Dermol 500 Lotion 500ml

Dermol 500 Lotion is an antimicrobial emollient (benzalkonium chloride 0.1% + chlorhexidine dihydrochloride 0.1%) for dry, itchy skin, eczema and dermatitis.

  • Soothes and moisturises dry, itchy skin
  • Antimicrobial action helps control eczema-related bacteria
  • Use as a leave-on emollient or a soap substitute
  • Non-greasy 500 ml pump; suitable for adults and children
  • Pharmacy (P) medicine from a GPhC-registered UK pharmacy

£8.99

Dermol 500 Lotion 500ml antimicrobial emollient and soap substitute — pump bottle

Dermol 500 Lotion is an antimicrobial emollient for dry, itchy skin conditions such as eczema and dermatitis. Each 500 ml pump bottle blends two gentle antiseptics – benzalkonium chloride and chlorhexidine dihydrochloride – with skin-softening emollient oils, so it both soothes dryness and helps keep the skin surface free of the bacteria that can trigger flare-ups. It can be smoothed straight onto the skin as a leave-on moisturiser or used in the bath or shower as a soap substitute.

What is Dermol 500 Lotion?

Dermol 500 is a white, non-greasy lotion (a cutaneous emulsion) made by Dermal Laboratories. It contains around 5% emollient oils – liquid paraffin 2.5% and isopropyl myristate 2.5% – together with the antiseptics benzalkonium chloride 0.1% and chlorhexidine dihydrochloride 0.1%. It is a licensed pharmacy (P) medicine rather than an ordinary cosmetic moisturiser, which is why a few short suitability questions are asked before you buy it. Unlike a plain moisturiser, it adds an antimicrobial action to its emollient effect.

What is Dermol 500 used for?

Dermol 500 Lotion is licensed for the management of dry and pruritic (itchy) skin conditions, especially eczema and dermatitis. It works both as a direct leave-on emollient and as a soap substitute. Typical uses include:

  • dry, rough or flaky skin
  • itchy skin (pruritus)
  • eczema, including atopic eczema
  • dermatitis
  • a soap substitute for washing in the bath or shower

It is not a steroid and does not replace a steroid cream for actively inflamed, red skin – it is used alongside any prescribed treatment to keep skin hydrated and to reduce the bacteria that complicate eczema. For a simple emollient without added antiseptic, an alternative is E45 Cream.

How does Dermol 500 work?

It has two actions. The emollient oils form a light, occlusive barrier on the skin surface that slows water loss and lets dry skin rehydrate, easing tightness and itch. The antiseptics benzalkonium chloride and chlorhexidine tackle micro-organisms – particularly Staphylococcus aureus, which often complicates eczema and dermatitis – and help control the secondary infection that scratching can cause.

How to use Dermol 500 Lotion

It is suitable for adults, children and the elderly. Use it as often as you need to:

  • As a leave-on emollient: apply to the affected areas and massage gently into the skin until absorbed. Reapply as required through the day.
  • As a soap substitute: use it instead of soap or shower gel to wash in the bath or shower, or for other cleansing.

Avoid getting the lotion in your eyes. If you use it in the bath or shower, take care as surfaces can become slippery.

Using it as a soap substitute

Because ordinary soaps and shower gels can strip and dry the skin, many people with eczema switch to a soap substitute. Smooth a little lotion over damp or dry skin, then rinse – it cleanses while leaving an emollient film behind. For a rinse-off daily moisturiser you might also compare CeraVe Moisturising Cream, and for a protective barrier over sore or broken-looking skin, Sudocrem Antiseptic Healing Cream.

Fire safety warning

Paraffin-based emollients like this one are flammable once they soak into fabric. Do not smoke or go near naked flames while using the lotion, because there is a risk of severe burns. Clothing, bedding and dressings that have been in contact with the product catch fire more easily and are a serious fire hazard. Washing fabrics may reduce the build-up but will not remove it completely, so keep well away from cigarettes, open fires and other sources of flame.

Side effects and precautions

Dermol 500 is well tolerated and most people have no problems. Local skin reactions – irritant or allergic contact dermatitis – are very rare (fewer than 1 in 10,000) and reactions are occasionally seen when the lotion is used heavily as a leave-on in skin folds such as the groin. Very rarely, chlorhexidine can cause a serious allergic reaction, so do not use Dermol 500 if you have ever reacted to a chlorhexidine-containing product. It also contains cetostearyl alcohol, which may cause local skin reactions in sensitive people. Stop using it and seek advice if your skin becomes more irritated, and do not use it if you are sensitive to any of the ingredients.

Can you use it in pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Only a tiny amount of the antiseptic is absorbed through the skin, so use during pregnancy and breastfeeding is not expected to be harmful. If you are breastfeeding and need to use the lotion on the nipples, apply it sparingly after feeds and gently wipe away any remaining product before your next feed.

Buy Dermol 500 online

You can buy Dermol 500 Lotion 500 ml from Bury Healthcare Online, a UK pharmacy registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC 1126145). As it is a pharmacy medicine, you will answer a few short suitability questions before checkout, and our pharmacy team is on hand if you need advice. Browse more options in our eczema and dermatitis range.

Always read the label and the patient information leaflet before use. If your symptoms do not improve, or your skin becomes infected or more inflamed, speak to your pharmacist or doctor. You can read more about emollients on the NHS emollients page.

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

Dermol 500 FAQs

What is Dermol 500 used for?
Dermol 500 Lotion is an antimicrobial emollient used to manage dry and itchy skin conditions, especially eczema and dermatitis. It moisturises dry skin and helps control the bacteria that can make these conditions worse. You can apply it directly to the skin or use it as a soap substitute in the bath or shower.
Is Dermol 500 a steroid?
No. Dermol 500 is not a steroid. It is an emollient (moisturiser) combined with two antiseptics, benzalkonium chloride and chlorhexidine. It soothes and hydrates dry, itchy skin and reduces surface bacteria, but it does not contain hydrocortisone or any other steroid, so it is used alongside – not instead of – a steroid cream for active inflammation.
Can I use Dermol 500 as a soap substitute or body wash?
Yes. Dermol 500 is designed to be used either as a leave-on moisturiser or as a soap substitute. Smooth it over damp or dry skin instead of soap or shower gel and then rinse. Take care in the bath or shower as it can make surfaces slippery.
Can Dermol 500 be used on the face?
Dermol 500 can be applied to areas of dry, itchy skin, including the face, but avoid getting it in your eyes. Use only a small amount and massage it in until absorbed. If facial skin is very inflamed or you are unsure, ask your pharmacist.
Is Dermol 500 good for eczema?
Dermol 500 is specifically licensed for eczema and dermatitis. Its emollient oils rehydrate dry skin while the antiseptics help control Staphylococcus aureus, a bacterium that often complicates eczema. It is best used regularly as part of an emollient routine alongside any treatment your doctor has prescribed.
Can babies and children use Dermol 500?
Dermol 500 is suitable for adults, children and the elderly. For babies and young children, it is sensible to check with your pharmacist or doctor first so they can confirm it is right for your child and show you how much to use.
How often can I use Dermol 500?
There is no fixed limit – apply Dermol 500 as often as your skin needs it. Many people use it several times a day as a leave-on emollient and also use it as a soap substitute when washing. Reapply whenever the skin feels dry or tight.
Can Dermol 500 cause an allergic reaction?
Local skin reactions are very rare. Because it contains chlorhexidine, there is a very small chance of a serious allergic reaction, so do not use Dermol 500 if you have previously reacted to a chlorhexidine product. It also contains cetostearyl alcohol, which can cause local skin reactions in sensitive people. Stop using it and seek advice if your skin becomes more irritated.
Is Dermol 500 flammable?
Yes. Like other paraffin-based emollients, Dermol 500 is flammable once it soaks into fabric. Do not smoke or go near naked flames while using it. Clothing, bedding and dressings that contact the product burn more easily, and washing reduces but does not fully remove the build-up, so keep away from fire and cigarettes.
What is the difference between Dermol 500, Dermol Cream and Dermol 200 Shower Emollient?
They are all antimicrobial emollients from the same range. Dermol 500 is a light, non-greasy lotion in a 500 ml pump for leave-on use or as a soap substitute. Dermol Cream is a richer leave-on cream for very dry skin. Dermol 200 Shower Emollient is designed to be used in the shower in place of soap. Choose the format that suits your skin and routine.

Related products