Quick Comparison Table - Numbing Creams in Singapore
| Product | Active Ingredients | Onset Time | Duration | Price (SGD) | Prescription Required | Best For | Overall Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EMLA Cream | Lidocaine 2.5% + Prilocaine 2.5% | 45-60 min | 2-3 hours | $45-55 | Yes | All procedures | ★★★★★ |
| Generic Lidocaine 5% | Lidocaine 5% | 30-45 min | 1-2 hours | $25-35 | Yes | Minor procedures | ★★★★☆ |
| Ametop Gel | Tetracaine 4% | 30-45 min | 4-6 hours | $40-50 | Yes | Venipuncture | ★★★★☆ |
| Maxilene 4 | Lidocaine 4% | 30 min | 1-2 hours | $30-40 | Yes | Laser treatments | ★★★☆☆ |
| J-Caine | Lidocaine 10.56% | 20-30 min | 1-2 hours | $60-80 | Yes | Deep numbing | ★★★☆☆ |
Detailed Product Analysis
🏆 Winner: EMLA Cream
Why EMLA Cream is #1 in Singapore:
- ✅ Dual-action formula (lidocaine + prilocaine) provides superior numbing
- ✅ HSA approved and widely trusted by Singapore clinics
- ✅ Longest track record of safety and efficacy
- ✅ Suitable for all skin types and procedures
- ✅ Available through Martha Trade at competitive bulk prices
Best suited for: Medical procedures, aesthetic treatments, tattoos, laser hair removal
Where to buy: EMLA Cream Singapore - Martha Trade
Generic Lidocaine 5%
- ✅ More affordable than EMLA
- ✅ Faster onset time
- ✅ Available from multiple manufacturers
- ❌ Shorter duration of action
- ❌ Less effective penetration than EMLA
- ❌ May require reapplication
Best suited for: Quick minor procedures, budget-conscious clinics
Ametop Gel (Tetracaine 4%)
- ✅ Excellent for vascular procedures
- ✅ Less vasoconstriction than lidocaine
- ✅ Longer duration once effective
- ❌ More expensive per application
- ❌ Higher risk of allergic reactions
- ❌ Limited availability in Singapore
Best suited for: Blood draws, IV insertions in difficult patients
Maxilene 4%
- ✅ Liposomal delivery system
- ✅ No occlusive dressing required
- ✅ Good for mucous membranes
- ❌ Single agent only
- ❌ Limited availability in Singapore
- ❌ Mixed efficacy reports
Best suited for: Laser treatments, minor dermatological procedures
J-Caine Cream
- ✅ High concentration for deep numbing
- ✅ Fast onset
- ✅ Good for tattoo sessions
- ❌ Most expensive option
- ❌ Higher risk of systemic absorption
- ❌ Not widely available
Best suited for: Tattoos, deep dermal procedures
Choosing the Right Numbing Cream for Your Singapore Clinic
Consider These Factors:
- Procedure Type:
- Injections/Blood draws → EMLA or Ametop
- Laser treatments → EMLA or Maxilene
- Tattoos → EMLA or J-Caine
- Minor surgery → EMLA (gold standard)
- Patient Demographics:
- Children → EMLA (safest profile)
- Elderly → Lower concentrations
- Sensitive skin → EMLA or Ametop
- Cost Considerations:
- High volume clinic → EMLA bulk from Martha Trade
- Occasional use → Generic lidocaine
- Premium service → EMLA or specialty creams
Application Techniques Comparison
| Product | Application Amount | Occlusion Required | Maximum Dose | Removal Method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EMLA Cream | 2g per 10cm² | Yes | 60g adults | Wipe clean |
| Generic Lidocaine | 1-2g per 10cm² | Yes | 30g adults | Wipe clean |
| Ametop Gel | 1g per site | Yes | 5 tubes max | Wipe clean |
| Maxilene | Thin layer | No | 30g adults | Absorbs in |
Singapore Market Insights
Most Popular in Singapore Clinics:
- EMLA Cream (65% market share) - Preferred by major hospitals and aesthetic clinics
- Generic Lidocaine (20%) - Used by cost-conscious facilities
- Ametop (10%) - Specialized pediatric use
- Others (5%) - Niche applications
Price Trends in Singapore (2024):
- EMLA cream prices stable due to consistent supply
- Generic options 30-40% cheaper but variable quality
- Bulk purchasing through Martha Trade offers best value
- Hospital markups typically 20-30% higher than suppliers
Safety Comparison
| Product | FDA Approved | HSA Singapore Approved | Pediatric Safe | Pregnancy Category | Major Side Effects Risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EMLA Cream | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ (>3 months) | B | Low |
| Generic Lidocaine | Varies | Some brands | With caution | B | Low-Medium |
| Ametop | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ (>1 month) | C | Low |
| Maxilene | ✅ | Limited | With caution | B | Low |
Recommendations by Procedure Type
For Aesthetic Clinics:
Winner: EMLA Cream - Consistent results, patient satisfaction, professional standard
For Medical Centers:
Winner: EMLA Cream - Versatile, safe, evidence-based
For Pediatric Use:
Winner: EMLA Cream or Ametop - Both safe for children with proper dosing
For Tattoo Studios:
Winner: EMLA Cream - Long duration, deep penetration, client preference
Expert Recommendation
For Singapore healthcare providers, EMLA cream remains the gold standard for topical anesthesia. While alternatives exist, EMLA's proven track record, dual-action formula, and widespread availability make it the most reliable choice.
Martha Trade Pte Ltd offers competitive bulk pricing for EMLA cream, making it cost-effective for high-volume users.
Contact us for bulk orders: WhatsApp +65 9176 1341
Frequently Asked Questions
Which numbing cream is strongest available in Singapore?
J-Caine has the highest lidocaine concentration, but EMLA cream's dual-action formula often provides more effective numbing overall.
Can I mix different numbing creams?
No, never mix different topical anesthetics. This increases the risk of toxicity and adverse reactions.
Why do Singapore clinics prefer EMLA over cheaper alternatives?
EMLA has the most extensive safety data, consistent quality, and predictable results, reducing liability and improving patient satisfaction.
Is EMLA cream worth the extra cost?
Yes, especially for professional use. The reliable numbing, safety profile, and patient preference justify the slightly higher cost.