WHAT’S IN IT?

WE REVEAL the ingredients in everyday products. This week: Boots aqueous cream LIQUID PARAFFIN: This is a highly-refined mineral oil, which helps to retain the skin’s moisture by leaving a layer of oil on its surface, preventing water from evaporating.

WHITE SOFT PARAFFIN: Also known as petroleum jelly, this acts in a similar way to liquid paraffin to keep skin moisturised.

CHLOROCRESOL: This compound is thought to have antiseptic properties and helps kill bacteria on the skin — it also acts as a preservative. It is often found in hand wash.

CETOSTEARYL ALCOHOL: This is used in toiletries to help different ingredients mix. In this cream it acts as an emollient to help soften the skin. SODIUM LAURYL SULPHATE: Helps shift oil and is even used to degrease engines. Here it is used primarily for allowing the ingredients to mix, and for its thickening properties.