Cetraben Cream: Thick and Creamy

Why We Chose This Product

• Cetraben is a cream, which means it's a thick moisturiser, but not as greasy as an ointment. It has a higher water content than ointments, so it is lighter to apply and absorbs more readily into the skin. 
• It is thicker than a lotion or gel, so theoretically it should trap more moisture in the skin. However a study looking at different type of moisturisers found that lighter moisturisers were as effective for eczema as creams, so individual preference is the most important factor.  
• Cetraben comes as a pump dispenser, this is useful as it prevents bacteria from contaminating the bottle. 
• This cream contains no fragrances or colourings, so it is less likely to cause an allergic reaction (contact allergy) to the skin. 
• The main ingredient is paraffin. Paraffin is useful in eczema, as paraffin is not an allergic material.  
• There are lots of different creams on the market try, we chose cetraben cream from our experience and patient feedback. 
• It can be used directly on the skin or as a wash (soap substitute). 
• Suitable for adults and children over the age of 1

Cautions

• Use of moisturisers in the bath can or shower be a slip hazard
• Moisturisers are flammable. Over long periods moisturisers can build-up on fabric (clothing, bedding etc), making these materials flammable. Washing clothing and bedding may reduce this build-up but not totally remove it.  
• Cetraben does contain some preservatives so there is a small risk of allergic reaction. For people with allergy prone skin, ointments such as Epaderm ointment are better.  Do not use if you are allergic to any of the ingredients listed.

Ingredients

• White Soft Paraffin 13.2% W/w, Light Liquid Paraffin 10.5% W/w, Emulsifying Wax (Sls Free), Cetostearyl Alcohol, Glycerol, Phenoxyethanol, Citric Acid Monohydrate, Trisodium Citrate Dihydrate, Purified Water

References

1. Ridd MJ, Wells S, MacNeill SJ, Sanderson E, Webb D, Banks J, Sutton E, Shaw AR, Wilkins Z, Clayton J, Roberts A, Garfield K, Liddiard L, Barrett TJ, Lane JA, Baxter H, Howells L, Taylor J, Hay AD, Williams HC, Thomas KS, Santer M. Comparison of lotions, creams, gels and ointments for the treatment of childhood eczema: the BEE RCT. Health Technol Assess. 2023 Oct;27(19):1-120. doi: 10.3310/GZQW6681. PMID: 37924282; PMCID: PMC10679965.