About

Cetraben® Ointment is ideal for patients who require additional hydration that creams and lotions cannot provide. The unique formulation of Cetraben® Ointment makes it a 3-in-1 emollient, skin cleanser, and bath additive:

  • White soft paraffin forms a protective barrier on skin surface and decreases transepidermal water loss (TEWL)
  • Light liquid paraffin replaces lost skin oils to increase skin surface lipids (SSL)

Cetraben® Ointment offers an 18% saving gram per gram compared to the market leading ointment.1

Cetraben® Ointment is available in two sizes, making it easy to use and helping to improve patient adherence.

18% saving gram per gram compared to the market leading ointment

Use as emollient, skin cleanser and bath additive

450g for use at home

125g for use on the go

Patient preference

In 107 patients with dry or very dry skin, Cetraben® Ointment was ranked the favourite product overall when compared with Diprobase, Hydromol and Epaderm ointments2:

How to use

Cetraben® Ointment is simple to apply and is suitable for patients who require additional hydration and ideal for use when showering, bathing or as the final emollient application of the day.

Apply to the skin as often as required, or directed by your pharmacist or GP, to ensure continued hydration throughout the day. We recommend that you treat skin as frequently as possible, or as a minimum at least twice a day.

  • Apply liberally to the affected skin, as often as necessary, ensuring that the area is well covered
  • Apply gently in the direction of hair growth until absorbed
  • Avoid rubbing vigorously as this could trigger itching by creating more heat in the skin
  • Apply emollient before and after you bathe to protect skin from dryness
  • In addition, you can use the ointment as a soap substitute as it will be kinder to the skin but just as effective at cleaning it

Prescribing information

Please refer to the Medical Device Core Data sheet before prescribing

Cetraben Ointment:

Manufacturer: Thornton & Ross Ltd, Linthwaite, Huddersfield, HD7 5QH, UK

Code # of Notified Body: N/A

Legal classification: Class I

Product name: Cetraben Ointment

Ingredients: Light Liquid Paraffin 45% w/w, White Soft Paraffin 35% w/w, Cetostearyl Alcohol, Polysorbate 60

Indications: An emollient used to moisturise and soften dry skin in eczema, dry cases of psoriasis and other dry skin conditions. Also used as a skin cleanser or bath additive.

Adverse reactions: There are no known side effects. In the unlikely event of a side effect you should stop use and talk to your doctor or pharmacist. This product contains cetostearyl alcohol which may cause local skin reactions.

Precautions: Do not use if you are allergic to any of the ingredients listed. If the skin is badly cracked, infected or bleeding do not apply; seek medical advice before use. Avoid contact with eyes. Bath and showers may become slippery. Take care not to slip. Clean away any residues with household cleaner using warm water. For external use only. If you accidentally swallow some see a doctor straight away. Show this label or pack. Using Cetraben Ointment during pregnancy and breastfeeding is unlikely to have any ill effects. If unsure, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. Do not refrigerate or freeze. Do not use after expiry date. Fire hazard. Do not smoke or go near naked flames; clothing or bedding with this product dried on them can catch fire easily. Washing clothing and bedding may reduce product build-up but not totally remove it. Use within 3 months of opening.

Contra-indications: Hypersensitivity to any of the ingredients.

Method of administration: Adults, the elderly and children over 1 year: Wash hands before and after use. Apply to dry skin areas as often as required. Smooth gently into the skin following direction of hair growth. Children under 1: Seek HCP advice before use. As a bath additive: Melt about 4g (roughly a teaspoonful) of Cetraben Ointment in hot water in a suitable container. Then add to the bath ensuring that the water has sufficiently cooled before getting in. As a soap substitute: Take a small amount of Cetraben Ointment from the tub, lather it under warm water and use as required when washing or in the shower. Pat skin dry.

Date of preparation: 22/03/2021

Adverse incidents should be reported on 01484 848164, at thorntonross@medinformation.co.uk or alternatively at www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard.

You may also like

  1. Epaderm Ointment. MIMS Online. Available at: https://www.mims.co.uk/drugs/skin/eczema-pruritus-dry-skin-conditions/epaderm-cream. (Accessed November 2018)
  2. Data on file. Cetraben® Ointment preference test August 2014

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