The purpose of this study is to elucidate the physical properties of various commercially available topical corticosteroid preparations. We compared comfort after application and the physical properties affecting topical application among brands of commercially available topical corticosteroid ointments and creams to identify factors affecting quality of life after application. We investigated 12 commercially available brands of topical corticosteroid preparations (6 creams and 6 ointments), all classified as "potent" corticosteroid in Japan. Subjects were 122 healthy volunteers at 11 hospitals, all of whom had given their informed consent for this study. Physical properties were compared among test preparations as well as standard preparations. Ranked high in comfort, Nerisona(R) cream was easy to spread, odorless, and low in viscosity. Overall, it displayed better qualities than other creams tested. The spreadability of Rinderon(R)-DP ointment and Antebate(R) ointment ranked higher than other preparations, suggesting that these ointments may reduce mechanical irritation to lesions during topical application. The results of this study could be used by dermatologists and pharmacists to aid preparation choice and improve compliance with application recommendations.