Updated: January 25, 2026

What Is Clobex? Uses, Dosage, and What You Need to Know in 2026

Author

Peter Daggett

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What Is Clobex?
What Is Clobex Used For?
How to Use Clobex Shampoo
How to Use Clobex Spray
Important Safety Information
Need to Find Clobex Near You?

Clobex (clobetasol propionate 0.05%) is the strongest type of topical steroid. Learn what it's used for, how to use it, dosage limits, and important safety info.

Clobex is one of the most potent topical medications available — and because of that, it's also one of the most important to understand before using. This guide covers what Clobex is, what it treats, exactly how to use each formulation, dosage limits, and safety information you need to know.

What Is Clobex?

Clobex is the brand name for clobetasol propionate 0.05%, a super-potent topical corticosteroid manufactured by Galderma Laboratories. It belongs to Class I — the highest potency class of topical steroids available in the United States. Clobex was initially approved by the FDA in 1985 (in its base clobetasol propionate formulations) and has been used for decades to treat severe inflammatory skin conditions.

Clobex is available in three brand-name formulations:

Clobex Shampoo 0.05%: For moderate to severe scalp psoriasis in adults 18+

Clobex Lotion 0.05%: For moderate to severe plaque psoriasis and inflammatory dermatoses

Clobex Spray 0.05%: For moderate to severe plaque psoriasis

What Is Clobex Used For?

Clobex is FDA-approved to treat:

Moderate to severe scalp psoriasis (Clobex Shampoo — adults 18+)

Moderate to severe plaque psoriasis (Clobex Spray and Lotion)

Corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses — inflammatory skin conditions that respond to potent steroids, including severe eczema/atopic dermatitis, lichen planus, and other resistant dermatoses

How to Use Clobex Shampoo

Apply to dry (not wet) scalp once daily

Apply a thin film to affected areas only — not to normal skin

Leave in place for exactly 15 minutes

Add water, lather, then rinse thoroughly

Do not cover with shower cap or bathing cap during treatment

Do not use for more than 4 consecutive weeks

Do not exceed 50 mL (1.75 fl oz) per week

How to Use Clobex Spray

Spray to affected area(s) twice daily; rub in gently and completely

Maximum use: 2 consecutive weeks

Do not exceed 50 g per week

Keep away from flame — the spray formulation is flammable

Important Safety Information

Do not use on: face, groin, underarms, rosacea, perioral dermatitis, or acne vulgaris

Not for: patients under 18 (shampoo/lotion/spray); under 12 (other formulations)

Pregnancy: Pregnancy Category C — use only if benefit justifies risk to fetus. Use on smallest area for shortest duration.

Breastfeeding: It is unknown whether topical clobetasol results in detectable levels in breast milk. Use with caution; consult your doctor.

Need to Find Clobex Near You?

If you're having trouble getting your Clobex prescription filled, medfinder can help locate pharmacies with it in stock. Also see our complete guide to Clobex side effects for more on using this medication safely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Clobex (clobetasol propionate 0.05%) is FDA-approved for treating moderate to severe scalp psoriasis (shampoo, for adults 18+), moderate to severe plaque psoriasis (spray and lotion), and corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses including severe eczema. It is a Class I super-potent topical corticosteroid.

Apply Clobex Shampoo once daily to dry (not wet) scalp. Leave it in place for 15 minutes, then add water, lather, and rinse. Do not use for more than 4 consecutive weeks, and do not exceed 50 mL per week.

Yes. Clobex (clobetasol propionate 0.05%) is classified as a Class I super-potent topical corticosteroid — the highest potency category of topical steroids available in the United States. Only halobetasol propionate shares this Class I classification among topical steroids.

No. Clobex is designed for short-term treatment only: Clobex Shampoo for up to 4 consecutive weeks, Clobex Spray and Lotion for up to 2 consecutive weeks. Long-term use significantly increases the risk of skin atrophy, HPA axis suppression, and other serious side effects.

Clobex is the brand name manufactured by Galderma Laboratories. Generic clobetasol propionate contains the same active ingredient at the same concentration (0.05%) and is FDA-approved as bioequivalent. Generics are typically 70-90% cheaper and more widely available than brand-name Clobex.

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