AACU Aqueous Cream 100% – 500g
£4.80
Out of stock
Trusted by
50,000+ patients
Free Delivery on
Over £30
UK Registered
Pharmacy
Guaranteed safe checkout
Overview
AACU Aqueous Cream BP is a 500g emollient cream preparation formulated to British Pharmacopoeia standard. Aqueous cream has a long history in UK pharmacy and has been widely used in the management of dry skin conditions. However, current clinical guidance — including NICE guidance and recommendations from UK dermatology and eczema organisations — advises that aqueous cream BP should not be used as a leave-on emollient for eczema, particularly in children, due to evidence that the sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) present in the emulsifying wax component of its formulation can disrupt the skin's barrier function and potentially worsen skin conditions with prolonged leave-on use.
Where aqueous cream BP continues to have a recognised role is as a soap substitute for washing the skin — its emollient properties make it a gentler alternative to conventional soaps and shower gels, without the leave-on concerns associated with its SLS content. It may also be used as directed by a healthcare professional for specific applications.
We strongly recommend that customers seeking an emollient for eczema or dry skin conditions speak with Pearl Chemist Group's pharmacy team before purchasing, so that the most appropriate emollient preparation can be recommended for their individual needs. Our pharmacists can advise on the full range of dry skin and eczema emollients we stock.
What It Does
- Suitable for use as a soap substitute for washing the skin, providing a gentler cleansing option than conventional soaps for dry or sensitive skin
- Provides temporary emollient and softening benefit to the skin during and immediately after washing when used as a soap substitute
- Important: Current clinical guidance advises against use as a leave-on emollient for eczema due to the SLS content of the formulation — please speak with our pharmacy team before use if you have eczema or a diagnosed dry skin condition
How to Use AACU Aqueous Cream BP
Please read the product leaflet and seek pharmacist advice before use, particularly if you have eczema or are considering using this preparation on a child. The guidance below reflects current clinical recommendations.
As a soap substitute (primary recommended use):
- Apply a small amount to wet skin in the shower or bath in place of soap or shower gel.
- Massage gently across the skin surface and rinse off thoroughly.
- Pat skin dry gently after washing.
- Follow with an appropriate leave-on emollient as directed by your pharmacist or healthcare team.
Leave-on use advisory: Aqueous cream BP is not recommended as a leave-on emollient for eczema based on current NICE guidance and dermatological evidence. If you are seeking a leave-on emollient for eczema or a dry skin condition, please speak with our pharmacy team who can recommend a more appropriate preparation.
Fire hazard advisory: This preparation contains paraffin-based emulsifying ointment. The fire risk advisory applicable to all paraffin-containing emollients applies. Keep away from naked flames and smoking materials. Wash clothing and bedding regularly.
Who Is AACU Aqueous Cream BP Suitable For?
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Soap Substitute Use | Suitable for use as a soap substitute for adults and children with dry or sensitive skin who need a gentler washing option than conventional soap. |
| Eczema — Important Advisory | NOT recommended as a leave-on emollient for eczema based on current NICE and dermatological guidance. Seek pharmacist advice for alternative emollients if you have eczema. |
| Age | Adults and children for soap substitute use. The leave-on advisory is of particular importance for children with eczema — please speak with a pharmacist or GP before using on children's skin as a leave-on preparation. |
| Preservative Sensitivity | Contains phenoxyethanol. Those with known sensitivity to this preservative should seek an alternative preparation. |
Good to Know
- Important Clinical Advisory: Current NICE guidance and UK dermatological evidence advises against using aqueous cream BP as a leave-on emollient for eczema, particularly in children. The SLS content of the emulsifying wax in the formulation can disrupt the skin barrier and worsen symptoms with prolonged leave-on application. Please speak with our pharmacy team before use if you have eczema or are considering use for a child with eczema.
- Soap Substitute: Aqueous cream BP continues to be useful as a soap substitute — this is its primary recommended application in current clinical guidance.
- Contains Preservative: This preparation contains phenoxyethanol, unlike the anhydrous paraffin emollient preparations (emulsifying ointment and 50/50 ointment). Those with preservative sensitivities should take note.
- Fire Hazard Advisory: Contains paraffin-based ingredients. The standard paraffin fire risk advisory applies — keep away from naked flames, wash clothing and bedding regularly.
- Pharmacy Advice: If you are unsure which emollient is right for your skin condition, please ask Pearl Chemist Group's pharmacists — we can recommend the most appropriate preparation for your specific needs.
Overview
AACU Aqueous Cream BP is a 500g emollient cream preparation formulated to British Pharmacopoeia standard. Aqueous cream has a long history in UK pharmacy and has been widely used in the management of dry skin conditions. However, current clinical guidance — including NICE guidance and recommendations from UK dermatology and eczema organisations — advises that aqueous cream BP should not be used as a leave-on emollient for eczema, particularly in children, due to evidence that the sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) present in the emulsifying wax component of its formulation can disrupt the skin's barrier function and potentially worsen skin conditions with prolonged leave-on use.
Where aqueous cream BP continues to have a recognised role is as a soap substitute for washing the skin — its emollient properties make it a gentler alternative to conventional soaps and shower gels, without the leave-on concerns associated with its SLS content. It may also be used as directed by a healthcare professional for specific applications.
We strongly recommend that customers seeking an emollient for eczema or dry skin conditions speak with Pearl Chemist Group's pharmacy team before purchasing, so that the most appropriate emollient preparation can be recommended for their individual needs. Our pharmacists can advise on the full range of dry skin and eczema emollients we stock.
What It Does
- Suitable for use as a soap substitute for washing the skin, providing a gentler cleansing option than conventional soaps for dry or sensitive skin
- Provides temporary emollient and softening benefit to the skin during and immediately after washing when used as a soap substitute
- Important: Current clinical guidance advises against use as a leave-on emollient for eczema due to the SLS content of the formulation — please speak with our pharmacy team before use if you have eczema or a diagnosed dry skin condition
How to Use AACU Aqueous Cream BP
Please read the product leaflet and seek pharmacist advice before use, particularly if you have eczema or are considering using this preparation on a child. The guidance below reflects current clinical recommendations.
As a soap substitute (primary recommended use):
- Apply a small amount to wet skin in the shower or bath in place of soap or shower gel.
- Massage gently across the skin surface and rinse off thoroughly.
- Pat skin dry gently after washing.
- Follow with an appropriate leave-on emollient as directed by your pharmacist or healthcare team.
Leave-on use advisory: Aqueous cream BP is not recommended as a leave-on emollient for eczema based on current NICE guidance and dermatological evidence. If you are seeking a leave-on emollient for eczema or a dry skin condition, please speak with our pharmacy team who can recommend a more appropriate preparation.
Fire hazard advisory: This preparation contains paraffin-based emulsifying ointment. The fire risk advisory applicable to all paraffin-containing emollients applies. Keep away from naked flames and smoking materials. Wash clothing and bedding regularly.
Who Is AACU Aqueous Cream BP Suitable For?
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Soap Substitute Use | Suitable for use as a soap substitute for adults and children with dry or sensitive skin who need a gentler washing option than conventional soap. |
| Eczema — Important Advisory | NOT recommended as a leave-on emollient for eczema based on current NICE and dermatological guidance. Seek pharmacist advice for alternative emollients if you have eczema. |
| Age | Adults and children for soap substitute use. The leave-on advisory is of particular importance for children with eczema — please speak with a pharmacist or GP before using on children's skin as a leave-on preparation. |
| Preservative Sensitivity | Contains phenoxyethanol. Those with known sensitivity to this preservative should seek an alternative preparation. |
Good to Know
- Important Clinical Advisory: Current NICE guidance and UK dermatological evidence advises against using aqueous cream BP as a leave-on emollient for eczema, particularly in children. The SLS content of the emulsifying wax in the formulation can disrupt the skin barrier and worsen symptoms with prolonged leave-on application. Please speak with our pharmacy team before use if you have eczema or are considering use for a child with eczema.
- Soap Substitute: Aqueous cream BP continues to be useful as a soap substitute — this is its primary recommended application in current clinical guidance.
- Contains Preservative: This preparation contains phenoxyethanol, unlike the anhydrous paraffin emollient preparations (emulsifying ointment and 50/50 ointment). Those with preservative sensitivities should take note.
- Fire Hazard Advisory: Contains paraffin-based ingredients. The standard paraffin fire risk advisory applies — keep away from naked flames, wash clothing and bedding regularly.
- Pharmacy Advice: If you are unsure which emollient is right for your skin condition, please ask Pearl Chemist Group's pharmacists — we can recommend the most appropriate preparation for your specific needs.
FAQs
Why is aqueous cream no longer recommended for eczema?
Research published over the past decade — including studies involving both adult and paediatric eczema patients — demonstrated that the sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) present in the emulsifying wax component of aqueous cream BP can damage the skin barrier and increase skin permeability when used as a leave-on preparation. For eczema patients, whose skin barrier is already compromised, this can worsen the condition rather than helping it. NICE guidance, the National Eczema Society, and UK dermatology bodies have all updated their recommendations accordingly, advising against leave-on use of aqueous cream for eczema. It remains useful as a soap substitute, where it is rinsed off the skin rather than left on.
What should I use instead of aqueous cream for eczema?
There are a number of more suitable leave-on emollient preparations for eczema available at Pearl Chemist Group, including emulsifying ointment BP, white soft paraffin/liquid paraffin 50/50, and a range of proprietary emollient creams and ointments. The most appropriate choice depends on the severity of your skin condition, your age, and personal preference for texture and ease of application. Our pharmacy team can recommend the right preparation for your individual situation and provide guidance on how to use it effectively as part of your overall skin management routine.
Is aqueous cream still safe to use at all?
Yes — aqueous cream BP is safe to use as a soap substitute, where it is applied to wet skin and rinsed off, and for other specific applications as directed by a healthcare professional. The concern relates specifically to its use as a leave-on emollient for skin conditions such as eczema, where the SLS content has been shown to be problematic with prolonged skin contact. Used as a soap substitute, the contact time is short and the preparation is rinsed away, which significantly reduces the potential for barrier disruption.
Can I use this on my child's skin?
For soap substitute use only, and under appropriate guidance. If your child has eczema, please speak with our pharmacy team, your GP, or your health visitor before using aqueous cream BP in any form on your child's skin — and specifically do not use it as a leave-on emollient for eczema in children. There are more appropriate and better-evidenced emollient preparations available that our pharmacy team can recommend.