The Aquamax range is a dermatologist-approved collection of emollients designed to moisturise, soothe and protect dry, sensitive, eczema-prone and psoriasis-affected skin. Formulated without fragrances, colours, SLS or lanolin, Aquamax is widely used across the UK as a cost-effective, gentle emollient suitable for daily skincare routines, including as a soap substitute for those who need to avoid harsh detergents. Its rich, occlusive formulation helps restore the skin barrier, reduce moisture loss and calm irritation for the whole family.
What is Aquamax?
Aquamax is a high-emollient, hypoallergenic skincare range developed to treat skin dryness, flaking, roughness and irritation. The products create a protective film on the skin’s surface, locking in moisture while preventing further irritation. Because Aquamax avoids common triggers such as perfume, SLS and harsh preservatives, it is suitable for babies, children, adults and older people — especially those managing chronic dry-skin conditions alongside treatments from our eczema, psoriasis, and body skincare collections.
Common symptoms Aquamax helps manage
- Dry, cracked or flaking skin.
- Itching and skin tightness after washing or exposure to cold air.
- Redness from eczema or dermatitis flare-ups.
- Scaling, thickened patches or rough skin caused by psoriasis.
- Irritated or reactive skin that flares when exposed to fragrances or soaps.
Many people also use Aquamax during episodes of dryness caused by weather changes, frequent hand washing, or recovery from skin irritation. Pairing it with mild cleansers from our handwash and skin care categories can support long-term hydration.
Benefits and features of Aquamax skincare
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High-moisture emollient formula: Helps soften, hydrate and protect dry or damaged skin.
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Soap-free and fragrance-free: Suitable for people with sensitive, reactive or allergy-prone skin.
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Lanolin-free formulation: Suitable for users who experience sensitivity to lanolin-containing emollients.
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Can be used as a daily moisturiser: Helps maintain the skin barrier when used consistently.
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Effective for eczema and psoriasis: Provides necessary skin hydration to support medical treatment plans.
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Suitable for all ages: Safe for babies, children and adults.
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Great value alternative: Cost-effective compared to other premium emollients.
Why Aquamax is important for skin barrier repair
The skin barrier plays a vital role in locking in moisture and keeping irritants out. When this barrier becomes damaged — through eczema, psoriasis, overwashing or cold weather — the skin becomes dry, itchy, inflamed and prone to flare-ups. Emollients like Aquamax replenish that barrier by creating a protective, moisturising layer. This helps reduce water loss, ease discomfort and improve overall skin resilience.
Incorporating a routine of emollient application alongside appropriate treatments from our eczema, psoriasis and skin care ranges is recommended by dermatologists for long-term control of dry-skin conditions.
How to use Aquamax effectively
For optimal results, Aquamax should be used generously and regularly. General guidance includes:
- Apply in smooth downward strokes — avoid rubbing vigorously, which can irritate the skin.
- Use after showering or bathing while the skin is slightly damp to seal in moisture.
- Apply multiple times a day if your skin is very dry or during flare-ups.
- Use as a soap substitute when washing areas affected by eczema or dermatitis.
- Avoid use on broken, infected or weeping skin unless advised by a clinician.
Pairing Aquamax with gentle bathing routines and fragrance-free skincare from our body skincare and skin care collections can further reduce irritation.
When to seek medical advice
You should speak to a doctor or pharmacist if:
- Your skin becomes more red, swollen or painful after using emollients.
- You notice signs of infection — oozing, crusting or spreading rash.
- Symptoms persist despite regular moisturisation.
- You have severe eczema or psoriasis requiring prescription creams.
Types of Aquamax products available
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Aquamax Cream: A rich, non-greasy emollient for daily use and dry-skin maintenance.
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Aquamax Gel: A thicker, occlusive gel suitable for very dry, cracked or irritated skin requiring more intensive hydration.
Both are commonly used alongside skin-specific treatments available from our eczema and psoriasis categories.
Aquamax compared with other emollients
While many emollients contain perfumes, lanolin or SLS, Aquamax avoids these irritants — making it a suitable choice for highly sensitive skin. It is often compared with other popular emollients such as Diprobase, Cetraben and AproDerm. Many users find Aquamax offers a strong balance of hydration, affordability and tolerability, particularly for families managing long-term dry-skin conditions.
For extremely dry or thickened skin, you may explore richer ointments in our body skincare section, while mild everyday dryness may benefit from lighter formulas in our skin care collection.
How Welzo selects Aquamax products
Our skincare range is chosen based on:
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Clinically trusted formulations suitable for sensitive, eczema-prone and psoriasis-affected skin.
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Irritant-free ingredients such as the exclusion of perfumes, colours and SLS.
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Value and accessibility for families managing chronic skin conditions.
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Consistency with NHS dermatology guidance recommending daily emollient use.
Aquamax fits our criteria as a safe, gentle emollient suitable for wide-range daily use alongside condition-specific treatments.
Welzo editorial standards
All Welzo skincare content is written by trained medical writers and reviewed by GMC-registered clinicians. We provide clear, evidence-informed information to help you manage your skin health confidently, but this content does not replace personalised medical advice.
FAQs about Aquamax
Is Aquamax suitable for eczema?
Yes. Aquamax is widely used for eczema because it moisturises and protects the skin barrier without containing irritants. It can be used alongside prescribed eczema treatments if your clinician recommends it.
Can Aquamax be used on the face?
Yes — Aquamax Cream and Gel can be used on the face, but avoid contact with the eyes. If facial skin becomes more irritated, consult a healthcare professional.
Is Aquamax safe for babies?
Aquamax is suitable for all ages, including babies. It is often used on infant eczema, dry patches and sensitive skin when fragrance-free care is needed.
Can Aquamax be used as a soap substitute?
Yes. Aquamax Cream works effectively as a soap substitute for people with eczema, dermatitis or very dry skin. Using it instead of standard soap helps avoid the drying effects of detergents.
How often should I apply Aquamax?
Most people apply Aquamax 2–4 times daily, and more often during flare-ups. Apply after bathing and whenever your skin feels dry or tight.
When should I see a doctor?
Seek medical advice if your skin does not improve despite regular emollient use, becomes infected, or if eczema or psoriasis symptoms flare severely.
Content team: Dr Sameer Nakedar
Role: Chief Medical Officer
MBBS (London), MRCGP, PGCert, GMC: 7041062
Today’s date: Authored 30 November 2025
Content team: Paola Drexlar
Role: Medical Content Writer, UK
BA (Hons) Journalism
Medical disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a clinician for diagnosis and treatment of skin conditions.