Cetraben emollient is made from a mixture of white soft paraffin and liquid paraffin with water, to produce a thick moisturiser. It works by providing a layer of oil on the surface of the skin to prevent water evaporating from the skin surface. Cetraben also contains glycerin, which is absorbed into the skin where it attracts water to itself, helping to retain water in the skin surface. Other ingredients are emulsifying wax, cetyl stearyl alcohol, butylparaben, methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, phenoxetol, citric acid and purified water.