Cetraben Cream 500g

Cetraben Cream is a fragrance-free paraffin emollient (white soft paraffin 13.2% + light liquid paraffin 10.5%) for dry, itchy and eczema-prone skin, in the 500g home pump pack.

  • Softens, moisturises and protects dry, chapped and eczema-prone skin
  • Fragrance-free and lanolin-free – kinder to sensitive skin
  • Lighter than an ointment, so it rubs in quickly for all-day use
  • Apply as often as needed; suitable for adults and children
  • Large 500g pump for regular, generous everyday use

£9.59

Cetraben Cream 500g – paraffin emollient for dry, itchy and eczema-prone skin, pump pack

Cetraben Cream is a fragrance-free paraffin emollient for dry, itchy and eczema-prone skin, combining white soft paraffin 13.2% and light liquid paraffin 10.5% to soften, moisturise and protect the skin barrier. This 500g pump pack is the everyday home size for regular, generous use across the body.

What is Cetraben Cream?

Cetraben Cream is a licensed emollient – a medical moisturiser that replaces the oils and water lost from dry skin and lays down a protective layer that helps hold moisture in. It is not a steroid and contains no active drug: the two paraffins do the work, supported by glycerol and an SLS-free emulsifying base. Because it is a general sale (GSL) medicine, you can buy it without a prescription. The formula is fragrance-free and lighter than an ointment, so it absorbs quickly and is comfortable for daytime use.

What is Cetraben Cream used for?

Cetraben Cream is licensed for the symptomatic relief of red, inflamed, damaged, dry or chapped skin, especially when this is associated with eczema. Typical uses include:

  • eczema and dermatitis
  • very dry, rough or flaky skin
  • chapped, cracked or weather-damaged skin
  • dry skin linked to conditions such as psoriasis and ichthyosis

It relieves the symptoms of these conditions but does not cure the underlying condition, so people with eczema often use an emollient every day alongside any flare treatment their prescriber recommends.

How does it work?

The paraffins sit on the skin surface and slow the loss of water, while the moisturising ingredients soften and smooth rough, flaky patches. Used regularly, an emollient like this keeps the skin barrier supple, which can ease itching and reduce how often flare-ups happen. It works best applied often and in generous amounts rather than rubbed in sparingly.

How to use Cetraben Cream

Apply Cetraben Cream to the affected areas as often as needed, smoothing it gently in the direction of hair growth until it is absorbed.

  • Wash and dry your hands before and after applying.
  • Apply generously – dry skin needs plenty.
  • Smooth it in gently; do not rub hard.
  • Reapply through the day, especially after washing while skin is still slightly damp.
  • For external use only.

There is no daily limit. If you also use a steroid cream, apply the emollient first and leave a short gap (or use the treatments at different times of day) so each can absorb.

How often can you apply it?

As often as required. Emollients are safe to use frequently, and for dry or eczema-prone skin most people apply them at least two or three times a day, and more often during a flare. Reapplying after every hand-wash, bath or shower helps stop the skin drying out again.

Fire safety: paraffin emollients and naked flames

Cetraben Cream contains paraffin, and like all paraffin-based emollients it carries a fire warning. When the cream dries onto fabric – clothing, bedding, bandages or dressings – the paraffin residue can build up and make that fabric catch fire more easily. Keep away from naked flames, cigarettes, lighters and other sources of ignition while using it. Washing clothing and bedding at a high temperature reduces the build-up but does not remove it completely, so the caution still applies even to laundered items.

Side effects and who can use it

Emollients are very well tolerated and side effects are rare. Occasionally a mild skin reaction such as redness, stinging or a rash can occur, usually from one of the ingredients rather than the paraffins – stop using it and speak to your pharmacist or doctor if this happens. The cream contains parabens (methyl-, ethyl-, propyl- and butylparaben), cetostearyl alcohol and phenoxyethanol, which can rarely cause a delayed allergic reaction, so do not use it if you are allergic to any of the ingredients. It has no special precautions in pregnancy or breastfeeding, and emollients are widely used for children – for a baby’s skin, check with your pharmacist or GP first.

Cetraben Cream vs other emollients

This cream sits between a light lotion and a rich ointment: more moisturising than a basic lotion but less greasy than an ointment, which makes it a practical all-day option. Compared with E45 Cream, which contains lanolin, it is lanolin-free – helpful if lanolin irritates your skin. Epimax Original Cream is a similar low-cost paraffin emollient, while ceramide creams such as CeraVe take a different, non-paraffin approach. For weepy or infection-prone eczema, Dermol 500 Lotion adds antiseptics to the emollient base. Browse the full eczema and dermatitis range to compare your options.

Buy Cetraben Cream online

Bury Healthcare Online is a UK pharmacy registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council (registered pharmacy 1126145). You can buy Cetraben Cream from us without a prescription, and our pharmacy team is happy to advise on choosing and using emollients. The NHS has more general guidance on emollients for dry skin and eczema.

Always read the label and the patient information leaflet before use. If your symptoms do not improve, speak to your pharmacist or doctor.

Medically reviewed by Hassan Khan, MPharm, Independent Prescriber — Superintendent Pharmacist, Bury Healthcare Online (GPhC-registered pharmacy 1126145). Last reviewed: July 2026.

Cetraben Cream FAQs

What is Cetraben Cream used for?
Cetraben Cream is used to relieve dry, itchy, red or chapped skin, especially when it is linked to eczema or dermatitis. It softens and protects the skin and is designed for regular, everyday use.
Is Cetraben Cream a steroid?
No. It is an emollient (a medical moisturiser) and contains no steroid or other active drug. It moisturises and protects the skin but does not treat inflammation the way a steroid cream does, so it can be used freely and often.
Can I use Cetraben Cream on my face?
Yes. The cream is fragrance-free and suitable for the face as well as the body. Apply a thin layer and smooth it in, avoiding the eyes.
Is Cetraben Cream good for eczema?
Yes. It is licensed for dry skin associated with eczema and is a good daily emollient to keep skin hydrated between flare-ups. It relieves dryness and itching but does not replace any steroid or other flare treatment your prescriber recommends.
How often should I apply it?
As often as needed – there is no daily limit. For dry or eczema-prone skin, applying two to three times a day, and after washing, works well.
Can babies and children use Cetraben Cream?
Emollients are widely used for children and the cream can be applied as often as needed. For a baby’s skin it is best to check with your pharmacist or GP first.
Can I use it as a soap substitute?
This is the leave-on cream rather than a wash. If you want an emollient that also doubles as a soap substitute and bath additive, the Cetraben Ointment is the 3-in-1 option; this cream is intended to be smoothed onto the skin and left on.
Is Cetraben Cream flammable?
It contains paraffin, so treat it as a fire risk. The residue that dries onto clothing, bedding and dressings can make fabric catch fire more easily, so keep away from naked flames and do not smoke while using it. Washing fabrics reduces but does not fully remove the build-up.
What is the difference between Cetraben Cream and Cetraben Ointment?
The cream is lighter, rubs in quickly and suits everyday moisturising. The ointment is greasier with a higher oil content for very dry skin, and can also be used as a wash or bath additive. Many people use the cream by day and the ointment for very dry areas or overnight.
Does Cetraben Cream contain parabens?
Yes, it contains methyl-, ethyl-, propyl- and butylparaben as preservatives, plus cetostearyl alcohol and phenoxyethanol. These can rarely cause a delayed skin reaction, so avoid the cream if you are allergic to any of the ingredients. It is fragrance-free and SLS-free.

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