Oilatum Intense Hydrating Cleanser 200ml

Oilatum Intense Hydrating Cleanser, 200 ml

An extra gentle cleanser for skin that is very dry or eczema prone and cannot take an ordinary face wash or shower gel. Oilatum positions it as a cleanser for skin that is extremely vulnerable, usable as a face cleanser or face wash for dry skin and equally on the body and hands, by men and women, every day. It is specially formulated for very dry and eczema-prone skin, and the Middle East range is built around the region's heat and long hours in air conditioning.

How it is built

This is not a foaming detergent wash, and the published ingredient declaration makes that plain. It is a short, lipid-led list: water, cetearyl alcohol, light liquid paraffin and petrolatum, carried by two mild emulsifiers, polysorbate 60 and PPG-5-ceteth-20, with a single gentle amphoteric surfactant, disodium cocoamphodiacetate. Citric acid and sodium chloride adjust the pH and the body of the emulsion, and phenoxyethanol preserves it. That is the whole declaration.

In practice that means it lifts away sweat and dust with emollients rather than with soap, and leaves a thin conditioning film behind instead of the tight, squeaky finish that follows a normal wash. Worth knowing before buying: the film is mineral-oil based, so anyone who dislikes that feel should choose differently. Oilatum claims no named actives for this product, and the declaration contains no glycerin, no ceramide, no oat, no shea butter, no allantoin and no panthenol.

What the brand says about it

• Specially formulated for very dry and eczema prone skin
• For hand, body and face, and for daily use
• Fragrance free and dermatologically tested
• Approved by the British Skin Foundation

How to use

• Wet the face or body with lukewarm water and never hot water
• Work a small amount over the skin with the fingertips rather than a rough cloth
• Rinse thoroughly and pat dry with a soft towel
• Apply a moisturiser from the range while the skin is still slightly damp
• Suitable for use every day, morning and evening

Good to know

Oilatum describes the range as hypoallergenic, vegan and not tested on animals. For external use only. Avoid contact with the eyes and rinse with plenty of water if it happens. Stop use if the skin becomes irritated. Keep out of the reach of children, close the cap after use and store away from direct heat and sunlight.