Aqueous Cream 500G

Aqueous cream is a light, non-greasy moisturiser that is made from a mixture of emulsifying ointment (which contains paraffin oils) and water, with phenoxyethanol as an antimicrobial preservative.

Dry skin results from lack of water in the stratum corneum, which is the outer layer of skin cells. When this layer becomes dehydrated it loses its flexibility and becomes cracked, scaly and sometimes itchy. The stratum corneum contains natural water-holding substances that retain water seeping up from the deeper layers of the skin, and water is also normally retained in the stratum corneum by a surface film of natural oil (sebum) and broken-down skin cells, which slow down evaporation of water from the skin surface.

The skin dries out when too much water evaporates from its surface. This increases as we get older, and is made worse by washing, because hot water and soap remove the layer of natural oil on the skin surface.

Moisturisers are helpful for dry skin conditions, such as dermatitis, which get worse when the skin is allowed to dry out. They work mainly by providing a layer of oil on the surface of the skin to prevent water evaporating from the skin surface. Used regularly they help restore the skin's smoothness, softness and flexibility by helping the skin retain moisture. They should be applied frequently to prevent the skin drying out.

However, aqueous cream is not generally considered to be a good moisturiser and instead is more useful as a substitute for soap when washing. Using aqueous cream instead of soap can cleanse the skin while also preventing it from drying out.