Action of Emollient Creams and Their Additives

The document discusses the definition and function of emollients, which are substances applied to the skin to prevent or counteract dryness. Emollients can range from simple ointments prescribed by physicians to more complex creams and lotions produced by cosmetic manufacturers. Both types share the same primary function of alleviating skin dryness, which can vary from mild scaling to severe conditions involving fissuring, inflammation, pain, or itching. Emollients typically consist of a mixture of oil and water, along with an emulsifying agent. The document suggests that both cosmetic manufacturers and physicians could benefit from sharing knowledge about emollient formulations.