What’s in Sudocrem and Bepanthen? Nappy Cream Ingredients Explained

When my baby had her first proper nappy rash, I did what most mums do. I stocked up on the creams everyone recommends.

Sudocrem. Bepanthen. Metanium. The natural ones. The pharmacy ones. The ones other mums swore by.

But after trying one after another, I kept coming back to the same question:

What is actually inside all these creams, and why do they feel so different?

Many of the best-known nappy creams combine barrier ingredients with ingredients that soften and moisturise skin. The balance of water, oils, waxes and powders helps explain why one feels like a light cream and another like a thick paste.

I wanted to know what each ingredient was doing.

This is the no-fluff guide I wish I had as a new mum. We’ll look at the most popular nappy rash creams in the UK, what they’re made from, what they do well, what to watch out for, and how their ingredients and textures differ.

And yes, I’ve included our own Matylda Baby BUM + BODY Balm too, because it is what we ended up making when we couldn’t find a nappy rash cream we truly trusted.

In a Hurry? Here’s the Short Answer

The biggest differences are in the base of the formula and the ingredients it combines:

• zinc oxide and titanium compounds contribute to protective barriers
• oils, fats and lanolin soften skin and help retain moisture
• panthenol and glycerin support hydration
• water, waxes and emulsifiers affect texture and how a product spreads
• fragrance, essential oils and preservatives have different roles, and individual sensitivities matter

Sudocrem combines zinc oxide with a water-in-oil base. Bepanthen combines panthenol, lanolin and oils in an ointment. Water-free balms like ours use fats and waxes as their base.

Below, I'll explain the differences in plain English.

Quick Comparison: Ingredients and Formula Differences

Product	Formula type	Key ingredient roles	What to watch out for
Sudocrem	Water-in-oil cream	Zinc oxide for protection; lanolin and paraffin for softening and moisture retention	Contains lanolin and fragrance components; can feel heavy
Bepanthen	Water-in-oil ointment	Panthenol for hydration; lanolin, oils and waxes for protection	Contains petroleum-derived ingredients, lanolin and almond oil; fragrance-free
Metanium Nappy Rash Ointment	Titanium-based ointment	Titanium compounds and a paraffin/silicone base for protection	Discontinued; different from Metanium Everyday Barrier Ointment
Weleda Calendula	Water-containing cream	Zinc oxide for protection; oils, lanolin and botanicals for conditioning	Contains lanolin and fragrance allergens
Childs Farm	Water-based cream	Glycerin for hydration; shea butter and plant extracts for conditioning	Current UK formula is fragrance-free; contains preservatives
Burt’s Bees	Oil-and-wax ointment	Zinc oxide for protection; oils, waxes and shea butter for softening	Contains lanolin and aromatic ingredients; check the ingredient list on your pack
Matylda Baby	Water-free balm	Tallow, beeswax and zinc oxide for protection and conditioning; panthenol for hydration	Contains a tiny amount of ylang ylang; fully safety assessed and suitable from birth

Meet our nappy rash cream: a rich, water-free balm made to soothe, moisturise and protect.

Cream, Ointment, Paste or Balm: How the Formulas Differ

Creams combine water with oils or fats. Emulsifiers keep those parts mixed together, and the balance affects how light or rich the cream feels.

Ointments are often richer and help hold moisture in. Some, like Bepanthen, still contain water.

Pastes contain a high proportion of powders, such as zinc oxide or titanium compounds, which gives them a thicker texture.

Balms are usually made from oils, waxes and fats without added water. We chose a water-free balm to bring moisturising fats and protective waxes together in a rich texture that melts between your fingers.

Protection, softening and hydration can overlap in all these formulas. The name alone doesn't tell you everything.

Why Ingredients Matter in Nappy Rash Creams

Your baby’s skin is still developing. It is thinner, more delicate and more prone to irritation than adult skin.

When skin is already red or sore, ingredients matter even more.

Some common nappy creams combine a protective barrier with moisturising ingredients. Others include fragrance or preservatives that some parents prefer to avoid. Petroleum-derived ingredients also have a purpose: they help reduce moisture loss and protect the skin.

At Matylda, we believe every ingredient should have a reason to be there.

No fluff. We wanted a concentrated, water-free balm.

Just carefully chosen ingredients that soothe, protect and support delicate baby skin.

Popular Nappy Cream Ingredients Explained [UPDATED 2026]

Below is an honest, ingredient-led look at some of the most popular nappy rash creams for babies and toddlers in the UK.

This is not about shaming anyone’s choices. Most parents are just doing their best with what is on the shelf.

But knowing what is inside each cream makes the differences easier to understand.

Formulas can change. The links below lead to brand ingredient information or product leaflets; always check your own pack, particularly for allergies. Burt’s Bees formulations can vary by market.

A quick note: if your baby’s rash does not go away, gets worse or spreads, or your baby has a high temperature or seems very uncomfortable, speak to a health visitor or GP: NHS nappy rash advice.

Sudocrem Antiseptic Healing Cream: Ingredients Explained

Sudocrem is probably the best-known nappy rash cream in the UK. It has been used for generations and many families keep a tub at home. It is also a licensed medicine, so follow its product leaflet.

 

Key ingredients

Sudocrem contains zinc oxide, lanolin, paraffin, liquid paraffin, microcrystalline wax, benzyl alcohol, benzyl benzoate, benzyl cinnamate and other ingredients.

Sudocrem ingredient and product information.

What’s good

Zinc oxide is a helpful ingredient in nappy rash creams. It forms a protective layer on the skin and can help calm redness.

Sudocrem is also very good at creating a thick moisture barrier, which can be useful when skin needs protecting from wee and poo.

What to watch out for

Sudocrem is based heavily around petroleum-derived ingredients such as paraffin and liquid paraffin. These help create a barrier and reduce moisture loss.

It also contains lanolin, which some sensitive babies can react to, and fragrance-related ingredients that may not suit already irritated skin.

Plain mum-to-mum take

Sudocrem has that familiar thick, white texture. I prefer a balm that melts between my fingers, but its zinc oxide, lanolin and paraffin explain why it feels so different.

Bepanthen Nappy Care Ointment: Ingredients Explained

Bepanthen is another very popular nappy care product, often chosen by parents who want something that feels gentler than a very thick paste.

Key ingredients

Bepanthen contains water, lanolin, mineral oil, petrolatum, panthenol, sweet almond oil, beeswax and fatty alcohols.

Bepanthen ingredients.

What’s good

Panthenol, also known as vitamin B5, is genuinely useful. It helps support hydration and skin repair.

Sweet almond oil and beeswax can also help soften and protect the skin.

What to watch out for

Bepanthen still contains petroleum-derived ingredients, including mineral oil and petrolatum. These help create a barrier and retain moisture.

It also contains lanolin, which can be an issue for babies with a sensitivity to it. Bepanthen advises checking with a doctor or pharmacist if you have concerns about its almond-derived ingredient and a nut allergy.

It is a water-in-oil formula, with additional ingredients to keep the mixture stable. Despite containing water, Bepanthen Nappy Care Ointment is fragrance-free and preservative-free.

Plain mum-to-mum take

Bepanthen is one of the more balanced mainstream options in my view because it includes panthenol alongside oils and waxes.

Sudocrem vs Bepanthen: How Do Their Formulas Differ?

Bepanthen feels lighter and includes panthenol, while Sudocrem has a thicker, white zinc-based texture. Both contain lanolin and petroleum-derived ingredients. Bepanthen Nappy Care Ointment contains no zinc oxide and is fragrance-free; Sudocrem contains zinc oxide and fragrance components.

Metanium Nappy Rash Ointment

Metanium Nappy Rash Ointment was known for its strong protective layer. It has now been discontinued; I’ve kept it here because it is one of the familiar formulas I tried. Metanium Everyday Barrier Ointment is a different product.

Metanium’s discontinuation notice.

Key ingredients

The discontinued formula contains titanium dioxide, titanium peroxide and titanium salicylate, with dimethicone, light liquid paraffin, tincture of benzoin and white soft paraffin.

Metanium formula and product information.

What’s good

It creates a strong physical barrier, which can help protect very irritated skin from further contact with moisture.

What to watch out for

Metanium has a heavy, paste-like texture. Its formula is built around titanium compounds and a paraffin/silicone base, rather than the fats and botanicals we chose for our balm.

Its paraffin and dimethicone contribute to the protective film.

Plain mum-to-mum take

The thick texture is quite different from the melting balm feel I prefer. It is useful to understand that difference, but this discontinued medicated ointment shouldn't be confused with the brand's everyday barrier product.

Weleda Calendula Nappy Change Cream

Weleda is a popular choice for parents looking for a more natural nappy cream.

Key ingredients

Weleda contains water, sweet almond oil, sesame oil, zinc oxide, lanolin, beeswax, calendula, chamomile, fragrance and naturally occurring fragrance allergens.

Weleda ingredients.

What’s good

Calendula and chamomile are lovely traditional ingredients for calming irritated skin.

The formula also includes nourishing oils, beeswax and zinc oxide, so it combines barrier ingredients with skin-conditioning ingredients.

What to watch out for

It contains lanolin and fragrance allergens such as limonene, linalool, geraniol and citronellol.

These are naturally occurring in essential oils, but they can still irritate sensitive baby skin, especially if the skin is already sore or broken.

Plain mum-to-mum take

Weleda has some genuinely beautiful ingredients. Its natural formula still contains fragrance allergens and lanolin, all worth noting if your baby has a known sensitivity to either.

Childs Farm Nappy Cream

Childs Farm is known for colourful, accessible baby and child skincare.

Key ingredients

The current UK fragrance-free nappy cream contains water, glycerin, shea butter, cetearyl alcohol, aloe vera, cucumber extract and ingredients that stabilise and preserve the formula, including benzyl alcohol and dehydroacetic acid.

Childs Farm ingredients.

What’s good

Shea butter can help soften and condition the skin.

Glycerin can also help draw moisture into the skin when used in a balanced formula.

What to watch out for

This is a water-based cream with preservatives to protect the formula. The current UK nappy cream is fragrance-free. Benzyl alcohol appears in its ingredient list as part of the preservative system; its presence does not mean the product has added perfume.

Plain mum-to-mum take

Childs Farm has a lighter cream texture. I prefer a richer balm, but its fragrance-free formula is an important difference from the scented products people may associate with the brand.

Burt’s Bees Baby Diaper Ointment

Burt’s Bees is another popular option for parents drawn to more natural baby skincare.

Key ingredients

The brand’s published Baby Bee Diaper Ointment formula includes zinc oxide, sweet almond oil, beeswax, lanolin, castor oil, jojoba oil, shea butter, chamomile and lavender ingredients, rosemary extract, vitamin E and fragrance allergens. Check your pack because regional formulas can differ.

Burt’s Bees published ingredients.

What’s good

It includes zinc oxide plus a rich base of natural oils, waxes and shea butter.

These can help soften and protect the skin.

What to watch out for

The published formula contains lanolin, aromatic oils and fragrance allergens such as limonene, linalool and geraniol. All worth noting if your baby has sensitive skin.

Plain mum-to-mum take

Burt’s Bees has a lovely natural feel. As with Weleda, though, natural does not mean fragrance-free. I would pay attention to the aromatic ingredients and the exact formula on the pack.

Matylda BUM+BODY Balm

Matylda BUM + BODY Balm was made because we could not find a nappy rash cream we truly trusted for our own babies.

We wanted something that was:

• gentle enough for delicate baby skin
• comforting on dry little patches
• rich without being chalky
• protective without feeling heavy
• made from ingredients that all have a real purpose

Ingredients in plain English

Cosmetic-grade grass-fed beef tallow, organic beeswax, organic calendula oil, organic rosehip oil, B-panthenol, zinc oxide, organic chamomile extract, and a tiny drop of organic ylang ylang essential oil.

What’s good

Every ingredient has a job.

• Grass-fed beef tallow is rich and skin-compatible, helping nourish and support the skin barrier.
• Beeswax helps form a protective layer.
• Calendula and chamomile help calm redness and irritation.
• Rosehip oil supports dry, damaged-looking skin.
• Panthenol helps with hydration and recovery.
• Zinc oxide gives gentle barrier support without turning the whole formula into a thick chalky paste.

What’s not in it

• no petroleum
• no paraffin
• no mineral oil
• no water
• no synthetic preservatives
• no filler oils
• no synthetic fragrance

Plain mum-to-mum take

Matylda Baby Balm is a rich, concentrated, water-free balm designed to soothe, protect and support baby skin.

It melts between your fingers and glides onto sore skin without dragging, which matters so much when your little one is already uncomfortable.

What Makes Matylda’s Formula Different?

Our base is grass-fed tallow and beeswax, with calendula, rosehip, panthenol and zinc oxide. That combination gives it the rich, nourishing texture we wanted.

We strictly chose not to use any petroleum, water or any synthetic fragrances. There is a tiny drop of ylang-ylang essential oil, well below the safety limit as we loved its calming botanical scent. The finished balm is fully safety assessed and suitable from birth.

Find out more about BUM + BODY for nappy care.

Shop BUM + BODY Balm.

Common Ingredients Parents Often Prefer to Avoid

We are not here to tell you every mainstream ingredient is “bad.” That is not how we talk about baby skincare.

But we do think parents deserve to understand what they are putting on their baby’s skin.

Here are some ingredients many families choose to avoid, especially when skin is already irritated.

Petroleum, Paraffin and Mineral Oil

Often listed as:

• petrolatum
• liquid paraffin
• soft white paraffin
• mineral oil

These ingredients create a barrier and help reduce moisture loss, which supports hydration. But they mostly sit on the top of the skin. We chose nourishing tallow as our balm’s rich, moisturising base, which not only creates a barrier, but also deeply nourishes baby skin.

Lanolin

Lanolin is a waxy substance from sheep’s wool. It can soften and protect skin, but some people are sensitive to it, particularly on damaged or eczema-prone skin.

Fragrance and Parfum

Fragrance is one of the most common things parents try to avoid in baby skincare. Even natural fragrance can be too much for sore skin. If your baby’s bottom is already red, raw or irritated, added fragrance may sting or aggravate the area.

Natural fragrance can also contain fragrance allergens. “No synthetic fragrance” and “fragrance-free” are not the same thing.

Preservatives

Creams that contain water need appropriate protection against microbial growth. Many use preservatives, although some formulas, such as Bepanthen, achieve this without added preservatives. They are not automatically bad, but some babies with sensitive skin may react to certain preservatives.

Water

Water sounds harmless, and of course water itself is not the issue. However, in skincare, water can carry ingredients that dissolve in it and contribute to hydration and texture. Emulsifiers keep water and oils mixed, and the formula needs appropriate protection against contamination.

Balms are different. They are made with oils, waxes and fats without added water. We chose a water-free formula for a rich, concentrated balm that moisturises and protects.

FAQs About Nappy Cream Ingredients

How do Sudocrem and Bepanthen differ?

The main difference is zinc oxide in Sudocrem versus panthenol in Bepanthen, alongside differences in texture and fragrance. The formula comparison above explains these in more detail.

Does Bepanthen contain zinc oxide?

No. The UK Bepanthen Nappy Care Ointment contains panthenol, but no zinc oxide.

Is Bepanthen a barrier cream?

Yes. Although its product name is “ointment”, Bepanthen forms a protective layer. A barrier product does not have to contain zinc oxide or leave a white coating.

Why do some nappy creams contain water?

Water contributes to texture and carries ingredients that dissolve in it. It has a practical role; its presence does not mean a cream is watered down.

What is the difference between natural fragrance and fragrance-free?

Natural fragrance can come from essential oils; fragrance-free means no fragrance has been added. BUM + BODY has no synthetic fragrance, but it is not fragrance-free: we use a tiny amount of ylang ylang essential oil for its light botanical scent, well below the recommended limits. The finished balm is fully safety assessed and suitable from birth.

Final Thoughts: Understanding the Formula Differences

Some creams are rich in zinc oxide. Some combine panthenol with oils and waxes. Some are natural but still fragranced. Some have a thick, paste-like texture.

And then there are nourishing balms like Matylda's BUM+BODY balm.

We made Matylda because we could not find anything we truly trusted, and I love the rich, melting feel of our little pink tin.

Understanding the ingredients helps explain those differences and makes the decision of what is and isn't right for your baby a little easier.

Explore Matylda’s nappy rash cream.