Fucidin Fusidic Acid
Fucidin Fusidic Acid
Product Description
Fucidin Fusidic Acid by LEO Pharma is a prescription topical antibiotic cream containing 2% fusidic acid. Developed by the Danish dermatology specialist LEO Pharma, it treats bacterial skin infections such as impetigo, folliculitis, infected cuts and infected eczema caused by Staphylococcus and Streptococcus bacteria. This is a medicine, not a cosmetic โ use it only as directed by a doctor or pharmacist.
โจ Texture & Feel
Targeted Antibacterial
Fusidic acid blocks bacterial protein synthesis, acting on Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus โ the bugs behind most superficial skin infections.
Steroid-Free
Unlike Fucidin H or Fucicort, plain Fucidin from LEO Pharma contains no corticosteroid โ just the antibiotic in a simple cream base.
Cosmetically Elegant Cream
A mineral-oil and glycerin base suited to lesions that need no dressing; the ointment version is preferred where a dressing is applied.
Cost-Effective
Clinical trials found fusidic acid cream clinically comparable to mupirocin while offering better value for money in superficial skin sepsis.
๐ก๏ธ Safety & Compatibility
Systemic absorption from topical use is negligible and no effects are anticipated, but always ask your doctor or pharmacist before use since it is a prescription medicine.
Not malassezia-safe. It is an antibacterial that won't treat fungal acne, and it contains polysorbate 60, a known potential trigger. It may even worsen fungal conditions.
Do not use long-term or repeatedly. Overuse of topical fusidic acid can drive bacterial resistance โ stick to the prescribed course (usually up to two weeks).
The preservative butylhydroxyanisole (E320) can cause an itchy red rash (contact dermatitis) in sensitive users. Note: this "BHA" is an antioxidant, not salicylic acid.
For external skin use only. If applying to the face, keep well away from the eyes; rinse with cold water if any cream gets in the eye.
This is a medicine for diagnosed bacterial infection โ not an anti-aging, brightening or daily-skincare product. Use only when advised by a clinician.
๐ฌ Ingredient Breakdown
๐ฆ Fusidic Acid 2% (20 mg/g) Proven
The active substance. A narrow-spectrum antibiotic derived from the fungus Fusidium coccineum, especially active against Staphylococcus aureus. It works by inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis, stopping the bacteria from multiplying.
- LEO Pharma SmPC: Indicated for primary and secondary skin infections caused by sensitive strains of S. aureus, Streptococcus spp and Corynebacterium minutissimum.
- Randomised trial (J Am Acad Dermatol): Efficacy was similar to mupirocin (Bactroban), with bacteriological cure rates around 97%.
- Dermatology review (PubMed): Plain fusidic acid cream used 2โ3 times daily is clinically and bacteriologically effective in infections such as impetigo, with minimal adverse events.
๐งช Butylhydroxyanisole (BHA, E320) Trace Preservative
A synthetic antioxidant preservative that stops the fats in the cream from going rancid. Despite the abbreviation, this BHA is butylated hydroxyanisole โ it is not the salicylic-acid type of "BHA" used in skincare exfoliants.
- Function: Protects the formula's mineral oils and fats from oxidation, extending stability.
- LEO Pharma leaflet: Listed as a flagged excipient because it can occasionally cause contact dermatitis.
๐ข๏ธ Liquid Paraffin & White Soft Paraffin Base Emollient
Listed on INCI as Paraffinum Liquidum and Paraffin. These purified mineral oils form the bulk of the cream base, softening and protecting the skin while carrying the active ingredient.
- Function: Occlusive emollients that sit on the skin's surface and reduce water loss.
- Tolerability: Mineral oil is simple, inert and very rarely irritating โ which is why it features in many products for sensitive skin.
๐ง Glycerin (Glycerol) Humectant Promising
A classic humectant that draws water into the upper layers of the skin, helping keep the treated area comfortable and reducing dryness during the antibiotic course.
- Function: Attracts and holds moisture; supports a more comfortable skin feel.
- Safety: One of the most widely used and best-tolerated skincare ingredients.
๐ฟ Tocopherol (Vitamin E) Antioxidant Promising
The all-rac-ฮฑ-tocopherol form of Vitamin E. Here it works mainly as an antioxidant that helps protect the formula, with a secondary soothing benefit for skin.
- Function: Antioxidant that shields the formula and skin from free-radical damage.
- Bonus: Mildly soothing and supportive of the skin barrier.
๐งด Polysorbate 60 Emulsifier Functional
An emulsifier that keeps the oil and water phases of the cream blended into a smooth, stable texture. It is the main reason this product is flagged as not fungal-acne safe.
- Function: Stabilises the emulsion so the cream stays uniform.
- Note: Polysorbates are listed by many fungal-acne guides as potential malassezia triggers.
๐ง Potassium Sorbate Preservative Functional
A gentle, food-grade preservative also found in many foods. It keeps the cream free from mould and yeast contamination throughout its shelf life.
- Function: Broad preservative active against mould and yeast.
- Safety: Generally very well tolerated at the low levels used here.
11 ingredients
Fusidic Acid (2% / 20 mg/g, active), Butylhydroxyanisole (E320 / BHA), Cetyl Alcohol, Glycerin (Glycerol), Paraffinum Liquidum (Liquid Paraffin), Potassium Sorbate, Polysorbate 60, Paraffin (White Soft Paraffin), Tocopherol, Hydrochloric Acid (for pH adjustment), Water (Purified Water / Aqua).
๐ Where It Fits in Your Routine
Fucidin is a short treatment, not a daily skincare step. Apply only to clean, dry, affected skin and avoid layering other actives (retinol, AHAs, exfoliating BHA, vitamin C) on the treated area during the course.
๐ How to Use
Confirm It's Right for You
Only use Fucidin for a bacterial skin infection diagnosed or advised by a doctor or pharmacist. It will not help fungal, viral or non-infected skin conditions.
Clean & Dry the Area
Wash your hands, then gently clean and dry the affected skin before applying. Check the tube seal is intact before first use.
Apply a Thin Layer
Rub a thin layer gently into the affected skin, usually 2โ3 times a day or exactly as your doctor directs. Wash hands afterwards (unless treating the hands).
Complete the Course
Continue for the full prescribed time โ usually up to 14 days. Don't stop early or extend without advice. If the skin hasn't improved, contact your doctor.
๐ค Who Is It For?
โ Perfect for you if:
- You have a doctor-confirmed bacterial skin infection (impetigo, folliculitis, infected cut or infected eczema)
- You're allergic to penicillin and need an anti-staphylococcal alternative
- You want a steroid-free, targeted topical antibiotic
- You prefer a light, fragrance-free cream over a greasy ointment for an undressed lesion
โ Consider alternatives if:
- You're looking for a cosmetic, anti-aging or daily skincare product (this is a medicine)
- You have fungal acne or a fungal/viral infection (an antibacterial won't help)
- You need long-term or repeated treatment (resistance risk)
- You're sensitive to butylhydroxyanisole (BHA / E320)
๐ฏ Skin Type Compatibility
Light, non-greasy cream that absorbs quickly โ but only intended for treating an infection, not daily use.
The paraffin and glycerin base is emollient and comforting on dry, infected patches during the treatment course.
Fragrance-free, but contains butylhydroxyanisole (E320) which can trigger contact dermatitis in reactive skin.
Spreads easily and feels light across mixed zones when applied to an affected area.
Useful for bacterial folliculitis, but not effective for hormonal or fungal acne and not for routine acne control โ resistance risk applies.
๐ Results Timeline
Early Relief
Redness, itching and discomfort often begin to settle within the first day or two of regular application.
Most users notice early changeVisible Improvement
Lesions typically start drying out, with crusting reducing and the infected area looking calmer.
Majority report clear progressMost Infections Resolve
Many superficial infections such as impetigo clear within about a week of consistent use.
~Most clear by ~1 weekComplete the Course
The usual maximum treatment time is two weeks. If skin hasn't improved by then, return to your doctor rather than continuing.
Full prescribed courseโญ Ratings by Platform
โ๏ธ Pros & Cons
โ Praised
- Clinically proven against Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus
- Fast acting โ many see improvement within days
- Steroid-free (plain Fucidin)
- Cosmetically elegant, fragrance-free cream
- Cost-effective versus mupirocin
- Useful alternative for penicillin-allergic patients
โ Criticized
- Prescription-only in most countries
- Not for fungal/viral infections or cosmetic use
- Resistance can develop with overuse or long-term use
- BHA preservative may cause contact dermatitis
- Short use-by once opened (discard ~28 days)
- Not marketed in the United States
๐ฐ Budget-Friendly Alternatives (Dupes)
Same active ingredient and essentially the same formula without the LEO Pharma branding. The closest possible match โ still prescription-only in most regions.
A different antibiotic with comparable efficacy and a slightly broader spectrum (including some MRSA). Different mechanism, similar indications.
Over-the-counter and cheap, with broad coverage for minor cuts. But greasier, higher allergy risk (neomycin) and less targeted at staph than fusidic acid.
๐ Comparison with Competitors
Fucidin ยท Fusidic Acid 2% (Featured)
~$10โ15Bactroban ยท Mupirocin 2%
~$15โ20Altargo / Altabax ยท Retapamulin 1%
~$$$ PremiumPolysporin / Triple Antibiotic
~$5โ10๐ฆ Storage & Shelf Life
About 1 month โ the tube should be discarded 28 days after first opening. Unopened shelf life is 36 months.
Store below 30ยฐC, away from direct heat, and keep out of the sight and reach of children.
Sealed aluminium tube, available in 5 g, 15 g and 30 g sizes (other sizes in some markets).
Yes โ small tube, well under 100 ml. Carry the carton/leaflet for prescription medicines when travelling.
โ Frequently Asked Questions
Systemic absorption from topical Fucidin is negligible and LEO Pharma's product information states no effects are anticipated during pregnancy. However, because it is a prescription medicine, you should always ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before using it if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning a pregnancy.
No. Fucidin is an antibacterial and does nothing for fungal (malassezia) acne, which is caused by yeast. It also contains polysorbate 60, which many fungal-acne guides list as a potential trigger, so it could make a fungal flare worse. Use a dedicated antifungal approach for malassezia instead.
It's best not to layer other actives on the treated area while you're using Fucidin โ the goal is simply to clear an infection over a short course, not to build a routine. Avoid retinol, vitamin C and exfoliating acids on the same spot to prevent extra irritation. Note that the "BHA" inside Fucidin is butylhydroxyanisole (an antioxidant preservative), not the salicylic-acid exfoliant.
It isn't matched to a cosmetic skin type โ it's matched to a condition. Fucidin suits anyone with a doctor-confirmed bacterial skin infection. The light cream works well on undressed lesions and oily-to-normal skin; the ointment version is preferred where a dressing is applied or skin is very dry.
Many people notice early relief (less redness and itching) within 1โ2 days, with visible improvement by days 3โ5. Most superficial infections such as impetigo clear within about a week, though the usual course runs up to 14 days. If there's no improvement by then, see your doctor.
It's a treatment, not a skincare step. Wash your hands, clean and dry the affected area, then apply a thin layer 2โ3 times a day (or exactly as prescribed). Don't sandwich it between serums and moisturisers as part of a daily routine.
Comedogenicity is low (around 2/5). The mineral-oil base is generally non-comedogenic and rarely irritating. That said, it's a medicine for short-term use on infected skin, not a leave-on facial product, so pore-clogging concerns are largely beside the point for its intended purpose.
Discard the tube about 28 days (roughly one month) after first opening โ it's good practice to write the opening date on the carton. Unopened, the shelf life is 36 months stored below 30ยฐC. Never use it past the printed expiry date.
Verdict: Fucidin Fusidic Acid from LEO Pharma is a fast-acting, well-tolerated and cost-effective prescription antibiotic that reliably clears common bacterial skin infections like impetigo, folliculitis and infected eczema. It's steroid-free, fragrance-free and cosmetically elegant โ but it is a medicine, not a skincare treat: it won't help fungal acne or general blemishes, the BHA preservative can irritate sensitive skin, and overuse risks antibiotic resistance. Used correctly and for a short course under medical guidance, it's an excellent, dermatologist-trusted choice.
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
|
|