emulsifying wax + liquid paraffin + white soft paraffin at a glance
Medicine class
Paraffin-based emollient ointment and cream base
Licensed role
Preparation of Aqueous Cream BP and Buffered Cream BP by pharmacists
Important safety point
Residue on clothing, bedding or dressings can make fabrics burn more easily
What is emulsifying wax + liquid paraffin + white soft paraffin used for?
This product has a pharmacy-compounding role rather than a licensed indication for direct treatment.
Licensed use: preparation of Aqueous Cream BP and Buffered Cream BP.
Emollients as a class are applied to dry, itchy or scaly skin, but direct treatment is not a licensed indication of this product.
How does emulsifying wax + liquid paraffin + white soft paraffin work?
White soft paraffin and liquid paraffin form an oily, occlusive layer that reduces water loss from the skin. Emulsifying wax enables a stable cream to form when mixed with water.
How to take emulsifying wax + liquid paraffin + white soft paraffin
For external use only. This product is intended for pharmacy preparation of creams, so follow the label and instructions for the final preparation supplied. Keep the container and utensils clean. Treated skin, baths and floors may become slippery.
Do not swallow.
Keep away from cigarettes, flames and heat sources while residue may be present on clothing, bedding or dressings.
Washing contaminated fabrics can reduce residue but may not remove it completely.
emulsifying wax + liquid paraffin + white soft paraffin side effects
Common or expected effects
- Stinging, burning, itching or redness
- Contact dermatitis or rash
- Blocked or inflamed hair follicles
- Worsening acne
Get urgent medical advice
- A severe allergic reaction with facial or throat swelling, breathing difficulty, faintness or collapse requires emergency help.
emulsifying wax + liquid paraffin + white soft paraffin in pregnancy
Safety of this exact product during pregnancy has not been established. Emollients are used for dry or itchy skin in pregnancy, but a pharmacist, midwife or prescriber should confirm whether this formulation is appropriate.
emulsifying wax + liquid paraffin + white soft paraffin while breastfeeding
Safety of this exact product during breastfeeding has not been established. Ask a pharmacist or prescriber before use, particularly on or near the breast where an infant could contact or ingest residue.
emulsifying wax + liquid paraffin + white soft paraffin interactions
No medicine interactions are known for this product.
Other topical skin treatments
Apply separate skin treatments at different times as directed to avoid dilution or spreading treatment beyond the intended area.
Common questions about emulsifying wax + liquid paraffin + white soft paraffin
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
What is it used for?
It is licensed as an ointment base for pharmacists to prepare Aqueous Cream BP and Buffered Cream BP.
Is it the same as aqueous cream?
No. Emulsifying ointment is a base that can be mixed with water to make Aqueous Cream BP.
Can it be applied directly to skin?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.