AACTIMED Ointment 50%/50% – 500g
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Overview
AACTIMED Ointment 50%/50% is a 500g intensive emollient preparation comprising equal parts white soft paraffin and liquid paraffin — one of the most effective and clinically established emollient formulations available in UK pharmacy for the management of severely dry, compromised, or condition-affected skin. Unlike the emulsifying ointment BP, the 50/50 preparation contains no emulsifying agents, which makes it a purer occlusive preparation with an even greater barrier effect on the skin surface.
The principle is straightforward. White soft paraffin and liquid paraffin are both highly inert, non-sensitising, petroleum-derived hydrocarbons that create a dense, occlusive layer on the skin when applied, dramatically reducing the rate at which water escapes from the skin's surface — a process known as transepidermal water loss, which is the primary driver of the dryness, scaling, tightness, and reactivity associated with conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and ichthyosis. The preparation contains no water, no fragrance, no preservatives, and no other additives — making it the most chemically simple and therefore least likely to trigger reactions of all the commonly used emollient preparations.
It is a particularly appropriate choice for very dry or severely compromised skin, or for use on areas of skin where maximum barrier restoration is required. Pearl Chemist Group's pharmacy team can advise on whether this preparation or the emulsifying ointment is more suited to your specific dry skin or eczema management needs.
What It Does
- Provides intensive occlusive emollient therapy by forming a dense, water-repellent barrier on the skin surface that significantly reduces transepidermal water loss
- Soothes and protects severely dry, rough, scaling, cracked, or irritated skin associated with eczema, psoriasis, ichthyosis, and other dry skin conditions
- The absence of emulsifying agents, fragrance, and preservatives makes this the most chemically simple — and therefore least sensitising — of the standard paraffin emollient preparations
- Can be used as a leave-on emollient and, with care, as a soap substitute or bath additive as directed by a healthcare professional
- 500g size provides a generous, practical supply for regular emollient therapy
How to Use AACTIMED Ointment 50%/50%
Follow the guidance of your GP, dermatologist, or pharmacist for your specific condition and presentation. The following is general guidance for paraffin-based emollient use.
As a leave-on emollient:
- Apply liberally to affected areas using clean hands or a clean spatula. The preparation is thick — warming a small amount between the palms first makes it easier to spread.
- Apply in the direction of hair growth to avoid folliculitis with heavy application.
- Use as often as directed — typically two to four times daily or more frequently for severe dryness. Liberal and frequent application is the cornerstone of effective emollient therapy.
- Apply immediately after bathing to slightly damp skin to seal in moisture.
As a soap substitute:
- Take a small amount and apply to wet skin in the shower or bath, spreading across the skin surface.
- Rinse off thoroughly. The preparation will leave some residual emollient benefit on the skin even after rinsing.
- Pat dry gently and apply a further leave-on layer if directed.
Fire hazard advisory: This preparation contains white soft paraffin and liquid paraffin. Paraffin-containing emollients present a significant fire risk when they impregnate clothing, nightwear, dressings, or bedding. Keep away from naked flames and smoking materials at all times. Wash clothing and bedding frequently. This is a serious and mandatory safety advisory — please read the product leaflet carefully and ensure all users and carers are aware.
Who Is AACTIMED Ointment 50%/50% Suitable For?
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Skin Conditions | Eczema, psoriasis, ichthyosis, and other dry or scaling skin conditions requiring intensive emollient therapy. Particularly appropriate for very dry or severely compromised skin where maximum barrier restoration is needed. |
| Sensitivity | The most chemically simple and least sensitising of the standard emollient preparations — containing only two inert paraffin-based ingredients with no fragrance, preservatives, or emulsifying agents. Appropriate for individuals who have reacted to other emollients containing additional excipients. |
| Age | Suitable for adults and children, including infants, under the guidance of a GP, dermatologist, or health visitor. |
| Caution | Fire risk — mandatory advisory applies (see Good to Know). The very heavy, occlusive nature of this preparation means it is less suitable than lighter emollients for use on the face or in hair-bearing areas. Do not use on infected skin without medical guidance. |
Good to Know
- Fire Hazard — Mandatory Advisory: This preparation contains white soft paraffin and liquid paraffin. Paraffin build-up in fabric significantly increases flammability. Keep away from naked flames and cigarettes at all times. Wash clothing, nightwear, and bedding regularly. This warning is mandatory on all paraffin-containing emollients following MHRA guidance.
- No Emulsifiers, Fragrance, or Preservatives: This is one of the most chemically simple emollient preparations available — containing only white soft paraffin and liquid paraffin. It is therefore among the least likely of all emollients to trigger skin reactions, making it valuable for the most reactive or sensitised skin types.
- Texture: This preparation is considerably thicker and more occlusive than emulsifying ointment or aqueous cream — this is intentional and reflects its intensive barrier function. Use a clean spatula to remove product from the tub where possible.
- Hygiene: Always use a clean spatula or clean, dry hands to remove product. Do not contaminate the tub by returning soiled hands or implements to it.
- Pharmacy Advice: Our pharmacy team at Pearl Chemist Group can advise on whether the 50/50 preparation or an alternative emollient is most appropriate for your skin condition and presentation.
Overview
AACTIMED Ointment 50%/50% is a 500g intensive emollient preparation comprising equal parts white soft paraffin and liquid paraffin — one of the most effective and clinically established emollient formulations available in UK pharmacy for the management of severely dry, compromised, or condition-affected skin. Unlike the emulsifying ointment BP, the 50/50 preparation contains no emulsifying agents, which makes it a purer occlusive preparation with an even greater barrier effect on the skin surface.
The principle is straightforward. White soft paraffin and liquid paraffin are both highly inert, non-sensitising, petroleum-derived hydrocarbons that create a dense, occlusive layer on the skin when applied, dramatically reducing the rate at which water escapes from the skin's surface — a process known as transepidermal water loss, which is the primary driver of the dryness, scaling, tightness, and reactivity associated with conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and ichthyosis. The preparation contains no water, no fragrance, no preservatives, and no other additives — making it the most chemically simple and therefore least likely to trigger reactions of all the commonly used emollient preparations.
It is a particularly appropriate choice for very dry or severely compromised skin, or for use on areas of skin where maximum barrier restoration is required. Pearl Chemist Group's pharmacy team can advise on whether this preparation or the emulsifying ointment is more suited to your specific dry skin or eczema management needs.
What It Does
- Provides intensive occlusive emollient therapy by forming a dense, water-repellent barrier on the skin surface that significantly reduces transepidermal water loss
- Soothes and protects severely dry, rough, scaling, cracked, or irritated skin associated with eczema, psoriasis, ichthyosis, and other dry skin conditions
- The absence of emulsifying agents, fragrance, and preservatives makes this the most chemically simple — and therefore least sensitising — of the standard paraffin emollient preparations
- Can be used as a leave-on emollient and, with care, as a soap substitute or bath additive as directed by a healthcare professional
- 500g size provides a generous, practical supply for regular emollient therapy
How to Use AACTIMED Ointment 50%/50%
Follow the guidance of your GP, dermatologist, or pharmacist for your specific condition and presentation. The following is general guidance for paraffin-based emollient use.
As a leave-on emollient:
- Apply liberally to affected areas using clean hands or a clean spatula. The preparation is thick — warming a small amount between the palms first makes it easier to spread.
- Apply in the direction of hair growth to avoid folliculitis with heavy application.
- Use as often as directed — typically two to four times daily or more frequently for severe dryness. Liberal and frequent application is the cornerstone of effective emollient therapy.
- Apply immediately after bathing to slightly damp skin to seal in moisture.
As a soap substitute:
- Take a small amount and apply to wet skin in the shower or bath, spreading across the skin surface.
- Rinse off thoroughly. The preparation will leave some residual emollient benefit on the skin even after rinsing.
- Pat dry gently and apply a further leave-on layer if directed.
Fire hazard advisory: This preparation contains white soft paraffin and liquid paraffin. Paraffin-containing emollients present a significant fire risk when they impregnate clothing, nightwear, dressings, or bedding. Keep away from naked flames and smoking materials at all times. Wash clothing and bedding frequently. This is a serious and mandatory safety advisory — please read the product leaflet carefully and ensure all users and carers are aware.
Who Is AACTIMED Ointment 50%/50% Suitable For?
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Skin Conditions | Eczema, psoriasis, ichthyosis, and other dry or scaling skin conditions requiring intensive emollient therapy. Particularly appropriate for very dry or severely compromised skin where maximum barrier restoration is needed. |
| Sensitivity | The most chemically simple and least sensitising of the standard emollient preparations — containing only two inert paraffin-based ingredients with no fragrance, preservatives, or emulsifying agents. Appropriate for individuals who have reacted to other emollients containing additional excipients. |
| Age | Suitable for adults and children, including infants, under the guidance of a GP, dermatologist, or health visitor. |
| Caution | Fire risk — mandatory advisory applies (see Good to Know). The very heavy, occlusive nature of this preparation means it is less suitable than lighter emollients for use on the face or in hair-bearing areas. Do not use on infected skin without medical guidance. |
Good to Know
- Fire Hazard — Mandatory Advisory: This preparation contains white soft paraffin and liquid paraffin. Paraffin build-up in fabric significantly increases flammability. Keep away from naked flames and cigarettes at all times. Wash clothing, nightwear, and bedding regularly. This warning is mandatory on all paraffin-containing emollients following MHRA guidance.
- No Emulsifiers, Fragrance, or Preservatives: This is one of the most chemically simple emollient preparations available — containing only white soft paraffin and liquid paraffin. It is therefore among the least likely of all emollients to trigger skin reactions, making it valuable for the most reactive or sensitised skin types.
- Texture: This preparation is considerably thicker and more occlusive than emulsifying ointment or aqueous cream — this is intentional and reflects its intensive barrier function. Use a clean spatula to remove product from the tub where possible.
- Hygiene: Always use a clean spatula or clean, dry hands to remove product. Do not contaminate the tub by returning soiled hands or implements to it.
- Pharmacy Advice: Our pharmacy team at Pearl Chemist Group can advise on whether the 50/50 preparation or an alternative emollient is most appropriate for your skin condition and presentation.
FAQs
What is the difference between this 50/50 ointment and emulsifying ointment BP?
Both are paraffin-based emollient preparations used for dry skin conditions, but they differ in composition and properties. Emulsifying ointment BP contains emulsifying wax alongside the paraffins, which allows it to mix with water — making it better suited for use as a soap substitute and giving it a slightly less occlusive, more spreadable texture. The 50/50 preparation contains only white soft paraffin and liquid paraffin with no emulsifying agent — it is chemically simpler, more purely occlusive, and less likely to cause reactions in the most reactive skin types, but it does not mix well with water and is generally heavier in texture. Dermatologists sometimes recommend the 50/50 preparation for more severely compromised skin or for patients who have reacted to the emulsifying wax component of emulsifying ointment.
Is this preparation suitable for use on a baby or young child?
Yes, under the guidance of your GP, dermatologist, or health visitor. Both white soft paraffin and liquid paraffin are chemically inert and non-sensitising, making this one of the safest emollients available for use on infant skin. Follow your healthcare team's instructions on how frequently to apply and how much to use. The fire hazard advisory applies regardless of age — keep away from naked flames and change clothing and bedding regularly.
Why does this preparation feel so heavy on the skin?
The heavy, occlusive texture is a feature rather than a flaw — it reflects the preparation's primary mechanism of action, which is to sit on the skin surface and form a substantial physical barrier against water loss. Lighter emollients that feel more comfortable on application are typically less occlusive and therefore less effective for severely dry or compromised skin. For very dry skin conditions, accepting the heavier texture in exchange for the significantly better barrier effect is generally worthwhile. Many people use the 50/50 preparation on the body overnight and a lighter emollient during the day for practical reasons.
I have reacted to other emollients. Is this one safer?
It is likely to be among the safest available. The two ingredients in this preparation — white soft paraffin and liquid paraffin — are chemically inert, non-fragrant, and non-preserved, which eliminates the three most common causes of contact reactions to emollient preparations. If you have reacted to emulsifying ointment specifically, the emulsifying wax component may have been the cause, in which case this 50/50 preparation (which contains no emulsifying wax) may be better tolerated. However, if you have experienced a reaction to any emollient, it is worth discussing this with your pharmacist, GP, or dermatologist before switching to a new preparation.