The right ointment doesn’t just mask the pain; it draws the infection to the surface, speeds drainage, and accelerates healing. Finding a formula that actually pulls the core without causing further irritation is the difference between days of misery and real recovery.
I’m Mohammad — the founder and writer behind ProteinJug. I’ve spent years analyzing topical formulations, from active ingredient concentrations to the bioavailability of essential oils, to determine which drawing salves deliver measurable relief for boils and cysts.
After comparing active ingredients, user-reported outcomes, and consistency across dozens of tubes, these are the five formulas that stand out as the true best ointment for boils on the market right now.
How To Choose The Best Ointment For Boils
Not every drawing salve works the same way on a boil. The difference between a formula that brings the core to a head and one that just sits on the skin comes down to a few critical specs.
Active Ingredient Type: Ichthammol vs. Benzocaine vs. Herbal
Ichthammol, a sulfonated shale oil, is the gold standard for physically drawing pus and foreign material to the surface. It softens the skin and creates osmotic pressure that pulls infection upward. Benzocaine, on the other hand, is a local anesthetic that numbs nerve endings—it won’t draw anything out, but it makes the pain tolerable while the boil runs its course. Herbal blends use essential oils like tea tree and eucalyptus for antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory action, but their drawing power is gentler and often slower.
Concentration and Delivery Base
A 10% ichthammol ointment is the most common therapeutic strength for boil treatment. Anything weaker may not generate enough pull to rupture a deep cyst. The delivery base matters too: petroleum-based ointments hold the active ingredient against the skin longer, while beeswax-based salves create a thicker, more occlusive barrier that keeps moisture locked in during overnight use.
Application Texture and Scent
Boil ointments are typically applied under a bandage for 8–12 hours. A thick, tacky salve stays put and doesn’t seep through the dressing. Ichthammol has a strong, tarry, sulfur-like smell—that’s normal and confirms it’s the real compound. If you’re sensitive to odor, a benzocaine-based cream or an herbal balm with lavender and eucalyptus is a more tolerable option for daytime wear.
Quick Comparison
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| Model | Category | Best For | Key Spec | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OWELL Naturals Drawing Salve | Herbal/Mid-Range | Cyst & boil drainage, ingrown hairs | Tea tree, camphor & eucalyptus blend | Amazon |
| MG217 10% Ichthammol Drawing Salve | Medicated/Mid-Range | Splinter & sliver removal, boil draw | 10% authentic ichthammol | Amazon |
| Owell Naturals Fast Acting (3X Ichthammol) | Herbal/Mid-Range | Rapid boil bursting, heavy drainage | Comfrey, chickweed & pine oil formula | Amazon |
| Boil Ease Pain Relieving Ointment | Anesthetic/Premium | Maximum pain relief, mosquito bites | 20% benzocaine concentration | Amazon |
| Foille First Aid Ointment | Anesthetic/Premium | Burn relief, minor cuts & sores | Benzocaine + antiseptic formula | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. OWELL Naturals Drawing Salve Ointment
This balm from OWELL Naturals is a tea tree and eucalyptus-infused herbal drawing salve that hits the sweet spot between gentle ingredients and aggressive draw power. User reports show it bringing deep ganglion cysts to a head in two weeks and draining Bartholin cysts in three days—without the harsh chemical smell of traditional ichthammol. The texture is thick and waxy, which means it stays exactly where you apply it under a bandage overnight.
The formula is plant-based, paraben-free, and made in the USA. Beyond boils, reviewers use it successfully for ingrown hairs, cystic acne flares, and HS (hidradenitis suppurativa) lesions. The initial application may cause a mild tingling or burning sensation as the essential oils start working, but that subsides within minutes as the camphor and eucalyptus provide a cooling relief.
For a mid-range price, you get a multi-use balm that works on the face, underarms, bikini area, and body—a true all-in-one rescue for anyone dealing with recurrent skin abscesses or stubborn splinters. The only trade-off is that it’s slower than pure ichthammol for drawing out a deeply embedded foreign object like a metal sliver.
Why it’s great
- Tea tree & eucalyptus provide antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory action
- Thick, waxy texture stays put under dressings all night
- Works on cysts, boils, ingrown hairs, and HS flares
Good to know
- Slower draw than pure ichthammol for deep splinters
- May cause initial tingling or mild burn on sensitive skin
2. MG217 10% Ichthammol Drawing Salve
MG217 is a straight-ahead 10% ichthammol ointment made with naturally derived Austrian shale oil. It contains only three ingredients—ichthammol, petrolatum, and a stabilizer—so there’s nothing extra to irritate a boil site. Users consistently report that it pulls out deeply embedded splinters, stingers, and thorns within one or two applications, and it works similarly on boils by drawing the core to the surface.
The ointment has the classic strong, tarry, burnt-rubber smell that confirms it’s the real ichthammol compound. It’s paraben-free, free of synthetic fragrances, and has no artificial colors. The tube is made in the USA and is small enough to fit into any first-aid kit, making it a staple for camping, gardening, or workshop injuries.
Where this salve shines is its speed—reviewers note that a splinter buried in the thumb can surface within hours of application under a bandage. For boil treatment, the osmotic draw is effective, but the ointment can stain fabrics and has a greasy feel. It’s a no-frills, medicated option for anyone who values results over scent or texture.
Why it’s great
- 10% authentic ichthammol draws foreign objects and boil cores fast
- Only 3 ingredients—minimal risk of skin irritation
- Great addition to a first-aid kit for splinters and stingers
Good to know
- Strong sulfur/tar smell may be off-putting
- Greasy texture can stain clothing and bedding
3. Owell Naturals Fast Acting Drawing Salve (3X Ichthammol)
Owell Naturals markets this version as a “3X better than ichthammol” formula, built around olive oil, comfrey oil, beeswax, lavender, eucalyptus, camphor, chickweed, and pine oil. User reviews back up the claim: one reported a marble-sized boil that had already grown under another brand’s ointment burst and drained within 15 hours of applying this salve with an Epsom salt soak. The blend of herbal drawing agents and antimicrobial oils creates an aggressive pull without the chemical odor.
The beeswax base gives it a firm, tacky consistency that molds well into the skin and stays put under a bandage even during active movement. The scent is herbal and pleasant, dominated by lavender and pine, making it a better option for daytime wear than traditional ichthammol. It’s also highly effective for ingrown hairs and clogged pores, according to users who apply it after shaving or waxing.
Because it’s a botanical formula, the speed of action can vary depending on the depth and maturity of the boil. For deeply embedded cysts, you may need to combine it with a warm compress to soften the tissue first. The salve is made in the USA with natural ingredients and has no parabens or synthetic additives.
Why it’s great
- Comfrey and chickweed provide powerful herbal drawing action
- Pleasant lavender-pine scent, no sulfur odor
- Firm beeswax base stays on skin without seeping
Good to know
- May require a warm compress for very deep boils
- Results can vary depending on boil depth and maturity
4. Boil Ease Pain Relieving Ointment
Boil Ease is a maximum-strength pain-relieving ointment that contains 20% benzocaine—the highest available over-the-counter concentration for topical numbing. It does not draw infection out like ichthammol, but it provides immediate, localized relief from the throbbing pain that makes boils so unbearable. Users report that it makes the pain “disappear” within minutes of application, allowing for sleep and normal activity while the boil resolves naturally.
The creamy texture spreads easily and doesn’t have the greasy feel of petroleum-based ointments. It’s fragrance-free and designed specifically for external use on boils. The formula comes in a 2-pack of 1-ounce tubes, which is economical for people who deal with recurrent boils or need it for multiple family members. Pharmacists frequently recommend it for mosquito bites and spider bites as well, thanks to the same benzocaine mechanism.
The key limitation is that Boil Ease is strictly an anesthetic—it won’t help the boil come to a head or drain faster. For best results, pair it with a drawing salve like the MG217 or Owell Naturals overnight, and use Boil Ease during the day for pain management. The tube is also smaller than standard ointment tubes, so regular use may require repurchasing.
Why it’s great
- 20% benzocaine provides rapid, localized pain relief
- Fragrance-free and spreads easily, no greasy residue
- 2-pack offers good value for recurrent use
Good to know
- Does not draw out infection—pain relief only
- Smaller tube size, may need frequent repurchasing
5. Foille First Aid Ointment
Foille is a benzocaine-based first aid ointment from Blistex that combines a local anesthetic with antiseptic properties. Its primary strength is in burn care—users report that applying it immediately to a sunburn or grease burn prevents blistering and reduces healing time dramatically. For boils, it works similarly to Boil Ease by numbing the pain, but the addition of antiseptic ingredients helps cleanse the skin around the boil site.
The ointment comes in a metal aluminum tube with a screw cap, which allows precise dispensing and prevents the tube from cracking or leaking. The texture is smooth and non-runny, so it stays on the spot you apply it to without dripping. Users who have been buying this product for decades praise its versatility for cuts, bites, and heat rash—it’s a true multi-purpose first-aid staple.
Like Boil Ease, Foille does not actively draw infection. It’s best for pain and infection prevention rather than bringing a boil to a head. The 3-pack provides excellent value for the price, making it an economical addition to a home medicine cabinet. However, for active boil drainage, you’ll still need a dedicated drawing salve alongside it.
Why it’s great
- Benzocaine numbs pain while antiseptic cleanses the area
- Trusted brand (Blistex) with decades of user loyalty
- 3-pack offers great value; metal tube is durable and precise
Good to know
- No drawing action—pain relief and sanitation only
- Primary design for burns, not specifically for draining boils
FAQ
Can I use drawing salve on an open boil?
How long should I leave boil ointment on before washing off?
What is the difference between ichthammol and benzocaine for boils?
Can I use boil ointment on a cyst instead of a boil?
Does the smell of ichthammol ointment mean it’s working?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most users, the best ointment for boils winner is the OWELL Naturals Drawing Salve because it combines effective herbal draw power with a pleasant scent and broad versatility for cysts and ingrown hairs. If you want pure, no-nonsense drawing power for splinters and deep boils, grab the MG217 10% Ichthammol Drawing Salve. And for managing the throbbing pain of a boil while it heals, nothing beats the Boil Ease Pain Relieving Ointment.