light liquid paraffin

Light liquid paraffin is a highly refined mineral oil used as an emollient and skin protectant. It is the primary active ingredient in various dermatological products, such as Oilatum bath additive, where it is typically used at a 63% concentration. Its mechanism of action is physical; it forms an occlusive oily layer on the skin surface (stratum corneum), which prevents the evaporation of water (transepidermal water loss) and protects the skin from external irritants. This helps to hydrate the skin and manage symptoms of dry skin conditions like atopic dermatitis (eczema). While widely used in clinical practice, the phase 4 BATHE trial conducted by the University of Southampton found that adding bath emollients like light liquid paraffin to standard care provided no significant clinical benefit for children with atopic eczema.

Brand names

Oilatum

Other names

liquid paraffinmineral oilparaffinum perliquidum