Sudocrem: Review and 10 Clever Alternative Uses
Not Just a Nappy Rash Cream. Adults of All Ages Can Use It, Too!
All right, let's state the obvious: Baby products are not only for babies!
You can find products for babies all through my house - from baby laundry detergent, hand and dish soaps to nappy rash cream. Yet, I don't have a baby. I just love using products for babies because they are usually gentle and soft on my sensitive skin.
In this post I'm going to share with you some alternative ways to use the mostly-known as a nappy rash cream - Sudocrem.
Sudocrem Antiseptic Healing Cream is great for soothing sore skin of babies and adults of all ages.
Sudocrem was developed almost 90 years ago (back in 1931, to be precise) by Thomas Smith, a Professor of Pharmacy in Ireland. The unique cream was originally called "Smith's Cream", later "Soothing Cream", and in 1950 the name was changed to Sudocrem to reflect the Dublin accent pronunciation.
Over the years, Sudocrem has become the market leader in antiseptic baby creams and today it can be found in over 40 countries.
- Sudocrem Antiseptic Healing Cream
The affordable price and the basic packaging don't give the impression you're getting a unique product, but I assure you that as soon as you read about the versatile ways you can use Sudocrem, you will add it to your bathroom shelf.
Intrigued?
First, let's find out what in that little red and grey pot that makes Sudocrem a 'miracle' cream.
Ingredients in Sudocrem
Zinc Oxide: An ingredient with anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, protective and absorbent action. Zinc oxide is also a physical sunscreen.
Lanolin: An emollient that is extracted from the fat in sheep's wool. It has gentle nourishing and moisturizing properties and helps retain moisture in the skin. Ideal for dry skin, not so much for oily and acne-prone skin. It is often included in cosmetic products for dry skin, for prevention of fine lines and wrinkles, for dry and cracked lips, sore nipples, skin burns and other irritations.
Benzyl Alcohol, Benzyl Benzoate, Benzyl Cinnamate:
- Benzyl Alcohol is a local anesthetic with disinfectant properties. It is an organic alcohol that occurs naturally in some fruits and teas. Benzyl Alcohol is often used as a preservative. An interesting fact is that when it is used in larger quantities, Benzyl Alcohol brings a floral scent into the cosmetic product.
- Benzyl Benzoate is an integral part of many natural balms and is one of the main esters of the Peruvian balm. It is a clear liquid with a pleasant aroma. In cosmetics it is used as a fragrance and solvent. Benzyl Benzoate also acts as an insecticide against fleas and lice.
⚠️Please keep in mind that Benzyl Benzoate may cause an allergic reaction by making the skin irritated, dry, red and itchy. - Benzyl Cinnamate is the other main ester of the Peruvian balsam. It is synthesized from benzyl alcohol and cinnamic acid, which has antibacterial and antifungal properties. (Peruvian balm has a mild antiseptic effect due to the presence of cinnamic acid and its derivatives.) Benzyl Cinnamate is a white to pale yellow, solid crystalline substance and is used as fragrance in cosmetic products.
How and When I Use Sudocrem:
1. Sudocrem for dry skin
The hypoallergenic lanolin in Sudocrem makes the skin soft and smooth, the zinc oxide reduces the water loss and the paraffin forms a protective layer. I use it on my hands by applying a thin layer.
2. Sudocrem for eczema
I don't know if I've shared it here before, but I have dyshidrotic eczema. That is basically a rash of small, water-filled blisters on the sides of the fingers of my hands. Summer is the time when my fingers get so dry that some even get painful cracks. The frequent hand washing and sanitizing, especially now in 2020, brings inevitable discomfort. Although there is no percure, when my condition gets worse, I try to avoid certain foods and use healing creams. Sudocrem reduces symptoms.
3. Sudocrem as a face mask
You know that I have combination skin and when we talk about face masks, I often apply the so-called "multi-masking" technique (simultaneous use of different masks for different parts of the face). Once a week I use Sudocrem in the T-zone and leave it on overnight. In the morning, the pillowcase is ready to be washed, but the skin on my face looks fresher and smoother.
4. Sudocrem for burns or small cuts
Not long ago, I burned myself on the stove when we were at our villa in the mountains. At home, I have a first aid kit with a spray for burns, but at the villa I don't have one. A friend has told me the week before, that she uses Sudocrem even for burns. I remembered that I've put the smallest package of Sudocrem (60g) in my travel bag. The pain was gone after two uses of Sudocrem, and I was impressed that the burnt area recovered faster than usual.
Other clever Sudocrem uses:
I've also heard that Sudocrem can be used for other things. I haven't tried them yet, so I can't give you my personal feedback on the effectiveness of Sudocrem in these cases.
5. To treat acne and acne scars
6. After an insect bite
7. For cracked heels and dry elbows
8. To smooth wrinkles
9. When dyeing your hair at home to protect the line around the face
10. When shaving to prevent redness
Texture
Sudocrem has a soft texture. When applied in a thin layer Sudocrem absorbs quickly and doesn't leave a white cast. A little goes a long way.
Fragrance
Sudocrem has a calming lavender scent.
Packaging
Sudocrem is available in pots of several sizes of 400g, 250g, 125g and 60g. The smallest pot is practical when traveling, but I recommend the larger ones as they are way more cost-effective.