MTW NHS Trust West Kent CCG

Drug Status Key

  • Preferred
  • Second Line
  • Third Line
  • Specialist Initiation
  • Hospital Only
  • Not Approved for Formulary

Emollient creams and ointments

Drug Safety Update

July 2024: Epimax Ointment and Epimax Paraffin-Free Ointment: reports of ocular surface toxicity and ocular chemical injury

Due to the risk of ocular injury, Epimax ointment is not indicated for use on the face. If patients are using Epimax ointment on the body, please advise hand washing before touching the face and eyes.

August 2020: Emollients and risk of severe and fatal burns: new resources available

 December 2018: Emollients: new information about risk of severe and fatal burns with paraffin-containing and paraffin-free emollients.

April 2016: Paraffin-based skin emollients on dressings or clothing: fire risk.

Important safety information (for all Emollients)

The CSM has warned that these preparations make skin and surfaces slippery, therefore particular care is needed when bathing.

Please see here for the following local Kent & Medway guidance and information:

  • K&M Emollient Prescribing Guidance for Adults and Children
  • K&M Emollients Patient Information Leaflet

Community Choices

First line community choices are listed below. Please see K&M Emollient Prescribing Guidance (link above) for second-line choices and further recommendations.

Hospital Choices

For patients in hospital- please use patient's own supply wherever possible. Where this is not possible, but an emollient is required, please prescribe one of the following:

Cream (Moderately greasy; for dry skin): Epimax Original 100g (first line); Cetraben 500g (large areas)

Ointment (Greasy; for very dry skin/acute flares): White soft paraffin/liquid paraffin 50:50

Body wash: Aquamax wash 250g

Oncology/Radiotherapy patients: Epimax Oatmeal Cream

Any emollient (except white soft paraffin alone) can be used as a soap substitute for washing.

First-line choice medium-heavy cream in community

Body wash choice in hospital

Pack Price
100 gram £1.89
500 gram £3.99
Pack Price
250 gram £2.99

Light cream, 500g choice for large areas at MTW

(Least cost-effective in community)

Pack Price
500 gram £6.29

First-line choice light cream in hospital and community

Pack Price
100 gram £0.81
500 gram £2.72
Pack Price
100 gram £1.86
500 gram £3.15
Pack Price
100 gram £2.06
500 gram £3.14
Pack Price
125 gram £2.05
500 gram £3.19

Moderately greasy; for dry skin.

Hospital choice for oncology/radiotherapy patients.

Pack Price
100 gram £2.10
500 gram £3.16

Only for those patients with confirmed paraffin sensitivity

Note: Fire hazard risk applies to both paraffin-containing AND paraffin-free emollients

Pack Price
500 gram £5.11
Pack Price
500 gram £2.95

Very greasy ointment

Pack Price
500 gram £3.97

Very greasy ointment

Pack Price
250 gram £1.96
500 gram £3.92