Emollient Cream
Emollient Cream
Product Description
Cetraben Emollient Cream by Cetraben is a fragrance-free, paraben-free dermatological moisturiser for dry, itchy and eczema-prone skin. Its balanced blend of White Soft Paraffin (13.2%) and Light Liquid Paraffin (10.5%) with humectant glycerin softens skin, locks in moisture and forms a breathable protective barrier against irritants. Cetraben is one of the UK's most GP-recommended emollient brands.
โจ Texture & Feel
Protective Skin Barrier
White soft paraffin forms a breathable occlusive layer that locks in moisture and shields skin from external irritants.
Humectant + Emollient Combo
Glycerin draws water into the skin while paraffins soften and smooth โ a pairing well suited to dry, eczema-prone skin.
Gentle, Minimal Formula
Free from fragrance, parabens, SLS and lanolin, with only 10 ingredients โ a sensible choice for reactive skin.
Trusted & GP-Recommended
One of the UK's most GP-recommended emollient brands, with research recognised by the British Skin Foundation.
๐ก๏ธ Safety & Compatibility
The manufacturer states use during pregnancy and breastfeeding is unlikely to have ill effects. Fragrance- and paraben-free. Check with your doctor if unsure.
Mineral-oil base with no plant oils, esters or fatty acids that feed malassezia. Contains polysorbate 60 (a low theoretical risk for the very sensitive).
This inert occlusive base is compatible with retinol, vitamin C and AHA/BHA. Apply your actives first, let them absorb, then seal with Cetraben.
Independently noted as free of the top 11 most common allergens (SkinSAFE) โ no fragrance, lanolin, parabens or common preservatives.
Like all paraffin-based emollients, keep away from open flames and cigarettes. Fabric (clothing, bedding) in contact with the cream can ignite more easily.
Suitable for sensitive skin, but some packs advise use by adults and children over 12. For infants and young children, use under medical advice.
๐ฌ Ingredient Breakdown
๐งฑ White Soft Paraffin (Petrolatum) 13.2% Proven
The primary occlusive active. It forms a protective film on the skin's surface that dramatically slows water loss, giving the cream its barrier-repairing, dry-skin-soothing properties.
- Source: Petrolatum is regarded in dermatology as a gold-standard occlusive, capable of reducing transepidermal water loss by a large margin.
- Source: Listed as an active in the official Cetraben product information (White Soft Paraffin 13.2% w/w).
๐ง Light Liquid Paraffin (Paraffinum Liquidum) 10.5% Proven
A highly refined, lightweight mineral oil that acts as an emollient โ softening and smoothing the skin while supporting the occlusive barrier without feeling as heavy as petrolatum alone.
- Source: Mineral oil is non-comedogenic and does not irritate the skin, making it widely used in sensitive-skin formulas.
- Source: Official Cetraben active (Light Liquid Paraffin 10.5% w/w).
๐ Glycerin (Glycerol) Humectant Proven
A powerful humectant that attracts and binds water into the upper layers of the skin. Pairing glycerin with occlusive paraffins helps both add and retain moisture for longer.
- Source: Glycerin is one of the most studied and effective humectants in skincare, drawing water into the stratum corneum.
๐งช Cetearyl Alcohol Emollient Proven
A fatty alcohol (a blend of cetyl and stearyl alcohol) that softens skin and stabilises the cream's oil-and-water emulsion. Despite the name, it is non-drying and non-irritating.
- Source: Fatty alcohols have a long oil-soluble tail that makes them emollient and skin-friendly โ quite unlike drying alcohols such as alcohol denat.
โ๏ธ Polysorbate 60 Emulsifier Promising
A sorbitol-derived surfactant and emulsifier that keeps the oil and water phases of the cream stably blended, giving it a smooth, uniform texture.
- Source: Polysorbates are commonly used and well tolerated in both cosmetics and foods to stabilise emulsions.
10 ingredients
Water (Aqua), Paraffin (White Soft Paraffin) 13.2%, Paraffinum Liquidum (Light Liquid Paraffin) 10.5%, Emulsifying Wax NF, Polysorbate 60, Glycerin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Citrate, Citric Acid.
๐ Where It Fits in Your Routine
As a rich emollient, Cetraben works best as your final moisturising step. For very dry or eczema-prone skin, apply to slightly damp skin after bathing and reapply throughout the day as needed. It can also double as a leave-on moisturiser or soap substitute.
๐ How to Use
Apply Liberally
Smooth a generous amount onto clean, dry or slightly damp skin, covering the affected or dry areas well.
Massage Gently
Apply in the direction of hair growth until absorbed. Avoid vigorous rubbing, which can warm the skin and trigger itching.
Use Around Bathing
Apply before and after washing to lock in moisture and protect skin from dryness.
Reapply Often
Use as often as needed โ at minimum twice daily, and more frequently during flare-ups or in cold weather.
๐ค Who Is It For?
โ Perfect for you if:
- You have dry, very dry or eczema-prone skin
- You want a fragrance- and paraben-free formula
- You react to scented or lanolin-containing creams
- You need an affordable, large-size body moisturiser
- You're pregnant or breastfeeding and want a gentle option
โ Consider alternatives if:
- You dislike heavier, occlusive textures
- You want a fast-absorbing gel for oily skin
- You're looking for anti-ageing actives like retinol or peptides
- You prefer a scented, luxury-feel cream
- You want ceramides or active barrier-repair ingredients
๐ฏ Skin Type Compatibility
The rich paraffin and glycerin blend deeply nourishes and prevents moisture loss all day.
Fragrance-free and free of the top common allergens โ ideal for reactive, easily-irritated skin.
Formulated specifically to soothe, hydrate and protect dry and eczema-prone skin.
Effective on dry areas but may feel a little heavy on oilier zones like the T-zone.
The occlusive texture can feel rich; best reserved for dry patches rather than the whole face.
๐ Results Timeline
Instant Comfort
Skin feels softer, smoother and less tight straight after application.
90% noticedReduced Dryness & Itch
Consistent daily use eases flaking, roughness and the itch-scratch cycle.
78% noticedStronger, Calmer Barrier
Eczema-prone and chronically dry skin looks calmer and more resilient.
70% noticedMaintained Hydration
Ongoing use keeps skin protected and helps reduce the frequency of flare-ups.
65% noticedโญ Ratings by Platform
โ๏ธ Pros & Cons
โ Praised
- Genuinely relieves dryness, itch and eczema flares
- Fragrance-free, paraben-free and lanolin-free
- Excellent value, with large 500gโ1050g sizes
- Non-greasy enough for daytime for most users
- Trusted, GP-recommended British brand
โ Criticized
- Pump/tube can be awkward to dispense
- Faint paraffin smell that some dislike
- Rich texture can feel heavy on oily skin
- Basic formula โ no ceramides or active repair agents
- Paraffin-based, so flammable near naked flames
๐ฐ Budget-Friendly Alternatives (Dupes)
A near-identical paraffin and glycerin emollient base at a fraction of the cost. Fewer frills and plainer packaging, but it does the same barrier-protecting job.
A light, fragrance-free paraffin-and-glycerin emollient. Slightly lighter feel, also suitable as a daily moisturiser for dry, sensitive skin.
A comparable dry-skin cream with white soft paraffin, but it contains lanolin โ a potential allergen Cetraben deliberately avoids.
An SLS-free paraffin emollient (around 21% paraffins) used as both a moisturiser and a soap substitute. Very similar function and feel.
๐ Comparison with Competitors
Cetraben Emollient Cream (Featured)
ยฃ4.99E45 Dermatological Cream
ยฃ5.49Diprobase Cream
ยฃ6.99CeraVe Moisturising Cream
ยฃ13.00๐ฆ Storage & Shelf Life
Around 6 months for tubes (pump dispenser versions are often shorter, ~3 months โ check the PAO symbol on your pack).
Store below 25ยฐC in a cool, dry place. Keep the cap on and away from naked flames.
Available as a squeeze tube (smaller sizes) or a hygienic airless pump dispenser (larger sizes).
Yes โ the 50g tube is well under the 100ml cabin-bag limit.
โ Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. The manufacturer states that using Cetraben Cream during pregnancy and breastfeeding is unlikely to cause any ill effects. Its simple, fragrance-free and paraben-free formula contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone or chemical sunscreens. As always, check with your doctor or pharmacist if you have any concerns.
Largely yes. The formula is built on mineral oils (white soft and light liquid paraffin) which do not feed malassezia, and it contains no plant oils, esters or fatty acids that typically trigger fungal acne. The one ingredient worth noting is polysorbate 60, which is a very low theoretical risk โ most fungal-acne-prone users tolerate it well, but patch testing is sensible if you're highly reactive.
Yes. Cetraben is an inert occlusive base with no actives of its own, so it won't deactivate or clash with retinol, vitamin C, AHAs or BHAs. The best approach is to apply your treatment products first, let them absorb, then seal everything in with a layer of Cetraben. It can even help buffer the dryness or irritation some actives cause.
It's best for dry, very dry, sensitive and eczema-prone skin. The combination of occlusive paraffins and humectant glycerin makes it ideal for skin that struggles to retain moisture. It's less ideal for very oily skin, where the rich texture can feel heavy if used all over.
Most people feel an immediate improvement in softness and comfort. With consistent twice-daily use, dryness, flaking and itching usually ease within a few days to two weeks. Eczema-prone and chronically dry skin tends to look calmer and more resilient over 2โ4 weeks, with the best results coming from ongoing daily use.
As a rich moisturiser, it goes at the end of your routine, after cleansing and any serums or actives. For the body, apply it to slightly damp skin after bathing to lock in moisture. It can also be used as a leave-on emollient throughout the day, or even as a gentle soap substitute when washing.
It has a low comedogenic rating of around 1/5. Mineral oil and paraffin are technically non-comedogenic and don't block pores in the way heavier plant butters can. That said, the texture is rich, so on acne-prone facial skin some people prefer to use it on dry patches rather than all over.
Tubes are typically good for around 6 months after opening, while some pump-dispenser versions advise use within about 3 months. Always check the small open-jar (PAO) symbol printed on your specific pack, and store below 25ยฐC in a cool, dry place.
Verdict: Cetraben Emollient Cream is a dependable, no-nonsense emollient that does exactly what it promises โ relieving dryness, itch and eczema with a fragrance-free, paraben-free and lanolin-free formula trusted by GPs across the UK. Its strength is also its limitation: this is a classic occlusive-plus-humectant base rather than a modern barrier-repair cream, so don't expect ceramides or active ingredients. If you want gentle, affordable, reliable hydration for dry or eczema-prone skin, it's an easy recommendation; if you're chasing anti-ageing actives or a featherlight finish, look elsewhere.
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 skinโs 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 ยซpromisesยป 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
Anti-Aging from 1 ingredient(s):
Brightening from 2 ingredient(s):
Promotes Wound Healing from 2 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
|
|
|
| 1 |
Paraffin
Emollient, Fragrance, Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Increasing Agent, Skin-Conditioning Agent - Occlusive
|
|
|
| 0 |
Emulsifying Wax Nf
|
|
|
| 3 |
Polysorbate 60
Surfactant, Emulsifying
|
|
|
| 2 |
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
|
Brightening
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|