a topical skin barrier for protecting and promoting healing of skin , and for providing comfort to a patient , comprises a semi - solid hydrocarbon and a water - absorbing compound . the topical skin barrier effectively adheres to skin , affords protection from moisture and waste , and provides transparency in use . methods of in vitro evaluation are for a composition &# 39 ; s protection from moisture and waste , and a composition &# 39 ; s adhesion to skin .