Emulsifying Ointment BP 500g (Brand & Packaging May Vary)

£1.00 In Stock

Information Leaflet

Made to the standard British Pharmacopoeia (BP) formula used across the NHS for decades
Helps relieve dryness, flaking and itching linked to eczema, psoriasis and other dry skin conditions
Versatile - can be used as a leave-on moisturiser or as a soap-substitute wash
Simple three-ingredient formula: emulsifying wax, liquid paraffin and white soft paraffin
Large 500g tub offers good value for daily, regular use

£1.00

GPhC Registered Pharmacy9010938

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Product information

Overview

Why people choose it

Made to the standard British Pharmacopoeia (BP) formula used across the NHS for decades
Helps relieve dryness, flaking and itching linked to eczema, psoriasis and other dry skin conditions
Versatile - can be used as a leave-on moisturiser or as a soap-substitute wash
Simple three-ingredient formula: emulsifying wax, liquid paraffin and white soft paraffin
Large 500g tub offers good value for daily, regular use
Generic formulation means reliable supply, even if the brand on the tub varies

How to take it

As a moisturiser: smooth a generous amount onto clean, dry skin, applying in the direction of hair growth, as often as needed throughout the day (this is often several times a day for very dry skin). As a soap substitute: warm a small amount between your hands and massage onto wet skin in the shower or bath instead of soap, then rinse off; take care as it can make surfaces slippery. For best results, use regularly rather than only when skin feels dry, and reapply after washing your hands. If you are using it under GP or pharmacist advice for a specific skin condition, follow their instructions.

Warnings

Contains liquid paraffin and white soft paraffin - fabric (clothing, bedding, dressings) that has dried emollient on it can catch fire more easily, so keep away from naked flames, cigarettes and other fire sources, and wash affected fabric regularly. Contains emulsifying wax, which includes sodium lauryl sulphate and cetostearyl alcohol; this can occasionally cause stinging, redness or contact dermatitis, especially on broken or eczematous skin in children - stop use and seek advice if this happens. Avoid contact with the eyes; if it gets in your eyes, rinse thoroughly with water and seek medical advice if irritation continues. Do a small patch test before first use if you have known sensitivities or very reactive skin. Can make bath and shower surfaces slippery - take care getting in and out. Not recommended for use immediately before phototherapy/phototesting. Do not use on broken, infected or bleeding skin without advice from a pharmacist or doctor. Brand and packaging may vary as this is a generic BP-formula product; the ointment itself remains the same standard formulation. Always read the label and patient information leaflet before use. If symptoms persist or worsen, speak to your pharmacist or doctor.

Side effects

Local skin reactions: stinging, burning, itching, redness and contact dermatitis (more likely in children with atopic eczema); occasional allergic reactions/rash. Fire hazard: dressings, clothing and bedding soaked with product dry to a residue that catches fire more easily - keep away from naked flames and smoking materials.

Age restrictions

No age restriction; suitable for all ages including infants. Caution advised in children with atopic eczema, as the emulsifying wax component (containing sodium lauryl sulfate) can occasionally cause local skin reactions in this group.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Safety in pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been formally established; no specific contraindication is listed for topical use, but check with a doctor or pharmacist if unsure.

Alcohol

None - no interaction with alcohol consumption is associated with this topical product.

Driving and machinery

Does not affect the ability to drive or operate machinery.

Storage

Store below 25C. Do not freeze. Keep out of the sight and reach of children. Shelf life 36 months from manufacture; do not use after the expiry date.

Information

Dosage form: Ointment
Drug class: Emollient - topical skin-softening/moisturising preparation
How it's taken: Topical, external use only. Used as a leave-on emollient (rub into dry skin as often as needed) and as a soap substitute (melt into bath water, or rub onto wet skin in place of soap when washing, then rinse off).

Ingredients

Emulsifying Wax 30% w/w, Liquid Paraffin 20% w/w, White Soft Paraffin 50% w/w. Emulsifying wax is a BP-defined blend of cetostearyl alcohol with sodium lauryl sulfate.

Patient Information Leaflet

The manufacturer's official leaflet, kept current with the MHRA.

Read the leaflet

Questions

Haroon Amanji

Superintendent Pharmacist

GPhC reg. 2070534

01772 620526

If anything here is unclear, or you are not sure this is the right choice, speak to our pharmacist before you buy.

Why might my tub look different from the picture?

Emulsifying Ointment BP is a generic formulation, not a single branded product, so it's made by several licensed UK manufacturers (for example Teva, Fenton or Boots Pharmaceuticals) to the same British Pharmacopoeia recipe. The tub colour, label and outer packaging can vary depending on which manufacturer's stock we have in at the time, but the emollient inside is formulated to the same standard.

Can I use Emulsifying Ointment BP as a soap substitute?

Yes. It's commonly used instead of soap or shower gel - simply warm a small amount in your hands and massage over wet skin in the bath or shower, then rinse off. This avoids the drying effect that ordinary soaps can have on eczema-prone or very dry skin.

Is it suitable for children and babies?

It's widely used for dry skin conditions in children, but because it contains sodium lauryl sulphate (from the emulsifying wax), it can occasionally irritate broken or eczema-affected skin, particularly in younger children. Speak to your pharmacist, GP or health visitor before using it on infants or on significantly inflamed skin.

Is Emulsifying Ointment BP flammable?

Yes. Like other paraffin-based emollients, it is a fire risk once it has dried onto clothing, bedding or dressings, as fabric can catch fire more easily. Keep away from naked flames and cigarettes, and wash affected fabrics regularly.

How often should I apply it?

Apply as often as your skin needs it - many people with dry skin conditions find applying several times a day, and especially after washing or bathing, gives the best results. There's no need to ration it; regular, liberal use is more effective than occasional heavy application.

Delivery

Orders are picked and dispatched within 1 working day. Standard UK delivery costs £3.95 and typically arrives in 1-2 working days; delivery is free on all orders over £45. A next-working-day option is available at checkout for orders placed before 2pm. For your privacy, every parcel is shipped in plain, unbranded packaging with no indication of the contents or that it has come from a pharmacy. If you change your mind, unopened and unused items in their original, undamaged packaging can be returned within 14 days of delivery for a full refund. For hygiene and safety reasons, we're unable to accept returns on medicines, test kits, or any item with a broken seal once it has left our warehouse, unless the product is faulty, damaged, or was sent to you in error - in these cases, contact our customer care team and we'll arrange a replacement or refund at no extra cost. This policy does not affect your statutory rights.