10 Best Wound Healing Creams UK 2024 | Elastoplast, Sudocrem® and More
It's so easy to take our health for granted, but something as small as a paper cut can have a major impact on our overall mood and even our self-esteem, especially if it's painful or uncomfortable. Nowadays there are plenty of topical products out there that are designed to promote healthy healing if you need to soothe a burn or keep wounds clean after surgery.
To take the guesswork out of shopping for wound healing creams, we've compared the best products to buy in the UK at Amazon, Boots, Tesco and ASDA, from leading healthcare brands like Elastoplast, Germolene® and Sudocrem®. Whether it's a honey-based gel for healing cuts or a scar-reducing ointment that you're after, read through our reviews to learn more!
Quick List - Top Wound Healing Creams
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How to Choose a Wound Healing Cream in the UK
- Eliminate Infection With an Antiseptic or Antibacterial Cream
- If the Affected Area Appears Dry, Consider a Moisturising Formula
- To Heal a Diabetic Wound or Burn, Opt For a Hydrogel Product
- Vegan Shoppers Should Avoid Ingredients Like Honey, Beeswax and Lanolin
Choose an Antibacterial Cream to Combat Germs or Opt for an Antiseptic Formula to Protect Against a Wide Range of Infections
The most important factor in healing a wound is ensuring that you avoid infection while your skin's defences are down, as an open wound increases the chances of harmful bacteria venturing into your body. Luckily, many wound healing products out there have antiseptic or antibacterial properties which will keep up that wall of defence while your body focuses on healing!
If your wound is on a body part that's more likely to come into contact with germs (such as your hands) or on an area that can't be easily dressed with bandages or plasters, look for creams that are labelled as antiseptic or antibacterial. However, you should avoid topical antibiotics unless prescribed by a doctor, as overuse of these can be harmful to your immune system!
Antibacterial creams neutralise bacterial growth by killing active bacteria and slowing the reproduction of bacterial organisms. Bacteria is the most common cause of infection so these creams are great for preventing this, but they will not kill viruses. If you're looking for a cream that can truly do it all, opt for an antiseptic as this will kill bacteria as well as protect against viral infection and fungus.
For all-round protection against germs, try one of these hand sanitisers!
Ensure That Your Chosen Product Has Moisturising Properties if You're Prone to Dry Skin or the Affected Area Appears Dehydrated
Another key element in the healing process is hydration. Our bodies depend on water to keep us functioning well throughout the day, and our skin is no different! When you have a wound, the skin uses fluids to transport essential nutrients to the affected area and promotes oxygen production to speed up the overall healing process.
In the event of injury, the skin uses a defence system called growth factors, which are natural substances that promote cellular growth to allow healing. Moisturised skin provides the optimal conditions for these defences to work.
Your body may be able to produce these conditions naturally, but if you are prone to dry skin or you notice that the wound site is dry, you should go for a moisturising formula to speed up the process.
Increase your skin's moisture level with a hydrating aloe vera gel.
Opt for A Cooling and Soothing Hydrogel Formula for Diabetic Wounds or Burns
Diabetic wounds are injuries that heal slowly as a result of poor care or weakened bodily defences. They're common among people with diabetic polyneuropathy, which causes numbness in parts of the body and can mean that a wound goes unnoticed and untreated for a long time. However, even a healthy person can fall victim to this issue, so look for hydrogel products if your wound is taking a long time to heal!
Like moisturising formulas, hydrogels promote the natural healing process by creating optimal conditions for the skin to thrive. The main difference is that hydrogels form a protective barrier over the skin which will ensure that the slow healing process won't be held back by extraneous factors! They're also ideal for burn sites or painful wounds, as their cooling and soothing properties offer relief from discomfort.
Combat deeper pain and reduce inflammation with a muscle rub.
Check if the Product Is Cruelty-Free and Avoid Ingredients Like Beeswax, Honey and Lanolin if You Want a Product That’s Vegan
Beeswax and honey are popular ingredients in this type of product due to their healing properties, and those shopping for a cruelty-free cream may see no problem with using them since their extraction from the hive doesn't directly harm the bees.
However, if only buying vegan products is important to you then these are two major ingredients to avoid, as most beekeeping practices are highly unethical. You should also keep an eye out for lanolin (the oil from sheep's wool), which is used as an emollient in some formulas. To help you steer clear of any ingredients derived from animals or insects, we'll mention if a product is vegan in our review.
10 Best Wound Healing Creams in the UK
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Savlon® Advanced Healing Gel | | Reduce the Chances of Scarring With This Antiseptic Hydrogel | |
2 | Comvita Medihoney® Wound Gel™ | | Contains Medical-Grade Manuka Honey and Hydrating Aloe Vera | |
3 | Sudocrem® Antiseptic Healing Cream | | A Soothing Solution From a Top Skincare Brand | |
4 | Weleda Hypercal Wound Salve | | Herbal Anti-Inflammatory for Cuts, Wounds and Minor Abrasions | |
5 | Germolene® Wound Care Cream ｜Pack of 2 | | A Fast-Acting Cream Powered by 0.5% Chlorhexidine Dihydrochloride | |
6 | BenePura Regenerating & Renewing Natural Herbal Ointment | | A 100% Natural Ointment Packed With Calendula, Aloe Vera and St John's Wort | |
7 | Elastoplast Wound Healing Ointment | | Speed up the Healing Process With This Scar-Reducing Ointment | |
8 | TEREZ & HONOR Advanced Silicone Scar Gel | | Heal Scar Tissue With This Silicone-Based Gel | |
9 | Aliphia® Epitelin® | | A Restorative Cream That Repairs Damaged Tissues | |
10 | Azulenal® Ointment | | Prevent Infection and Relieve Itching With This Simple Anti-Inflammatory |
Reduce the Chances of Scarring With This Antiseptic Hydrogel
Savlon® is a long-trusted brand in the healthcare industry, and you've no doubt come across their products before. Of all their healing products, this Advanced Healing Gel is by far the best formula around.
This hard-working hydrogel creates a protective barrier around the skin, as well as employing antiseptic ingredients to fight off infection. It will keep your skin moisturised and even reduces the chance of scarring — that's why it's our top pick!
Contains Medical-Grade Manuka Honey and Hydrating Aloe Vera
This is a hospital-grade product that's used by healthcare professionals around the world. With plenty of natural ingredients like manuka honey, chamomile extract and aloe vera, this gel excels in healing damaged skin.
The product is pH balanced, so it won't throw off your skin's natural defences. Plus, it's completely free from parabens, fragrances and steroids, so you don't have to worry about further irritation!
A Soothing Solution From a Top Skincare Brand
Although it was originally marketed as a nappy rash cream, Sudocrem® has quickly become one of the top go-to products for all manner of skin problems. From acne to eczema, this miracle tub is sure to reduce your symptoms and it works just as well on cuts and scars!
Best of all, the formula is gentle enough for use on the whole family, even infants and younger children. If you suffer from dry or sensitive skin, it can also work as a soothing moisturiser while promoting faster healing.
Herbal Anti-Inflammatory for Cuts, Wounds and Minor Abrasions
This skin salve from Weleda is perfect if you're looking for an all-natural option. It contains calendula herb, which has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties that will reduce discomfort while protecting from infection.
The product is suitable for vegetarians and Weleda prides itself on being a cruelty-free company that doesn't test on animals. However, it does contain beeswax and lanolin so vegans will want to avoid this salve.
A Fast-Acting Cream Powered by 0.5% Chlorhexidine Dihydrochloride
This cream from Germolene® is incredibly fast-acting thanks to the inclusion of antiseptic chlorhexidine dihydrochloride, with some users seeing results in just one day! The price is for two tubes and a little goes a long way, so it's very cost-effective.
The only issues are that it contains lanolin and doesn't have cruelty-free status so it won't be suitable for some shoppers. However, if you're looking for quick relief and reduced scarring for a low price, you won't find anything better!
BenePuraRegenerating & Renewing Natural Herbal Ointment
A 100% Natural Ointment Packed With Calendula, Aloe Vera and St John's Wort
This herbal remedy is ideal if you're shopping for a vegan and cruelty-free way to heal cuts and scars. It's packed full of beneficial ingredients like antimicrobial calendula, anti-inflammatory aloe vera and soothing St John's Wort.
While it's certainly not the cheapest product in our ranking, this is a superb solution to any skin issue — it's even great for sunburns and can be used as aftercare on new tattoos!
Speed up the Healing Process With This Scar-Reducing Ointment
Elastoplast's wound healing ointment promises to heal your skin 2x faster than its normal rate! It's ideal for anything from minor superficial wounds all the way up to 2nd-degree burns.
The formula is free from artificial fragrances, colours and preservatives, so it's suitable for treating sensitive skin. The only downside is that it doesn't have any antiseptic or antibacterial properties, so we would recommend using it in conjunction with antiseptic wipes or other similar products.
Heal Scar Tissue With This Silicone-Based Gel
The medical-grade silicone in this gel increases the hydration on the affected area of skin, and the body picks up on this change. As a result, the body stops producing as much collagen in that area and the visible signs of scarring are significantly reduced.
The gel also protects from bacteria and allows the damaged skin to complete its healing process undisturbed. Although this product doesn't speed up the healing process like many others do, it certainly helps your body's natural defences run more smoothly!
A Restorative Cream That Repairs Damaged Tissues
Epitelin® contains calendula, camomile and primrose extracts which moisturise and repair damaged skin. By stimulating circulation and promoting cell regeneration, this cream reduces discomfort while speeding up the healing process.
This formula is free from parabens, perfume and other irritants, relying on natural ingredients instead. It's not as well-known as the other brands on our list, but Amazon customers give it a big thumbs up!
Prevent Infection and Relieve Itching With This Simple Anti-Inflammatory
This ointment promises to repair the skin from the impacts of burns, wounds and irritation through intensive hydration. The anti-inflammatory element will also help to combat pain and itching, reducing overall discomfort while your skin heals.
The only drawback when compared with the other creams on this list is that the brand is less well-known, so some people may be uncomfortable trying it out — especially for more serious injuries.
Written and researched by Alicia Byrne
Top 5 Wound Healing Creams
No. 1: Savlon®｜Advanced Healing Gel
No. 2: Comvita｜Medihoney® Wound Gel™
No. 3: Sudocrem®｜Antiseptic Healing Cream
No. 4: Weleda｜Hypercal Wound Salve
No. 5: Germolene®｜Wound Care Cream ｜Pack of 2
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.