The Cost of Hydrocortisone Without Insurance



Skin conditions and rashes may require prescription-strength hydrocortisone cream. Topical hydrocortisone cream, which is rubbed onto the affected area of the skin may be prescribed by your primary health care provider or a dermatologist.
Fortunately, the cost of hydrocortisone without insurance is very affordable, when you use a prescription drug coupon from RxSaver.

How much does hydrocortisone cost without insurance?
The cost of hydrocortisone without insurance starts at $4.18 for 1% strength and 1 tube using an RxSaver coupon.
Keep in mind prices vary depending on pharmacy and location, be sure to check your area using the free RxSaver search tool below.
What is hydrocortisone?
There are a variety of brand-name hydrocortisone creams such as Ala-Cort, Aquanil HC, Cetacort, Cortaid, and Hytone. All contain the same active ingredient of hydrocortisone which belongs to a class of drugs known as corticosteroids. Hydrocortisone creams are available in a variety of strengths and should be used only as directed by your health care provider, to treat common skin conditions.
How much does hydrocortisone cost without insurance?
Even without insurance, hydrocortisone is unlikely to cost more than a breakfast sandwich and a cup of coffee. At major national retailers, prescription-strength topical hydrocortisone is often less than $5.
The RxSaver price for hydrocortisone cream at major retail pharmacies starts at $4.18
What is hydrocortisone?
There are a variety of brand-name hydrocortisone creams such as Ala-Cort, Aquanil HC, Cetacort, Cortaid, and Hytone. All contain the same active ingredient of hydrocortisone which belongs to a class of drugs known as corticosteroids. Hydrocortisone creams are available in a variety of strengths and should be used only as directed by your health care provider, to treat common skin conditions.
What conditions does hydrocortisone treat?
Hydrocortisone cream is used to treat numerous skin conditions, ranging from allergic reactions (contact dermatitis) to eczema (atopic dermatitis), psoriasis, and other skin issues which result in swelling, itchiness, and redness.
Common Symptoms of Contact Dermatitis
Contact dermatitis is used to describe a red, itchy rash on the skin which results from coming into contact with an irritating substance or having an allergic reaction to a substance. Substances which may cause skin rashes may include:
- Lotions, creams, cosmetics
- Soaps, detergents
- Fragrances (perfume, cologne)
- Jewelry
- Plants (poison ivy or poison oak)
- Household cleaners
- Latex
If you suddenly develop a rash or other outbreak on your skin, you may have contact dermatitis. Symptoms of contact dermatitis include:
- Red, itchy skin
- Blistering on the skin
- Swelling on the skin
- Hives
- Swelling of the skin
- Dry, flaky, or scaly skin
- Bumps on the skin
Common Symptoms of Eczema
Eczema, known also as atopic dermatitis or atopic eczema, affects millions of Americans of all ages. This inflamed, irritated skin condition is particularly common in those who also suffer from allergies, asthma, and hay fever. Common symptoms of eczema include:
- Dry, flaky skin
- Scaly skin
- Itchy skin
- Rashes
- Redness
- Inflamed skin
- Cuts or sores on the skin
Common Symptoms of Psoriasis
If you suffer from the chronic skin disease psoriasis you may be prescribed hydrocortisone cream. The symptoms of psoriasis include:
- Red, itchy, scaly patches of skin
- Dry, cracking skin
- Burning or sore skin
- Thick or pitted nails
How does hydrocortisone work?
Your body produces cortisone-like hormones, in order to keep you healthy. However, if they do not produce enough, you may experience inflammation, itching, and redness. Hydrocortisone creams are designed to help activate these natural substances in the skin to reduce itching, swelling, or redness. In other words, as a corticosteroid, hydrocortisone helps to relieve inflamed areas of the skin.
Common Side Effects of Hydrocortisone
Some people who use hydrocortisone cream may experience side effects, while others won’t have any adverse reactions. Side effects that are possible from hydrocortisone creams include:
- Skin thinning
- Burning, itching, or peeling
- Skin blistering
- Acne
- Stretch marks
- Unusual hair growth
If you experience side effects from either an over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream or a prescription hydrocortisone cream be sure to consult with your health care provider.
Can you buy hydrocortisone over-the-counter?
Low potency hydrocortisone creams are available over-the-counter, without a prescription. However, stronger hydrocortisone creams do require a prescription from a health care provider and need to be purchased at a pharmacy.
Always Check RxSaver Before Filling a Prescription
Before you fill a prescription at your pharmacy, be sure to check RxSaver. With prescription drug coupons available for more than 6,000 different medications, you may be able to use RxSaver in place of your insurance, or without insurance to save up to 85%.
Hydrocortisone: 1% / 1 tube
*Lowest online price at national pharmacy chains Costco, CVS, RiteAid, Walgreens and Walmart as of 1/13/2021. Prices vary by location and pharmacy, see RxSaver.com for actual pricing in your area.

Jennifer Hadley
Jen Hadley is a freelance writer and journalist based in Los Angeles, who writes extensively about the medical, legal, health care, and consumer products industries. Jen is a regular contributor to RxSaver.

Jennifer Liang, PharmD
Chia Feng (Jenn) Liang, PharmD,, is a pharmacist who earned her Pharm D. from St. John's University in Queens, NY. She remains in active practice serving as a local pharmacist for Walgreens. She has acted as the first point of care to the community and helped patients understand and manage chronic and acute conditions. She has educated patients on the role and importance of medication and adherence to improve health outcomes.
The information on this site is generalized and is not medical advice. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your healthcare professional. Always seek the advice of your healthcare professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard seeking advice or delay in seeking treatment because of something you have read on our site. RxSaver makes no warranty as to the accuracy, reliability or completeness of this information.
If you are in crisis or you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.
READ MORE
9 Types of Medication That May Cause Weight Gain
Certain medications may cause weight gain as a side effect. Learn if your medication is on the list.
By Jennifer Hadley
6 Things to Know About a Vitamin D Prescription
What’s the difference between over-the-counter vitamin D and prescription vitamin D? Our experts explain the difference between the two and what you s
By Jennifer Hadley
10 Types of Medication That May Cause Dry Mouth
Some medications cause unfavorable side effects like dry mouth. Learn which medications could potentially cause dry mouth.
By Jennifer Hadley