This medicine is applied topically as a moisturiser to treat or prevent mild skin irritations and dry, rough, scaly, itchy skin (such as diaper rash, skin burns from radiation therapy). Emollients are chemicals that soften, moisturise, and reduce flaking and irritation of the skin. Some cosmetics, such white petrolatum and zinc oxide, are primarily used to shield the skin against irritants (such as from wetness). Water loss in the top layer of skin is what causes dry skin. Emollients/moisturizers function by accumulating an oily film on the skin's surface, which traps moisture within the skin. Common emollients include mineral oil, petroleum jelly, lanolin, and dimethicone. Glycerin, lecithin, and propylene glycol are humectants that attract water into the epidermis of the skin.

Additionally, many lotions contain chemicals like urea, alpha hydroxy acids like lactic/citric/glycolic acid, and allantoin that help to soften the horny material (keratin) that keeps the top layer of skin cells together. This makes the skin feel softer and smoother while also assisting in the removal of dead skin cells and assisting the skin in retaining more water.

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