AACTIMED Emulsifying Ointment BP – 500g
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Overview
AACTIMED Emulsifying Ointment BP is a 500g pharmacy-grade emollient preparation formulated to the British Pharmacopoeia (BP) standard — meaning the formulation, quality, and purity of the ingredients meet the rigorously defined specifications set out in the official UK pharmaceutical compendium. It is one of the most widely used and clinically established emollient preparations available in UK pharmacy, recommended as both a leave-on moisturiser and a soap substitute for the management of dry, scaling, and compromised skin.
The preparation works by forming an occlusive barrier on the skin's surface that significantly reduces transepidermal water loss — the primary mechanism by which dry skin loses moisture and becomes increasingly uncomfortable, rough, and reactive. Unlike cosmetic moisturisers, emulsifying ointment is unfragranced, unpreserved, and formulated without any sensitising additives, which is precisely why it is so consistently recommended for skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and ichthyosis, where fragrance and preservatives in standard skincare can trigger or worsen reactions.
Used as a soap substitute in the shower or bath — emulsifying ointment lathers slightly in water and cleanses the skin without the stripping effect of conventional soaps and shower gels — it is a dual-purpose preparation that forms the foundation of a comprehensive dry skin management routine. Pearl Chemist Group's pharmacy team can advise on how to use this preparation most effectively alongside other emollients and any prescribed treatments.
What It Does
- Acts as an emollient moisturiser, forming an occlusive barrier on the skin's surface to reduce transepidermal water loss and maintain comfortable skin hydration
- Soothes and softens dry, rough, scaling, or irritated skin associated with eczema, psoriasis, ichthyosis, and other dry skin conditions
- Suitable for use as a soap substitute in the shower or bath, cleansing the skin without the drying and irritating effect of conventional soaps, shower gels, and bubble baths
- Fragrance-free, preservative-free formulation minimises the risk of triggering reactions in sensitive or reactive skin
- 500g pharmacy-sized pack provides a generous supply for regular emollient therapy use
How to Use AACTIMED Emulsifying Ointment BP
Follow the guidance of your GP, dermatologist, or pharmacist for your specific skin condition. The following represents general use guidance for emulsifying ointment.
As a leave-on emollient:
- Apply liberally to the affected skin areas using clean hands or a spatula.
- Smooth in the direction of hair growth to reduce the risk of folliculitis with heavy application.
- Apply as often as directed — typically two to four times daily for dry skin conditions. Liberal and frequent application is the key principle of emollient therapy.
- Apply to slightly damp skin after bathing for best absorption.
As a soap substitute:
- Take a small amount of ointment and rub between wet hands to create a lather.
- Apply to the body as you would shower gel and rinse off thoroughly.
- Pat skin dry gently — do not rub — and apply a further layer of emollient whilst the skin is still slightly damp.
Fire hazard advisory: Emollient preparations containing paraffin present a significant fire risk when they impregnate clothing, dressings, or bedding. Keep away from naked flames and smoking materials. Wash clothing and bedding regularly. This is a serious safety consideration — please read the product leaflet carefully.
Who Is AACTIMED Emulsifying Ointment BP Suitable For?
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Skin Conditions | Eczema (atopic dermatitis), psoriasis, ichthyosis, contact dermatitis, and other dry or scaling skin conditions where regular emollient therapy is indicated. |
| General Dry Skin | Also suitable for severe general dry skin without an underlying condition, particularly in adults whose skin requires a more intensive, pharmaceutical-grade emollient than cosmetic moisturisers provide. |
| Age | Suitable for adults and children. For use in infants and young children with eczema or dry skin, follow your GP's or health visitor's guidance on application frequency and quantity. |
| Fragrance and Preservative Sensitivity | Particularly well suited to those whose skin reacts to fragranced or preserved moisturisers — this preparation contains neither. |
| Caution | Fire risk from paraffin impregnation of fabric — see fire hazard advisory in How to Use. Do not use on infected skin without medical guidance. Consult a pharmacist or GP if you are unsure whether this preparation is appropriate for your condition. |
Good to Know
- Fire Hazard — Important: Paraffin-based emollients present a fire risk when they build up in clothing, bedding, or dressings. Keep away from naked flames and cigarettes. Wash clothing and bedding frequently. This is an MHRA-mandated safety warning and must be communicated clearly to all users of paraffin-containing emollients.
- Fragrance-Free and Preservative-Free: This preparation contains no fragrance, preservatives, or sensitising additives — making it one of the most suitable emollients for people with eczema or reactive skin.
- BP Standard: Formulated to British Pharmacopoeia specification, confirming pharmaceutical-grade ingredient quality and formulation consistency.
- Hygiene: Use a clean spatula or clean hands to remove product from the tub. Do not dip fingers that have touched the skin back into the tub without washing first, to avoid contaminating the preparation.
- 500g Size: Suitable for regular, liberal emollient therapy use. Emollients for skin conditions should be applied frequently and generously — a 500g pack provides a practical supply for ongoing use.
- Pharmacy Advice: Pearl Chemist Group's pharmacists can provide guidance on emollient selection, application technique, and when to seek further clinical review for dry skin conditions.
Overview
AACTIMED Emulsifying Ointment BP is a 500g pharmacy-grade emollient preparation formulated to the British Pharmacopoeia (BP) standard — meaning the formulation, quality, and purity of the ingredients meet the rigorously defined specifications set out in the official UK pharmaceutical compendium. It is one of the most widely used and clinically established emollient preparations available in UK pharmacy, recommended as both a leave-on moisturiser and a soap substitute for the management of dry, scaling, and compromised skin.
The preparation works by forming an occlusive barrier on the skin's surface that significantly reduces transepidermal water loss — the primary mechanism by which dry skin loses moisture and becomes increasingly uncomfortable, rough, and reactive. Unlike cosmetic moisturisers, emulsifying ointment is unfragranced, unpreserved, and formulated without any sensitising additives, which is precisely why it is so consistently recommended for skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and ichthyosis, where fragrance and preservatives in standard skincare can trigger or worsen reactions.
Used as a soap substitute in the shower or bath — emulsifying ointment lathers slightly in water and cleanses the skin without the stripping effect of conventional soaps and shower gels — it is a dual-purpose preparation that forms the foundation of a comprehensive dry skin management routine. Pearl Chemist Group's pharmacy team can advise on how to use this preparation most effectively alongside other emollients and any prescribed treatments.
What It Does
- Acts as an emollient moisturiser, forming an occlusive barrier on the skin's surface to reduce transepidermal water loss and maintain comfortable skin hydration
- Soothes and softens dry, rough, scaling, or irritated skin associated with eczema, psoriasis, ichthyosis, and other dry skin conditions
- Suitable for use as a soap substitute in the shower or bath, cleansing the skin without the drying and irritating effect of conventional soaps, shower gels, and bubble baths
- Fragrance-free, preservative-free formulation minimises the risk of triggering reactions in sensitive or reactive skin
- 500g pharmacy-sized pack provides a generous supply for regular emollient therapy use
How to Use AACTIMED Emulsifying Ointment BP
Follow the guidance of your GP, dermatologist, or pharmacist for your specific skin condition. The following represents general use guidance for emulsifying ointment.
As a leave-on emollient:
- Apply liberally to the affected skin areas using clean hands or a spatula.
- Smooth in the direction of hair growth to reduce the risk of folliculitis with heavy application.
- Apply as often as directed — typically two to four times daily for dry skin conditions. Liberal and frequent application is the key principle of emollient therapy.
- Apply to slightly damp skin after bathing for best absorption.
As a soap substitute:
- Take a small amount of ointment and rub between wet hands to create a lather.
- Apply to the body as you would shower gel and rinse off thoroughly.
- Pat skin dry gently — do not rub — and apply a further layer of emollient whilst the skin is still slightly damp.
Fire hazard advisory: Emollient preparations containing paraffin present a significant fire risk when they impregnate clothing, dressings, or bedding. Keep away from naked flames and smoking materials. Wash clothing and bedding regularly. This is a serious safety consideration — please read the product leaflet carefully.
Who Is AACTIMED Emulsifying Ointment BP Suitable For?
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Skin Conditions | Eczema (atopic dermatitis), psoriasis, ichthyosis, contact dermatitis, and other dry or scaling skin conditions where regular emollient therapy is indicated. |
| General Dry Skin | Also suitable for severe general dry skin without an underlying condition, particularly in adults whose skin requires a more intensive, pharmaceutical-grade emollient than cosmetic moisturisers provide. |
| Age | Suitable for adults and children. For use in infants and young children with eczema or dry skin, follow your GP's or health visitor's guidance on application frequency and quantity. |
| Fragrance and Preservative Sensitivity | Particularly well suited to those whose skin reacts to fragranced or preserved moisturisers — this preparation contains neither. |
| Caution | Fire risk from paraffin impregnation of fabric — see fire hazard advisory in How to Use. Do not use on infected skin without medical guidance. Consult a pharmacist or GP if you are unsure whether this preparation is appropriate for your condition. |
Good to Know
- Fire Hazard — Important: Paraffin-based emollients present a fire risk when they build up in clothing, bedding, or dressings. Keep away from naked flames and cigarettes. Wash clothing and bedding frequently. This is an MHRA-mandated safety warning and must be communicated clearly to all users of paraffin-containing emollients.
- Fragrance-Free and Preservative-Free: This preparation contains no fragrance, preservatives, or sensitising additives — making it one of the most suitable emollients for people with eczema or reactive skin.
- BP Standard: Formulated to British Pharmacopoeia specification, confirming pharmaceutical-grade ingredient quality and formulation consistency.
- Hygiene: Use a clean spatula or clean hands to remove product from the tub. Do not dip fingers that have touched the skin back into the tub without washing first, to avoid contaminating the preparation.
- 500g Size: Suitable for regular, liberal emollient therapy use. Emollients for skin conditions should be applied frequently and generously — a 500g pack provides a practical supply for ongoing use.
- Pharmacy Advice: Pearl Chemist Group's pharmacists can provide guidance on emollient selection, application technique, and when to seek further clinical review for dry skin conditions.
FAQs
What does BP mean on this product?
BP stands for British Pharmacopoeia — the official collection of standards for pharmaceutical substances and formulations used in the UK. A preparation labelled BP meets the quality, purity, and formulation specifications defined in this authoritative compendium. For a product like emulsifying ointment, this means the proportions of emulsifying wax, white soft paraffin, and liquid paraffin are standardised and consistent between batches and manufacturers, which is important when the preparation is being used as part of a managed skin condition treatment plan.
Can I use this on my child's eczema?
Yes. Emulsifying ointment BP is widely used for children with eczema and is frequently recommended by GPs, dermatologists, and health visitors. It is fragrance-free, preservative-free, and non-sensitising, making it suitable for even young children and infants with reactive skin. Follow your GP's or health visitor's guidance on how frequently to apply and how much to use. Liberal, frequent application is generally the recommended approach for emollient therapy in childhood eczema. Our pharmacy team can also advise on appropriate use for children.
Why should I use this as a soap substitute?
Conventional soaps, shower gels, and bubble baths have a detergent action that strips the skin's natural oils and disrupts its protective barrier — particularly problematic for skin that is already compromised by eczema or dryness. Emulsifying ointment used as a soap substitute cleanses the skin without this stripping effect, helping to maintain the barrier rather than repeatedly damaging it. Over time, replacing conventional washes with an emollient soap substitute is one of the most impactful changes people with eczema or dry skin conditions can make to their daily routine.
What is the fire risk with paraffin emollients and how serious is it?
This is a genuine and serious safety concern that the MHRA has highlighted with mandatory warnings on all paraffin-containing emollient products. When emollients containing paraffin are used regularly, they can accumulate in clothing, nightwear, and bedding over time. This paraffin-impregnated fabric can ignite much more easily than untreated fabric if it comes into contact with a naked flame or lit cigarette. There have been serious fires and fatalities associated with this risk. The solution is straightforward: wash clothing and bedding regularly, keep away from naked flames and cigarettes, and ensure carers and patients using these products are aware of this risk. It does not mean the product is unsafe to use — it means the guidance must be followed.
How much emollient should I be applying?
The consistent message from dermatologists and the NHS is that most people with dry skin conditions use too little emollient, too infrequently. For a condition like eczema, applying 250g to 500g per week for an adult with widespread involvement is not unusual when therapy is being conducted properly. Apply liberally and frequently — at least twice daily as a minimum, and ideally three to four times daily or after every hand wash for affected hands. If a 500g tub is lasting you several months, you are almost certainly not applying enough. Ask our pharmacy team for guidance on appropriate quantities for your level of dryness or your child's skin condition.