Emolene Cream Review – Is it Holy Grail for Dry Skin?

After returning from Delhi, my skin had the worst breakout I’ve ever had: painful, angry pimples from pollution, junk food, and dehydration.

For weeks, I tried everything from home remedies to popular acne creams, but nothing really worked. It started to feel frustrating and a little hopeless.

That’s when my mom suggested we see a dermatologist. And she handed me a prescription with a few medications, and a tube of Emolene cream (a propylene glycol-based moisturizer) that, honestly, looked a bit intimidating at first.

But looking at how popular it is today among skincare fanatics, it seemed the perfect opportunity to finally give it a chance.

So after using it, I’m sharing my experience with this revered cream—what it is, its uses and benefits, how it worked for me, and whether it’s worthwhile if you’re struggling with dry, irritated, or acne-prone skin.

What is Emolene?

Emolene is a dermat-recommended hydrating cream made with Propylene Glycol and Urea.

It’s often used to treat dry, flaky, irritated, or dehydrated skin and works even better when your skin barrier needs a little attention.

While Emolene is technically a prescription cream in India, it’s usually available over the counter at most pharmacies without needing an actual prescription.

Many dermatologists often suggest it to revive skin hydration during or after acne treatment, for skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and even post-acne dryness caused by tretinoin. This makes it a great recovery moisturizer.

Ingredients of Emolene + Their Benefits

Propylene Glycol, Urea, Lecithin, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Carbomer 934, Glycerin, Sodium Hydroxide, Capric Acid Triglyceride, Dimethicone, Squalene, Polyoxyl 40 Stearate, Stearic Acid, Glycol Stearate, Glyceryl Stearate, Cetyl Alcohol, Myristyl Myristate, C-10-30 Carboxylic Acid Sterol Ester, Butylated Hydroxy Anisole, Toluene, Water, EDTA

Two of its main ingredients are Propylene glycol and Urea, followed by Lecithin, Squalene, Dimethicone, and Glycerine:

• Propylene Glycol: Helps attract moisture into the skin, keeping it soft, smooth, and hydrated.
• Urea: Gently exfoliates dry, flaky skin while deeply moisturizing and improving skin texture.
• Lecithin: Makes the skin’s barrier strong and helps lock in moisture for longer-lasting hydration.
• Squalene: A lightweight oil that mimics your skin’s natural oils, nourishing it without being greasy.
• Dimethicone: Forms a protective layer on the skin that smooths rough patches and protects against irritants.
• Glycerine: A skin-soothing humectant that attracts water into the skin, leaving it plump and refreshed.

Price of Emolene

₹ 380 for 100 gms | Buy it from Amazon | Also available at medical stores

Uses + Benefits of This Cream

It’s more than just a moisturizer! Here’s how it can actually improve the look and feel of your skin:

Deeply hydrates dry skin

Emolene is formulated for intense moisturization. Ingredients like urea and propylene glycol help attract water into the skin and seal it. Ideal for those with dry, dehydrated, or damaged skin.

Soothes skin irritation and itchiness

Whether it’s eczema, dermatitis, or just sensitive skin, Emolene soothes it. This formula creates a barrier that keeps out irritants and keeps moisture in.

Restores the skin’s barrier

Daily pollution, acne treatments, or over-cleansing harm the skin barrier. This cream supports healing by helping your skin rebuild its natural protective layer, so it feels less tight, less reactive, and more normal again.

Non-greasy yet highly nourishing

If you hate that sticky, heavy feeling most creams leave behind, this one’s a nice surprise. It absorbs fast, leaves no oily layer, and still does the job of a rich moisturizer. Great under makeup too!

Relieves flaky or peeling skin

If you’re undergoing acne treatments or retinoids and noticing dry patches, Emolene works as a gentle recovery cream that softens flaky skin without clogging pores.

Works as a skin-healing support cream

Due to its emollient-rich formula, which inspired its name, dermatologists often prescribe it alongside stronger treatments (like acne meds or steroid creams). It helps calm down side effects like peeling, redness, or burning due to such treatments.

Safe for sensitive skin

As a fragrance-free, low-irritant moisturizer, Emolene is well-tolerated for sensitive, reactive skin. And even those who usually break out from drugstore moisturizers.

Can be used on the face and body

Though most use it on the face, this cream is multipurpose enough for elbows, knees, hands and anywhere your skin feels rough, dry, or cracked.

Affordable and accessible

Unlike fancy moisturizers that cost a bomb, Emolene is budget-friendly and easy to find in most Indian pharmacies.

To sum up, Emolene is simple, but it works. If your skin needs deep, simple hydration, this is a solid choice, especially if it’s dealing with sensitivity, acne treatments, or barrier repair.

How to Use Emolene Cream

1. Start with clean skin. Wash your face with a mild cleanser and pat it dry.
2. Take a pea-sized amount. A little goes a long way, especially for the face.
3. Apply and spread it evenly across your face (or affected area) using upward, gentle strokes.
4. Let it absorb. Give it a few minutes to fully sink in before applying makeup or sunscreen.
5. Use it twice daily. Once in the morning and once at night, or according to your dermatologist.

My Experience with Emolene

This cream comes in a blue cardboard packaging that has all the necessary details simply printed.

Inside the box, here’s a sturdy blue tube with a secure twist cap, travel-friendly and simple.

Upon opening the tube, you’ll find a pure white cream inside. The texture is thin—definitely not watery or runny, just the right consistency for a light moisturizer.

My first impression: no fragrance at all. Seriously, this is a big yay for sensitive noses. If strong-smelling skincare puts you off, you’ll love how neutral this one is.

The cream spreads easily and gets completely absorbed with just a few strokes. What I really liked is that it leaves no residue behind!

It leaves behind no oily, sticky, or heavy feeling on the skin after application.

Even just seconds after applying, my skin felt soft, hydrated, and beautiful. Oh, and an admirable aspect? Nothing clings to your fingers afterward.

Skin gets well-moisturized, soft, and healthy-looking. Emolene leaves behind no shine, just a healthy and natural glow.

Honestly, the cream just vanishes into the skin like it was never there. After my first application, I thought, “Wait, did the cream even do anything?” Then I touched my face, and Lord, it was soft.

I’ve seen many people use Emolene cream for pigmentation along with their actives to prevent excessive dryness.

The moisturizer didn’t make my skin more oily, but I wouldn’t say it controlled it either. That said, it still worked well for my combination skin that leans towards oily, especially during dry weather.

That being said, I think dry-skinned beauties will really benefit from Emolene. They can layer the cream up to their wish without worrying about greasiness.

For me, Emolene cream worked decently, nothing extraordinary, but no complaints either. So, that’s still a win in the skincare realm.

Pros

• Travel-friendly packaging
• Widely available at pharmacies and online
• A little goes a long way for a full-face application
• Light, non-runny texture that spreads effortlessly
• Absorbs quite fast
• Leaves no stickiness or greasiness behind
• Hydrates without the shine
• Leaves a healthy, natural glow
• Ideal for dry skin
• Gentle on sensitive, acne-prone skin
• Fragrance-free

Cons

• Doesn’t manage sebum or mattify skin, especially for oily skin

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Emolene cream have side effects?

Emolene typically works well, but some people with very sensitive skin (though very rare) may experience mild irritation or redness. Before using regularly, always patch test.

Can I use it every day?

Yes, and daily use even helps keep skin hydrated and supple.

Does Emolene lighten skin?

No, Emolene doesn’t contain any skin-lightening agents. It hydrates the skin, which can improve texture and glow, but it doesn’t change skin tone.

Is it good for oily skin?

It’s non-greasy and sinks in quickly, so it can be used on oily skin. However, it doesn’t control oil or acne, so it’s just fine for super oily skin types.

Is Emolene cream a steroid?

No, Emolene is not a steroid. It’s a humectant-based moisturizer that contains propylene glycol and urea, which help dry skin.

Does it clog your pores?

No, since it’s non-comedogenic and lightweight, it won’t clog pores. That said, always observe how your skin reacts, especially if you’re acne-prone.

Is Emolene moisturizer good for pigmentation?

While not a spot treatment, it can complement pigmentation treatments by keeping the skin moisturized and reducing post-inflammatory dryness.

Is Emolene safe for babies?

Emolene cream is often used under a doctor’s supervision for dry patches or rashes in babies, but always consult a pediatrician first.

Is Emolene good for cracked heels?

Yes, it can help. Its hydrating ingredients, like urea and glycerine, soften rough, dry skin, making it useful for treating cracked heels after constant use.

Related Reviews

• 16 Best Moisturizers for Dry Skin in India
• What Hydrating Facial Can Do For Your Dry, Damaged Skin

Already tried it? Drop your thoughts in the comments. Let’s help each other out.