I know clobetasol is very potent and ointments of similar strength are not sold over-the-counter. what would be the next best over-the-counter option?

Topical Medications: Thank you for your question. Clobetasol is considered a Class 1 topical which is the highest strength available as a prescription. Topicals in the same class as Clobetasol that are over the counter are restricted to Class 7 (lowest potency) and usually contain Hydrocortisone up to 1%. Other classes of over the counter topicals may be helpful although this depends on what is being treated.