Is Soov Antifungal? A Guide to Its Properties and Uses

October 6, 2025 •

4 min read

Despite containing cetrimide, an ingredient documented to have some antifungal activity, Soov cream is primarily an antiseptic and pain-relieving solution and should not be used as a treatment for diagnosed fungal infections.

Quick Summary

Soov cream contains antiseptics like cetrimide, which has shown some antifungal activity, but it is formulated for minor wounds, not fungal infections. Use dedicated treatments for fungi.

Key Points

Antiseptic, Not Antifungal: Soov is primarily an antiseptic cream for minor wounds, not an antifungal medication.
Cetrimide has Limited Antifungal Action: The ingredient cetrimide has shown some antifungal activity, but it's not potent enough in Soov for treating fungal infections.
Lignocaine for Pain Relief: Soov contains lignocaine, a local anaesthetic, for numbing pain from cuts, scrapes, and bites.
Misuse can Delay Healing: Using Soov for a fungal infection can delay effective treatment, allowing the condition to worsen.
Use Dedicated Antifungals: For proper treatment of conditions like athlete's foot or ringworm, you need a dedicated antifungal cream containing specific active ingredients.
Consult a Professional for Fungal Issues: It is always best to see a doctor or pharmacist for a proper diagnosis and treatment recommendation for a suspected fungal infection.

Understanding Soov's Active Ingredients

Soov cream is a popular Australian-made first-aid product, known for its antiseptic and pain-relieving properties. To understand if Soov is antifungal, it's essential to look at its active ingredients, which include Lignocaine (Lidocaine) Hydrochloride, Cetrimide, and Chlorhexidine Gluconate.

Lignocaine (Lidocaine) Hydrochloride

This is a topical local anaesthetic agent used to provide fast, soothing pain relief by numbing the affected area. It is included in Soov cream to help with the discomfort of minor burns, insect bites, and other skin irritations.

Cetrimide and Chlorhexidine Gluconate

These are the key antiseptic agents in Soov cream. Antiseptics are substances that kill or inhibit the growth of microorganisms on living tissue, helping to prevent infection in minor wounds. Cetrimide, in particular, is noted to have shown some level of antifungal activity, especially at higher concentrations or against certain fungal species like Fusarium solani in specific research settings. However, this does not mean that the finished product, Soov cream, is formulated or effective enough to treat a full-blown fungal infection.

The Crucial Difference: Antiseptic vs. Antifungal

It is vital to distinguish between a general antiseptic and a dedicated antifungal medication. While there can be some overlap, they serve different primary purposes.

Antiseptics, like the ones in Soov, are broad-spectrum agents used for surface disinfection of minor skin breaks. Their goal is to prevent a minor wound from becoming infected, not to treat a specific, deep-seated fungal or bacterial infection.
Antifungal medications are specifically designed to target and eliminate fungal organisms. They contain active ingredients, such as clotrimazole or terbinafine, which specifically disrupt the fungal cell wall or other essential processes. These products are the appropriate treatment for conditions like athlete's foot, ringworm, or candidiasis.

Using a general antiseptic product like Soov on a fungal infection is not recommended. Not only is it unlikely to be effective, but it could also potentially make the problem worse by delaying proper treatment and masking symptoms. Some topical creams, like some variants of Soov, may also explicitly warn against using them on fungal infections.

When is Soov Appropriate to Use?

Soov cream is a versatile first-aid product indicated for a range of minor skin issues. Its primary uses, based on its active ingredients, include:

Minor cuts and grazes: To help prevent infection and soothe pain.
Minor burns and scalds: After cooling the burn with cold water, Soov can be applied to relieve pain and protect against infection.
Sunburn: Provides soothing relief and antiseptic protection.
Insect bites and stings: The lignocaine helps to numb the pain and itchiness.
Hemorrhoids: Some Soov products, like Soov It ointment, are specifically formulated for the pain and discomfort of hemorrhoids.

Comparison: Soov Cream vs. Antifungal Cream


Feature	Soov Cream	Dedicated Antifungal Cream
Primary Purpose	Antiseptic and topical pain relief.	Eliminate or inhibit fungal growth.
Active Ingredients	Lignocaine, Cetrimide, Chlorhexidine.	Azoles (e.g., Clotrimazole), Allylamines (e.g., Terbinafine).
Indicated Uses	Minor cuts, scrapes, burns, insect bites.	Athlete's foot, ringworm, jock itch, candidiasis.
Fungal Efficacy	Not intended for fungal infections; cetrimide has minimal or variable antifungal activity in this formulation.	High efficacy against specific fungal pathogens.
Risks of Misuse	Ineffective treatment, delayed healing, or worsening symptoms.	Using for non-fungal conditions is ineffective; potential for side effects with long-term misuse.

Potential Risks of Misusing Soov for Fungal Infections

Attempting to treat a fungal infection with Soov cream can lead to several problems:

Delayed treatment: The most significant risk is delaying the use of a proper antifungal treatment. Fungal infections can spread and become more severe if not addressed effectively.
Masking symptoms: The pain-relieving and soothing effects of Soov may provide temporary relief, but they won't cure the underlying fungal issue. This could lead to a false sense of improvement while the infection continues to spread.
Ineffectiveness: The concentration and formulation of the cetrimide in Soov are not designed for treating fungal infections on skin. Relying on it is likely to be ineffective.
Product warnings: As evidenced by the warnings on related products like Soov IT, the manufacturer may explicitly state that the product should not be used for fungal infections.

How to Manage Fungal Infections Correctly

Proper management of a fungal infection involves using a dedicated antifungal product and practicing good hygiene. Here are some general steps:

Use an appropriate antifungal: Over-the-counter antifungal creams, sprays, or powders containing ingredients like clotrimazole or terbinafine are designed for fungal infections.
Maintain cleanliness: Wash the affected area regularly with soap and water, ensuring it is completely dry afterward. Fungi thrive in moist environments.
Prevent spread: Avoid scratching the infected area and use separate towels to prevent the fungus from spreading to other parts of your body or to other people.
Consult a healthcare professional: If the infection is severe, persistent, or in a sensitive area, a doctor can provide a proper diagnosis and recommend a prescription-strength treatment if necessary.

Conclusion

While Soov cream contains the antiseptic agent cetrimide, which has shown some antifungal activity in specific studies, the product is not formulated to treat fungal infections. It is an effective product for its intended purpose: soothing pain and preventing infection in minor cuts, grazes, burns, and bites. For a fungal infection, using a dedicated antifungal cream is the correct and most effective course of action to ensure proper healing and prevent the condition from worsening. When in doubt, always consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.

For more detailed information on fungal infections, you can refer to the National Health Service (NHS) guidance on the topic. NHS guidance on fungal infections

Frequently Asked Questions

No, Soov is not an appropriate or effective treatment for athlete's foot. It is an antiseptic cream for minor wounds, and you should use a dedicated antifungal product specifically formulated for fungal infections like athlete's foot.

The ingredient in Soov with documented, albeit limited, antifungal activity is cetrimide. However, the product is not primarily intended or sufficiently concentrated to act as an antifungal medication.

Soov cream's primary purpose is to act as an antiseptic and pain reliever for minor skin injuries. This includes cuts, grazes, minor burns, and insect bites.

For a fungal skin infection, you should use an over-the-counter or prescription-strength antifungal cream. Common active ingredients to look for include clotrimazole, miconazole, or terbinafine.

Using Soov on a fungal infection isn't directly harmful, but it is ineffective and can delay proper treatment. This delay could allow the infection to spread or worsen, and the soothing effect might provide a false sense of improvement.

Soov contains antiseptics (cetrimide and chlorhexidine gluconate) that kill or inhibit the growth of a broad range of bacteria and some fungi on the skin's surface, but it is not a cure for established infections.

The Soov product line includes various formulations, but none are specifically marketed as dedicated antifungal treatments. For haemorrhoids, for instance, there is a separate product called Soov It.