Hydrocortisone 2.5% Potency Classification
Hydrocortisone 2.5% is classified as a mild potency topical corticosteroid. 1
Potency Classification
The standard classification system for topical corticosteroids places hydrocortisone in the mild (Class VII) category, with the range of 0.1-2.5% all falling within this lowest potency tier. 1 This classification is based on vasoconstrictor assays and clinical efficacy data that demonstrate hydrocortisone's relatively weak anti-inflammatory effects compared to other topical corticosteroids.
Clinical Context
Hydrocortisone 1% is the most commonly referenced concentration in the mild potency category, with the 2.5% formulation representing the upper end of this range but still maintaining mild potency status. 1
The potency hierarchy places hydrocortisone (mild) well below moderate potency agents like clobetasone butyrate 0.05% (Eumovate), potent agents like betamethasone valerate 0.1% (Betnovate), and very potent agents like clobetasol propionate 0.05% (Dermovate). 1
Important Caveats
Even mild potency corticosteroids can cause complications with chronic, uninterrupted use, including rosacea-like eruptions, perioral dermatitis, atrophy, and telangiectasia, particularly in vulnerable areas like the eyelids. 2
Therapy should be intermittent rather than continuous, even with mild potency agents, to minimize the risk of local adverse effects. 2
The 2.5% concentration does not elevate hydrocortisone to moderate potency—it remains in the mild category despite being at the higher end of the concentration range for this molecule. 1