However, recent studies suggest that the use of aqueous cream can damage the skin barrier when used as a leave-on emollient...New research shows that aqueous cream induces skin irritation.... Treated areas showed a decrease in the size and maturity of keratinocytes, causing the skin’s protective structure to be compromised. Treated skin also showed increased transepidermal water loss, reflecting impaired barrier function....the importance of not using products containing sodium lauryl sulphate, such as aqueous cream, as leave-on emollients as they may act to exacerbate skin damage rather than support skin barrier function.