Understanding the different ingredients that go into skincare products can feel like a minefield. Some packaging may boast that its ingredients will help you defy the signs of ageing, while others will claim that their cream’s formula will hydrate and soothe even the driest skin. But what skincare actually works for your own skin? Answering this question begins with learning how to read skincare ingredient labels so you can spot the ingredients that will do good for your individual skin type, and those that might irritate your skin too.
The good news is that there’s a lot of affordable skincare that works out there, especially for dry skin conditions. A combination of emollients, emulsifiers, preservatives and humectants add up to a balanced formula – and we’ll show you how to spot these ingredients so you can make more informed choices for your dry skin.
Ingredient #1 – Liquid Paraffin and Yellow Soft Paraffin
Liquid paraffin and yellow soft paraffin are common emollients found in skincare, particularly in products used to manage dry skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis and ichthyosis. [Source: NHS] Emollients work by adding a layer to the surface of the skin, which traps moisture beneath it. This helps to restore the skin’s natural barrier function and prevent common irritants like allergens and bacteria from entering any broken skin, reducing the chance of a flare-up or infection. [Source: National Eczema Society] That’s why you’ll find liquid paraffin and yellow soft paraffin in many products for dry and sensitive skin.
Ingredient #2 - Cetomacrogol Emulsifying Wax BP
Cetomacrogol Emulsifying Wax BP is a common emulsifier in skincare formulations. On a label, you may see the skincare ingredients Cetostearyl Alcohol and Macrogol Cetostearyl Ether 22 – but don’t be alarmed by the word alcohol. Cetostearyl Alcohol is a fatty alcohol that has a different chemical structure to more commonly known alcohols (like the ones in your spirit cabinet!), which works by trapping water and providing a hydrating feel to the skin. [Source: Healthline] Cetomacrogol Emulsifying Wax BP’s role in an ingredient formula is to stabilize and blend oil and water-based ingredients so the cream or ointment is easier to work into the skin.
Ingredient #3 – Glycerine
Glycerine is a humectant, a substance that attracts water. [Source: WebMD] It’s a common ingredient found in many skincare products due to its ability to pull water into the outer layer of your skin, helping to improve skin barrier function, protect against irritants and provide relief from dry skin conditions, including psoriasis. [Source: Healthline] A 2016 study found that glycerine increased hydration on the top layer of the skin more effectively than other ingredients – contributing to the opinion that it’s the most effective humectant available. [Source: NCBI] While it’s not recommended for use in its purest form, when glycerine is part of a balanced skincare formula, it has moisturising properties that can last for between 6 and 24 hours. [Source: National Eczema Society]
Can you get all these ingredients in one product?
When it comes to treating conditions like dry skin, eczema and psoriasis, the most effective products have balanced formulas that contain a mix of many or all of these ingredients – working to hydrate and protect in equal measure. And it’s products like these that you’ll find in the Epaderm range.
Epaderm products have been clinically formulated to support and restore the skin’s natural barrier function, containing ingredients that are suitable for all ages, including babies. Free from fragrances, colouring and steroids, these products provide gentle hydration to even the most sensitive skin.
Epaderm Cream contains just six clinically proven ingredients (Purified Water EP, Liquid Paraffin Ph. Eur., Yellow Soft Paraffin BP, Cetomacrogol Emulsifying Wax BP (contains Cetostearyl Alcohol and Macrogol Cetostearyl Ether 22), Chlorocresol, Glycerine BP) to moisturise and soften the skin. With its non-greasy formula, you can apply day and night whenever your skin needs a little TLC, and the ingredients also work well when mixed with water to create a gentle face wash or cleanser. You may wonder how long before skincare works, and while this answer can be different for everyone, Epaderm Cream has been proven to improve skin hydration in just two weeks. [Source: Mölnlycke Health Care. Data on file]
With just three clinically proven ingredients (Cetomacrogol Emulsifying Wax BP. (contains Cetostearyl Alcohol and Macrogol Cetostearyl Ether 22), Yellow Soft Paraffin BP., Liquid Paraffin Ph. Eur.), Epaderm Ointment is a simple formula for deep hydration. It’s super thick and moisturising, making it great for an overnight treatment for your body or face.
Used alongside each other, these two Epaderm products are an ideal solution for treating and managing dry skin.
It's all about balance
So, that’s a whistle-stop tour of some of the most common ingredients found in products for managing dry skin. Clearly, balance is key – both in the formulation of skincare ingredients and how you use them! So next time you’re browsing the skincare section, be sure to watch out for packaging with reams and reams of ingredients, as it’s clear it can take as little as three ingredients to make a big difference to your skin.
It’s also important to remember that everyone’s skin is different, so if you’re ever struggling with your symptoms, visit your doctor or dermatologist for the help you need.
