Aqueous cream (original) (raw)

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Light, hydrocarbon-based emollient

Aqueous Cream BP, also known as sorbolene, is a light, hydrocarbon-based emulsion, which is officially registered in the British Pharmacopoeia and categorised by the British National Formulary as a non-proprietary emollient preparation.[1] It is used as a topical, external medicine, emollient moisturiser, and general-purpose substitute for toiletries such as soap, shower gel, shaving cream, and lip salve.

Aqueous cream B.P.

The common ingredients are:

• liquid hydrocarbons
• white soft paraffin wax
• purified water
• emulsifying wax containing sodium lauryl sulphate
• cetostearyl alcohol
• chlorocresol

British researchers found evidence that using the cream to moisturize areas affected by eczema may actually aggravate the condition.[2] They suggested this was due to skin-thinning effects of a detergent sodium lauryl sulfate. The National Eczema Society recommends alternatives such as white soft paraffin wax or other types of emollient without such a high content of sodium lauryl sulfate.[3]

1. ^ BNF index, archived from the original on 2007-09-28, retrieved 2007-01-12
2. ^ "Aqueous cream 'aggravates eczema'". BBC News. 2010-10-18. Retrieved 2018-07-29.
3. ^ "Aqueous Cream". National Eczema Society.