Fucidin Fusidic Acid
Fucidin Fusidic Acid
Product Description
A powerful prescription-strength topical antibiotic cream containing 2% fusidic acid, clinically proven to treat bacterial skin infections including impetigo, infected eczema, infected dermatitis, and secondary skin infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus species.
โจ Texture & Feel
Broad Antibacterial Action
Effectively kills Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus species, and Corynebacterium minutissimum responsible for common skin infections.
MRSA Activity
Shows activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), making it valuable for resistant infections.
Deep Penetration
Unique steroid-like structure enables exceptional skin penetration, reaching deeper skin layers than many other topical antibiotics.
Fast-Acting Formula
Begins fighting bacterial infection immediately upon application, with visible improvement often within 2-3 days of treatment.
๐ก๏ธ Safety & Compatibility
Negligible systemic absorption from topical use. NHS and clinical guidelines confirm safe use during pregnancy. Avoid application on breasts if breastfeeding.
Safe to use while breastfeeding. Minimal absorption means negligible amounts reach breast milk. Avoid applying to nipple area.
Contains Polysorbate 60 and cetyl alcohol which can feed Malassezia yeast. Not recommended for those prone to fungal acne/pityrosporum folliculitis.
Do not use for more than 14 consecutive days to prevent bacterial resistance. Extended use increases resistance risk.
Contains excipients that may cause eye irritation. Use carefully when applying near the eye area.
Can be used on children of all ages under medical supervision. A nappy may act as a dressing in infants.
๐ฌ Ingredient Breakdown
๐ Fusidic Acid 2% Active Ingredient
A potent steroidal antibiotic derived from the fungus Fusidium coccineum. Works by inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis through blocking elongation factor G (EF-G) translocation on the ribosome.
- Mechanism: Prevents protein synthesis in bacteria, stopping their growth and replication
- Spectrum: Highly effective against Gram-positive bacteria including S. aureus and MRSA
- MIC: 0.03-0.12 mcg/ml inhibits nearly all strains of Staphylococcus aureus
๐ก๏ธ Tocopherol (Vitamin E) Antioxidant
A powerful antioxidant that helps protect the skin from free radical damage while supporting the healing process. Also acts as a natural preservative in the formulation.
- Function: Protects skin cells from oxidative stress during infection recovery
- Benefit: Supports wound healing and may help reduce scarring
๐ง Glycerol (Glycerin) Humectant
A highly effective humectant that draws moisture to the skin, helping maintain hydration during treatment and preventing the cream from drying out the affected area.
- Concentration: 85% pharmaceutical grade
- Benefit: Keeps treated skin hydrated without feeding bacteria
๐งด White Soft Paraffin & Liquid Paraffin Occlusive Base
Forms the cream base that creates a protective barrier over the infected area, keeping the medication in contact with the skin while protecting from external contaminants.
- Function: Creates occlusive barrier to enhance drug penetration
- Safety: Non-irritating, hypoallergenic base suitable for sensitive skin
10 ingredients
Fusidic Acid, Butylhydroxyanisole (E320), Cetyl Alcohol, Glycerol 85%, Hydrochloric Acid, White Soft Paraffin, Liquid Paraffin, Polysorbate 60, Potassium Sorbate, All-rac-ฮฑ-Tocopherol, Purified Water
๐ Where It Fits in Your Routine
Apply to clean, dry skin. Can be used alone or under a sterile dressing. If using a dressing, fewer daily applications may be needed.
๐ How to Use
Cleanse the Affected Area
Gently wash the infected area with warm water and mild soap. Pat completely dry with a clean towel. Do not remove crusts from impetigo lesions.
Apply a Thin Layer
Using clean hands, apply a small amount of Fucidin cream directly to the infected area. A thin layer is sufficient - more is not better.
Repeat 3-4 Times Daily
Apply three to four times daily for 7-14 days. If using a covering dressing, once or twice daily may be adequate.
Complete Full Course
Continue treatment for the full prescribed duration even if symptoms improve. Stopping early may cause infection to return and promote antibiotic resistance.
๐ค Who Is It For?
โ Perfect for you if:
- You have a diagnosed bacterial skin infection
- You have impetigo (especially in children)
- Your eczema or dermatitis has become infected
- You have infected cuts, grazes, or wounds
- You have superficial folliculitis or sycosis barbae
- You need treatment for erythrasma
- You require an alternative to mupirocin
โ Consider alternatives if:
- You have a fungal or viral skin infection
- You are prone to fungal acne (malassezia folliculitis)
- You are allergic to fusidic acid or any excipients
- Your infection is deep or spreading rapidly
- You have used Fucidin recently (resistance concern)
- You have perioral dermatitis or rosacea
- Your infection has not improved after 7 days
๐ฏ Skin Type Compatibility
Well-tolerated cream base with minimal irritation risk. Absorbs well without excessive greasiness.
Paraffin base may feel slightly heavy. Low comedogenic rating makes it suitable for acne-prone skin with infections.
Occlusive base helps prevent moisture loss. Glycerin provides additional hydration to dry, infected areas.
Generally well-tolerated. Contains BHA which may cause irritation in very sensitive individuals. Patch test if concerned.
Contains Polysorbate 60 and cetyl alcohol which can feed Malassezia yeast. Not recommended for those with fungal acne.
๐ Results Timeline
Initial Response
Bacterial replication begins to slow. Infection stops spreading. Redness and swelling may start to decrease.
60% notice reduced spreadingVisible Improvement
Significant reduction in redness, swelling, and discharge. Crusting begins to heal. Pain and discomfort noticeably reduced.
85% see visible improvementNear Resolution
Most infections fully cleared or nearly resolved. Skin begins to normalize. Complete healing of affected areas in uncomplicated cases.
90% achieve clinical cureComplete Recovery
Full resolution of bacterial infection. Continue treatment as prescribed to prevent recurrence and resistance development.
95%+ complete cure rateโญ Ratings by Platform
โ๏ธ Pros & Cons
โ Praised
- Highly effective against common skin bacteria
- Fast-acting with results in 2-3 days
- Excellent skin penetration
- Safe for pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Suitable for all ages including infants
- Low irritation potential
- Activity against MRSA strains
- Well-established safety profile since 1962
โ Criticized
- Requires prescription (not OTC)
- Risk of bacterial resistance with overuse
- Not suitable for fungal acne prone skin
- Limited to 14-day treatment courses
- Flammability risk from paraffin base
- May cause contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals
- Not effective against fungal or viral infections
- Greasy texture may be uncomfortable for some
๐ฐ Budget-Friendly Alternatives (Dupes)
Same indication for bacterial skin infections. Slightly higher bacteriological cure rate (97% vs 87%). Better for MRSA. Also prescription-only.
Available OTC without prescription. Narrower spectrum, better for minor cuts and scrapes. Not as effective for established infections.
OTC combination of neomycin, polymyxin B, and bacitracin. Broader coverage but higher allergy risk. Good for wound prevention.
Newer antibiotic, different mechanism. Good alternative when resistance is a concern. Prescription required. More expensive option.
๐ Comparison with Competitors
Fucidin (Fusidic Acid 2%)
$15-25Mupirocin (Bactroban) 2%
$12-15Nadifloxacin 1%
$8-12๐ฆ Storage & Shelf Life
3 months after first opening the tube. Discard after this period even if product remains.
Store below 30ยฐC (86ยฐF) in a cool, dry place. Do not refrigerate or freeze.
Aluminum tube with spike-puncture seal cap. Check seal is intact before first use.
Yes, 15g and 30g tubes are under 100ml/3.4oz limit. Carry in clear toiletry bag for security.
โ Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Fucidin cream is considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. The NHS confirms that topical fusidic acid can be used during pregnancy as systemic absorption is negligible. When breastfeeding, avoid applying the cream to the nipple area, and wash hands after application before handling your baby. The cream formula is easier to wash off than the ointment if applied near the breast.
No, Fucidin cream is NOT fungal acne safe. It contains Polysorbate 60 and cetyl alcohol, which are known to feed Malassezia yeast - the fungus responsible for fungal acne (pityrosporum folliculitis). If you are prone to fungal acne, consult your doctor about alternative antibiotic options with different excipients.
While there are no direct drug interactions, it's generally recommended to keep your routine simple while treating an active infection. Avoid applying harsh actives like retinol, vitamin C, AHAs, or BHAs directly to infected areas as they may cause irritation. Once the infection clears, you can gradually reintroduce these products. Always consult your doctor if unsure.
Fucidin works well on most skin types including normal, dry, oily, and sensitive skin. The cream base is generally well-tolerated with less than 1% experiencing side effects. However, those prone to fungal acne should use alternatives. The occlusive paraffin base is particularly beneficial for dry skin but may feel heavy on very oily skin.
Most users notice improvement within 2-3 days of starting treatment. The infection typically clears completely within 7-14 days. If you see no improvement after 7 days, contact your healthcare provider as the bacteria may be resistant or the diagnosis may need review. Always complete the full prescribed course even if symptoms improve earlier.
Apply Fucidin to clean, dry skin after cleansing. It should be applied directly to the infected area 3-4 times daily. Wait 5-10 minutes before applying any other products. You can apply moisturizer over it if needed for hydration, and sunscreen in the morning. If using a dressing, apply after Fucidin and reduce frequency to 1-2 times daily.
Fucidin has a low comedogenic rating of approximately 1/5. While it contains occlusive ingredients like paraffin, these are generally not pore-clogging. The cream is used for short-term treatment (7-14 days) which minimizes any comedogenic concern. However, if you notice breakouts, discuss with your doctor about the ointment formulation or alternatives.
Fucidin cream should be discarded 3 months after first opening the tube, even if product remains. The unopened tube is valid until the expiry date printed on the packaging. Always check the seal is intact before first use, and store below 30ยฐC in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Verdict: Fucidin Fusidic Acid 2% Cream is a highly effective, well-established topical antibiotic that has been trusted by dermatologists since 1962. Its exceptional skin penetration, broad activity against Gram-positive bacteria including MRSA, and excellent safety profile make it a first-line treatment for bacterial skin infections. The cream is safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding, making it suitable for most patients. However, it requires a prescription, should not exceed 14 days of use to prevent resistance, and is not suitable for those prone to fungal acne due to Polysorbate 60 content. For bacterial infections like impetigo, infected eczema, or secondary wound infections, Fucidin remains one of the most reliable choices available.
Product Overview
What are Quick Product Notes?
Quick product notes are a great way to check if a product is free from commonly avoided ingredients by skincare enthusiasts. These preferences come about for different reasons depending on the ingredient such as personal experiences, sensitivities, health preferences & etc.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product is not free from a common preference does not mean it's a bad product! You can make a personal decision whether or not you want to use a product that contains these ingredients or not - click the labels of the preference to read more about them.
Quick Product Notes
Paraben-Free
Paraben-Free
Understanding Parabens
Parabens are a large group of preservatives which are used to prevent bacteria growing in cosmetic formulations. There has been some healthy controversy surrounding them due to a few studies finding paraben presence in breast tumours and breast tissue. However, the majority of the scientific community have deemed these findings non-conclusive due to the limitations of these studies. There's still a lot of support for avoiding parabens following the better safe than sorry route. If you do we completely support you! If you are concerned about the health safety of parabens, then feel free to avoid them by looking out for the Paraben-Free icon. If not, don't worry about it - they do have had one of the longest safety records as preservatives!
Which Ingredients are classified as Paraben?
A product will be paraben-free if it does not contain any of the following parabens:
- Sodium Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Ethylparaben
- Sodium Butylparaben
- Propylparaben
- Isopropylparaben
- Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Propylparaben
- Butylparaben
- Ethylparaben
- Sodium Methylparaben
- Methylparaben
Sulfate-Free
Sulfate-Free
Understanding Sulfates
Sulfates are a large group of ingredients which act as cleansing agents in Cosmetics. They help loosen up the dirt and grime from your skin and hair to allow for water to wash it away with ease. However some sulfates are so good at their job, they can wash off your skinโs own natural oils that keep it moisturised and protected which can lead to dryness and irritation. Most people will find no issues with sulfate, however if you find your skin doesn't like sulfates then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the sulfate-free icon on Skincarisma.
Which ingredients are classified as sulfates?
We've taken the Sulfates which are considered more harsh for our Sulfate-Free status. A product will be Sulfate-Free if it does not contain any of the following Sulfates:
- TEA-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate
- Ammonium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
- PEG-15 Cocamine
- Sodium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Cocoyl Sarcosinate
- Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
- Dioctyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate
- Ammonium Xylenesulfonate
- Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate
- Sodium Xylenesulfonate
- Sodium Myreth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate
Alcohol-Free
Alcohol-Free
Understanding Simple Alcohols
Alcohol ingredients are widely used in cosmetics and come in different types. For the most part alcohols are not problematic at all. However one type of alcohols, simple alcohols can be quite drying to the skin because it evaporates very quickly. This can cause irritation which can also lead to other skin complications. These alcohols should never be used alone on your skin, but combined with other cosmetic ingredients, they are normally without issue. However, for some people with sensitive and easily irritable skin, avoiding products with these simple alcohols may be beneficial. If you find your skin doesn't like these simple alcohols, then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the Alcohol-Free icon.
Which Ingredients are classified as Alcohol?
A product will be alcohol-free if it does not contain any of the following alcohol ingredients:
- SD Alcohol
- Alcohol Denat
- Isopropyl Alcohol
- Alcohol
Silicone-Free
Silicone-Free
Understanding Silicones
If you've ever used a skincare, makeup or beauty product that's made your skin look and feel smoother tempoarily - it's likely contained Silicone. They are a popular class of ingredients found in cosmetics due to their smooth, soft, easy-to-spread and smooth properties that help creates an artificial layer/barrier on top of skin or hair (commonly found in conditioners).
For the same reasons they are popularly used, they are also commonly avoided. Anecdotally, many individuals have reported that Silicones cause/excerbate breakouts, irritation, cause a feeling of skin being unable to breathe, cause clumping of cosmetic products and find it difficult to wash off. As a result, those who find them problematic are avoiding them and increasingly, cosmetic companies are avoiding them as well.
If you have had bad experiences with Silicones in the past, or suspect they are problematic then look out for the tick on the Silicone-free label.
Disclaimer
The Silicone-free label only includes the most common Silicone ingredients that have indentified been reported by individuals that could potentially cause issues.
These include: Amodimethicone, Behenoxy Dimethicone, Bis-Aminopropyl Dimethicone, Cetearyl Methicone, Cetyl Dimethicone, Cyclomethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Dimethicone Copolyol, Dimethiconol, Methicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Stearoxy Dimethicone, Stearyl Dimethicone, Trimethylsilylamodimethicone.
Note, that this does not include all ingredients part of the Silicone class of ingredients.
EU Allergen-Free
EU Allergen-Free
Understanding the Identified Contact Allergens
The EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has identified and established 26 cosmetic ingredients that are likely contact allergens (potential to cause skin allergies) as demonstrated in clinical or epidemiological studies. The EU's SCCS have recommend cosmetic companies to disclose them on the labels if used and in cases where the concentration exceeds 0.001% in leave-on products and 0.01% in rinse-off products, then they must be labelled.
Look out for the tick on the EU-Allergen free label to know your cosmetic is free from any of the 26 identified cosmetic ingredients.
For more information regarding the EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety, please visit their official website.
Disclaimer
The EU Allergen Free label is for the 26 ingredients identified by the EU SCCS and products will be only flagged if a suspected ingredient is on it's ingredient list. It is possible for cosmetics to contain one of the suspect ingredients without it appearing on the ingredient list due to it not reaching the concentration threshold to disclose it and cosmetic manufacturers choice to not disclose it.
Also note, the EU Allergen Free label is not personalized for your own allergies you may have and it does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Understanding Fungal Acne (Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia Folliculitis)
Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia folliculitis or simply known as Fungal Acne is a persistent acne-like condition that commonly responds poorly to traditional acne-treating methods. Unlike most cases of Acne where bacteria is the culprit, Fungi is the culprit of Fungal Acne (Hence the name!). There are certain classes & groups of ingredients that have been shown to promote and feed the growth of the Fungal Acne, Fungi such as fatty acids, oils, esters, polysorbates and fermented ingredients.
For more information regarding Fungal Acne, please visit Simple Skincare Science (f.c) - #3 of our Recommend Skincare Resources for an amazing comprehensive guide!
Please Read: How to use the Fungal Acne (Malassezia) Label
At SkinCarisma, we've done our best to identify as many ingredients as possible but note the fungal-free label may not be 100% accurate due to the complexconditions and combination of ingredients that malezzeria can thrive on.
Additionally, products that may contain ingredients that have shown to feed Malassezia may not neccessarily exacerbate the condition due to concentration of ingredient used in the product, this information is simply not available on the products.
As a result, please note this is only an experimental label that can be best used to possible identify problematic products you have used in the past. It is in no way a perfect identifier nor a predictor in whether or not it will exacerbate or cause fungal acne. It will continue to be worked on as more information and research comes to light.
If you find any ingredients you believe should be included, please email us at snails@skincarisma.com.
Disclaimer
Due to the lack of substantial research into this area it is very likely there are other ingredients and class/groups of ingredients that could feed Fungal Acne which have not been indentified.
The Fungal-Safe label does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
What are Notable Effects & Ingredients?
Ever used a product that promised a certain effect but provided no results? It might not have contained any notable ingredients that could have been responsible for that promised effect. It doesn't matter what the marketing or packaging ยซpromisesยป it can do, if it doesn't contain anything that can help - then the likelihood of it helping is low.
We help you identify key notable ingredients that have been shown to help with effects such as acne-fighting, brightening, UV-protection, wound healing & anti-aging to help you achieve your skincare goals smarter. Please note that different notable ingredients have varying levels of research behind them, some are extremely well proven yet some have mixed research in their efficacy.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product doesn't contain any notable ingredients doesn't mean it's bad. And a product with notable ingredients (or even many) doesn't necessarily guarantee the efficacy of the product performing these effects either. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine this.
Be smart and use this as just a starting point for you to make more informed and smarter choices and compare it with reviews to see if the product is right for you
Notable Effects & Ingredients
Anti-Aging from 1 ingredient(s):
Brightening from 1 ingredient(s):
Promotes Wound Healing from 2 ingredient(s):
What are Ingredients Related to Skin Type?
Why are some products great for some people and horrible for others? Well everyone has different skin types and different reactions to the same ingredients.
We've identified a range of ingredients that are commonly regarded as potentially good or bad for those with Dry, Oily/Acne-Prone or Sensitive skin.
Pro Tip Alert!
A product that contains good or bad ingredients for your skin type doesn't always flat out make the entire product good or bad for your skin. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine your skins reaction.
One of the best ways to use this section is to troubleshoot products you've had bad experiences with in the past. Check if it contains any of the marked ingredients to point out suspect ingredients to avoid in the future!
Ingredients Related to Skin Types
Dry Skin
Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
Sensitive Skin
What is the Ingredient Safety Breakdown?
Ingredient Safety Breakdown refers to the percentage % of ingredients in different risk categories as classified by EWG (Environment Working Group) if they are available. There are almost endless cosmetic ingredients and they are one of the few organisations globally that have assigned ratings to a lot of the more commonly used ingredients which is why we reference them.
Pro Tip Alert!
EWG is seen by many to be more on the alarmist side in their assignment of health ratings resulting in rating ingredients as riskier than they actually are. We recommend using this a reference point rather than a strict guide of ingredient safety and to always do further research if into ingredients that you may find suspect.
Ingredient Safety Breakdown
Product ingredient list
| EWG | CIR | Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 |
BHA
Masking, Antioxidant
|
|
|
| 0 |
Heptanol
Perfuming
|
|
|
| 2 |
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
|
Brightening
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|
|
| 0 |
Paraffinum Liquidum
Emollient, Skin Protecting, Solvent
|
|
|
| 3 |
Potassium Sorbate
Fragrance, Preservative
|
|