Daily Moisturising Lotion for Dry Skin
Daily Moisturising Lotion for Dry Skin
Product Description
Product overview
A lightweight, no-fuss daily body lotion with just 9 simple ingredients. Formulated by E45's dermatological experts for dry and sensitive skin, this fragrance-free, fast-absorbing lotion delivers long-lasting hydration with glycerin and liquid paraffin to keep skin soft, supple and comfortable all day.
Long-Lasting Hydration
Glycerin draws moisture into the skin while liquid paraffin locks it in, providing comfortable hydration that lasts throughout the day.
Texture & feel
SENSORYLong-Lasting Hydration
Glycerin draws moisture into the skin while liquid paraffin locks it in, providing comfortable hydration that lasts throughout the day.
Barrier Protection
Paraffinum liquidum forms a breathable occlusive layer on the skin to reduce trans-epidermal water loss and protect against dryness.
Minimalist Formula
Just 9 ingredients with no fragrance, no silicones, and no harsh alcohols — fewer ingredients mean fewer chances of irritation.
Whole Family Friendly
Dermatologically tested and suitable for the whole family including babies over 3 months. Gentle enough for daily use on face and body.
Safety & compatibility
SAFEContains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreens. All E45 formulations are considered safe during pregnancy with negligible systemic exposure.
Safe to use while breastfeeding. As a precaution, avoid applying directly to the breast area immediately before nursing.
This formula contains no ferments, fatty acid esters, polysorbates, or oils known to feed Malassezia yeast. The simple ingredient list avoids common fungal acne triggers.
Glycerin and paraffinum liquidum are rated 0 for comedogenicity. Glyceryl stearate is rated 1. Very low risk of clogging pores.
Includes methylparaben and propylparaben as preservatives. While considered safe at cosmetic concentrations by the EU Scientific Committee, those who prefer paraben-free may wish to choose an alternative.
Used as an emulsifier (not a cleansing surfactant). Considerably gentler than SLS/SLES and present in small amounts. Generally well-tolerated by sensitive skin.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSGlycerin ~5–15%Proven
A powerful humectant that attracts and retains water in the skin. Glycerin is a skin-identical ingredient found naturally in the body and is one of the most well-studied moisturising actives in dermatology.
- Mechanism: Draws moisture from the environment and deeper skin layers to hydrate the stratum corneum
- Barrier support: Helps maintain skin lipids in a healthy liquid crystal state, protecting against irritation
- Evidence: Effective from as low as 3%, with additional benefits at higher concentrations up to 20–40% for severely dry skin
Paraffinum Liquidum (Mineral Oil) ~3–8%Proven
A highly refined, inert occlusive emollient that sits on the skin surface and prevents trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL). Despite common myths, cosmetic-grade mineral oil is non-comedogenic and extremely well tolerated.
- Occlusivity: Creates a protective barrier that significantly reduces moisture evaporation from the skin
- Safety: A 2017 review concluded cosmetic mineral oils pose no risk due to lack of systemic absorption
- Comedogenicity: A 2005 study confirmed mineral oil is non-comedogenic in humans (rating 0–2)
Glyceryl Stearate ~2–5%Emulsifier
A naturally occurring compound (also produced by the human body) made from glycerin and stearic acid. Acts as an emulsifier to stabilise the oil-water mixture and provides a soft, smooth skin feel.
- Function: Binds water and oil phases together, improving product stability and shelf life
- Skin feel: Leaves skin feeling soft and smooth, also functions as a mild emollient
- Safety: Comedogenic rating of 1, irritancy rating of 0 — very well tolerated
Carbomer <1%Texture Agent
A high-molecular-weight polymer of acrylic acid used to thicken the formula and create a pleasant gel-like consistency. Due to its large molecular size, it has minimal skin penetration and is considered inert.
- Function: Thickener and viscosity controller that creates stable, non-tacky formulations
- Safety: Typically used at 1% or less, does not penetrate the skin barrier
9 ingredients
Water, Glycerin, Paraffinum Liquidum, Glyceryl Stearate, Sodium Cetearyl Sulfate, Carbomer, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Sodium Hydroxide
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEUse as your daily body and face moisturiser. Apply morning and evening, or whenever skin feels dry. For best results, pair with a gentle, soap-free cleanser like E45 Wash Cream.
How to use
HOW TO USECleanse First
Wash skin with a gentle, soap-free cleanser and pat dry. Applying to slightly damp skin helps lock in extra moisture.
Dispense & Apply
Pump a generous amount onto clean hands. Smooth the lotion across the body, face, and hands using gentle, upward strokes.
Massage In
Gently massage until fully absorbed. Do not rub vigorously — this can irritate sensitive or dry skin. The lotion absorbs within 30–60 seconds.
Reapply as Needed
Use as often as required throughout the day. For very dry skin, apply 2–3 times daily, especially after bathing or hand-washing.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You have dry, flaky, or tight-feeling skin
- You prefer fragrance-free, minimalist formulations
- You want a lightweight lotion that absorbs quickly without greasiness
- You need a body moisturiser safe for the whole family, including babies
- You have sensitive, eczema-prone, or easily irritated skin
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding and want a safe daily moisturiser
- You want a budget-friendly daily body lotion from a trusted brand
Consider alternatives if:
- You want active skincare ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, or niacinamide
- You strictly avoid all parabens (this formula contains methylparaben and propylparaben)
- You prefer plant-based or natural-only ingredients over mineral oil derivatives
- You have very oily skin and find mineral oil too heavy
- You need rich, intensive moisture for severely cracked or extremely dry skin (consider E45 Cream instead)
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESDesigned specifically for dry skin. Glycerin hydrates while mineral oil locks in moisture. Perfect daily companion for chronically dry, tight-feeling skin.
Fragrance-free, minimal ingredients, dermatologically tested. One of the simplest formulas on the market — ideal for reactive or easily irritated skin.
Works well as an everyday body moisturiser. Lightweight enough not to feel heavy, hydrating enough to keep normal skin comfortable.
Light enough for combination skin types. Absorbs without leaving excess shine, though oilier zones may not need daily application.
Mineral oil may feel too heavy for oily skin types, especially on the face. Better suited for body use. Consider an oil-free gel moisturiser for facial use.
Low comedogenic rating (1/5), fungal-acne safe, and fragrance-free. A solid choice for acne-prone skin needing gentle hydration without pore-clogging risks.
Results timeline
4+ WEEKSInstant Softness & Comfort
Skin feels softer, smoother, and more comfortable right after application. Tightness and dryness are immediately relieved as glycerin attracts moisture to the skin surface.
95% noticed instant softnessReduced Flaking & Roughness
With consistent daily use, visible flaking begins to diminish. Rough patches feel smoother as the occlusive barrier helps retain moisture between applications.
80% noticed less flakingVisible Redness Reduction
Clinically proven to visibly reduce redness and improve the appearance of extremely dry and irritated skin when applied daily for two weeks.
70% noticed reduced rednessSustained Barrier Improvement
Continued use helps maintain a healthier skin barrier, reducing the frequency of dry skin flare-ups and keeping skin consistently hydrated and resilient.
85% reported long-term improvementRatings by platform
24K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Ultra-simple 9-ingredient formula minimises irritation risk
- Lightweight, non-greasy texture absorbs quickly
- Fragrance-free and dermatologically tested
- Trusted British pharmacy brand with 60+ years of heritage
- Safe for babies over 3 months and during pregnancy
- Fungal acne safe — no common Malassezia triggers
- Excellent value for money at pharmacy price points
- Can be used on face, body, and hands
Criticized
- Contains methylparaben and propylparaben (preservatives)
- May not be rich enough for severely dry or cracked skin
- Contains mineral oil, which some users prefer to avoid
- No advanced actives (no ceramides, hyaluronic acid, or niacinamide)
- Pump packaging wastes product at the bottom of the bottle
- Can feel slightly heavy on oily skin types
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPES
Similarly simple, fragrance-free formula with glycerin and mineral oil. Slightly more ingredients but equally gentle for sensitive skin. Widely available at UK supermarkets and pharmacies.
Contains glycerin and mineral oil but adds vitamin E and jojoba oil. Has a light fragrance, so not suitable for fragrance-free seekers. Richer texture and multi-purpose use.
A stripped-back, fragrance-free body lotion aimed at sensitive skin. Uses glycerin as a key humectant but swaps mineral oil for lighter emollients. Even more budget-friendly.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDE
Storage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening
Store below 25°C in a cool, dry place. Keep away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Keep away from naked flames (contains paraffin).
Plastic bottle with pump dispenser (400ml) or squeeze tube (200ml)
200ml size exceeds the 100ml carry-on limit. Decant into a smaller container for air travel, or pack in checked luggage.
Frequently asked questions
FAQYes. E45 Daily Moisturising Lotion contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreen filters. All E45 formulations are considered safe during pregnancy as systemic exposure to the ingredients is negligible. It is also safe during breastfeeding — just avoid applying directly to the breast area immediately before nursing as a precaution.
Yes. According to SkinSort's ingredient analysis, this formula is fungal acne safe. It contains no ferments, fatty acid esters (like isopropyl palmitate), polysorbates, or other ingredients commonly known to feed Malassezia yeast. The ultra-simple 9-ingredient formula avoids the vast majority of fungal acne triggers.
Yes. This lotion is a basic moisturiser with no active ingredients that would conflict with retinol, vitamin C, AHAs, or BHAs. Apply your active treatment first, allow it to absorb for a few minutes, then follow with the E45 lotion to seal in moisture and buffer any potential irritation. The simple formula makes it an ideal companion to active treatments.
This lotion is best suited for dry and sensitive skin types. It also works well for normal and combination skin as a lightweight daily body moisturiser. Those with oily skin may find the mineral oil content slightly heavy, especially for facial use. For acne-prone skin, it is a good option thanks to its low comedogenic rating (1/5) and fungal-acne-safe status.
You will feel softer, more comfortable skin immediately after the first application. Visible improvements in flaking and roughness typically appear within 1–3 days of consistent use. E45 states that clinical results show visible reduction in redness and improved appearance of extremely dry skin within 2 weeks of daily use.
Apply it as your moisturiser step — after cleansing, toning, and any serums or treatments. In the morning, follow it with sunscreen. It can be used on face, body, and hands. For best results, apply to slightly damp skin to lock in maximum hydration, and pair with a gentle cleanser like E45 Wash Cream.
This lotion has a comedogenic rating of 1 out of 5 — very low risk of clogging pores. Glycerin has a comedogenic rating of 0, mineral oil is rated 0 (confirmed non-comedogenic in human studies), and glyceryl stearate is rated 1. The formula is also fragrance-free and contains no known pore-clogging oils or waxes.
The Period After Opening (PAO) is 12 months. Store the product below 25°C in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. The unopened shelf life is approximately 2–3 years. Important fire safety note: as the product contains paraffin, clothing and bedding in contact with the product may pose a fire hazard — wash regularly.
Verdict: E45 Daily Moisturising Lotion is a rock-solid, no-nonsense body moisturiser that does exactly what it promises — hydrate dry skin without fuss. Its standout strength is the ultra-minimal 9-ingredient formula, making it one of the simplest and safest moisturisers on the market for sensitive, eczema-prone, and allergy-susceptible skin. It is pregnancy safe, fungal acne safe, and suitable for the whole family. However, it lacks the advanced actives (ceramides, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide) found in competitors like CeraVe, and the inclusion of parabens may deter some users. If you value simplicity, affordability, and a proven track record from a trusted 60-year-old British pharmacy brand, this is an excellent daily moisturiser choice.
Product Overview
What are Quick Product Notes?
Quick product notes are a great way to check if a product is free from commonly avoided ingredients by skincare enthusiasts. These preferences come about for different reasons depending on the ingredient such as personal experiences, sensitivities, health preferences & etc.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product is not free from a common preference does not mean it's a bad product! You can make a personal decision whether or not you want to use a product that contains these ingredients or not - click the labels of the preference to read more about them.
Quick Product Notes
Paraben-Free
Paraben-Free
Understanding Parabens
Parabens are a large group of preservatives which are used to prevent bacteria growing in cosmetic formulations. There has been some healthy controversy surrounding them due to a few studies finding paraben presence in breast tumours and breast tissue. However, the majority of the scientific community have deemed these findings non-conclusive due to the limitations of these studies. There's still a lot of support for avoiding parabens following the better safe than sorry route. If you do we completely support you! If you are concerned about the health safety of parabens, then feel free to avoid them by looking out for the Paraben-Free icon. If not, don't worry about it - they do have had one of the longest safety records as preservatives!
Which Ingredients are classified as Paraben?
A product will be paraben-free if it does not contain any of the following parabens:
- Sodium Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Ethylparaben
- Sodium Butylparaben
- Propylparaben
- Isopropylparaben
- Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Propylparaben
- Butylparaben
- Ethylparaben
- Sodium Methylparaben
- Methylparaben
Sulfate-Free
Sulfate-Free
Understanding Sulfates
Sulfates are a large group of ingredients which act as cleansing agents in Cosmetics. They help loosen up the dirt and grime from your skin and hair to allow for water to wash it away with ease. However some sulfates are so good at their job, they can wash off your skin’s own natural oils that keep it moisturised and protected which can lead to dryness and irritation. Most people will find no issues with sulfate, however if you find your skin doesn't like sulfates then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the sulfate-free icon on Skincarisma.
Which ingredients are classified as sulfates?
We've taken the Sulfates which are considered more harsh for our Sulfate-Free status. A product will be Sulfate-Free if it does not contain any of the following Sulfates:
- TEA-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate
- Ammonium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
- PEG-15 Cocamine
- Sodium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Cocoyl Sarcosinate
- Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
- Dioctyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate
- Ammonium Xylenesulfonate
- Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate
- Sodium Xylenesulfonate
- Sodium Myreth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate
Alcohol-Free
Alcohol-Free
Understanding Simple Alcohols
Alcohol ingredients are widely used in cosmetics and come in different types. For the most part alcohols are not problematic at all. However one type of alcohols, simple alcohols can be quite drying to the skin because it evaporates very quickly. This can cause irritation which can also lead to other skin complications. These alcohols should never be used alone on your skin, but combined with other cosmetic ingredients, they are normally without issue. However, for some people with sensitive and easily irritable skin, avoiding products with these simple alcohols may be beneficial. If you find your skin doesn't like these simple alcohols, then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the Alcohol-Free icon.
Which Ingredients are classified as Alcohol?
A product will be alcohol-free if it does not contain any of the following alcohol ingredients:
- SD Alcohol
- Alcohol Denat
- Isopropyl Alcohol
- Alcohol
Silicone-Free
Silicone-Free
Understanding Silicones
If you've ever used a skincare, makeup or beauty product that's made your skin look and feel smoother tempoarily - it's likely contained Silicone. They are a popular class of ingredients found in cosmetics due to their smooth, soft, easy-to-spread and smooth properties that help creates an artificial layer/barrier on top of skin or hair (commonly found in conditioners).
For the same reasons they are popularly used, they are also commonly avoided. Anecdotally, many individuals have reported that Silicones cause/excerbate breakouts, irritation, cause a feeling of skin being unable to breathe, cause clumping of cosmetic products and find it difficult to wash off. As a result, those who find them problematic are avoiding them and increasingly, cosmetic companies are avoiding them as well.
If you have had bad experiences with Silicones in the past, or suspect they are problematic then look out for the tick on the Silicone-free label.
Disclaimer
The Silicone-free label only includes the most common Silicone ingredients that have indentified been reported by individuals that could potentially cause issues.
These include: Amodimethicone, Behenoxy Dimethicone, Bis-Aminopropyl Dimethicone, Cetearyl Methicone, Cetyl Dimethicone, Cyclomethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Dimethicone Copolyol, Dimethiconol, Methicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Stearoxy Dimethicone, Stearyl Dimethicone, Trimethylsilylamodimethicone.
Note, that this does not include all ingredients part of the Silicone class of ingredients.
EU Allergen-Free
EU Allergen-Free
Understanding the Identified Contact Allergens
The EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has identified and established 26 cosmetic ingredients that are likely contact allergens (potential to cause skin allergies) as demonstrated in clinical or epidemiological studies. The EU's SCCS have recommend cosmetic companies to disclose them on the labels if used and in cases where the concentration exceeds 0.001% in leave-on products and 0.01% in rinse-off products, then they must be labelled.
Look out for the tick on the EU-Allergen free label to know your cosmetic is free from any of the 26 identified cosmetic ingredients.
For more information regarding the EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety, please visit their official website.
Disclaimer
The EU Allergen Free label is for the 26 ingredients identified by the EU SCCS and products will be only flagged if a suspected ingredient is on it's ingredient list. It is possible for cosmetics to contain one of the suspect ingredients without it appearing on the ingredient list due to it not reaching the concentration threshold to disclose it and cosmetic manufacturers choice to not disclose it.
Also note, the EU Allergen Free label is not personalized for your own allergies you may have and it does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Understanding Fungal Acne (Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia Folliculitis)
Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia folliculitis or simply known as Fungal Acne is a persistent acne-like condition that commonly responds poorly to traditional acne-treating methods. Unlike most cases of Acne where bacteria is the culprit, Fungi is the culprit of Fungal Acne (Hence the name!). There are certain classes & groups of ingredients that have been shown to promote and feed the growth of the Fungal Acne, Fungi such as fatty acids, oils, esters, polysorbates and fermented ingredients.
For more information regarding Fungal Acne, please visit Simple Skincare Science (f.c) - #3 of our Recommend Skincare Resources for an amazing comprehensive guide!
Please Read: How to use the Fungal Acne (Malassezia) Label
At SkinCarisma, we've done our best to identify as many ingredients as possible but note the fungal-free label may not be 100% accurate due to the complexconditions and combination of ingredients that malezzeria can thrive on.
Additionally, products that may contain ingredients that have shown to feed Malassezia may not neccessarily exacerbate the condition due to concentration of ingredient used in the product, this information is simply not available on the products.
As a result, please note this is only an experimental label that can be best used to possible identify problematic products you have used in the past. It is in no way a perfect identifier nor a predictor in whether or not it will exacerbate or cause fungal acne. It will continue to be worked on as more information and research comes to light.
If you find any ingredients you believe should be included, please email us at snails@skincarisma.com.
Disclaimer
Due to the lack of substantial research into this area it is very likely there are other ingredients and class/groups of ingredients that could feed Fungal Acne which have not been indentified.
The Fungal-Safe label does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
What are Notable Effects & Ingredients?
Ever used a product that promised a certain effect but provided no results? It might not have contained any notable ingredients that could have been responsible for that promised effect. It doesn't matter what the marketing or packaging «promises» it can do, if it doesn't contain anything that can help - then the likelihood of it helping is low.
We help you identify key notable ingredients that have been shown to help with effects such as acne-fighting, brightening, UV-protection, wound healing & anti-aging to help you achieve your skincare goals smarter. Please note that different notable ingredients have varying levels of research behind them, some are extremely well proven yet some have mixed research in their efficacy.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product doesn't contain any notable ingredients doesn't mean it's bad. And a product with notable ingredients (or even many) doesn't necessarily guarantee the efficacy of the product performing these effects either. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine this.
Be smart and use this as just a starting point for you to make more informed and smarter choices and compare it with reviews to see if the product is right for you
Notable Effects & Ingredients
Brightening from 1 ingredient(s):
Promotes Wound Healing from 1 ingredient(s):
What are Ingredients Related to Skin Type?
Why are some products great for some people and horrible for others? Well everyone has different skin types and different reactions to the same ingredients.
We've identified a range of ingredients that are commonly regarded as potentially good or bad for those with Dry, Oily/Acne-Prone or Sensitive skin.
Pro Tip Alert!
A product that contains good or bad ingredients for your skin type doesn't always flat out make the entire product good or bad for your skin. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine your skins reaction.
One of the best ways to use this section is to troubleshoot products you've had bad experiences with in the past. Check if it contains any of the marked ingredients to point out suspect ingredients to avoid in the future!
Ingredients Related to Skin Types
Dry Skin
Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
Sensitive Skin
What is the Ingredient Safety Breakdown?
Ingredient Safety Breakdown refers to the percentage % of ingredients in different risk categories as classified by EWG (Environment Working Group) if they are available. There are almost endless cosmetic ingredients and they are one of the few organisations globally that have assigned ratings to a lot of the more commonly used ingredients which is why we reference them.
Pro Tip Alert!
EWG is seen by many to be more on the alarmist side in their assignment of health ratings resulting in rating ingredients as riskier than they actually are. We recommend using this a reference point rather than a strict guide of ingredient safety and to always do further research if into ingredients that you may find suspect.
Ingredient Safety Breakdown
Product ingredient list
| EWG | CIR | Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 2 |
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
|
Brightening
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|
|
| 0 |
Paraffinum Liquidum
Emollient, Skin Protecting, Solvent
|
|
|
| 1 |
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient, Emulsifying
|
|
|
| 1 |
Sodium Cetearyl Sulfate
Cleansing, Foaming, Surfactant
|
|