Doublebase Dayleve Gel is an emollient used in adults and children to relieve dry skin conditions, including eczema (atopic, contact, or very dry “winter eczema”), psoriasis, and ichthyosis. It’s also useful for everyday dry, tight, or chapped skin.
Each gram of gel contains isopropyl myristate 15%, liquid paraffin 15%, and glycerol in a hydrating gel base. It’s supplied in 100g, 250g, and 500g pump dispensers.
What Doublebase Dayleve Gel is used for
Doublebase Dayleve can help with:
Dry, rough, flaky skin
Eczema prone skin (flare ups and maintenance)
Psoriasis related dryness and scaling
Long term dry skin conditions that need daily moisturising support
It doesn’t treat inflammation on its own, but it supports the skin barrier and can make skin more comfortable.
What makes Dayleve different from regular Doublebase Gel
Both Dayleve and regular Doublebase Gel contain the same main emollient ingredients:
Isopropyl myristate 15%
Liquid paraffin 15%
The difference is the vehicle (the gel base). Dayleve includes glycerol, which is a humectant. Humectants draw and hold water in the outer layer of skin.
That matters because:
Regular Doublebase Gel tends to moisturise for around 4 hours, so it often needs 3–4 applications a day for steady coverage.
Doublebase Dayleve Gel is designed to last around 12 hours, so twice daily use is often enough.
So, Dayleve’s main benefit is simple: it’s easier to stick with.
Why twice daily moisturising is a big deal (in real life)
Most people can manage morning and evening. Very few people can manage “every four hours” without turning moisturising into a part time job.
That’s why Dayleve is often a good fit if you:
Work or go to school
Have limited mobility or dexterity
Get fatigue or brain fog
Just want something you’ll actually use consistently
How Dayleve compares to other emollients
Dayleve sits in a useful middle ground:
Richer than many creams (such as E45 or Diprobase cream), so you may need less per application
Less greasy than ointments (like Epaderm or Diprobase ointment), so it’s often easier for daytime use under clothing
Lanolin free, which can be helpful if you have lanolin sensitivity (or you’ve reacted to lanolin containing products)
Paraben free, which can suit people with preservative sensitivities
No antimicrobials, unlike Dermol products (so it won’t target bacterial colonisation in eczema)
In other words, it’s a strong everyday moisturiser, but it’s not a treatment for infection or active inflammation by itself.
How to use Doublebase Dayleve Gel
A typical routine is:
Apply twice daily (morning and evening)
Use more often if needed during flare ups, cold weather, or frequent handwashing
Keep using it even when skin is calm — maintenance helps prevent flare ups
If you also use a steroid cream or other medicated treatment, follow your prescriber’s advice on how to combine them.
How we supply Doublebase Dayleve at Courier Pharmacy
At Courier Pharmacy, every Doublebase Dayleve supply is reviewed by a UK pharmacist. We’ll ask about your skin condition, what you’ve tried, and whether the twice daily Dayleve routine is likely to fit your lifestyle better than shorter acting emollients. We can also help you plan how to use it alongside other treatments if you’re managing eczema or psoriasis.
Key features and specifications
Active ingredients: Isopropyl myristate 150mg/g (15%), Liquid paraffin 150mg/g (15%), plus glycerol (humectant)
Form: Hydrating gel
Pack sizes: 100g, 250g, 500g pump dispenser
Class: Emollient (humectant enhanced for extended duration)
Typical use (as directed): Apply twice daily to dry skin
Storage: Store below 25°C
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Dry skin that needs serious daily moisturising — eczema, psoriasis maintenance, ichthyosis, the chronically dry skin of central heating and cold weather and ageing. Maybe you’ve been using regular Doublebase Gel and finding you need to reapply it several times a day. Maybe your prescriber has mentioned a longer-acting alternative. Maybe you want a rich emollient gel without the frequent reapplication of lighter products. Doublebase Dayleve Gel is the 12-hour version of Doublebase — same active emollient ingredients but with humectants added to extend the duration of action, suitable for twice-daily application rather than four-times. At Courier Pharmacy we want you to understand exactly how Dayleve differs from regular Doublebase, who it suits, how it compares to other emollients, and where it fits in your daily skin care, so the choice feels properly yours.
Five key takeaways
Doublebase Dayleve Gel contains isopropyl myristate 15% and liquid paraffin 15% in a hydrating gel base with added glycerol (a humectant), used in adults and children for the symptomatic treatment of dry skin conditions including eczema, psoriasis, ichthyosis, and chronically dry skin.
The “Dayleve” name indicates the longer-acting (12-hour) effect. Regular Doublebase Gel provides effective moisturising for around 4 hours per application; Dayleve provides similar moisturising with longer duration through the addition of glycerol as a humectant that holds water in the stratum corneum for longer.
Apply twice daily (rather than 3-4 times daily for regular Doublebase or many other emollients). This convenience makes Dayleve particularly useful for patients who find frequent reapplication impractical (work routines, schools, mobility issues) or for whom less frequent application improves adherence.
Lanolin-free and paraben-free; the relatively simple formulation suits patients with multiple sensitivities. The gel texture is between cream and ointment — less greasy than ointments but more occlusive than typical creams. Manufactured by Dermal Laboratories (the same UK company that makes Dermol products).
Same fire safety warning as all paraffin-containing emollients. Generally well-tolerated for long-term use. Available as Doublebase Dayleve Gel in pump dispensers. Suitable as a moisturiser and also as a soap substitute for washing.
Treatment dosage Doublebase Dayleve Gel
The standard adult and paediatric use is to apply twice daily to dry or affected skin.
Step-by-step:
Wash hands first
Pump or squeeze a generous amount of gel onto your hand
Apply to dry or affected skin
Smooth gently in the direction of hair growth — gentle smoothing rather than vigorous rubbing
Cover all affected areas
Wait a few minutes before dressing — the gel absorbs better when allowed to settle on skin
Frequency:
Standard: twice a day (morning and evening typically)
More frequent if needed: during active flares or very dry conditions, additional applications can be used
Maintenance: twice daily is usually sufficient even for long-term use
The 12-hour duration: morning application provides cover through the day; evening application provides cover through the night
Quantity:
Generous application
For widespread dry skin, a 500g pump dispenser is most economical
NICE guidance suggests adults with widespread eczema may need 500-600g per week of emollient — Dayleve at twice daily can achieve this with less frequent applications than shorter-acting products
Timing:
Morning routine: after washing/showering, while skin is still slightly damp
Evening routine: before bed
After bathing: within a few minutes while skin is still slightly damp for best moisture retention
Practical tips:
Apply after bathing or showering: skin benefits most from moisture being trapped in then
Don’t worry about reapplication during the day: the 12-hour effect means you usually don’t need to top up between morning and evening applications
For very dry hands: an extra application after hand washing can help, but isn’t strictly necessary
For chronic dry skin everywhere: morning and evening covers most situations
Compared to 4-hour Doublebase: don’t apply Dayleve more frequently than twice daily unless specifically directed; over-application doesn’t add benefit
Combining with other treatments:
With topical steroids: apply at separate times. Either Dayleve first, wait 15-30 minutes, then steroid. Or steroid first to specific areas, wait for absorption, then Dayleve to surrounding skin
With calcipotriol products: similar separate timing
With antimicrobial treatments: apply Dayleve generally; apply antimicrobials specifically as directed
As soap substitute: Dayleve can be used during washing — apply to wet skin, smooth gently, rinse off. Then apply more as a moisturiser after drying
As a soap substitute:
Wet the skin (shower, bath, or with wet flannel)
Apply Dayleve directly to the wet skin
Smooth gently over the area
Rinse off thoroughly with water
Pat skin dry — don’t rub
Apply more Dayleve as a moisturiser
For specific situations:
Atopic eczema (maintenance phase): twice daily as foundation; combined with steroids for flares
Atopic eczema (active flare): continue Dayleve as foundation while using specific treatments
Psoriasis: twice daily maintenance alongside specific psoriasis treatments
Ichthyosis: twice daily; for severe ichthyosis, consider higher-urea products for more keratolytic effect
Dry skin in cold weather: extra application during very cold periods if needed
Hand eczema with frequent hand washing: twice daily as base; consider an ointment overnight for severe cases
For children:
Suitable for children including infants
Volumes proportionate to body size
Make twice-daily applications part of routine
Pump dispenser is more hygienic than dipping fingers into a pot
Don’t use Dayleve if:
You have known hypersensitivity to any ingredient (specific excipients on the patient information leaflet)
You have weeping or actively infected skin (treat first; can resume once stabilised)
You have open wounds with active bleeding (clean and treat first)
Use with care if:
You have multiple contact allergies
You have very fragile or thin skin
You’re managing active infection (emollients don’t treat infection)
Fire safety warning — important: paraffin-containing emollients can build up on fabrics (clothing, bedding, bandages, dressings) over time. Paraffin-soaked fabric burns readily if exposed to a flame or other ignition source. Wash treated clothing and bedding regularly at the highest temperature suitable for the fabric. Keep away from open flames, cigarettes, and other ignition sources. This warning applies to all paraffin-containing emollients including Dayleve.
If you miss an application, apply when you next remember. The 12-hour duration means occasional missed applications are less significant than with shorter-acting products.
Overview of Doublebase Dayleve Gel
Five things worth knowing:
The 12-hour duration of action is the practical differentiator of Dayleve from regular Doublebase Gel and from many other emollients. For patients who find 3-4 daily applications impractical, the twice-daily convenience changes whether adherence is sustainable. Adherence is one of the main reasons emollient therapy fails — products that the patient doesn’t reapply often enough don’t help. Dayleve addresses this practical adherence issue.
“Longer duration” doesn’t mean “more effective per application”. A twice-daily Dayleve application provides similar moisturising effect to four daily applications of regular Doublebase. The total moisturising over 24 hours is comparable; the difference is in the application frequency. For patients who can do four daily applications, regular Doublebase works fine. For those who can’t, Dayleve is the practical alternative.
The humectant component (glycerol) is what extends the duration. Glycerol is a small water-attracting molecule that holds water in the stratum corneum. By holding the moisturising hydration in the skin for longer, the emollient effect persists between applications. This is a well-established principle in skin care.
Dayleve is part of the broader Doublebase family from Dermal Laboratories. Dermal also makes the Dermol antimicrobial emollient range. Different products in these families serve different patient niches: Doublebase Dayleve for everyday moisturising twice daily, regular Doublebase for richer effect with more frequent applications, Dermol products for eczema with bacterial colonisation.
The gel texture sits between cream and ointment. Lighter than ointments, richer than typical creams. Many patients find the gel format more cosmetically acceptable for daytime use than ointments (less greasy, absorbs more quickly) while providing more moisturising effect than lighter creams. For those who prefer ointment richness or cream lightness specifically, those formats remain available; for the middle ground, the gel works well.
Soap substitutes (Diprobase cream, Hydromol ointment, Doublebase Dayleve for washing)
The “right” emollient depends on:
Severity of dryness — moderate-severe benefits from richer products like Dayleve
Frequency of application achievable — twice-daily Dayleve suits constrained routines
Body area and time of day — face and skin folds usually suit lighter products; thick plaques benefit from richer
Skin sensitivities — lanolin-free (Dayleve) for lanolin allergy
Personal preference — adherence matters; preferred products get used more
For people living with complex conditions, Dayleve’s practical positioning makes it widely usable for chronic dry skin needing reliable twice-daily moisturising without the higher application frequency of lighter products.
Why choose Courier Pharmacy for Doublebase Dayleve Gel
Adherence is one of the main reasons emollient therapy disappoints — emollients only work if they’re actually used regularly, and “regular” needs to fit into real life. Twice daily is doable for most people; four times daily often isn’t. Every Doublebase Dayleve supply at Courier Pharmacy is reviewed by a UK pharmacist who reads your situation properly and explains the decision either way.
We’ll discuss whether Dayleve is the right choice. For chronic dry skin needing reliable moisturising twice daily, Dayleve’s 12-hour duration suits the realities of working life, school routines, and constrained schedules. For situations where richer per-application moisturising matters more than convenience (severe ichthyosis, very thick scaly conditions), ointments may give more effect. For very mild dryness, lighter products may be sufficient. For eczema with bacterial colonisation, antimicrobial emollients (Dermol products) may be more appropriate.
We’ll explain how to use it effectively — generously, twice daily after bathing or as part of routine, layered with specific treatments at different times.
We’ll discuss the fire safety warning — important and sometimes overlooked. Paraffin-containing emollients can build up on fabrics, and treated clothing or bedding can become flammable. Regular washing, avoidance of open flames, and awareness reduces incidents.
We’ll discuss the place of Dayleve in long-term skin management — alongside topical steroids for active flares, alongside other specific treatments for psoriasis, as foundation for ichthyosis, as everyday support for chronic dry skin.
We’ll also discuss the broader emollient landscape — when an ointment might suit better, when a lighter cream might be more practical for specific situations, when urea-containing products might give more effect for scaling, when antimicrobial emollients are appropriate.
Our brand guide, Dr Ada Jex-Cori, sums it up: you’re not broken. The system that’s failed you might be. We want to do the part we can do, properly, and connect you with the rest. That includes our free fortnightly drop-in clinics and talks at Insomnia in Derby, where you can ask questions face-to-face without spending a penny.
Buy Doublebase Dayleve Gel from Courier Pharmacy
Doublebase Dayleve Gel is available as a pharmacy (P) medicine in the UK. Buying through Courier Pharmacy is straightforward and built around your time, not ours.
Here’s how it works:
Complete a quick online consultation about your skin condition
A UK pharmacist reviews your information
If suitable, supply is approved
We dispense and deliver discreetly to your door
If it isn’t suitable for you, we’ll explain why and suggest the next best option.
Active ingredients in Doublebase Dayleve Gel
Doublebase Dayleve Gel contains two active emollient ingredients plus a humectant in a hydrating gel base.
Isopropyl myristate 15% (150mg/g) is an ester of isopropyl alcohol and myristic acid (a fatty acid). In skin care:
Acts as an emollient, softening dry skin
Has good spreading properties — helps the gel apply smoothly
Provides part of the occlusive effect on the skin surface
Reduces transepidermal water loss
Generally well-tolerated; allergic contact dermatitis is rare
Isopropyl myristate has a characteristic light, dry feel compared to pure paraffin products, contributing to the gel’s cosmetic acceptability.
Liquid paraffin 15% (150mg/g) is a clear, light oil derived from petroleum. In emollients:
Lubricates and softens the skin
Provides part of the occlusive barrier
Reduces water loss from the skin
Has an excellent safety profile with minimal allergenic potential
The combination of isopropyl myristate and liquid paraffin at 15% each gives Dayleve its richer-than-cream emollient effect.
Glycerol (added humectant) is the ingredient that distinguishes Dayleve from regular Doublebase. Glycerol (glycerin) is a small molecule with three hydroxyl groups, making it strongly hygroscopic (water-attracting). In skin care:
Acts as a humectant — draws water into the stratum corneum and holds it there
Improves hydration of the outer skin layers
Extends the moisturising effect of the formulation
Has been used in skin care for centuries with excellent safety
Naturally produced by the body (glycerol is a normal metabolic intermediate)
The addition of glycerol to the Doublebase base creates the “Dayleve” effect — the same emollient ingredients with extended water-holding capacity in the skin, extending the duration of effect from approximately 4 hours to approximately 12 hours.
Gel base components:
The hydrating gel base includes water, gelling agents, emulsifiers, preservatives (paraben-free system), and other excipients. The specific components are on the patient information leaflet. The gel format:
Provides the smooth, easy-to-spread texture
Allows even distribution of the active ingredients
Absorbs more readily than ointment
Provides good cosmetic acceptability
Leaves less residue on hair, clothing, bedding than greasier products
Mechanism in the skin:
When Dayleve is applied:
The isopropyl myristate and liquid paraffin form a thin occlusive film on the skin surface, reducing transepidermal water loss
Glycerol draws water from the deeper skin and from the environment into the stratum corneum
The combination of occlusive effect (preventing water loss) plus humectant effect (drawing in and holding water) increases skin hydration substantially
Over hours, the skin softens and the barrier function improves
The humectant effect extends the duration of moisturising compared to pure paraffin-based emollients
Lanolin-free and paraben-free:
For patients with lanolin allergy (about 2-7% of chronic eczema patients), Dayleve is suitable (unlike E45 cream which contains lanolin). For patients with paraben sensitivity, Dayleve uses alternative preservatives (unlike some other emollient creams which use parabens).
Systemic absorption:
None clinically significant. The ingredients act at the skin surface and immediate epidermis.
Other excipients: specific to the formulation; on patient information leaflet. Contact allergy to specific excipients is uncommon but possible.
What is Doublebase Dayleve Gel for?
Doublebase Dayleve Gel is used in adults and children for:
Dry skin conditions of various causes
Eczema (atopic, contact, asteatotic, discoid) — as foundation moisturising
Psoriasis — as maintenance moisturising alongside specific psoriasis treatments
Ichthyosis — emollient use is the primary treatment; for severe ichthyosis, higher-urea products may give more keratolytic effect
Senile pruritus — itchy dry skin in older adults
Asteatotic eczema — dry skin with surface cracking in older adults
Generally dry skin in winter, with central heating, occupational dryness
As a soap substitute for washing without the drying effect of standard soaps
Older skin that’s lost moisture and become fragile
It’s particularly suited for:
Patients needing reliable moisturising with twice-daily application rather than frequent reapplication
Working adults whose routines don’t allow multiple daily applications
Patients with lanolin allergy (Dayleve is lanolin-free)
Patients with paraben sensitivity (Dayleve is paraben-free)
Patients with moderate to substantial dryness needing more than the lightest moisturisers
Dayleve is not appropriate for:
Patients with known hypersensitivity to any ingredient
Treatment of active inflammation alone (specific treatments needed alongside)
Treatment of skin infections alone (specific antimicrobial treatment needed)
Open wounds with active bleeding (clean and treat first)
Patients with severe scaling needing high-urea keratolytic action (higher-urea products may be more effective)
NICE guidance on eczema management (NG174, CG57, CKS) emphasises emollient use as the foundation of treatment. Doublebase products including Dayleve are among the widely-prescribed paraffin-based emollients in UK practice.
How does Doublebase Dayleve Gel work?
Dayleve addresses dry skin through three complementary mechanisms.
Occlusive barrier (isopropyl myristate and liquid paraffin):
When applied to skin, these ingredients form a thin film on the skin surface. The film:
Reduces transepidermal water loss (the natural movement of water from skin to air)
Allows the underlying skin to retain more moisture
Doesn’t penetrate deeply — action is at the skin surface
Is breathable enough to allow normal skin function
Humectant action (glycerol):
Glycerol’s hygroscopic properties:
Attract water from the deeper skin (where there’s more moisture) into the stratum corneum
Attract water from the air (in humid conditions) into the skin
Hold the attracted water in the skin
Result in better stratum corneum hydration
Extended duration of effect:
The combination of occlusive action (preventing water loss) plus humectant action (drawing in and holding water) extends the duration of moisturising:
Within minutes: skin feels softer; barrier effect begins
Compared to regular Doublebase (without glycerol), the moisturising effect persists for approximately 3 times as long with the same active emollient ingredients.
Long-term skin barrier improvement:
With consistent twice-daily use over weeks, the skin barrier function improves:
Stratum corneum becomes better hydrated
Scaling reduces
Skin’s tolerance of irritants improves
The itch from impaired barrier function reduces
The skin becomes generally more resilient
What it doesn’t do:
Doesn’t treat active inflammation (need anti-inflammatory treatments like steroids for flares)
Doesn’t kill bacteria, fungi, or viruses (need specific antimicrobials)
Doesn’t penetrate deeply into the skin (action is at the surface)
Doesn’t address the underlying immune dysfunction of eczema or cell-production abnormality of psoriasis
Doesn’t address dietary or systemic factors
For patients with chronic dry skin conditions, the combination of consistent emollient use plus specific treatments when needed gives substantially better outcomes than either alone.
Onset of effect: skin feels softer within minutes of application. Sustained improvement in skin barrier function and reduction in symptoms develops over 2-4 weeks of consistent regular use. For chronic conditions, ongoing daily use maintains the benefit.
How to use Doublebase Dayleve Gel
Step-by-step:
Wash hands first
Pump a generous amount of gel onto your hand
Apply to dry or affected skin
Smooth gently in the direction of hair growth — gentle smoothing rather than vigorous rubbing
Cover all affected areas
Allow a few minutes for absorption before dressing
Apply twice daily
Frequency:
Standard: twice a day — morning and evening
Active flares or very dry conditions: additional applications can be used
Maintenance: twice daily continues
No benefit from over-application: applying more frequently than the 12-hour duration suggests doesn’t add meaningful benefit
Quantity:
Generous application across affected areas
For widespread dry skin: a 500g pump dispenser is most economical
NICE guidance: adults with widespread eczema may need 500-600g per week
Children proportionately less by body size
Timing:
Morning: after washing/showering while skin is still slightly damp
Evening: before bed
After bathing: within minutes while skin is damp for best moisture retention
With topical steroids: apply at separate times. Either Dayleve first, wait 15-30 minutes, then steroid. Or steroid first to specific areas, wait for absorption, then Dayleve to surrounding skin
With calcipotriol products: similar separate timing
With antimicrobial treatments: apply Dayleve generally; apply antimicrobials specifically as directed
With combination products (Wynzora, Enstilar, Dovobet, others): use these as directed; apply Dayleve to other areas or at different times
As soap substitute: use during washing (apply to wet skin, smooth, rinse); then apply more as moisturiser after drying
As soap substitute:
Wet the skin (shower, bath, or wet flannel)
Apply Dayleve directly to the wet skin
Smooth gently over the area
Rinse off thoroughly with water
Pat skin dry — don’t rub
Apply more Dayleve as a moisturiser
For children:
Suitable for children including infants
Volumes proportionate to body size
Make twice-daily applications part of routine (with bath time and bedtime, for example)
Help children apply if needed
Pump dispenser is more hygienic than dipping fingers into a pot
For older adults:
Skin is often thinner and more fragile — apply gently
The twice-daily routine often more sustainable than 3-4 daily applications
Help with reaching difficult areas (back, lower legs) may be needed
Watch for any signs of contact reaction (unlikely but worth being aware of)
Practical tips:
Apply to dry rather than wet skin for the main applications (after bathing, application to slightly damp skin works well, but the “morning application” doesn’t necessarily need wet skin)
Use a pump dispenser for hygiene
Keep some at work if needed for specific situations (after hand washing)
Don’t share with others to reduce infection risk
Be aware of slippery surfaces from gel buildup
Fire safety:
Paraffin-containing emollients can build up on fabrics over time
Treated clothing and bedding can become flammable
Wash regularly at the highest suitable temperature
Keep away from open flames, candles, cigarettes
Be cautious near gas hobs and electric heaters
When to seek further advice:
No improvement in dry skin after 2-4 weeks of consistent use
Worsening or development of new symptoms (active inflammation, infection)
Significant adverse reaction (rash, irritation that doesn’t settle)
Need for specific treatment of active disease alongside the emollient
Warnings and precautions for Doublebase Dayleve Gel
Doublebase Dayleve Gel is generally well-tolerated. Specific considerations:
Contraindicated in:
Known hypersensitivity to any ingredient (specific excipients on the patient information leaflet)
Use with care in:
Patients with multiple contact allergies to skin products
Open wounds (clean and treat first; can resume once stabilised)
Active widespread infection (treat the infection; can use Dayleve alongside)
Patients with very inflamed actively flaring skin (introduce gradually if any stinging)
Fire safety warning:
Paraffin-containing emollients (liquid paraffin in Dayleve) can build up on clothing, bedding, dressings, and other fabrics. Paraffin-soaked fabric burns readily if exposed to flames or other ignition sources. There have been incidents (including deaths) where patients using emollients have suffered severe burns or fatal fires from cigarettes, candles, gas hobs, or other flames near emollient-soaked fabric. To reduce this risk:
Wash treated clothing and bedding regularly at the highest temperature suitable for the fabric
Don’t smoke when using paraffin-containing emollients
Keep away from open flames and other ignition sources
Be cautious near gas hobs and electric heaters
This warning applies to all paraffin-containing emollients including Doublebase products
Eye contact: if gel accidentally gets into the eyes, rinse with cool water. Persistent irritation should be reviewed.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding:
Dayleve contains no active medicines and has minimal systemic absorption
Considered safe for use in pregnancy and breastfeeding
For breastfeeding: wipe off the breast before feeding to prevent the baby ingesting it
Children:
Dayleve is suitable for children including infants
Specific paediatric volumes are smaller than adults’ but the approach is the same
Contact allergy:
Rare but possible. If a rash develops at sites where Dayleve is applied:
Stop the product
Consider whether this might be allergy to a Dayleve excipient
Patch testing in dermatology clinic can clarify
Switch to alternative emollients if allergy confirmed
Slip hazard: floors, bath surfaces, and other surfaces can become slippery from emollient buildup. Wipe up spills promptly.
If you experience signs of an allergic reaction (rash, swelling, difficulty breathing), stop using the product and seek medical advice. Anaphylaxis is exceptionally rare with simple emollients but is a medical emergency if it occurs; call 999.
Side effects of Doublebase Dayleve Gel
Doublebase Dayleve Gel is generally well-tolerated. Most patients have no side effects.
Common side effects (less than 1 in 100 for a simple emollient) include very mild stinging or warmth on application to broken or inflamed skin.
Uncommon side effects include contact dermatitis (allergic reaction to excipients), folliculitis on hairy areas with prolonged use, and worsening of acne in acne-prone individuals.
Rare side effects include severe contact dermatitis requiring switching to a different emollient.
Very rare and serious side effects include severe allergic reactions including anaphylaxis (exceptionally rare with simple emollients).
For the vast majority of patients, Doublebase Dayleve Gel is well-tolerated for indefinite use.
If you experience any side effect that worries you, you can report it directly to the MHRA’s Yellow Card scheme. This helps improve safety data for everyone who uses the product. Our pharmacy team are happy to help you submit a Yellow Card report if you’d like assistance.
Drug interactions with Doublebase Dayleve Gel
Doublebase Dayleve has no significant drug interactions.
Topical considerations:
With topical steroids: apply at separate times. Don’t mix on skin
With topical calcipotriol: separate timing
With antimicrobial treatments: apply emollient generally; apply antimicrobials specifically
With combination products (Wynzora, Enstilar, Dovobet): use these as directed; apply Dayleve to other areas or different times
Don’t apply moisturiser on top of fresh medicinal cream: dilutes the active
Systemic interactions: none clinically significant because Dayleve isn’t absorbed systemically.
Cosmetics: generally fine to use with cosmetics, sunscreens (apply emollient first, then sunscreen), and other body products.
Tell your prescriber and pharmacist about all products you use on your skin if you’re starting any new medical treatment.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between Doublebase Gel and Doublebase Dayleve?
The active ingredients are identical (isopropyl myristate 15% and liquid paraffin 15%). However, the gel base in Dayleve is formulated to last longer, so most people manage with twice-daily use rather than 3-4 times a day. In short, standard Doublebase suits people happy to reapply often; Dayleve suits people who can't.
How much Doublebase Dayleve should I use?
Far more than you'd expect. NICE guidance recommends 250-500g per week for adults with widespread eczema. So a 500g pump should typically last a week or two with proper therapeutic use. Most people drastically under-use emollients, which is why they don't work as well as they could.
How often should I apply it?
Twice daily is the standard pattern — usually morning and evening. However, you can apply more often during flares or for very dry areas. Importantly, never stop completely if you have an ongoing dry skin condition, even when symptoms have eased.
Is Doublebase Dayleve safe for babies?
Yes. The product is licensed for all age groups including babies. So apply with clean hands, avoid the immediate eye area, and use gentle smoothing strokes rather than rubbing. However, talk to your health visitor or GP if your baby has significant eczema needing more than emollient management.
Can I use it on my face?
Yes, Dayleve can be used on the face, although you should avoid the immediate eye area. People with very oily or acne-prone facial skin may find lighter facial moisturisers suit better. For dry facial skin or eczema, however, Dayleve is fine.
Is the fire risk really that significant?
Yes. This isn't a theoretical risk. In fact, the MHRA has issued specific warnings about paraffin-based emollients igniting on clothing, bedding, and dressings. Deaths have happened. The risk is highest when emollient residue has built up on fabric over time and is then exposed to a naked flame. So wash clothing and bedding frequently at high temperature, and keep away from open flames, lit cigarettes, and gas hobs.
Can I switch between Dayleve and standard Doublebase Gel?
Yes, easily. Because the actives are identical, there's no problem switching between the two. So some people use Dayleve through the working week (when they can't reapply midday) and standard Doublebase at weekends or holidays (when they can). Both work.
Can I apply it before bathing?
Yes — this is a specific use case for Dayleve. Smooth a generous amount over dry skin areas a few minutes before bathing or showering. So the gel forms a protective layer that prevents further drying from washing. After bathing, pat dry and apply more Dayleve as needed.
Why does the pump sometimes stop working?
An air pocket can form around the dip tube inside the 500g and 1kg bottles, which stops the pump priming. So tap the base of the bottle firmly on a hard surface 2-3 times, then pump slowly. The slow pump action matters, because rapid pumping can lock the mechanism.
How do I use it as a soap substitute?
Wet the skin, smooth a generous amount of Dayleve over the wet skin, massage gently, then rinse. Pat dry and apply more Dayleve as a leave-on emollient while the skin is still slightly damp. Doublebase Emollient Wash Gel works similarly but produces more lather.
Can I use it with my steroid cream?
Yes — emollients and topical steroids work together as the standard treatment for inflammatory dry skin conditions. However, leave at least 30 minutes between applying one and the other, so they don't dilute each other. Most people apply the emollient broadly first, then add the steroid to the active patches 30 minutes later.
Can I use Dayleve during pregnancy?
Yes. Topical emollients have minimal systemic absorption, so they're safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding. If breastfeeding, wipe residue off the breast area before feeding, so the baby doesn't ingest the product.
What if I have an allergic reaction?
Stop using the product. Mild reactions usually settle in a few days. However, if you develop facial swelling, breathing difficulty, or a widespread rash, seek urgent medical help. Most contact allergies to emollients are to specific ingredients — our pharmacist can help identify alternatives without the trigger ingredient.
Can I use it on broken skin?
On small areas of broken skin (chapped lips, cracked heels, dry hands), Dayleve is fine. However, on wounds, surgical sites, or large areas of broken skin, talk to your GP first. Dayleve isn't an antiseptic, so it won't treat infection — if the broken skin is infected, see your GP.
Does it contain fragrance or lanolin?
No. Dayleve is free from lanolin, fragrances, dyes, parabens, and SLS — all common triggers in sensitive skin. So it's often recommended for people with contact allergies or known intolerances.
How should I store Doublebase Dayleve?
Storage:
Below 25°C
Don't freeze
Lock the pump (turn clockwise) when travelling
Keep out of sight and reach of children
Don't use after the expiry date
How do I order from Courier Pharmacy?
Add Doublebase Dayleve Gel 500g to your basket on courierpharmacy.co.uk and check out as normal — no prescription consultation is needed. If our pharmacist needs to check anything with you, we'll get in touch. Your order goes out in plain, discreet packaging.
More than a prescription: our community
Healthcare shouldn't only happen when you're paying for it.
Every fortnight we run free drop-in talks and clinics at Insomnia, Derby, from 10am to 12pm. So we show up, even when it's free.
Bring a question, bring a friend, bring a stack of bewildering letters from another clinic. We'll sit with you.
We cover dermatology, eczema, psoriasis, MCAS, CFS, fibromyalgia, allergies, asthma, hair loss, men's and women's health, digestive health, weight management, and whatever else people bring through the door. No appointment. No cost. No pressure. Just real support and treatment that fits.
Disclaimer: This article is for information only and isn't a substitute for personal medical advice. Always speak to a qualified pharmacist or prescriber before starting or changing treatment.
How this content was created
Written by the Courier Pharmacy editorial team and reviewed by a GPhC-registered pharmacist.
The content is grounded in the latest NHS, BNF, EMC, NICE, and British Association of Dermatologists guidance. So it draws on the real questions patients bring to our drop-in clinics in Derby.
[2] National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (2021) Atopic eczema in under 12s: diagnosis and management — NICE guideline NG189. Available at: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng189
