There’s A Very Irish Reason Why Sudocrem Is Called ‘Sudocrem’

Whether you use it for soothing spots, changing nappies or healing shaving cuts, you’re not officially an Irish citizen unless you have a half-used tub of Sudocrem lying around your house.

Originally invented in 1931 by Dublin pharmacist Thomas Smith, the Irish-made product turns 85 this year. To celebrate, the folks at Sudocrem HQ have revealed some little-known facts about the iconic cream, of which 34.4 million pots are sold globally every year.

To start with, it really is pronounced Sudo-CREMM, and not Sudo-CREAM as most Irish people claim it is.

Why? Well, Thomas originally named his invention “soothing cream,” but thanks to the Dublin accent of those buying and using it, is quickly became known as “suud-ing crem.” In 1950 the name was officially changed to “Sudocrem.”

Spot life #prosecco #thursdayclub #spots #sudocrem #dontcare #snapchat

A photo posted by Sarah-jayne (@sarahjayneclifford) on Aug 25, 2016 at 3:45pm PDT

Thomas Smith had PR savvy, even back in the 1930s.

Apparently he used to scour the local papers for birth announcements and send free sample of Sudocrem to the mothers, leading to increased popularity with mothers and midwives.

Smart!

A photo posted by Ricky Gudgeon (@slickrick.85) on Aug 28, 2016 at 8:03am PDT

Every pot of Sudocrem is still manufactured in Baldoyle, Co. Dublin.

Sudocrem is now sold in 50 countries around the world, and is especially popular in the Middle East. After Ireland and the UK, the Netherlands were the first country to stock the product.

A photo posted by Güzellik Editörü (@guzellikeditor) on Jan 11, 2016 at 4:21am PST

It’s called Sudocrem by everyone – except the Belgians

Apparently “Sudocrem” is something of a rude word over there, so if you’re buying in Belgium, ask for Dermocrem.

A photo posted by @aurelisa on Jan 9, 2016 at 6:47am PST

The folks at Sudocrem are currently on the hunt to find Ireland’s best baby changing rooms to help improve the standard of changing facilities for parents and their kids. Register your vote at sudocrem.ie.

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