E45 Emollient Shower Cream-200ml

What Is E45 Shower Cream and Is It Right for Dry Skin?

If you live with persistently dry, itchy, or sensitive skin, finding a wash product that doesn't strip away what little moisture you have left can feel like a constant battle. E45 shower cream is a soap-free, fragrance-free emollient wash designed specifically for people whose skin needs a gentler approach. Rather than cleansing with harsh surfactants that disrupt the skin barrier, it works with your skin — cleaning while simultaneously depositing moisturising ingredients. At just £6.59 for a 200ml bottle, it's an accessible option for everyday use. You can explore the full range of skin care products at Cured Pharmacy if you're looking to build a complete routine for dry or sensitive skin.

Dry skin — clinically known as xerosis — is extremely common in the UK. The NHS notes that conditions such as eczema and psoriasis frequently cause skin dryness, and that emollients are a cornerstone of managing these conditions. Using a soap substitute like this one during your daily wash routine can make a meaningful difference to how your skin feels throughout the day.

How Does E45 Emollient Shower Cream Work to Moisturise Skin?

Emollients work by forming a protective film over the skin's surface, reducing water loss through a process called transepidermal water loss (TEWL). E45 shower cream contains a combination of ingredients that achieve this during the washing process itself:

• White soft paraffin — occlusive agent that seals moisture into the skin
• Light liquid paraffin — lubricates and softens the skin surface
• Anhydrous lanolin (hypoallergenic) — helps restore the lipid layer of the skin barrier
• Soap-free, fragrance-free base — reduces the risk of irritation in sensitive or reactive skin

When you apply it to wet skin and rinse, a thin layer of these emollient ingredients remains on the skin, helping to lock in hydration even after you step out of the shower.

Who Should Use E45 Emollient Shower Cream?

This product is suitable for a wide range of people, from those with mild seasonal dryness to those managing long-term skin conditions. It's particularly well-suited to anyone who finds conventional soaps or shower gels leave their skin feeling tight, flaky, or irritated. The NHS recommends emollient washes as a first-line approach for managing eczema and similar conditions.

• Adults and children with eczema or atopic dermatitis
• People with psoriasis or ichthyosis
• Those with generally dry or sensitive skin
• Older adults whose skin naturally produces less oil with age

How Does E45 Shower Cream Compare to Regular Shower Gel?

Is E45 Shower Cream Safe to Use Every Day?

Yes — daily use is not only safe but actively encouraged for people with chronic dry skin conditions. The E45 shower cream formula is designed to be used as a complete soap replacement, meaning you can use it every time you wash without concern about over-application. If you're also managing a related condition such as a fungal skin infection, speak to your pharmacist about whether additional treatments are needed alongside your emollient routine.

Store the product below 25°C, away from direct sunlight, and keep the lid tightly closed between uses. Check the expiry date before use and do not use if the product has changed in colour or consistency.

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 E45 Emollient Shower Cream and What Is It Used For?

E45 Emollient Shower Cream is a topical, soap-free wash product used to cleanse and moisturise dry, sensitive, and compromised skin. It is classified as an emollient — a category of products that the NHS recommends as a core treatment for conditions including eczema, psoriasis, and ichthyosis. Unlike conventional soaps, it does not contain sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) or added fragrances, both of which are known to aggravate sensitive skin. It is available over the counter without a prescription and is suitable for use by adults, children, and in most cases, babies.

The product is used as a direct replacement for soap or shower gel during bathing or showering. It cleanses the skin while leaving behind a thin film of emollient ingredients that help to maintain the skin's natural moisture barrier. For people managing long-term skin conditions, this dual action — cleansing and moisturising simultaneously — can reduce the number of separate products needed in a daily routine.

What Do You Need to Know Before Using E45 Emollient Shower Cream?

Before using this product, read the following contraindications and warnings carefully:

• Do not use if you are allergic to lanolin, wool alcohols, or any other ingredient in the formula
• Avoid contact with the eyes — rinse thoroughly with water if contact occurs
• Do not apply to broken, infected, or weeping skin without first seeking medical advice
• If your skin condition worsens after use, discontinue and consult your GP or pharmacist
• Emollient products can make surfaces slippery — take care in the shower or bath to avoid falls
• Emollients on fabric (clothing, towels, bedding) can increase flammability — keep away from naked flames

Regarding drug interactions, E45 shower cream is a topical product and is not known to interact with oral or systemic medicines. However:

• If you are using other topical treatments (e.g. topical corticosteroids), apply the emollient first and allow it to absorb before applying the medicated product, or follow your prescriber's specific instructions
• Do not mix with other topical products in the same application unless advised by a healthcare professional

How Should You Use E45 Emollient Shower Cream?

Using this product correctly is straightforward, but a few steps make a real difference to how effective it is. Apply it to wet skin — not dry — so the emollient ingredients can bind properly before rinsing. You can find further guidance on managing dry skin conditions alongside other creams and ointments at Cured Pharmacy.

1. Step into the shower or bath and wet your skin thoroughly
2. Apply a generous amount of E45 shower cream directly to wet skin
3. Massage gently in the direction of hair growth to avoid blocking follicles
4. Rinse off thoroughly with lukewarm water — avoid very hot water, which can worsen dryness
5. Pat skin dry gently with a soft towel — do not rub
6. Apply a separate leave-on emollient immediately after drying if required

What Are the Possible Side Effects of E45 Emollient Shower Cream?

Side effects from E45 shower cream are uncommon. Most people tolerate it well, particularly because it is free from soap, fragrance, and common irritants. That said, no product is entirely without risk, and it's worth knowing what to look out for.

Common side effects (may affect a small number of users):

• Mild stinging or tingling on application, particularly on broken or very dry skin
• Temporary skin redness at the site of application
• Folliculitis (inflammation of hair follicles) if the product is not applied in the direction of hair growth

Less common side effects:

• Allergic contact dermatitis — most likely in individuals sensitive to lanolin or wool alcohols
• Worsening of existing skin condition — rare, but possible if an ingredient does not suit your skin type

If you experience any signs of a serious allergic reaction — including swelling of the face, lips, or throat, difficulty breathing, or severe skin rash — stop use immediately and seek urgent medical attention.

How Should You Store E45 Emollient Shower Cream?

Correct storage helps maintain the product's effectiveness and safety. 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 packaging
• Do not store in the bathroom if it is frequently very hot and steamy — a bedroom or cabinet is preferable

If you're building a broader skincare routine for a family member with dry skin, you might also want to explore the baby and toddler range at Cured Pharmacy for age-appropriate options.