This £6 Product Is the Unsung Beauty Hero You Never Knew You Needed

There is nothing I love more than discovering cult beauty products from around the globe. Whether I’m holidaying in Paris, New York or Mumbai, my trip isn’t complete without at least one visit to a local pharmacy or drugstore. Whether it’s French pharmacy skincare brands, bargain U.S. makeup buys or Asian multipurpose balms, I have found that in order to get my hands on some of the best beauty products that the world has to offer, overseas travel is imperative.

Recently, however, I spotted two women in the queue at Boots with baskets full of Sudocrem. When I was called to the till next to theirs, I couldn’t help but ask the circumstances in which one might require so much Sudocrem, especially when a tub seems to last a lifetime. They informed me that they were visiting London from the United States and had been informed that Sudocrem is one of beauty’s best-kept secrets. They wanted to buy a pot not only for themselves but for everyone they know back home too. And it’s true—Sudocrem really is a cult British product. Every single person can relate to its wonders, from you and I to the likes of Victoria Beckham (yes, we have it on good authority that she’s a fan).

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(Image credit: @VICTORIABECKHAM)

As I walked out of the store, I realised that I have dedicated my life to seeking out the globe’s most impressive beauty buys, without once considering what cult British products I’m taking for granted. Sudocrem, it turns out, is definitely one of them. The truth is, I’ve always had a pot of Sudocrem in the bathroom cabinet. I might not use it every day, but knowing it’s there as a safety net to help deal with any unexpected skin dramas is all the comfort I need.

For those that aren’t familiar, Sudocrem is essentially an antiseptic cream but is commonly bought by new mums to treat nappy rash. However, because of its impressive antiseptic qualities, it can also be used to treat a number of other skin irritations. For example, Sudocrem is my go-to skin soother for when I have eczema flare-ups or a reaction to a product I’m trialling. I’m also always sure to take a pot on holiday with me to help treat and calm sunburn.

But it turns out this little white paste isn’t just great at treating irritation, it’s also a fantastic beauty product. A dab onto angry spots at night will help to minimise inflammation and discomfort, leaving breakouts visibly reduced come morning. More surprising is that it also acts as the ultimate fake tan barrier when applied to dry patches and palms of the hands to avoid unsightly orange blotches. The best part? It’s under £10. Keep scrolling to shop all of the different Sudocrem variations available.

Next up, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley loves this cult lip balm, and I’m obsessed too.

Freelance Beauty Editor

Shannon Lawlor is a renowned beauty journalist and has contributed toBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing ’s beauty content since 2020. As a leading beauty editor, expert and brand consultant, she has over eight years of experience working for some of the industry’s most esteemed titles, includingBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing (of course), Glamour UK, Stylist, Refinery29 and Fabulous. Having also worked behind the scenes with some of the industry’s biggest brands and retailers, Shannon has a unique insight into what people really want from their beauty routines. Understanding that beauty lovers seek honest, open and responsible advice, she has it made her mission to demystify the intimidating world of beauty, taking a no-frills approach to the most relatable topics. While Shannon is the first to admit she doesn’t hold the answer to every beauty question out there, she is dedicated to sharing her expert insights in a bid to help. As a self-proclaimed lazy girl, Shannon has an affinity for easy-to-use, foolproof beauty products and has made it her mission to scope out the best of the best. When she’s not working, Shannon is likely soaking in the bath or giving no-holds-barred beauty reviews on Instagram from her bathroom floor.