Abstract: A barrier cream consisting essentially of at least one active ingredient chosen from the alkali metal salts of phenols, dispersed in a substantially anhydrous state in a base medium comprising a polyethylene glycol which has been at least partially etherified to reduce the free hydroxyl group content thereof. These creams are simple to prepare, effective for a reasonable period of time and do not produce adverse skin reaction, and are simple both to apply and to remove. They afford protection against chemical warfare agents of both the V and G types, and against mustard gas (H or HD).

Abstract: A protective system against chemical warfare agents consisting essentially of at least one alkali metal salt of phenol, acetone oxime, acetophenone oxime and 2,3-butanedione monoxime, a macrocycle chosen from 18-crown-6 or cryptand [2,2,2] and a solvent chosen from dioxolane, tetraglyme, dimethoxyethane, a polyethylene glycol or a polyethylene glycol mono- or diether the system also containing just enough water to dissolve the active ingredient. These systems afford protection against mustard gas (H or HD) and against chemical warfare agents of the V and G types.

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.