Cetraben Moisturising Cream 475ml

What Is Cetraben Moisturising Cream and How Does It Help Dry Skin?

If you live with dry, itchy, or eczema-prone skin, you'll know how relentless it can feel — especially during colder months when central heating strips moisture from the air. Cetraben moisturising cream is a clinically established, fragrance-free emollient that helps restore and maintain the skin's natural moisture barrier. Available in a generous 475ml pump bottle, it's designed for regular, all-over use on the body and face. You can find it alongside other trusted options in our skin care collection.

Cetraben is classified as an emollient — a category of moisturiser that works by softening and soothing the skin rather than simply sitting on the surface. It contains white soft paraffin (13.2% w/w) and light liquid paraffin (10.5% w/w) as its active ingredients. These are well-recognised ingredients used widely in NHS dermatology practice for managing dry skin conditions including eczema, psoriasis, ichthyosis, and pruritus. The NHS recommends emollients as a first-line treatment for these conditions.

How Does Cetraben Moisturising Cream Work on the Skin?

Emollients like Cetraben work through a straightforward but effective mechanism. Rather than adding water to the skin directly, they create a semi-occlusive film over the skin surface that slows transepidermal water loss (TEWL). This keeps existing moisture locked in and helps the skin feel softer and more comfortable over time.

• White soft paraffin forms a protective, occlusive layer over the skin surface
• Light liquid paraffin penetrates the outer layers of the stratum corneum to soften and lubricate
• Together, they reduce TEWL and help restore the skin's lipid barrier
• Regular use helps reduce the frequency and severity of dry skin flare-ups

Who Should Use Cetraben Moisturising Cream?

Cetraben is suitable for a wide range of people. It's particularly useful for anyone managing a chronic dry skin condition, but it's equally effective as a daily moisturiser for those with generally sensitive or reactive skin. It is fragrance-free and preservative-light, making it a good choice for people who find heavily fragranced products irritating.

• Adults and children with eczema or atopic dermatitis
• People with psoriasis or ichthyosis
• Babies and toddlers with dry or sensitive skin (under medical guidance)
• Anyone experiencing dry, flaky, or itchy skin due to environmental factors or ageing

How Does Cetraben Moisturising Cream Compare to Other Emollients?

Is Cetraben Moisturising Cream Safe to Use Long-Term?

Yes — Cetraben moisturising cream is considered safe for long-term, regular use. Because it contains no active pharmaceutical agents beyond the paraffin-based emollients, there is no risk of steroid-related side effects or tachyphylaxis. It can be used as often as needed throughout the day. If you're managing a skin condition alongside other treatments, you'll find a broad range of options in our creams and ointments collection.

One important safety note: paraffin-based emollients can soak into clothing and bedding, which increases the risk of fire. The MHRA has issued guidance advising patients to keep away from open flames and to wash fabrics regularly. Store the product below 25°C and keep out of reach of children.

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 Cetraben Moisturising Cream and What Is It Used For?

Cetraben Moisturising Cream is a paraffin-based emollient used to manage dry, flaky, and itchy skin. It is indicated for conditions including eczema, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, ichthyosis, and general xerosis (dry skin). The NHS recommends emollients as a cornerstone of dry skin management, advising that they should be applied regularly — even when the skin appears to be improving — to maintain the skin barrier and prevent flare-ups.

The 475ml pump bottle format makes it practical for whole-body application and daily use. It is available over the counter without a prescription and is suitable for adults, children, and babies.

What Do You Need to Know Before Using Cetraben Moisturising Cream?

Before using Cetraben, read the following carefully. While it is generally well tolerated, there are some important contraindications and precautions to be aware of.

Do not use Cetraben if:

• You are allergic to white soft paraffin, light liquid paraffin, or any other ingredient in the formulation
• You have a known hypersensitivity to any component of the cream

Warnings and precautions:

• Paraffin-based emollients present a fire hazard — keep away from open flames, cigarettes, and other ignition sources
• Dressings, clothing, and bedding that have been in contact with the cream can ignite more easily — wash regularly
• Avoid contact with the eyes
• If your skin condition worsens or does not improve after regular use, consult your GP or pharmacist
• Use with caution in babies and young children — seek medical advice before use in infants

Drug interactions:

• No clinically significant drug interactions are known for topical paraffin-based emollients
• If you are using topical corticosteroids or other prescribed skin treatments, apply Cetraben first and allow it to absorb before applying other products, or follow your prescriber's instructions

How Should You Use Cetraben Moisturising Cream?

Using an emollient correctly makes a real difference to how effective it is. The NHS advises applying emollients generously and frequently — at least twice daily, and more often during flare-ups. Here's how to get the most from Cetraben:

1. Wash and gently pat the skin dry before applying
2. Pump a generous amount of cream onto your hands
3. Apply to the affected area using smooth, downward strokes in the direction of hair growth
4. Do not rub vigorously — this can cause folliculitis (inflammation of hair follicles)
5. Allow the cream to absorb before dressing or applying other topical treatments
6. Wash hands after application unless the hands are the area being treated

If you're also managing other skin concerns, our baby and toddler collection includes additional products suitable for young, sensitive skin.

What Are the Possible Side Effects of Cetraben Moisturising Cream?

Cetraben is generally very well tolerated. Side effects are uncommon, but as with any topical product, some people may experience a reaction. If you notice any of the following, stop using the cream and speak to your pharmacist or GP.

Common side effects:

• Mild skin irritation or stinging immediately after application
• Temporary redness at the site of application

Less common side effects:

• Folliculitis (inflammation or infection of hair follicles, often caused by rubbing the cream in the wrong direction)
• Allergic contact dermatitis (rare — usually due to sensitivity to an excipient rather than the paraffin itself)
• Worsening of pre-existing skin condition (seek medical advice if this occurs)

How Should You Store Cetraben Moisturising Cream?

• Store below 25°C in a cool, dry place
• Do not freeze
• Keep the pump cap closed when not in use
• Keep out of reach and sight of children
• Do not use after the expiry date printed on the packaging
• Do not store near open flames or heat sources — paraffin-based products are flammable

For a broader range of skin health products, explore our skin care collection at Cured Pharmacy.