Skip to product information
1 of 1

  • Images are for illustration purposes only

Balneum Intensiv Cream 500g

Balneum Intensiv Cream 500g

  • 1. Ozempic®️-equivalent therapy now available for weight management
  • 2. Average weight loss of 17%, with 1 in 3 patients achieving over 20%
  • 3. May help reduce osteoarthritis-related pain
  • 4. Wegovy®️ is not expected to impact the effectiveness of oral contraceptives
  • 5. Supports cardiovascular risk reduction
  • 6. Over 22 million patients treated with semaglutide-based therapies since 2018

  • ✔️ Relieves dry, itchy skin with urea 5% and lauromacrogols
  • ✔️ Restores skin moisture barrier with regular daily use
  • ✔️ Soothes itch-scratch cycle associated with eczema
  • ✔️ Suitable for adults and older children with chronic dry skin
  • ✔️ Large 500g pump pack ideal for frequent emollient use

Price Checker

Regular price £12.99
Sale price £12.99
Sale Sold out
  • Lowest price guarantee
  • Includes FREE private prescription

Purchase Options

View full details

 

Is Balneum Intensiv Cream the Right Dry Skin Cream for Eczema?

 

If you live with persistently dry, itchy, or flaky skin, you'll know how frustrating it can be to find something that actually works. Balneum Intensiv Cream 500g is a clinically recognised emollient that combines urea with lauromacrogols to tackle both dryness and itch at the same time. It's available over the counter, which means no prescription is needed — and at £12.99 for a generous 500g pump pack, it offers real value for anyone managing a long-term skin condition. You can browse the full range of creams and ointments available at Cured Pharmacy if you'd like to compare your options.

Dry skin is incredibly common in the UK. The NHS notes that conditions such as eczema affect around 1 in 5 children and 1 in 12 adults, and regular emollient use is a cornerstone of managing these conditions. Balneum Intensiv Cream is designed for exactly this purpose — providing lasting hydration while calming the itch-scratch cycle that makes dry skin so uncomfortable.

 

How Does Balneum Intensiv Cream Work on Dry Skin?

 

The cream works through two complementary mechanisms, which is what sets it apart from basic moisturisers. Here's how each active ingredient contributes:

  • Urea (5%): Acts as a humectant, drawing water into the outer layers of the skin (the stratum corneum) and helping to retain it there. Urea also has mild keratolytic properties, meaning it gently softens and loosens hardened, flaky skin cells.
  • Lauromacrogols: These are surfactant compounds that provide a local anaesthetic-like, anti-pruritic (anti-itch) effect on the skin surface, helping to interrupt the itch-scratch cycle.
  • Emollient base: The cream base itself forms a protective film over the skin, reducing transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and helping to restore the skin's natural barrier function.

Together, these ingredients address both the symptom (itch) and the underlying cause (moisture loss and barrier disruption) of dry skin conditions.

 

Who Should Use Balneum Intensiv Cream?

 

This cream is suitable for a wide range of people dealing with dry or very dry skin. It's particularly useful when dryness is accompanied by itching, which is common in conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and ichthyosis. It can be used by adults and children, though you should always check with a pharmacist before using it on very young children.

  • Adults and older children with eczema or atopic dermatitis
  • People with psoriasis or ichthyosis experiencing dry, scaly skin
  • Individuals with age-related dry skin (xerosis)
  • Anyone whose skin has become dry due to frequent handwashing, cold weather, or occupational exposure

 

How Does Balneum Intensiv Cream Compare to Similar Emollients?

 

Feature Balneum Intensiv Cream Balneum Cream (standard)
Active ingredients Urea 5% + Lauromacrogols Urea 5% only
Anti-itch action Yes (lauromacrogols) No
Pack size 500g pump 50g / 500g
Best suited for Dry and itchy skin Dry skin without significant itch

 

Is Balneum Intensiv Cream Suitable for Sensitive or Broken Skin?

 

You should avoid applying this cream to broken, infected, or acutely inflamed skin without first speaking to your GP or pharmacist. The dry skin cream for eczema formulation is designed for intact skin that is dry and itchy — not for open wounds or active skin infections. If your skin is weeping, crusted, or showing signs of infection, seek medical advice before using any emollient. You can also explore the wider skin care range at Cured Pharmacy for complementary products.

Store the cream below 25°C, away from direct sunlight, and keep it out of reach of children. The pump dispenser helps to maintain hygiene and makes application straightforward.

This product is a medicine. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist before using if you have an underlying medical condition or are taking other medicines.

Balneum Intensiv Cream 500g specifications
Treatment category Emollient / Dry skin treatment
Mechanism of action Humectant (urea) + anti-pruritic (lauromacrogols) + barrier restoration
Effective for Dry, very dry, and itchy skin; eczema; psoriasis; ichthyosis
Suitable for Adults and children (consult pharmacist for young children)
Active ingredients Urea 5%, Lauromacrogols
Pack size 500g
UK classification General Sale / OTC
Drug class Emollient
Preparation Cream
Route of administration Topical (applied to skin)

Specifications of Balneum Intensiv Cream 500g

 

What Is Balneum Intensiv Cream and What Is It Used For?

 

Balneum Intensiv Cream is a topical emollient containing urea 5% and lauromacrogols. It is used to moisturise and soothe very dry, rough, and itchy skin. The NHS recommends emollients as a first-line treatment for dry skin conditions including eczema, psoriasis, and ichthyosis, and Balneum Intensiv Cream is formulated specifically for skin that is both dry and itchy. It is available without a prescription and can be used as part of a daily skincare routine.

 

What Do You Need to Know Before Using Balneum Intensiv Cream?

 

Before using this cream, read the following carefully. Most people tolerate it well, but there are some situations where caution is needed.

Do not use Balneum Intensiv Cream if:

  • You are allergic to urea, lauromacrogols, or any other ingredient in the cream
  • Your skin is broken, infected, or weeping
  • You have an active skin infection (bacterial, viral, or fungal)

Take care and speak to your pharmacist or GP if:

  • You are pregnant or breastfeeding
  • You are using this on a young child or infant
  • You have a known sensitivity to any emollient ingredients
  • Your skin condition is worsening despite regular emollient use

Drug interactions:

  • No significant drug interactions are known for topically applied urea-based emollients
  • If you are using topical corticosteroids or other prescribed skin treatments, apply them separately and allow each product to absorb before applying the next

 

How Should You Use Balneum Intensiv Cream?

 

Using an emollient correctly makes a real difference to how well it works. The NHS advises applying emollients generously and frequently — not just when skin feels tight or uncomfortable. Follow these steps for best results:

  1. Wash and gently pat the affected area dry with a soft towel
  2. Pump a small amount of cream onto clean fingertips
  3. Apply in smooth, downward strokes in the direction of hair growth — do not rub vigorously
  4. Allow the cream to absorb fully before dressing or applying other products
  5. Repeat two to three times daily, or more frequently if skin is very dry
Indication Age Group Dose Frequency
Dry / very dry skin Adults Apply liberally to affected area 2–3 times daily
Eczema maintenance Adults & older children Apply liberally to affected area 2–3 times daily or as directed
Itchy dry skin Adults Apply to affected area As needed, up to several times daily

If you are also using this as part of a broader skin care routine alongside other topical treatments, allow at least 30 minutes between applying different products.

 

What Are the Possible Side Effects of Balneum Intensiv Cream?

 

Like all skincare products, Balneum Intensiv Cream can occasionally cause side effects, though most people use it without any problems. If you notice any unexpected reaction, stop using the cream and speak to your pharmacist.

Common side effects:

  • Mild stinging or tingling on first application, particularly on very dry or sensitive skin
  • Temporary redness at the application site
  • Mild itching immediately after application

Less common side effects:

  • Skin irritation or contact dermatitis (allergic reaction to an ingredient)
  • Rash or hives at the application site
  • Worsening of skin dryness if the product is not suitable for your skin type

If you experience severe irritation, swelling, or signs of an allergic reaction (such as difficulty breathing or widespread rash), stop using the product immediately and seek medical attention.

 

How Should You Store Balneum Intensiv Cream?

 

Correct storage helps to maintain the quality and effectiveness of the cream. You can also find other baby and toddler skin products at Cured Pharmacy if you need emollients for younger family members.

  • Store below 25°C in a cool, dry place
  • Keep away from direct sunlight and heat sources
  • Do not freeze
  • Keep the pump cap closed when not in use
  • Keep out of reach and sight of children
  • Do not use after the expiry date printed on the packaging
  • Do not transfer to another container

Written and reviewed by our qualified team

Your safety and success are our highest priorities. Our medical team rigorously evaluates every product and piece of advice we provide, ensuring you receive only the most effective, science-backed solutions available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I buy Balneum Intensiv Cream 500g online in the UK?

You can buy Balneum Intensiv Cream 500g directly from Cured Pharmacy, a UK GPhC-registered online pharmacy, for £12.99. No prescription is required as it is an over-the-counter emollient. Simply add it to your basket and it will be dispatched to your door.

How does Balneum Intensiv Cream work on dry and itchy skin?

Balneum Intensiv Cream contains urea 5%, which draws moisture into the skin and gently softens hardened, flaky skin cells. Lauromacrogols provide a soothing anti-itch effect by acting on the nerve endings in the skin surface. Together, these ingredients address both dryness and the itch-scratch cycle that makes conditions like eczema so uncomfortable.

How do I apply Balneum Intensiv Cream step by step?

Start by gently patting the affected area dry after washing. Pump a small amount of cream onto your fingertips and apply in smooth, downward strokes following the direction of hair growth. Allow it to absorb fully before dressing, and repeat two to three times daily or as often as needed.

How many times a day should I use Balneum Intensiv Cream?

The NHS recommends applying emollients frequently — typically two to three times daily for dry skin conditions. For very dry or itchy skin, you may apply it more often throughout the day. There is no strict upper limit on how many times you can use an emollient, so use it as often as your skin needs it.

Can I use Balneum Intensiv Cream on my face?

Yes, Balneum Intensiv Cream can generally be applied to the face, but you should avoid getting it in your eyes or on mucous membranes. If you have particularly sensitive facial skin or a diagnosed facial skin condition, it is worth checking with your pharmacist first. Apply carefully around the eye area and rinse immediately if contact occurs.

Is Balneum Intensiv Cream suitable for children?

Balneum Intensiv Cream is generally suitable for older children and adults. For young children or infants, you should consult a pharmacist or GP before use, as their skin is more sensitive and may respond differently to urea-based products. Always keep the product out of reach of children.

What are the side effects of Balneum Intensiv Cream?

Most people tolerate Balneum Intensiv Cream well, but some may experience mild stinging, temporary redness, or tingling on first application — especially on very dry or sensitive skin. Less commonly, skin irritation or a localised rash may occur. If you notice a severe reaction, stop using the cream and speak to your pharmacist or GP.

How do I manage any stinging when I first apply Balneum Intensiv Cream?

A mild stinging sensation on first application is normal, particularly if your skin is very dry or cracked. It usually settles within a minute or two as the cream absorbs. If the stinging is persistent or severe, rinse the area with cool water and speak to your pharmacist before continuing use.

Who is eligible to use Balneum Intensiv Cream?

Balneum Intensiv Cream is suitable for most adults and older children with dry, very dry, or itchy skin. It is particularly well suited to those managing eczema, psoriasis, or ichthyosis. People with known allergies to urea or lauromacrogols, or those with broken or infected skin, should not use it without medical advice. You can explore the full creams and ointments range for alternative options.

What happens if I forget to apply Balneum Intensiv Cream?

Unlike prescription medicines, missing a single application of an emollient is not harmful. Simply apply the cream as soon as you remember and continue with your usual routine. Do not apply a double amount to make up for a missed application — just carry on as normal.

What is the difference between Balneum Cream and Balneum Intensiv Cream?

Balneum Cream contains urea 5% as its sole active ingredient and is designed for dry skin. Balneum Intensiv Cream contains both urea 5% and lauromacrogols, which add an anti-itch action. If your dry skin is also itchy, Balneum Intensiv Cream is the more appropriate choice.

What are the alternatives to Balneum Intensiv Cream for dry skin?

There are several emollient alternatives available for dry skin, including Diprobase Cream, Cetraben Cream, and Doublebase Gel. The right choice depends on your skin type, the severity of dryness, and whether itch is a significant symptom. A pharmacist can help you choose the most suitable option from the skin care range.

How long can you use Balneum Intensiv Cream for?

Balneum Intensiv Cream can be used long-term as part of a daily moisturising routine for chronic dry skin conditions. The NHS recommends ongoing emollient use for conditions like eczema, even when the skin appears to have improved. If your skin does not respond after several weeks of regular use, speak to your GP.

Can I use Balneum Intensiv Cream alongside a steroid cream?

Yes, emollients like Balneum Intensiv Cream are commonly used alongside topical corticosteroids as part of an eczema management plan. Apply the emollient first and allow it to absorb for at least 30 minutes before applying the steroid cream, or apply them at different times of day. Always follow the guidance of your GP or pharmacist regarding the order and timing of application.

What does the latest research say about urea-based creams for dry skin?

Urea has been used in dermatology for decades and is well established as an effective humectant and mild keratolytic agent for dry skin conditions. Clinical evidence supports its use in eczema, psoriasis, and ichthyosis, and it is included in NHS treatment guidelines for these conditions. Ongoing research continues to confirm that urea-based emollients improve skin hydration and barrier function with a good safety profile.

How Should You Use Balneum Intensiv Cream?

Balneum Intensiv Cream is applied directly to the skin. For best results, use it regularly — not just when your skin feels uncomfortable. Consistent use helps to maintain the skin's moisture barrier and reduce the frequency of flare-ups.

Avoid applying the cream to broken, infected, or acutely inflamed skin. If you are using other topical treatments such as corticosteroids, allow at least 30 minutes between applications.

What Is the Correct Dose of Balneum Intensiv Cream?

There is no fixed dose for emollients in the same way as for oral medicines — the key is to apply enough to cover the affected area generously. The NHS advises using emollients liberally and frequently for conditions like eczema. The table below gives general guidance:

When Is the Best Time to Use Balneum Intensiv Cream?

The most effective times to apply Balneum Intensiv Cream are immediately after bathing or showering, when the skin is still slightly damp and most receptive to moisture. Applying it at night before bed is also beneficial, as the skin undergoes repair processes during sleep. A morning application helps to protect the skin barrier throughout the day, particularly in cold or dry weather.

If you are using the cream to manage eczema, try to build application into your morning and evening routine so it becomes a habit. Consistency matters far more than the exact time of day.

How Long Can You Use Balneum Intensiv Cream For?

Balneum Intensiv Cream is safe for long-term use and is intended to be used as an ongoing part of your skincare routine if you have a chronic dry skin condition. The NHS recommends continuing emollient use even when skin appears to have improved, as stopping can lead to a return of dryness and itching. If your skin condition does not improve after four to six weeks of regular use, or if it worsens at any point, speak to your GP or pharmacist for further assessment.

Do not exceed the recommended dose. If in doubt, speak to your pharmacist.

Customer Reviews

Be the first to write a review
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)

What Are the Most Common Side Effects of Balneum Intensiv Cream?

Most people use Balneum Intensiv Cream without experiencing any side effects. However, as with any topical product, some individuals may notice mild reactions, particularly when starting treatment or applying to very dry or sensitive skin.

  • Mild stinging or tingling immediately after application
  • Temporary redness at the application site
  • Mild itching in the first few minutes after applying

These reactions are usually short-lived and settle within a few minutes as the cream absorbs into the skin. They do not typically require you to stop using the product.

What Are the Less Common Side Effects of Balneum Intensiv Cream?

Less commonly, some people may experience a more noticeable skin reaction. If any of the following occur, stop using the cream and speak to your pharmacist or GP.

  • Persistent skin irritation or burning sensation
  • Contact dermatitis (an allergic reaction causing redness, swelling, or blistering)
  • Localised rash or hives at the application site
  • Worsening of skin dryness or flaking

What Are the Serious Side Effects of Balneum Intensiv Cream?

Serious side effects from topical urea-based emollients are rare. However, if you experience any signs of a severe allergic reaction — such as widespread rash, swelling of the face or throat, difficulty breathing, or dizziness — stop using the product immediately and seek emergency medical attention. Do not apply the cream to broken, infected, or acutely inflamed skin, as this may increase the risk of irritation or systemic absorption.

What Should You Do If You Experience Side Effects?

If you notice mild stinging or redness, this is usually normal and will pass quickly. For more persistent or uncomfortable reactions, rinse the affected area with cool water and discontinue use until you have spoken to a pharmacist. Keep a note of when the reaction started and what it looked like, as this will help your pharmacist or GP advise you more effectively. Do not ignore a reaction that is spreading or worsening.

Can Balneum Intensiv Cream Interact With Other Medicines?

No significant drug interactions are known for topically applied urea-based emollients. However, if you are using prescribed topical treatments such as corticosteroids, calcineurin inhibitors, or antifungal creams alongside Balneum Intensiv Cream, apply them at separate times and allow each product to absorb fully before applying the next. This prevents dilution of the active treatment and reduces the risk of skin irritation. Always inform your GP or pharmacist of all products you are using on your skin.

If you are concerned about any side effects, contact your pharmacist or GP immediately.

Patient Information Leaflet

Important - Before taking any medication, it is always important to read the Patient Information Leaflet (PIL)

Written and reviewed by our qualified team

GPhC Number: 2233073
Tarun Kumar

Reviewed by:

Tarun Kumar

Superintendent/ Clinical Lead

📖 Find out more about our team of medical content authors and how we ensure the accuracy of our content with our content guidelines.

Content last updated: 31 Mar 2025

We’re a safe and
regulated UK service

Registered Pharmacy Badge

Lowest Price Guarantee

We're convinced you won't find your treatment cheaper, but if you do we'll refund the difference.

Find out more

100% discreet packaging

We're convinced you won't find your treatment cheaper, but if you do we'll refund the difference.

Find out more

Agent

Need help?
Talk to our friendly experts now

How our service works

Service Setup

Service setup

Discreet Packaging

Discreet packaging

Express Delivery

Express delivery