isopropyl myristate + liquid paraffin at a glance
Medicine class
Emollient and skin protectant
Form
White, wash-off gel for use on the skin
Main role
Cleansing and protecting dry or chapped skin in place of ordinary soap
Important safety point
Emollient residue makes clothing, bedding and dressings burn more easily; keep away from cigarettes and flames
What is isopropyl myristate + liquid paraffin used for?
Licensed uses for this wash gel include:
Treating and preventing dry or chapped skin that may also be itchy or inflamed.
Use as a protective, hydrating soap substitute when washing.
Use alongside other topical treatments for a dry-skin condition.
How does isopropyl myristate + liquid paraffin work?
Isopropyl myristate and liquid paraffin form an oily barrier within the skin surface. This reduces water evaporation, helping the outer skin layer rehydrate and soften. A non-ionic emulsifier allows cleansing without ordinary soap.
How to take isopropyl myristate + liquid paraffin
For external use on the skin only.
Use instead of ordinary soap or cleanser.
Wash gently; the gel is not expected to foam.
Rinse off, then pat the skin dry with a soft towel rather than rubbing.
Take care on slippery bath, shower or floor surfaces, and clean affected surfaces with detergent.
Keep treated fabrics away from cigarettes, naked flames and other ignition sources.
isopropyl myristate + liquid paraffin side effects
Common or expected effects
- No common adverse effects are identified in the selected product information. Rare local irritation, mild rash or an allergic skin reaction can occur.
Get urgent medical advice
- Sudden facial, mouth, tongue or throat swelling, or difficulty breathing, requires emergency help.
isopropyl myristate + liquid paraffin in pregnancy
The selected UK product information states that no special precautions are required during pregnancy. Seek professional advice if the skin condition is severe, widespread or not improving.
isopropyl myristate + liquid paraffin while breastfeeding
The selected UK product information states that no special precautions are required while breastfeeding. Prevent the infant from contacting freshly treated, slippery skin or contaminated fabrics.
isopropyl myristate + liquid paraffin interactions
No medicine interactions are known for the selected product. Apply other topical treatments separately to avoid diluting or spreading them unintentionally.
Topical corticosteroids and other medicated skin treatments
Apply separately and ask the prescriber which product should be used first.
Common questions about isopropyl myristate + liquid paraffin
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Is it a soap substitute?
Yes. This wash-gel formulation cleanses dry skin in place of ordinary soap or cleanser.
Does it foam when washing?
No. It cleanses without the foaming action of ordinary soap.
Should it be rinsed off?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.