Sudocrem Antiseptic Healing Cream Versus Desitin Maximum Strength Original Zinc Oxide Paste
Updated on July 26, 2024
Overview
Cool Features
They both contain exfoliants
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne and dry skin
Free From
They both do not contain any parabens, silicones or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain fragrances and oils
We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that needs an update? Let us know.
Ingredient Info
Sudocrem Antiseptic Healing Cream 17 ingredients
Desitin Maximum Strength Original Zinc Oxide Paste 10 ingredients
What's inside (and what isn't)
What's inside (and what isn't)
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Sudocrem Antiseptic Healing Cream 17 ingredients
Desitin Maximum Strength Original Zinc Oxide Paste 10 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Zinc Oxide
Cosmetic Colorant
Benzyl Alcohol 0.39%
Perfuming
Benzyl Benzoate 1.01%
Antimicrobial
Benzyl Cinnamate 0.15%
Perfuming
Lanolin 4%
Emollient
Water
Skin ConditioningParaffinum Liquidum
Emollient
Synthetic Wax
Abrasive
Beeswax
Emulsion Stabilising
Microcrystalline Wax
Emulsion Stabilising
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Linalyl Acetate
Masking
Propylene Glycol
Humectant
Citric Acid
Buffering
BHA
Antioxidant
Sorbitan Sesquioleate
Emulsifying
Parfum
Masking
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Zinc Oxide is a mineral broad-spectrum UV filter; it is the broadest UVA and UVB reflector approved by the FDA. While it is most commonly man-made for cosmetics, it can naturally occur in zincite, a rare mineral.
Today, traditional and nano-sized zinc oxide can be found in beauty products. Nano-sized zinc oxide can enhance a product's UV protection. While it is not believed to have a negative effect on skin, nano-zinc oxide may be harmful to coral reefs - though the verdict is not entirely out on this one.
Zinc Oxide also has antibacterial and calming properties. It is not water soluble.
Zinc has been used throughout history as an ingredient in paint and medicine. An Indian text from 500BC is believed to list zinc oxide as a salve for open wound. The Ancient Greek physician Dioscorides has also mentioned the use of zinc as an ointment in 1AD.
Learn more about Zinc OxideLanolin is a wax secreted by animals with wool, such as sheep. It is a waterproof emollient.
Emollients help soften and moisturize the skin by creating a film. This film prevents moisture from escaping, helping the skin stay hydrated.
Unlike true fats, lanolin contains sterol esters instead of glycerides. It also contains fatty acids and alcohols.
Because lanolin comes from an animal, it is not considered vegan. Sheep secrete lanolin through sebaceous glands to help protect their skin from the environment.
The answer to this question depends on the brand itself. Being cruelty-free means a brand does not experiment or harm animals. We recommend looking into how brands source their lanolin. Lanolin is cruelty-free if it is gathered without harming the animal.
Learn more about LanolinBeeswax is natural wax produced by honey bees and can be synthetically created. It consists mainly of fatty acid esters and long-chain alcohols.
In cosmetics, beeswax is a emollient. Due to its waxy structure, it creates a protective barrier. This barrier prevents water from evaporating off the skin.
This may not be a good ingredient for oily skin. We recommend speaking with a professional if you have concerns.
Beeswax cannot be removed with water, but can be taken off with an oil cleanser.
Beeswax is also antiseptic and contains vitamin A.
Learn more about BeeswaxSorbitan Sesquioleate is derived from sorbitol and oleic acid. It is an emulsifier and prevents ingredients from separating.
Specifically, this ingredient is a water-in-oil emulsifier, meaning it helps water dissolve into oil.
Some studies suggest this ingredient may cause irritation in some people. If you are unsure, it is best to patch test.
This ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis, or fungal-acne safe.
Learn more about Sorbitan SesquioleateParfum is a catch-all term for an ingredient or more that is used to give a scent to products.
Also called "fragrance", this ingredient can be a blend of hundreds of chemicals or plant oils. This means every product with "fragrance" or "parfum" in the ingredients list is a different mixture.
For instance, Habanolide is a proprietary trade name for a specific aroma chemical. When used as a fragrance ingredient in cosmetics, most aroma chemicals fall under the broad labeling category of “FRAGRANCE” or “PARFUM” according to EU and US regulations.
The term 'parfum' or 'fragrance' is not regulated in many countries. In many cases, it is up to the brand to define this term.
For instance, many brands choose to label themselves as "fragrance-free" because they are not using synthetic fragrances. However, their products may still contain ingredients such as essential oils that are considered a fragrance by INCI standards.
One example is Calendula flower extract. Calendula is an essential oil that still imparts a scent or 'fragrance'.
Depending on the blend, the ingredients in the mixture can cause allergies and sensitivities on the skin. Some ingredients that are known EU allergens include linalool and citronellol.
Parfum can also be used to mask or cover an unpleasant scent.
The bottom line is: not all fragrances/parfum/ingredients are created equally. If you are worried about fragrances, we recommend taking a closer look at an ingredient. And of course, we always recommend speaking with a professional.
Learn more about ParfumIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Sudocrem Antiseptic Healing Cream 17 ingredients
Desitin Maximum Strength Original Zinc Oxide Paste 10 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Sudocrem Antiseptic Healing Cream 17 ingredients
For my girlies who pick their skin - this is a life saver. Very good for spot-treating breakouts at night since its antibacterial, heals the breakout and visibly decreases redness on a blemish.
Put it on top of a blemish at night and in the morning the blemish will look so much better.
great for acne
