Emollient creams and ointments
Drug Safety Update
July 2024: Epimax Ointment and Epimax Paraffin-Free Ointment: reports of ocular surface toxicity and ocular chemical injury
Due to the risk of ocular injury, Epimax ointment is not indicated for use on the face. If patients are using Epimax ointment on the body, please advise hand washing before touching the face and eyes
August 2020: Emollients and risk of severe and fatal burns: new resources available
December 2018: Emollients: new information about risk of severe and fatal burns with paraffin-containing and paraffin-free emollients.
April 2016: Paraffin-based skin emollients on dressings or clothing: fire risk.
Important safety information (for all Emollients)
The CSM has warned that these preparations make skin and surfaces slippery, therefore particular care is needed when bathing.
Emollients and Fire Risk
All emollients (paraffin and paraffin-free) can soak into clothing, bedding and dressings, leaving a flammable residue. The risk remains even after washing. Patients and carers should be advised to keep fabrics away from cigarettes, candles and other open flames.
Clear communication of these precautions is essential to reduce the risk of serious harm.
Prescribers or patients can request a free home fire safety visit by completing the Kent Fire and Rescue Service referral form, or by calling 0800 923 7000 (Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm) to speak with a home fire safety advisor.
Please see here for the following local Kent & Medway guidance and information:
- K&M Emollient Prescribing Guidance for Adults and Children
- K&M Emollients Patient Information Leaflet
For MTW emollient choices, please see here
Whilst all products listed below are on formulary for primary and secondary care prescribing, there are significant cost differences. Please follow the attached guideline (or specific Trust guideline) wherever possible for the most cost-effective product choice.
Any emollient (except white soft paraffin alone) can be used as a soap substitute for washing.
| Pack |
|---|
| 100 gram |
| 500 gram |
| Pack |
|---|
| 100 gram |
| 500 gram |
| Pack |
|---|
| 100 gram |
| 500 gram |
| Pack |
|---|
| 125 gram |
| 500 gram |
Moderately greasy; for dry skin.
Hospital choice for oncology/radiotherapy patients.
| Pack |
|---|
| 100 gram |
| 500 gram |
Only for those patients with confirmed paraffin sensitivity
Note: Fire hazard risk applies to both paraffin-containing AND paraffin-free emollients
| Pack |
|---|
| 500 gram |
| Pack |
|---|
| 50 gram |
| 500 gram |
| 150 gram |
| Pack |
|---|
| 50 gram |
| 150 gram |
| Pack |
|---|
| 125 gram |
| Pack |
|---|
| 125 gram |
| 500 gram |
| 1000 gram |
| Pack |
|---|
| 30 gram |
| 100 gram |
| 50 ml |
| 150 ml |
| 100 ml |
| 150 gram |
| 500 gram |
| Pack |
|---|
| 75 gram |
| 200 gram |
| 56 gram |
| 112 gram |
| 500 gram |
| 40 gram |
| Pack |
|---|
| 50 gram |
| 100 gram |
| 500 gram |
| Pack |
|---|
| 350 ml |
| 1000 ml |
| 500 ml |
| Pack |
|---|
| 30 gram |
| 100 gram |
| Pack |
|---|
| 125 gram |
| 500 gram |
| 100 gram |
| Pack |
|---|
| 100 ml |
In the community, Doublebase® gel is cheaper to prescribe as a branded generic Epimax® Isomol gel
| Pack |
|---|
| 100 gram |
| 1000 gram |
| 500 gram |
Light cream
Second line choice at MTW
(Least cost-effective in community)
| Pack |
|---|
| 50 gram |
| 500 gram |
- On Formulary Preferred
- On Formulary Second Line
- On Formulary Third Line
- Specialist Initiation
- Secondary Care Only
- Not Approved for Formulary