Aqueous Cream BP, also known as sorbolene, is a light, hydrocarbon-based emulsion, which is officially registered in the British Pharmacopoeia and categorised by the British National Formulary as a non-proprietary emollient preparation. It is used as a topical, external medicine, emollient moisturiser, and general-purpose substitute for toiletries such as soap, shower gel, shaving cream, and lip salve.
Ingredients
The common ingredients are:
- liquid hydrocarbons
- white soft paraffin wax
- purified water
- emulsifying wax containing sodium lauryl sulphate
- cetostearyl alcohol
- chlorocresol
Contraindications
British researchers found evidence that using the cream to moisturize areas affected by eczema may actually aggravate the condition. They suggested this was due to skin-thinning effects of a detergent sodium lauryl sulfate. The National Eczema Society recommends alternatives such as white soft paraffin wax or other types of emollient without such a high content of sodium lauryl sulfate.