Description
E45 Cream is an emollient cream from the UK brand E45 that moisturises and relieves dry skin conditions. This 125g tub contains white soft paraffin, light liquid paraffin and hypoallergenic anhydrous lanolin (Medilan), and it is a licensed medicine in the UK. The pack describes it as a treatment for dry skin conditions including dry or flaky skin, eczema, itchy skin, dry psoriasis and sunburn. This page uses only E45’s official product information and the wording printed on the tub.
Because this cream is a medicine, please read the safety information on this page and the label on the tub before use.
What Is E45 Cream?
It is one of the best-known emollient creams in the UK. An emollient is a moisturising treatment that softens the skin and helps it hold on to water. The cream is fragrance-free, dermatologically tested and, according to E45, has a non-greasy formula that leaves dry and itchy skin soft, comfortable and relieved.
E45 makes the cream in several sizes: a 50g tube, 125g and 350g tubs and a 500g pump. The 125g tub is a handy everyday size for home use. E45 says the cream can be used by the whole family, including babies over the age of one month.
E45 Cream at a Glance
- Brand: E45 (Karo Healthcare UK)
- Product type: emollient cream, licensed medicine in the UK
- Size: 125g tub
- Active ingredients: white soft paraffin 14.5% w/w, light liquid paraffin 12.6% w/w, hypoallergenic anhydrous lanolin (Medilan) 1.0% w/w
- Used for: dry skin conditions including dry or flaky skin, eczema, itchy skin, dry psoriasis and sunburn
- Who can use it: the whole family, including babies over one month
- Fragrance: free from fragrance (perfume free)
- How often: apply liberally two to three times a day, or as required
What E45 Cream Is Used For
The front of the tub lists it as a treatment for dry skin conditions including:
- Dry or flaky skin
- Eczema
- Itchy skin
- Dry psoriasis
- Sunburn
E45 also notes that the formula is non-greasy and leaves dry and itchy skin feeling soft, comfortable and relieved. These are the uses stated by the manufacturer. We do not make any further medical claims. If your skin condition is severe, spreading, infected or not improving, please see a doctor.
Active Ingredients in E45 Cream
The cream contains three active ingredients, each a well-established emollient:
White soft paraffin BP 14.5% w/w
White soft paraffin is a soft, jelly-like substance that forms a protective layer on the skin. This layer helps reduce the loss of water from the surface of the skin.
Light liquid paraffin Ph. Eur. 12.6% w/w
Light liquid paraffin is a thinner oil that helps soften and smooth dry skin and makes the cream spread more easily.
Hypoallergenic anhydrous lanolin (Medilan) 1.0% w/w
Medilan is a purified form of lanolin, a natural emollient from sheep’s wool. E45 describes it as hypoallergenic. If you know you are allergic to lanolin or wool fat, do not use this product.
Full Ingredient List
Active ingredients: White soft paraffin BP 14.5% w/w, light liquid paraffin Ph. Eur. 12.6% w/w, hypoallergenic anhydrous lanolin (Medilan) 1.0% w/w.
Other ingredients: Glyceryl monostearate, citric acid monohydrate, cetyl alcohol, sodium hydroxide, sodium cetostearyl sulphate, carbomer, methyl hydroxybenzoate (E218), propyl hydroxybenzoate (E216), purified water.
How to Use E45 Cream
E45’s official directions are to apply liberally two to three times a day, or as required. The tub label says to apply to the affected skin two or three times daily.
- Check that the tub seal is intact before first use, then remove it.
- Wash and dry your hands.
- Take some cream and smooth it gently over the dry areas, in the direction of hair growth.
- Repeat two or three times a day, or whenever your skin feels dry.
Use this medicine only on your skin. If symptoms persist, consult your doctor.
Important Warnings for E45 Cream
The following safety information is printed on the tub. Please read it carefully.
Fire hazard
Fire hazard. Do not smoke or go near naked flames; clothing and bedding with this product dried on them can catch fire easily.
The label explains that fabric (clothing, bedding, dressings and so on) that has been in contact with this product burns more easily and is a serious fire hazard. Washing clothing and bedding may reduce product build-up but not totally remove it. Do not smoke or go near naked flames, as there is a risk of severe burns. In Bangladeshi homes, take extra care around gas stoves, candles, mosquito coils and cigarettes.
Allergies and sensitivities
- Do not use if you are allergic to any of the ingredients.
- Contains lanolin. Do not use if you are allergic to lanolin.
- Contains cetyl alcohol, which may cause local skin reactions (for example contact dermatitis).
- Contains E216 and E218 (parabens), which may cause allergic reactions (possibly delayed).
Possible side effects
According to the label, occasionally an allergic reaction or worsening of acne may occur. If you suspect an allergic reaction, such as a rash, or if anything unusual happens, stop using the product. If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse.
Other medicines and breastfeeding
The label includes advice for people using other skin medicines and for breastfeeding mothers. Please read the full label and speak to your doctor or pharmacist if either applies to you.
Who Should Use E45 Cream?
This cream may be a good fit if you have dry, flaky or itchy skin, or a dry skin condition such as eczema or dry psoriasis, and want a fragrance-free emollient the whole family can use. It is suitable for babies over one month, so it is often kept as a family tub.
If you are under the care of a doctor for a skin condition, use the cream as they advise, and keep using any prescribed treatments unless told otherwise.
E45 Cream vs E45 Lotion
E45 Cream is a thicker emollient and a licensed medicine, used for dry skin conditions and suitable from one month of age. E45 Lotion is a lighter cosmetic moisturiser for everyday use on hands, body and face, suitable from three months. Many families keep the lotion for daily all-over moisture and the cream for drier, rougher or itchy patches.
Using E45 Cream in Bangladesh
Winter in Bangladesh brings dry air that can leave skin on the hands, elbows, knees and feet rough and flaky, while long hours in air-conditioned rooms can dry the skin in summer too. A tub of this emollient is easy to keep at home for these areas. In very hot weather, apply a thin layer so it absorbs comfortably.
Tips for Looking After Dry Skin
Emollients work best when used regularly, not only when skin feels bad. General tips that many people with dry skin find helpful include using lukewarm rather than hot water when bathing, choosing a gentle soap-free wash, patting the skin dry instead of rubbing, and applying your emollient soon after bathing. Keep nails short to reduce damage from scratching, and choose soft cotton clothing next to the skin.
When taking cream from a tub, use clean, dry hands or a clean spoon or spatula so the product inside stays clean for the whole family.
Storage
Keep the tub closed when not in use and store it at room temperature away from direct sunlight and heat. Keep out of the sight and reach of children. Keep the cream and anything it has soaked into away from flames.
Frequently Asked Questions About E45 Cream
Is E45 Cream a medicine?
Yes. E45 Cream is a licensed medicine in the UK for dry skin. Always read the label.
Can I use E45 Cream on my baby?
E45 says it can be used by the whole family, including babies over the age of one month.
How often can I apply E45 Cream?
E45 advises applying it liberally two to three times a day, or as required.
Is E45 Cream fragrance-free?
Yes. E45 states it is free from fragrance.
Can I use E45 Cream for sunburn?
Sunburn is listed on the pack as one of the dry skin conditions it is used for. For severe sunburn, blistering or fever, see a doctor.
Why does E45 Cream have a fire warning?
Because it contains paraffin. Fabric with the product dried on it can catch fire easily, so do not smoke or go near naked flames.
Can E45 Cream cause a reaction?
Occasionally an allergic reaction or worsening of acne may occur. It contains lanolin, cetyl alcohol and parabens (E216, E218). Stop using it if you get a rash.
Summary: E45 Cream 125g
E45 Cream is a fragrance-free emollient cream and UK licensed medicine with white soft paraffin, light liquid paraffin and Medilan lanolin. It is used for dry skin conditions including dry or flaky skin, eczema, itchy skin, dry psoriasis and sunburn, and is suitable for the whole family from one month of age. Read the fire hazard and allergy warnings, apply two to three times a day, and talk to a doctor if your symptoms persist.
Explore more in our dry and dehydrated skin collection, our sensitive skin range and our body moisturisers. You can also view the official E45 Cream product information.
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