Sudocrem for Acne-Prone Skin: The Real Deal? Mandy Hawtin Weighs In

Recently, I was interviewed by Yahoo Lifestyle Australia as a skincare specialist and cosmetic chemist to comment on the latest TikTok trend—using Sudocrem as a treatment for acne-prone skin. With so many myths floating around, it’s important to understand how this product actually works and why it may not be the best choice for everyone. Below is the straight talk from my interview:

Q1: How does Sudocrem/nappy rash cream work for skin conditions? Does it help with acne? What other skin conditions can it help, and why?

Sudocrem is a water-in-oil cream formulated for very dry, sensitive skin, such as a baby’s bottom. Its key ingredient, zinc oxide, is excellent at reducing redness and inflammation, but the product’s heavy, oily base makes it unsuitable for oily or acne-prone skin. Although zinc oxide is effective at calming irritation, Sudocrem’s thick, greasy formula can clog pores, which could worsen acne.

In skincare, most face creams use a water base for a reason—they provide hydration without creating an occlusive layer, allowing the skin to breathe. Sudocrem’s heavier oil base may leave your skin feeling suffocated, especially if you’re already prone to breakouts.

Q2: Is it beneficial to sleep with Sudocrem on the face overnight, like a face mask? Or would you advise against this?

I would strongly advise against using Sudocrem as an overnight face mask if you have acne-prone or oily skin. While zinc oxide can calm irritation or redness from conditions like burns, leaving a thick cream like this on overnight might lead to clogged pores, resulting in more breakouts. For those with extremely dry or inflamed skin, using Sudocrem sparingly in small areas may provide relief, but most people won’t benefit from slathering it on as a mask.

For a more suitable alternative, I recommend a mineral foundation powder with high levels of zinc oxide—something I personally use. This provides a leaner option that offers anti-inflammatory benefits without the greasy residue that ends up all over your pillowcase.

Q3: How would you recommend people safely incorporate Sudocrem into their skin routine?

In general, I wouldn’t recommend making Sudocrem a regular part of your skincare routine. It’s formulated to protect sensitive baby skin in nappy areas, not for daily use on the face. That said, if you have extremely dry or irritated skin, a small application of Sudocrem can provide temporary relief due to its zinc oxide content and thick, moisture-locking base. However, this is not a long-term solution.

It’s also important to consider the ethics of your skincare choices—Sudocrem contains non-vegan ingredients and fossil fuel derivatives, which may not align with everyone’s ethical values. Instead, there are plenty of lighter, more sustainable products designed for specific skin types that would serve your skin far better.

Q4: When used as a nappy rash cream, Sudocrem acts as a barrier cream, preventing moisture from excessively impacting the skin. Would it do the same on the face, and could it help “lock in” moisturiser overnight?

Yes, Sudocrem acts as a barrier wherever it’s applied, but this doesn’t mean it’s the right choice for your face. While it may prevent transepidermal water loss (TEWL) like many creams, using it to ‘lock in’ moisturiser is overkill. It’s akin to wrapping your face in cling film—completely unnecessary and likely to trap excess oil and dirt, leading to clogged pores.

Quality skincare products are designed to work effectively on their own. You don’t need to seal them in with something as thick as Sudocrem. Myth busted!

Many people would benefit from purchasing skincare that’s formulated for their specific needs. For example, oily skin thrives on products with humectants, which attract water and help hydrate without adding unnecessary oils. Look for formulas with lower levels of moisturisation and ingredients that work with your skin’s natural balance.

Remember, skincare isn’t one-size-fits-all. Choosing products made for your skin type will give you better, more sustainable results. Interested in learning more? Check out the full interview on Yahoo Lifestyle Australia

Warmly
Mandy