Aqueous cream is a widely used, non-prescription topical preparation historically employed for managing dry skin conditions. This cream serves a dual purpose in skincare: primarily as a protective skin barrier and secondarily as a gentle cleansing agent. Understanding its composition and function is important for maximizing its benefits and mitigating potential risks.
Composition and Classification
Aqueous cream is classified as an oil-in-water emulsion, giving it a light, non-greasy texture often preferred over thicker ointments. The formula generally consists of emulsifying ointment and purified water, allowing the oil and water phases to mix and remain stable. Key components include liquid hydrocarbons like liquid paraffin and white soft paraffin wax, which are derived from petroleum and serve as the oil base.
These paraffin oils are mixed with emulsifying wax to create the creamy consistency. The emulsifying wax often contains sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), a detergent and surfactant that functions as a stabilizer for the emulsion. Other ingredients, such as cetostearyl alcohol and preservatives like chlorocresol or phenoxyethanol, are added to aid in stability and prevent microbial growth.
Primary Function as an Emollient
Historically, the main therapeutic use of aqueous cream was as an emollient, designed to soothe and soften the skin by trapping moisture. Emollients function by forming a hydrophobic, oily layer on the skin’s outermost layer, the stratum corneum, which slows down transepidermal water loss. This barrier helps retain the skin’s natural moisture, improving flexibility and reducing dryness.
The cream was frequently recommended for the symptomatic relief of dry skin conditions, including atopic eczema, psoriasis, and ichthyosis. Regular application helps manage the chronic dryness, itching, and scaling associated with these conditions. However, using certain formulations as a “leave-on” emollient has become controversial due to documented adverse reactions.
The concern centers around the inclusion of sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), which, when left on the skin, acts as an irritant and detergent. Studies show that for some individuals, particularly children with eczema, using standard aqueous cream as a leave-on product can cause stinging, burning, and redness. This irritation can exacerbate the condition by reducing the thickness of the stratum corneum and increasing water loss. Therefore, professional advice often cautions against using the standard formulation as a regular, long-contact emollient.
Using Aqueous Cream as a Soap Substitute
Aqueous cream is a well-established soap substitute for washing. Traditional soaps, shower gels, and bubble baths contain strong detergents that strip the skin of its natural lipid barrier, leading to increased dryness and irritation. This is problematic for individuals with compromised skin barriers from conditions like eczema.
When used as a wash-off product, the cream’s oily components gently lift dirt and debris without removing the skin’s essential protective oils. The short contact time mitigates the irritant effect of sodium lauryl sulfate, as the cream is rinsed away. This makes it a suitable, non-foaming alternative for hand-washing, showering, and bathing for people with sensitive or dry skin.
To use it as a soap substitute, a small amount is applied directly to the skin, massaged gently, and then thoroughly rinsed off with water. Using the cream in this manner minimizes the drying effect of water and harsh cleansers, contributing to skin health management for those prone to irritation.
Application Guidelines and Safety Warnings
When applying aqueous cream, use a clean spatula or spoon to remove the product from the container, avoiding contamination from hands. The cream should be applied sparingly to the affected area, following the direction of hair growth to help prevent inflammation of the hair follicles. It is typically used as often as required to relieve dry skin symptoms.
The most significant safety warning associated with aqueous cream and other paraffin-containing emollients is the risk of flammability. The paraffin oils readily soak into fabrics such as clothing, bedding, and bandages, leaving a flammable residue. If this contaminated fabric contacts a heat source, such as a match, cigarette, or open flame, it can ignite quickly and burn intensely, leading to severe or fatal burns.
Users must keep away from all naked flames and heat sources, including smoking, while using the product and be mindful of clothing and bedding that may have absorbed the cream. Regular washing of fabrics may reduce the residue but does not completely eliminate the fire risk. Due to the potential for skin irritation from sodium lauryl sulfate, any user who experiences burning, stinging, or redness should discontinue use immediately and consult a healthcare professional for an SLS-free alternative.