E45 Cream 500g (Pump)

E45 Cream 500g is a licensed emollient (white soft paraffin, light liquid paraffin and lanolin) for the relief of dry skin.

  • Emollient for dry, flaking, chapped and rough skin
  • Soothes the dry stage of eczema, dermatitis and ichthyosis
  • Apply two to three times daily; suitable from 1 month of age
  • Large 500g pump for frequent, whole-body use
  • GSL medicine from a GPhC-registered UK pharmacy

£16.99

E45 Cream 500g emollient for dry skin — pump pack

E45 Cream is a well-known emollient for the symptomatic relief of dry skin. This 500g pump pack is the large, everyday size — a smooth, fragrance-free moisturising cream that softens, soothes and helps rehydrate skin that is flaking, chapped or rough. It is a licensed medicine on the General Sale List, containing white soft paraffin, light liquid paraffin and lanolin.

What is E45 Cream?

E45 Cream is a paraffin-and-lanolin based emollient — a moisturiser that works by trapping water in the outer layer of the skin. Each 100g contains white soft paraffin 14.5%, light liquid paraffin 12.6% and anhydrous lanolin 1.0%. Unlike a simple cosmetic moisturiser, it is a licensed medicine (GSL) intended for the relief of dry skin conditions, and can be used by adults, the elderly, children and infants over one month of age.

What is E45 Cream used for?

These are its licensed uses — the symptomatic relief of dry skin conditions where an emollient is appropriate:

  • Flaking and chapped skin
  • Ichthyosis and rough, scaly skin
  • Traumatic dermatitis and the dry stage of eczema
  • Sunburn and certain dry cases of psoriasis

It relieves the dryness and helps protect the skin barrier, but it does not treat the underlying cause of a skin condition. For a flare of eczema or dermatitis it is used alongside any prescribed treatment, not instead of it. The NHS has clear guidance on how emollients work and how to use them.

How does it work?

Emollients form a protective film over the skin that slows water loss and lets the skin underneath rehydrate. The paraffins provide that occlusive barrier while the cream base adds immediate softening, which is why dry, tight or itchy skin feels more comfortable soon after application.

How to use E45 Cream

  • Apply to the affected area two or three times a day, or as needed for comfort.
  • Smooth it gently into the skin in the direction the hair grows.
  • Suitable for adults, the elderly and children and infants over one month old.
  • For external use only — do not apply to broken skin or the mucous membranes (eyes, inside the nose or mouth).

How often can you apply it?

Two to three times daily is the guide, but emollients are safe to reapply liberally and often whenever the skin feels dry — regular, generous use is what keeps dry skin under control. A 500g pump is designed for exactly this kind of frequent, whole-body use.

Ingredients and skin sensitivities

As well as the paraffins and lanolin, the cream contains cetyl alcohol and the preservatives methyl and propyl parahydroxybenzoate (parabens). These can occasionally cause a local skin reaction such as contact dermatitis, and lanolin is a recognised (if uncommon) sensitiser. If a rash develops, stop using it. Do not use this product if you are hypersensitive to any of its ingredients.

Fire safety with paraffin-based emollients

Like all paraffin-containing skin products, E45 Cream is a fire hazard. It can soak into clothing, bedding and dressings, and fabric with dried-on emollient burns more easily. Do not smoke, use naked flames or go near anything that could ignite while the cream is on your skin or clothes. Washing fabric reduces the build-up but does not remove it completely, so keep changing and laundering clothing and bedding regularly.

E45 Cream compared with other moisturisers

E45 Cream is a traditional paraffin-and-lanolin emollient. If you prefer a lanolin-free, ceramide-based option, the CeraVe Moisturising Cream is a good alternative, while for barrier protection against nappy rash or minor skin irritation many people reach for Sudocrem. Browse the full eczema and dermatitis range to compare options, and ask a pharmacist if you are unsure which suits your skin.

Buy E45 Cream online

Bury Healthcare Online is a UK GPhC-registered pharmacy (registration 1126145). E45 Cream is a general-sale medicine, so there is no questionnaire — simply add it to your basket. Explore more skin care products, and contact our pharmacist if you would like advice on managing dry or sensitive skin.

Always read the label and the patient information leaflet before use. If your skin does not improve or the condition worsens, 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.

E45 Cream FAQs

What is E45 Cream used for?
It is a licensed emollient for the symptomatic relief of dry skin conditions such as flaking, chapped skin, ichthyosis, traumatic dermatitis, sunburn, the dry stage of eczema and certain dry cases of psoriasis. It soothes and rehydrates dry skin but does not treat the underlying cause.
Can I use E45 Cream on my face?
Yes, it can be used on the face for dry skin, avoiding the eyes and other mucous membranes. It is for external use only and should not be applied to broken skin.
Is E45 Cream good for eczema?
It is helpful for the dry stage of eczema and for keeping eczema-prone skin moisturised. During a flare it is used alongside any prescribed treatment such as a steroid cream, not as a replacement for it.
How often should I apply E45 Cream?
Apply it two or three times a day, or more often if your skin feels dry. Emollients are safe to reapply generously and frequently.
Can I use E45 Cream on babies?
It can be used on infants over one month of age. For newborns under one month, or if you are unsure, check with your pharmacist, health visitor or doctor first.
Does E45 Cream contain lanolin?
Yes. It contains anhydrous lanolin 1%, along with white soft paraffin and light liquid paraffin. Lanolin can occasionally cause skin sensitivity, so stop using it if a rash develops. If you know you are allergic to lanolin, choose a lanolin-free emollient instead.
Can I use E45 Cream on broken or weeping skin?
No. It should not be applied to broken skin or to the mucous membranes. Speak to a pharmacist or doctor about broken, infected or weeping skin.
Is E45 Cream safe to use in pregnancy?
Systemic absorption is negligible and no effects on pregnancy are anticipated, but as with all medicines it should be used with caution in pregnancy. Do not apply it to the breast area while breastfeeding. Ask your pharmacist or doctor if you have any concerns.
Is E45 Cream a fire hazard?
Yes. Paraffin-based emollients can make clothing, bedding and dressings more flammable. Keep away from naked flames, do not smoke while wearing it, and change and wash fabric regularly, as washing reduces but does not fully remove the build-up.
What is the difference between E45 Cream and other moisturisers?
E45 Cream is a traditional paraffin-and-lanolin emollient. Ceramide-based creams such as CeraVe are a lanolin-free alternative, while barrier creams such as Sudocrem are aimed more at nappy rash and minor skin protection. Your pharmacist can help you choose the best one for your skin.

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