth.
Can I use calamine lotion when pregnant?
There is no evidence of harm and calamine lotion has been used for many years without apparent problems in pregnancy and breastfeeding. As with any medicine, check with your pharmacist if you are unsure.
Why do you shake calamine lotion, and why does it dry pink and flaky?
The powders (calamine and zinc oxide) settle out of the water base on standing, so shaking remixes them. As the water evaporates those powders are left on the skin as the familiar cooling, pink, slightly powdery film – that drying film is normal.
Calamine lotion or calamine cream – which is better?
The lotion is light, water-based and very cooling but dries visible and a little drying; the cream is moisturising, less messy and does not dry white. Choose the lotion for maximum cooling on sunburn and spots, and the cream when you want something tidier for the face or daytime.
How should I store calamine lotion and does it expire?
Store it below 25°C with the cap tightly closed and do not use it past the expiry date on the bottle. An unopened bottle typically keeps for around three years; check the label for the exact date.

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