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Last updated
General product information only, not medical advice. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use and your facility’s policies.
Short answer
Cavilon is a skin-care product line made by 3M and now sold by Solventum. Its best-known product, Cavilon No Sting Barrier Film, is a liquid that dries into a thin, waterproof, breathable film on skin. The manufacturer describes it as a protective layer between skin and body fluids, adhesives, friction and shear. It protects skin; it is not a wound dressing.
Definition and scope
Solventum’s product guide (document 70-2013-1257-9, 2025) describes Cavilon No Sting Barrier Film as a “liquid intended for use as a film-forming product” that, on intact or damaged skin, “forms a long lasting waterproof barrier.” It is intended as a primary barrier against irritation from body fluids. The labelled patient population is adults, children and infants over one month of age.
The manufacturer describes the formula as alcohol free, sting free, fragrance free and preservative free, and the film as transparent so skin can be monitored through it. These are manufacturer statements. Solventum also calls the product the “original and only terpolymer based alcohol free barrier film” based on disclosed ingredient information; that is a competitive marketing claim by the manufacturer, not an independent finding.
The wider Cavilon line includes other skin-protection products, such as a skin protectant and a durable barrier cream, which this page does not cover. Everything below refers to the No Sting Barrier Film unless stated.
How it is used in practice
The labelled uses in the 2025 guide are protection from body fluids, friction and shear, protection under tape and adhesives (including medical adhesive related skin injury, or MARSI), skin protection for low-risk patients, and use around IV insertion sites and incision sites. An older 3M use-directions sheet (document 70-2009-6348-9, 2004) lists periwound, peristomal, peritube, adhesive and incontinence skin protection.
Directions for applying the film, how often to reapply it and how to remove it are set out in the manufacturer’s instructions for use, which should be followed; this page does not reproduce them. The older 3M sheet (2004) also says that using lotions, creams, ointments or pastes together with the film is not recommended.
What the film is not for
The 2025 guide lists two contraindications. The film should not be the only covering where a dressing is needed to protect against bacterial contamination or penetration, with IV catheter sites and full or partial thickness wounds given as examples. It should also not be used on infected areas of skin.
Where it matters for labs, clinics and supply decisions
- Formats are not interchangeable in sterility. The guide states that only the wands and wipes are sterile.
- Handling. The 2004 3M sheet says the liquid form is flammable, to be used in a well-ventilated area away from flames and ignition sources and kept out of the reach of children. The 2025 guide advises replacing the spray cap when not in use.
- Dressing pairing. Because the film is not a dressing, it sits next to dressing categories rather than replacing them. See hydrocolloid wound care and the NPWT clinic supply checklist for dressings used on wounds.
- Related skin-contact products. A different product class that coats skin is covered in how liquid bandage works, and incontinence care supplies in the adult incontinence product guide.
Common misunderstandings
Is Cavilon a dressing or a bandage?
No. It is a skin barrier film. Per the manufacturer, it must not be the only covering where a dressing is needed to guard against contamination.
Can it go on infected or broken skin?
The label allows use on intact or damaged skin, but not on infected areas of skin.
FAQ
What is Cavilon?
A 3M (now Solventum) line of skin-protection products; the No Sting Barrier Film is a liquid that dries to a waterproof, breathable, transparent film.
Who is it labelled for?
Adults, children and infants over one month of age, per the 2025 product guide.
Is it sterile?
Only the wand and wipe formats are, according to the manufacturer.
Is it flammable?
The 2004 3M directions state the liquid form is flammable and should be kept from flames and ignition sources.
Sources
- Solventum, Cavilon No Sting Barrier Film Product Guide, 70-2013-1257-9 (2025): https://assets.solventum.com/is/content/mmmspinco/cavilon-nsbf-product-guide-us-70-2013-1257-9pdf. Checked 2026-10-30.
- 3M, Barrier Film Product Use Directions, 70-2009-6348-9 (2004): https://pim.integratedmedsys.com/Brands/3M/PDF/1635450826_BarrierFilmIFU.pdf. Checked 2026-10-30. Older document; the 2025 guide takes precedence.
