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

If you've been diagnosed with rosacea and your doctor mentioned Soolantra, you probably have questions. What exactly is it? Is it an antibiotic? Is it the same as the parasite medication? Will it work for your specific type of rosacea?

This guide answers all of the above and covers everything you need to know about Soolantra in plain, practical terms.

What Is Soolantra?

Soolantra is the brand name for ivermectin 1% topical cream, manufactured by Galderma Laboratories, L.P. It was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on December 23, 2014, specifically for the treatment of inflammatory lesions of rosacea in adults.

Ivermectin—the active ingredient—is a well-known antiparasitic drug used in oral form to treat various parasitic infections in humans and animals. In Soolantra's topical cream form, it is specifically formulated for application to the face to treat rosacea. The two forms are very different: topical Soolantra absorbs minimally into the bloodstream and should not be confused with oral ivermectin.

What Is Soolantra FDA-Approved For?

Soolantra is FDA-approved for the treatment of inflammatory lesions of rosacea in adults. These are the red bumps and pustules (papules and pustules) that appear on the face—primarily the forehead, cheeks, nose, and chin. This type of rosacea is called papulopustular rosacea.

It is not approved for the background facial redness (erythema) of rosacea or for the visible blood vessels (telangiectasia) that some patients develop. For those symptoms, other treatments such as brimonidine gel or laser therapy may be more appropriate.

Is Soolantra Used for Anything Else?

Off-label uses of Soolantra include potential treatment of mild-to-moderate acne vulgaris. A small case study showed positive results in a few patients, but this is not an established use and more research is needed. Your doctor will determine whether Soolantra is appropriate for your skin condition.

What Form Does Soolantra Come In?

Soolantra comes as a white to pale yellow cream, 1% ivermectin, in three tube sizes:

30 gram tube — approximately a 30-day supply

45 gram tube — approximately a 45-day supply

60 gram tube — approximately a 60-day supply

A generic version—ivermectin 1% cream—is also commercially available and is considered bioequivalent to brand Soolantra.

How Do You Use Soolantra?

Applying Soolantra correctly maximizes effectiveness and minimizes irritation. Here's the standard application technique:

Wash your face gently and allow skin to dry completely.

Apply a pea-sized amount to each affected area of the face: forehead, nose, each cheek, and chin.

Spread in a thin, even layer across the affected areas.

Avoid the eyes, lips, nostrils, and inside the mouth.

Wash your hands well after applying.

Allow the cream to absorb fully before applying makeup or sunscreen.

Soolantra is applied once daily. Most providers recommend applying it at bedtime, though morning use is also acceptable. It should be used only on the face—not on other body areas.

How Long Does It Take for Soolantra to Work?

In clinical trials, patients using Soolantra saw 27% fewer bumps and blemishes after 2 weeks. Significant improvement over placebo was demonstrated starting at 4 weeks. By 12 weeks, patients saw up to 75% reduction in inflammatory lesion counts. Soolantra is typically continued for 3–6 months, and repeat treatment courses can be used if symptoms recur.

Is Soolantra a Controlled Substance?

No. Soolantra is not a controlled substance and has no DEA schedule. It does not have abuse or addiction potential. It is a prescription medication because proper diagnosis by a healthcare provider is needed to use it appropriately—not due to safety concerns about misuse.

Want to understand how Soolantra works in the skin? Read: How Does Soolantra Work? Mechanism of Action Explained. And if you need help finding it in stock, medfinder.com can check pharmacies near you.