E45 Itch Relief Cream – Ingredients, Uses and Buying Guide

E45 Itch Relief Cream is a fragrance-free, non-greasy emollient formulation marketed for the relief of itching and the moisturisation of dry, irritated skin. The product is widely available across UK pharmacies and retailers, and is formulated specifically for conditions such as eczema, dermatitis, pruritus, and scaling skin. Its dual-action approach combines a topical anaesthetic with a humectant to address both the sensation of itch and the underlying dryness simultaneously.

The cream centres on two active ingredients: lauromacrogols, which act as a local anaesthetic to interrupt itch signals at the skin’s surface, and urea, a naturally occurring compound that draws moisture into the skin and supports the skin’s own barrier function. Available in multiple sizes including 50g and 500g, the product has been dermatologically tested and described as hypoallergenic by retailers and product listings. Below is a detailed breakdown of the cream’s composition, uses, availability, and what is currently known about its effects and reception.

What Are the Ingredients in E45 Itch Relief Cream?

E45 Itch Relief Cream is formulated with two primary active ingredients that work in combination to address both the sensory and structural causes of itchy, dry skin. The full ingredient list is publicly available through the Summary of Product Characteristics published on the Medicines.org.uk website, as well as through independent ingredient analysis platforms.

Active Ingredients

Lauromacrogols 3.0% w/w functions as the product’s topical anaesthetic component. According to independent ingredient analysis and retailer product descriptions, lauromacrogols work by temporarily numbing the nerve endings in the skin, effectively interrupting the signals that cause the sensation of itching. This mechanism makes the cream directly targeted at itch relief rather than simply addressing surface dryness.

Urea 5.0% w/w serves as the moisturising element of the formulation. Urea is a component of the skin’s natural moisturising factor, comprising approximately 7% of the NMF in healthy skin. At this concentration, urea acts as a humectant, meaning it draws moisture from the environment and from deeper skin layers into the surface of the skin. This helps to hydrate the skin, reduce flaking, and support the skin’s barrier function over time.

Supporting Ingredients

The complete formulation includes a range of emollients, humectants, and functional ingredients listed below:

• Dimeticone and Phenyl Dimeticone – silicone-based emollients that form a protective layer on the skin’s surface, helping to lock in moisture and create a smooth texture.
• Liquid Paraffin – an emollient and solvent that softens and smooths the skin. Independent ingredient analysis rates its comedogenic potential as very low (0–1).
• Cetyl Palmitate and Stearic/Palmitic Acid – emollient compounds that contribute to the cream’s texture and viscosity.
• Octyldodecanol – an emollient that enhances skin smoothness without leaving a heavy residue.
• Glycerol 85% – described by ingredient analysts as a “superstar moisturizer,” glycerol acts as a humectant that attracts and retains water in the skin.
• Polysorbate – an emulsifier that ensures the oil and water components of the cream remain mixed.
• Carbomer – a viscosity-controlling agent that gives the cream its texture.
• Benzyl Alcohol – a preservative used to maintain product stability.
• Trometamol – a buffering agent used to maintain the cream’s pH.
• Purified Water – the aqueous base of the formulation.

The product is described as free from fragrance, gluten, coconut, nickel, and common allergens such as lanolin and talc, according to product listings and allergy-focused ingredient databases. It has been dermatologically tested and is marketed as hypoallergenic.

What Is E45 Itch Relief Cream Used For?

E45 Itch Relief Cream is primarily indicated for the treatment and soothing of itching associated with a range of dermatological conditions. The product’s official listings and medicines documentation confirm its use across several specific conditions, with a particular emphasis on its dual-action approach.

Approved and Indicated Uses

The cream is formulated to treat and soothe itching arising from eczema, dermatitis, pruritus (generalised itching), and scaling or dry skin conditions. These indications are consistent across Boots, The Independent Pharmacy, and the official E45 product page. The Summary of Product Characteristics and Patient Information Leaflet both confirm efficacy for pruritus and eczema as licensed indications.

According to retailer descriptions, the dual-action mechanism works as follows: lauromacrogols numb the itch sensation by blocking signals at the nerve endings, while urea draws moisture into the skin and helps to calm inflammation and reduce flaking. This combination means the product addresses both the immediate sensation of itch and the underlying dryness that often accompanies skin conditions.

Suitability and Application

E45 Itch Relief Cream is described as suitable for all ages, including infants over one month old. Application is recommended as needed to affected areas, and the product can be used as a continued or follow-up treatment for the aforementioned conditions. It is fragrance-free and non-greasy, making it more suitable for daily use than some heavier emollient formulations.

Users with known allergies to any of the listed ingredients, or those with broken or severely compromised skin, should consult a healthcare professional before use. The Patient Information Leaflet, available through the Medicines.org.uk website, provides full application guidance and should be read prior to first use.

What Are the Side Effects of E45 Itch Relief Cream?

Current publicly available search results do not provide specific, detailed information on side effects for E45 Itch Relief Cream beyond general precautions. The standard advisory applicable to most topical medicinal products is therefore the most relevant guidance currently in circulation.

Standard Precautions

The Patient Information Leaflet accompanying the product should be read in full before use. Retailers and health information sources consistently recommend keeping the product out of the sight and reach of children as a basic safety measure.

While the product is marketed as hypoallergenic and is free from several common allergens, individuals with a history of skin sensitivity or known allergies to any of the cream’s ingredients should seek advice from a doctor or pharmacist before applying it, particularly to broken or damaged skin.

Known Allergen Profile

Product listings and ingredient databases confirm that E45 Itch Relief Cream is free from the following: fragrance, gluten, coconut, nickel, lanolin, and talc. The preservative used is benzyl alcohol. Benzyl alcohol can occasionally cause sensitisation in individuals with specific sensitivities, though it is considered a relatively mild preservative compared to some alternatives.

Where to Buy E45 Itch Relief Cream and Current Prices?

E45 Itch Relief Cream is stocked by a wide range of UK pharmacies and retailers, making it relatively accessible across the country. Multiple sizes are available, though exact pricing varies by retailer and pack size.

Available Sizes

The product is confirmed to be available in 50g, 100g, and 500g sizes. The 50g size is the most commonly stocked at pharmacy counters and is typically positioned as the entry-level or travel-friendly option. The 500g size offers better value for individuals using the product regularly for chronic conditions such as eczema, and is typically available through larger pharmacy branches and online retailers.

Retailer Availability

Pricing

No specific prices were identified across the sources reviewed for this article. Pricing is expected to vary by retailer, pack size, and any promotional activity at the time of purchase. For current pricing, it is advisable to check directly with the retailer websites listed above. The 50g size is generally the least expensive per unit, while the 500g size offers better value for money for regular users.

What Do Reviews Say About E45 Itch Relief Cream?

Publicly available review data for E45 Itch Relief Cream is limited in aggregate form, but several consistent themes emerge from retailer listings, ingredient analyses, and the official product communications reviewed for this article.

Positive Feedback Themes

Retailer descriptions and product page summaries consistently highlight three key strengths: effective hydration, reliable itch relief, and a non-greasy texture. Boots, The Independent Pharmacy, and the official E45 website all describe the cream as effective for eczema-prone and dry skin, with particular praise for its ability to absorb quickly without leaving a greasy residue. This makes it more comfortable for daytime use compared to some heavier emollient creams.

Ingredient analysis rates the formulation favourably, citing urea and glycerol as excellent humectants, and classifying emollient ingredients such as dimethicone and liquid paraffin as safe with low comedogenic potential. The absence of fragrance is also noted positively by users and reviewers who are sensitive to added perfumes in skincare products.

Limitations of Current Review Data

No specific user review quotes or aggregated rating scores were identified in the sources reviewed for this article. User-generated reviews are present on retailer platforms such as Boots and Amazon, but those specific aggregations were not captured in the available data. Individuals seeking detailed user experiences are advised to check the review sections on individual retailer pages directly.

What Is Known and What Remains Unclear About E45 Itch Relief Cream?

A factual assessment of publicly available information reveals a clear distinction between what is well-established and what requires further direct confirmation from authoritative sources.

The Role of Urea and Lauromacrogols in Dry Skin Treatment

E45 Itch Relief Cream occupies a specific position within the broader range of emollient and moisturising skin treatments available in the UK. The combination of a topical anaesthetic with a humectant moisturiser is less common than products offering purely emollient or purely humectant benefits, and this dual-action approach is a notable distinguishing feature of the formulation.

Urea-based creams are widely recommended by dermatologists and healthcare professionals for dry and scaling skin conditions. At a concentration of 5%, urea functions as an effective humectant without the higher concentrations that would be needed for keratolytic—scale-breaking—effects. This makes the 5% concentration suitable for daily moisturisation in sensitive and compromised skin.

The lauromacrogols component provides a direct anti-itch effect that is distinct from the soothing effect achieved by simply adding moisture to the skin. This is particularly relevant for conditions such as eczema and dermatitis, where the itch sensation can be disproportionate to the visible dryness and where scratching can exacerbate the condition further.

Expert Sources and Key Quotes on E45 Itch Relief Cream

Several authoritative sources provide structured information about E45 Itch Relief Cream, ranging from regulatory product documentation to independent ingredient analysis.

“E45 Itch Relief Cream is a fragrance-free, non-greasy emollient cream designed to relieve itching and moisturise dry, irritated skin conditions like eczema, dermatitis, pruritus, and scaling skin, featuring active ingredients urea (5% w/w) for hydration and lauromacrogols (3% w/w) as a topical anaesthetic.”

— E45 official product page, e45.com

“E45 Itch Relief Cream provides a dual-action approach: Lauromacrogols numb the itch sensation by blocking signals at the nerve endings, while urea locks in moisture to hydrate and calm skin, reducing flaking and irritation.”

— The Independent Pharmacy product description

“Ingredient analysis rates urea and glycerol as excellent humectants; emollients like dimethicone and liquid paraffin are rated as safe with low comedogenic potential (0–1).”

— Incidecoder ingredient analysis platform

Summary: Key Facts About E45 Itch Relief Cream

E45 Itch Relief Cream is a dual-action, fragrance-free emollient cream designed for the relief of itch and the treatment of dry, irritated skin associated with eczema, dermatitis, pruritus, and scaling conditions. Its active ingredients—urea (5% w/w) and lauromacrogols (3% w/w)—address both the underlying dryness and the immediate sensation of itch. The product is dermatologically tested, hypoallergenic, and suitable for all ages including infants over one month. It is available in 50g, 100g, and 500g sizes from Boots, LloydsPharmacy, Superdrug, and other UK retailers. No specific prices were available at the time of writing, and detailed user review aggregations should be sought directly from retailer websites. For full safety information, the Patient Information Leaflet should be consulted before use. For broader skincare guidance, see our article on La Roche-Posay Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin or our How to Treat a Burn guide for related skin care topics.

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