Because cold sores - fever blisters - herpes outbreaks are not life-threatening, this has been a neglected area, with no significant new products in over 20 years. And the old products never worked that well for many people! The new “cosmetic” approach of NextLeap promises to bring relief to many who have been searching a long time.

No, it works well on its own. But for melasma or dark spots, you may see faster results by layering it under another corrector or exfoliator, since they target discoloration differently. For a more powerful brightening routine, try pairing it with NextLeap Glow—our dedicated dark spot and anti-aging serum formulated with a potent blend of tranexamic acid, niacinamide, and copper peptides. Similarly, for cold sores, layering it under Abreva or other topicals may enhance your results.

There are many cold sore products easily available. The most commonly used is Abreva®, or its generic equivalent Docosanol 10%, which do not require a prescription. Zovirax® cream, or generic acyclovir cream, is the most common topical antiviral product used against cold sores, but it requires a prescription. There are a number of other good products available online or at the drugstore that will also work well with NextLeap Cold Sore Care.

(“Abreva” and “Zovirax” are trademarks of the GSK group of companies.)

We priced NextLeap similar to the cost of the double tubes of Abreva® which together contain the same amount of product as a NextLeap Cold Sore Care tube. The cost of Zovirax®/acyclovir cream and other prescription products is much higher. The inexpensive products that treat symptoms, like pain or itching, don’t address the key issue of resolving the appearance of the cold sore.

The complete answer to this question is a trade secret. But we can say that NextLeap has been specifically formulated to brighten cold sores or fever blisters in addition to other types of skin discoloration. In addition, it has been formulated and tested for compatibility with cold sore treatments, for those who want to use NextLeap underneath them.

Users typically will either apply with a clean cotton swab or if using their fingers will wash their hands before and after application.

All cold sore products work better the sooner they are started. Therefore you should have NextLeap Cold Sore Care available, and any other cold sore or fever blister product you want to use, so that you can start applying them immediately upon the sensation of the first symptoms.

When using on its own, apply 3–4 times daily—or as often as every 2 hours—for cold sores, until fully healed. For dark spots or discoloration, apply morning and night until you’re happy with the results.

If using under another product, follow that product’s frequency instructions and apply NextLeap first, letting it absorb fully before layering.

You may see some brightening within a month, but full results can take up to 3 months. For faster or more targeted dark spot treatment, consider pairing it with NextLeap Glow—our multi-benefit anti-aging serum designed to visibly fade discoloration with a higher concentration of tranexamic acid plus niacinamide and copper peptides. Used together, they can support clearer, more radiant skin.

The tube contains a full 4 grams of gel but it seems very light especially if the tube has been lying down. Store standing upright on cap for complete dispensing.