WHAT’S IN IT

THIS week: Germolene Antiseptic Cream

PHENOL: Also called phenolic acid, this is an antiseptic that helps kill bacteria around the affected area. Phenol has local anaesthetic action for pain relief, too. Phenol used to be extracted from coal tar; now it is produced from petroleum. CHLORHEXIDINE DIGLUCONATE: An odourless, white crystalline powder, this antiseptic is used as a cleanser (it’s also often used in mouthwash to treat bleeding and swelling gums) — and as a preservative.

CETOSTEARYL ALCOHOL: This ingredient is used widely as everything from a foambooster in shampoos to an ‘emulsion stabiliser’, which helps bind foods together. In Germolene it is used to make the cream a solid colour. It also acts as a viscosity-increasing agent, or thickener, to improve the texture of the cream.

LIQUID PARAFFIN: A mineral oil, which helps to retain the skin’s moisture by leaving a layer of oil on the surface.