benzalkonium chloride + isopropyl myristate + liquid paraffin at a glance
Medicine class
Antimicrobial emollient
Usual role
An aid for dry, itchy skin conditions, particularly eczema or dermatitis
How it is used
As a warm-bath additive or an undiluted leave-on skin emulsion
Important safety point
Keep treated fabrics away from cigarettes, flames and strong heat sources
What is benzalkonium chloride + isopropyl myristate + liquid paraffin used for?
Licensed uses include:
Helping treat dry, itchy skin conditions, especially eczema and dermatitis
Helping treat ichthyosis or xeroderma
Rehydrating the outer skin layer by replacing lost lipids
Providing antiseptic activity to assist with secondary infection
How does benzalkonium chloride + isopropyl myristate + liquid paraffin work?
Liquid paraffin and isopropyl myristate replace surface oils and form a barrier that reduces moisture loss. Benzalkonium chloride provides antimicrobial activity, including against Staphylococcus aureus associated with eczema.
How to take benzalkonium chloride + isopropyl myristate + liquid paraffin
For external use only. Shake before using as a bath additive, follow the pack instructions and use warm water. Pat the skin dry rather than rubbing. It can also be smoothed undiluted into dry areas until absorbed. Avoid the eyes and take care because surfaces may become slippery.
Keep away from cigarettes, flames and strong heat sources.
Wash the bath after use to remove greasy residue.
Allow this emollient and other topical treatments to absorb separately rather than applying them together.
benzalkonium chloride + isopropyl myristate + liquid paraffin side effects
Common or expected effects
- Very rare local redness, irritation or itching. Reactions may be more noticeable after excessive leave-on use in folded skin, such as the groin or nappy area.
Get urgent medical advice
- Rapidly developing swelling, breathing difficulty or collapse may indicate a severe allergic reaction requiring emergency help.
benzalkonium chloride + isopropyl myristate + liquid paraffin in pregnancy
Use during pregnancy is not expected to cause harmful effects because skin absorption of benzalkonium chloride is minimal. Ask a clinician or pharmacist if the skin is extensively damaged or a reaction occurs.
benzalkonium chloride + isopropyl myristate + liquid paraffin while breastfeeding
Use while breastfeeding is not expected to cause harmful effects. If applying it to the nipples, use it sparingly after feeding and gently remove any residue before the next feed.
benzalkonium chloride + isopropyl myristate + liquid paraffin interactions
No medicinal interactions are known, but other skin treatments should be applied separately.
Topical corticosteroids and other skin treatments
Allow the first product to absorb before applying the other to avoid dilution or spreading treatment onto unaffected skin.
Common questions about benzalkonium chloride + isopropyl myristate + liquid paraffin
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Is it an emollient or an antiseptic?
It is both: liquid paraffin and isopropyl myristate are emollients, while benzalkonium chloride provides antiseptic activity.
Can it be applied directly to the skin?
Yes. It can be used undiluted as a leave-on application or added to bath water.
Can children use it?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.