Topical Corticosteroid Potencies: Reimagining A New Universal Classification System

Topical corticosteroids (TCS) are an effective and generally tolerable class of medications frequently used for a wide variety of dermatologic conditions. There are many currently available TCS, which tend to be classified into groups based on potency. Unfortunately with modern TCS classification, there is no universally accepted system and many countries have their own independent sorting arrangement. The purpose of this review is to assess and compile available literature concerning TCS potency and the various classification systems. Additionally, the goal then, is to reimagine a universal classification system that is consistent with what is already known about these medications but is, ideally, less prone to confusion. Citation: Skinner TC, Law RM, Maibach HI. Topical corticosteroid potencies: reimagining a new universal classification system. J Drugs Dermatol. 2025;24(5):458-464. doi:10.36849/JDD.8426.