Does Sudocrem Help With Acne or Is It Just a Myth?

By Sami

You’ve heard all the moms in the UK, and Ireland rave about Sudocrem. What is it, and why can’t you find it in the US? Originally from Ireland, Sudocrem is a multi-use product that was created to treat nappy rash.

However, because of its effectiveness and popularity, many people wonder how else they can use this product. One of the most popular questions is “Does Sudocrem help acne?”.

Continue reading to learn the answer to this question and many others as we discuss the ingredients, uses side effects, and more.

What Is Sudocrem?

Sudocrem is an antiseptic healing cream. It is commonly used for babies suffering from diaper rash. The five main active ingredients are:

Zinc Oxide
Benzyl Alcohol
Benzyl Benzoate
Benzyl Cinnamate
Hypoallergenic Lanolin

Zinc, which is commonly known as a sunscreen agent, also works as an astringent, prevents infection, and calms inflammation.

Ingredient number two, Benzyl Alcohol, acts as a preservative and helps to dull pain and dry out infections.

Lanolin is actually produced by sheep and is incredibly moisturizing. It is great for irritated skin and prevents itching and flaking.

Sudocrem Benefits and Uses

Sudocrem was originally created as a diaper cream and eczema treatment for babies. The ingredients used to make this product work together to form a barrier on the skin. Because of its popularity, many people have found other ways to use this cream.

Some of the most popular secondary ways to use it include treating:

Wrinkles. Zinc oxide increases the production of elastin, which reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Eczema. Zinc Oxide fights off infection and is anti-inflammatory. It works to relieve pain and gives the skin time to heal. The lanolin also helps to moisturize the skin and reduce blemishes.
Dry Skin. Lanolin is a great moisturizer. It can help your body retain 20-30% more water when applied to that area.
Bed Sores. If you think about it, bedsores, or pressure ulcers, are pretty similar to diaper rash. Sudocrem is a great treatment for both.
Minor Skin Lesions. Thanks to the antibacterial and soothing qualities, this product is also a good option for small cuts and scrapes.

Sudocrem and Acne

You’re probably wondering why acne wasn’t mentioned above. It is such a popular question with many sub-questions, so it deserves its own section.

First things first, does Sudocrem help acne?

Yes, it does.

It’s actually many people’s acne treatment secret. Diaper cream on the face – oddly enough, it works.

Our favorite ingredient, Zinc Oxide, also functions as an astringent. It absorbs excess oil and shrinks pores. Many acne-fighting creams you’ll find in the drugstore contain this ingredient.

Another powerful ingredient that helps with acne is Benzyl Alcohol. It has been said to dry out cystic acne and reduce pain associated with acne.

Secondly, does Sudocrem help acne scars?

Many people use Sudocrem as an overnight spot treatment or face mask, depending on their situation, and are amazed by the results. Again, the Zinc Oxide accelerates wound healing, lightens dark spots, and brightens your skin.

Does Sudocrem Clog Pores?

Unfortunately, the answer to this question is different for everyone. Opinions vary across the board.

If you have oily skin, even though the zinc will help to absorb some of the oil, the lanolin is known to be comedogenic, AKA pore-clogging.

The zinc might dry your skin out too much if you have dry skin. The lanolin will help keep it from flaking or becoming irritated, but it isn’t enough for some people.

If you are so lucky to have the perfect balance of not too oily and not too dry skin but suffer from acne, Sudocrem will most likely be a great addition to your skincare routine without causing any breakouts.

How to Use Sudocrem

Start with a clean, dry surface. With clean, dry hands, dip a finger into the Sudocrem and then place it on the skin.

Rub it in gently in circular motions until you have created a light, translucent film/barrier.

What Are the Side Effects of Sudocrem?

Unless you are allergic or sensitive to an ingredient found in Sudocrem, there are no side effects to worry about. If you are allergic to an ingredient, it will likely cause redness, burning, or irritation.

Using Sudocrem for Rosacea is not recommended. Even if you are not allergic to any of the ingredients, Benzyl Alcohol is likely to irritate Rosacea, making it redder and itchier.

Where Can I Buy Sudocrem?

If you live in Europe, it should be easy to find Sudocrem in just about any drugstore or online, even on Amazon. However, if you live in the United States, you’re out of luck.

I do not know why this product is not available in the United States, but it seems that it has been difficult to find since about 2015.

You could find it on US Amazon in the past, but now your best bet would be to try Ebay. Other than that, a European vacation just might be in order!