Abstract: A cream or lotion consisting essentially of at least one active ingredient chosen from the alkali metal salts of certain oximes, phenols or polyethylene glycol monoethers, dispersed in a substantially anhydrous state in a base medium comprising of polyethylene glycol(s) which has (have) optionally been at least partially etherified to reduce the free hydroxyl group content thereof. These creams or lotions are effective against chemical warfare agents of both the V and G types, and against mustard gas (H or HD), and are simpler to make than known potassium salt-containing creams, for example those containing a macrocyclic ether and/or inert thickener and potassium phenate. These creams or lotions may be used both for protection and decontamination, and some may be used as personal barrier creams.