Balneum Plus Cream 100g

What Is Balneum Plus Cream and How Does It Help Dry Skin?

Balneum Plus Cream is a topical emollient designed to moisturise dry, rough, and itchy skin. It contains two active ingredients — urea 5% and lauromacrogols 3% — which work together to hydrate the skin and ease the discomfort of persistent itching. Dry skin is incredibly common in the UK, affecting people of all ages, and it can be particularly troublesome in conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and ichthyosis. If you're looking for a straightforward, clinically recognised option to manage these symptoms, this cream is worth knowing about. You can explore a wider range of options in our skin care collection.

At just £4.98 for a 100g tube, Balneum Plus Cream offers an accessible way to manage dry and itchy skin without needing a prescription. It's available over the counter and is suitable for regular use as part of a daily skincare routine.

How Does Balneum Plus Cream Work on Dry and Itchy Skin?

The cream's effectiveness comes down to its two-ingredient approach. Urea is a naturally occurring substance found in healthy skin that helps maintain the skin's moisture barrier. When applied topically, it draws water into the outer layers of the skin (the stratum corneum) and helps prevent water loss — a process known as humectancy. Lauromacrogols, on the other hand, act as a mild local anaesthetic on the skin's surface, reducing the sensation of itch without numbing the area entirely.

• Urea attracts and binds moisture within the skin's outer layers
• Lauromacrogols interrupt the itch signal at the skin surface
• Together, they soften rough, thickened skin over time
• Regular use helps restore and maintain the skin's natural barrier function

Who Should Use Balneum Plus Cream?

This cream is suitable for adults and children who experience dry, flaky, or itchy skin. It's particularly useful for people managing chronic skin conditions where both dryness and itch are ongoing concerns. It's also a practical choice for anyone whose skin becomes dry due to environmental factors, frequent handwashing, or ageing.

• People with eczema or dermatitis experiencing dry, itchy patches
• Those with psoriasis or ichthyosis needing regular emollient support
• Individuals with generally dry skin worsened by cold weather or central heating
• Patients whose skin becomes rough and uncomfortable due to frequent washing

How Does Balneum Plus Cream Compare to Other Emollients?

Is Balneum Plus Cream Safe to Store and Use Long Term?

Balneum Plus Cream should be stored below 25°C, away from direct sunlight, and kept out of reach of children. Once opened, check the packaging for the period-after-opening symbol to confirm how long it remains usable. It should not be applied to broken, infected, or inflamed skin without medical advice, and contact with the eyes and mucous membranes should always be avoided.

For those managing ongoing skin conditions, emollients like this one are often recommended as a cornerstone of daily care. If you're also exploring other topical treatments, our creams and ointments collection includes a range of options to suit different needs. Always speak to your pharmacist or GP if you're unsure whether this product is right for your skin type or condition.

This product is a medicine. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist before using if you have an underlying medical condition or are taking other medicines.

What Is Balneum Plus Cream and What Is It Used For?

Balneum Plus Cream is a topical emollient used to treat dry, rough, and itchy skin. It contains two active ingredients: urea 5%, which moisturises the skin by attracting and retaining water in the outer skin layers, and lauromacrogols 3%, which provide a mild antipruritic (anti-itch) effect. It is used to manage symptoms associated with conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, ichthyosis, and general dry skin. The NHS recognises emollients as a key part of managing these conditions, recommending their regular use to keep skin hydrated and reduce flare-ups.

What Do You Need to Know Before Using Balneum Plus Cream?

Before using this cream, read the following carefully. It is not suitable for everyone, and certain precautions apply.

Do not use Balneum Plus Cream if:

• You are allergic to urea, lauromacrogols, or any other ingredient in the cream
• The skin is broken, infected, or severely inflamed — seek medical advice first
• You need to apply it near the eyes or mucous membranes

Warnings and precautions:

• Keep away from the eyes, mouth, and nose
• Do not use on open wounds or raw skin
• If a skin reaction develops, stop use and consult your pharmacist or GP
• Consult a doctor before use in infants or very young children
• Emollient creams can make surfaces slippery — take care in the bath or shower

Drug interactions:

• No significant drug interactions are currently known for topical urea or lauromacrogols
• If you are using other topical medicines on the same area, speak to your pharmacist about the order of application

How Should You Use Balneum Plus Cream?

Using this cream correctly will help you get the most benefit from it. Apply it gently — there's no need to rub vigorously, as this can irritate already sensitive skin.

1. Wash and dry your hands before applying the cream
2. Take a small amount of cream and apply it directly to the affected area
3. Smooth it in gently using downward strokes in the direction of hair growth
4. Allow the cream to absorb before dressing or applying other products
5. Wash your hands after application unless the hands themselves are being treated

What Are the Possible Side Effects of Balneum Plus Cream?

Like all medicines, Balneum Plus Cream can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them. Most reactions are mild and localised to the area of application.

Common side effects:

• Mild stinging or burning sensation on first application
• Temporary redness at the application site
• Mild skin irritation, particularly on sensitive skin

Less common side effects:

• Allergic skin reaction (rash, itching, or swelling beyond the application area)
• Worsening of skin irritation with continued use

If you notice any signs of a serious allergic reaction — such as widespread rash, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face — stop using the cream immediately and seek urgent medical attention. You can find further guidance on managing skin conditions through our skin care range.

How Should You Store Balneum Plus Cream?

Correct storage helps maintain the cream's effectiveness and safety throughout its shelf life.

• Store below 25°C in a cool, dry place
• Keep away from direct sunlight and heat sources
• Keep the tube tightly closed when not in use
• Keep out of the reach and sight of children
• Do not use after the expiry date printed on the packaging
• Do not dispose of medicines via wastewater or household waste — return unused product to your pharmacist

If you're managing a skin condition alongside other health concerns, it may be worth exploring our baby and toddler range if you're treating a young child, or speaking to your GP about a broader skincare plan.