The Return of the Sudocrem Facial – But Does It Actually Work?

via @leanne_page / TikTok

We’ve all been there – settling down for the night, popping on some white noise, and slathering a whole tub of Sudocrem over our faces.

The concept of the Sudocrem facial is not a new one. For decades, Irish gals have been relying on this nappy cream to cure all of their skincare woes.

Sudden breakout? Sudocrem. Dry T-zone? Sudocrem. An overwhelming feeling of ennui and disinterest in everyday activities? Slap a bit of Sudocrem on sure, you’ll be grand.

As with most skincare trends, the Sudocrem facial has made its way to TikTok – and Gen Z are loving it.

But does Sudocrem, Bepanthen, or any other nappy cream actually do anything for your skin other than make it feel soft? And should we really be sleeping with it plastered all over our faces?

Kelly Swann, Aesthetic Nurse and Skincare Expert at Swann Beauty, says that most people use such creams because they are advertised as a quick fix for a damaged skin barrier. 

Nappy rash creams are designed to protect babies’ sensitive skin, reduce irritation and inflammation. This is achieved through zinc oxide, an ingredient that forms a protective, healing barrier that prevents moisture loss and soothes the skin. 

@raemorrismakeup Skincare hacks of skincare hacks , Please let me know if im just late to the party – But seriously ! The Morning Glow is next level. Thank you for the tip @Allies of Skin ❤️. #sudocrem ♬ original sound – Rae Morris

Kelly explains, “Zinc oxide forms a protective layer over the skin and has anti-inflammatory properties, so it can help soothe irritation, redness, or damage caused by harsh products or environmental factors. This is why so many people experience relief when using it on their face.

“That being said, these creams are formulated for babies’ skin—not facial skin. They often contain other heavy ingredients like petrolatum or lanolin, which can clog your pores. While these ingredients help lock in moisture, they’re too occlusive for most people’s facial skin and can lead to breakouts or irritation, especially if your skin is oily or acne-prone.”

Kelly goes on to say that while protecting the skin’s barrier is important, there are plenty of other products that are designed for facial use. 

“Look for moisturisers or repair creams that are formulated for sensitive or damaged skin and contain ingredients like ceramides, niacinamide, or hyaluronic acid alongside zinc oxide,” she says. 

“There are plenty of moisturisers out there that contain zinc oxide but also include lighter, non-comedogenic ingredients. These will help restore your skin barrier without clogging your pores or causing additional issues.”

But what if your skin is damaged, and you’re looking for some relief? Products like Sudocrem do provide an instant soothing effect, but if you want your skin to heal appropriately, there are some changes you can make to your routine. 

Kelly says that you should avoid ingredients like retinoids and acids, and stick with gentle, hydrating products that include ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acids.

“Cleansing is another area where people can go wrong,” she says. “You don’t want to over-cleanse—stick to once or twice a day with a non-foaming, hydrating cleanser. And of course, always apply sunscreen during the day to protect your skin from UV damage, which can worsen a compromised barrier.”