Steroid Ointment Strength Chart: How Do Locoid, Kindavate, and Rinderon Differ?
目次
June 25, 2026
List of Topical Steroid Strengths — How Do Rocoid, Kindavate, and Rinderon Differ?
A doctor clearly explains the differences between the 5 classes and their correct usage.
"What's the difference between Rocoid and Rinderon?" "I heard Kindavate is weaker, but can it be used on the face?" "I heard Dermovate is the strongest, but when is it used?" — Topical steroids come in many varieties with different strengths, making this a confusing topic.
Topical steroids are classified into 5 ranks by strength, and it is important to use them appropriately according to the severity of the symptoms, body area, and age. Stronger isn't always better, nor is weaker always safer.
In this article, a doctor from Mona Aoyama Clinic clearly explains the 5 ranks, representative medications, and criteria for proper usage.
- Online prescription of topical steroids, including Rocoid
- Doctors propose medication choices tailored to symptoms and body area
- Same-day prescription and shipping (for payments made by 4 PM)
List of Topical Steroid Strength Ranks
| Rank | Strength | Representative Medications | Main Usage Areas/Targets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strongest | ★★★★★ | Clobetasol Propionate (Dermovate) Diflorasone Diacetate (Diflucort, Diacort) |
Palms, soles, thickened keratinized areas. Severe, refractory dermatitis. Short-term use. |
| Very Strong | ★★★★ | Betamethasone Dipropionate (Antebate) Fluocinonide (Topsym) Mometasone Furoate (Flumethasone) |
Moderate to severe conditions on trunk and limbs. Refractory eczema in joint areas. |
| Strong | ★★★ |
Hydrocortisone Butyrate (Rocoid) Dexamethasone Valerate (Boala) Fluocinolone Acetonide (Flucort) |
Face, neck, around joints. Mild to moderate eczema in adults. |
| Medium | ★★ | Clobetasone Butyrate (Kindavate) Prednisolone Valerate Acetate (Lidomex) |
Face, infants, near mucous membranes. Mild inflammation. Less irritating than Rocoid. |
| Weak | ★ | Hydrocortisone (Cortess, Oylux H, etc.) | Infants, face, mucous membranes. Mildest inflammation. Also found in over-the-counter drugs. |
💡 Rocoid belongs to the "Strong" rank. It is the third rank from the top in the 5-level classification, and is relatively easy to use on the face. Although it may be perceived as a "strong steroid," it is much milder than the Strongest and Very Strong ranks.
Differences Between Rocoid and Commonly Compared Medications
| Medication Name | Rank | Comparison with Rocoid | Guidelines for Usage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rocoid (Hydrocortisone Butyrate) | Strong | Baseline | Standard choice for mild to moderate eczema on face, neck, and in adults. |
| Kindavate (Clobetasone Butyrate) | Medium | One rank weaker than Rocoid | When Rocoid is too irritating, for more delicate areas, or for infants' faces. |
| Rinderon-V (Betamethasone Valerate) | Strong | Nearly equivalent | Same rank as Rocoid. Usage may vary based on doctor's prescribing habits. |
| Antebate (Betamethasone Dipropionate) | Very Strong | One rank stronger than Rocoid | Moderate to severe conditions on trunk and limbs. Avoid use on face. |
| Dermovate (Clobetasol Propionate) | Strongest | Two ranks stronger than Rocoid | Palms, soles, and refractory dermatitis. Limited to short-term use. |
Choosing the Right Strength – How to Decide
- Choose by body area: Face, neck, near mucous membranes → Strong or lower. Palms, soles → Very Strong to Strongest may be considered.
- Choose by age: Infants/children → Medium or lower is standard. Adults → Depends on symptoms and body area.
- Choose by severity of symptoms: Mild → Weak to Medium. Moderate → Strong. Severe/refractory → Very Strong to Strongest.
- Principle of starting with weaker medication: If ineffective, move to a stronger rank. Proactive therapy, starting with stronger medication and switching to weaker once effective, is also useful.
⚠️ "Weaker is safer" is not always true. Using a medication that is too weak for the symptoms for too long can prolong inflammation and ultimately cause greater damage to the skin. It is important to use the appropriate strength for the symptoms for the correct duration.
Differences in Formulations – Ointment, Cream, Lotion Usage
| Formulation | Characteristics | Suitable Areas/Situations |
|---|---|---|
| Ointment | Oily and greasy. Highly moisturizing. Less irritating. | Dryness, cracks, scaly eczema. Sensitive skin. |
| Cream | Smooth texture. Easy to wash off. | Weeping eczema, acute phase. Can be chosen based on patient preference. |
| Lotion/Liquid | Smooth and easy to apply over large areas. | Scalp, hairy areas. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Please avoid self-medicating with a stronger rank. If the effect is insufficient, it may be necessary to re-evaluate not only the strength of the medication but also the application method, dosage, or the diagnosis itself. Please consult a doctor.
Kindavate is one rank weaker than Rocoid (Medium) and is less irritating, making it suitable for the face, infants, and sensitive skin. Rocoid, on the other hand, has a more definite effect on moderate eczema. The choice depends on the severity of symptoms and the body area.
As it is the strongest rank, it is used for short periods for refractory eczema on areas with thick keratin, such as the palms and soles, or for severe dermatitis that does not improve with other ranks. It is generally not to be used on the face or for infants.
Related Columns
What is Rocoid? A doctor explains how to use topical steroids, their strength, and what not to do. Rocoid Side Effects and Proper Use | Is "Continuous Use is Dangerous" True? Is it okay to apply Rocoid to the face? A guide to usage by body area.Consultation Hours / Access (Online Consultation)
| Clinic Name | Mona Aoyama Clinic |
| Consultation Format | Online Consultation (Nationwide) / In-person Consultation (Tokyo, Aoyama) |
| Location | 3F D Building, 1-10-3 Minami Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-0062 |
| Nearest Station | 5-minute walk from Tokyo Metro "Aoyama-itchome Station" |
| Online Consultation | Available 24 hours / Same-day shipping (for payments made by 4 PM) |
For prescription or consultation regarding topical steroids, contact Mona Aoyama Clinic.
We propose medications tailored to your symptoms and body area online.