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Drapolene Cream review: a calming, multipurpose nappy rash cream for sensitive skin
Looking for a soothing nappy rash cream to prevent and treat severe nappy rash? Drapolene could be the answer. But is it as effective as other nappy rash creams? Mum, Laura, gives her honest review.
By Laura Westerman | Last updated Apr 15, 2024
Price: RRP £6 (for 100ml)
Very soothing
Antiseptic cream
A little goes a long way
Non-greasy
Easy to apply
Slight medicinal scent
Type: Cream | Size: 100g, 350g
Ease of use: 4.5/5
Effectiveness: 4.5/5
Value for money: 4.5/5
If your child is prone to redness, chaffing and severe nappy rash from urinary dermatitis, Drapolene cream could offer a great long-term solution.
The light, non-greasy emollient cream quickly absorbs into the skin and has both antibacterial and antiseptic properties, working fast to soothe and protect the skin from irritants, while preventing and treating nappy rash. It’s also safe enough to use at every nappy change and is suitable for newborns too.
Although my daughter doesn’t suffer from severe nappy rash, I noticed that Drapolene quickly sorted out any redness on her skin that could have developed into a rash. Although the 350g tub is a bit pricier than other nappy rash creams, Mumsnetters have confirmed that it heals the most severe cases of nappy rash almost overnight, so it's totally worth the cost.
I also appreciate the versatility of this cream, as it effectively prevents and treats nappy rash while also providing calming and soothing relief for minor burns and sunburn.
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How we tested Drapolene Cream
I tested Drapolene Cream out with my two-year-old toddler over the course of a week, using it after every nappy change.
To assess its overall performance, I compared it to other nappy rash creams I tested, including Sudocrem, Metanium, Bepanthen and Childs Farm Nappy Cream. I then scored it out of five in three different areas including: ease of use, effectiveness and value for money.
How easy is Drapolene Cream to use?
Drapolene Cream is much thinner in consistency than nappy rash creams like Sudocrem and Metanium, which makes it very easy to apply, so much so that it almost glided onto my daughter’s skin.
I like that it’s a non-greasy formula and, despite its pink colour, Drapolene Cream is clear on the skin when applied. In comparison, Sudocrem and the Aveeno Daily Care Barrier Cream both leave a white residue.
The benefit of Drapolene Cream is that it’s versatile and can be used to not only prevent nappy rash, but treat sore skin on both children and adults, whether caused by nappy rash or urinary dermatitis, as well as minor burns including sunburn.
There are two different sizes to choose from when buying Drapolene - a 100g tube or 350g tub - and a little goes a long way as only a pea-sized amount is needed for each nappy change. With that said, even the smaller of the two sizes is large, so will take up quite a bit of room in your changing bag. As such, a smaller travel-size tube would be a good addition for parents on the go.
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How effective is Drapolene Cream?
Drapolene Cream is both an antibacterial and antiseptic cream, which both soothes and protects the skin from irritants and prevents and treats nappy rash.
It also contains lanolin, often found in nipple cream for breastfeeding to treat sore and cracked nipples. In this cream, its job is to moisturise and get rid of dry skin and irritation, which it does effectively.
While I didn’t use it to treat severe nappy rash as my toddler generally doesn’t suffer from this, Drapolene did help to clear redness and sore areas. From one nappy change to the next, any redness my toddler experienced was dramatically reduced.
Is Drapolene Cream good value for money?
Drapolene Cream retails at £6 for a 100g tube (£12 for a 350g tub) so is averagely priced compared to many nappy rash creams, including Bepanthen. While I think Sudocrem offers better value for money overall considering how long it lasts and the irritations it treats, Drapolene Cream’s versatility makes it a good option for both children and adults.
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About the author
Laura Westerman is an editor, writer and Deputy Head of Editorial Content at Mumsnet. Mum to a one-year-old, she is fully invested in discovering the best and most affordable baby products on the market, and sharing her knowledge and findings with other parents.
With over seven years' experience as a full-time editor, five of which have been spent writing, commissioning and editing pushchair product reviews and round-ups, Laura has a keen eye for what parents love and likes nothing more than putting together honest reviews to make parents' lives that little bit easier.
In addition to her work as a writer and editor, she has also appeared in a number of baby product videos for Mumsnet's YouTube channel.