Dermol 500 Lotion - 500ml

What Is Dermol 500 Lotion and How Does It Help Dry Skin?

Living with dry, itchy, or inflamed skin can be genuinely exhausting. Whether it's eczema flaring up in winter or persistent dermatitis that just won't settle, finding a moisturiser that actually does the job matters. Dermol 500 lotion is an antimicrobial emollient that does two things at once — it moisturises and it helps protect the skin from bacterial colonisation, which is a known trigger for eczema flare-ups. Available from Cured Pharmacy for just £8.99, it's a clinically recognised option that dermatologists and GPs regularly recommend. You can explore our wider range of skin care products if you're looking for complementary treatments alongside this lotion.

Dry skin conditions affect millions of people across the UK. The NHS estimates that eczema alone affects around 1 in 5 children and 1 in 10 adults at some point in their lives. Emollients are the cornerstone of managing these conditions — they reduce water loss from the skin surface and help restore the protective barrier that keeps irritants out.

How Does Dermol 500 Lotion Work to Soothe and Protect Skin?

The lotion works through a dual-action formula. It contains two moisturising agents — liquid paraffin and isopropyl myristate — alongside two antimicrobial ingredients: benzalkonium chloride and chlorhexidine dihydrochloride. Here's how each component contributes:

• Liquid paraffin (10%): Forms a protective film over the skin surface, locking in moisture and reducing transepidermal water loss.
• Isopropyl myristate (10%): Helps soften and smooth the skin, improving texture and reducing the rough, scaly appearance associated with dry skin conditions.
• Benzalkonium chloride (0.1%): An antiseptic agent that reduces bacterial load on the skin surface, particularly Staphylococcus aureus, which is commonly found in higher concentrations on eczema-affected skin.
• Chlorhexidine dihydrochloride (0.1%): A second antimicrobial that works alongside benzalkonium chloride to provide broader protection against skin bacteria.

Together, these ingredients address both the dryness and the infection risk that often go hand in hand with conditions like atopic eczema and contact dermatitis.

Who Should Use Dermol 500 Lotion and Is It Right for You?

This lotion is suitable for a wide range of people dealing with dry or compromised skin. It can be used as a leave-on moisturiser or as a soap substitute — making it particularly versatile for those who find that regular soaps and shower gels aggravate their skin. It's suitable for:

• Adults and children with atopic eczema or contact dermatitis
• People with psoriasis who need regular moisturisation
• Individuals with ichthyosis or other chronic dry skin conditions
• Anyone whose skin is prone to bacterial infections alongside dryness

It is not recommended for people with known hypersensitivity to any of the active or excipient ingredients. Always check the full ingredient list before use, particularly if you have a history of contact allergies.

How Does Dermol 500 Lotion Compare to Other Emollients?

Is Dermol 500 Lotion Safe to Store and Use Long-Term?

Dermol 500 lotion should be stored below 25°C, away from direct sunlight, and kept out of reach of children. Once opened, use within the period indicated on the packaging. One important safety point that's easy to overlook: emollients — including this one — can make skin, clothing, and bedding flammable. Keep away from naked flames and do not smoke while applying. This is a well-documented risk highlighted by the NHS and MHRA for all paraffin-based emollients. If you're also managing related skin concerns, our creams and ointments collection includes a range of complementary topical treatments.

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.

What Is Dermol 500 Lotion and What Is It Used For?

Dermol 500 lotion is a topical emollient containing both moisturising and antimicrobial ingredients. It is used to manage dry skin conditions including atopic eczema, contact dermatitis, psoriasis, and ichthyosis. It can be applied directly to the skin as a leave-on moisturiser or used as a soap substitute during washing. The NHS recommends emollients as a first-line treatment for eczema and other chronic dry skin conditions, advising that they should be used regularly — even when the skin appears to be clear — to maintain the skin barrier and prevent flare-ups.

What Do You Need to Know Before Using Dermol 500 Lotion?

Before using this lotion, read the following carefully. There are some situations where you should not use it or should seek advice first.

Do not use Dermol 500 Lotion if you:

• Are allergic to benzalkonium chloride, chlorhexidine, liquid paraffin, isopropyl myristate, or any other ingredient in the formulation
• Have a known sensitivity to antiseptic agents

Warnings and precautions:

• Emollients containing paraffin are flammable — keep away from naked flames, cigarettes, and open fires
• Fabric (clothing, bedding, dressings) soaked with emollient can catch fire more easily — wash regularly
• Avoid contact with the eyes
• Do not apply to broken, infected, or weeping skin without medical advice
• If your skin condition worsens after use, stop and consult your GP or pharmacist
• Consult a healthcare professional before use in infants under 12 months

Drug interactions:

• No significant drug interactions are currently known for topical use of this product
• If you are using other topical medicines (e.g. topical corticosteroids), apply Dermol 500 Lotion first and allow it to absorb before applying the other product, or follow your prescriber's instructions

How Should You Use Dermol 500 Lotion Correctly?

Using an emollient correctly makes a real difference to how well it works. Apply generously and regularly — the NHS advises that emollients should be used at least twice daily, and more frequently during flare-ups. Here's how to use it:

1. Wash your hands before applying the lotion
2. Apply a generous amount to the affected area
3. Smooth gently into the skin in the direction of hair growth — do not rub vigorously
4. If using as a soap substitute, apply to wet skin, lather gently, and rinse off thoroughly
5. Pat skin dry with a soft towel after washing — do not rub
6. Reapply throughout the day as needed, especially after washing

If you're managing eczema in a child, our baby and toddler range includes additional products suitable for younger skin.

What Are the Possible Side Effects of Dermol 500 Lotion?

Side effects from Dermol 500 lotion are uncommon, but it's important to know what to look out for. As with any topical product, individual skin reactions can vary.

Common side effects:

• Mild stinging or tingling on first application, particularly on broken or sensitive skin
• Temporary greasiness or residue on the skin surface

Less common side effects:

• Skin redness or irritation at the application site
• Contact dermatitis (allergic reaction to one of the ingredients)
• Folliculitis (inflammation of hair follicles) — more likely if the product is applied against the direction of hair growth

If you experience any signs of a serious allergic reaction — such as swelling of the face, lips, or throat, difficulty breathing, or a widespread rash — stop using the product immediately and seek urgent medical attention.

How Should You Store Dermol 500 Lotion?

Correct storage keeps the product effective and safe to use. Follow these guidelines:

• Store below 25°C in a cool, dry place
• Keep away from direct sunlight and heat sources
• Keep the cap tightly closed when not in use
• Keep out of reach and sight of children
• Do not use after the expiry date printed on the bottle
• Do not store near naked flames — the product is flammable

For a broader selection of topical treatments for skin conditions, browse our creams and ointments collection, where you'll find a range of options suited to different skin types and conditions.