The effect of 4 barrier creams on the absorption of (3H)-water (14C)-benzene and (14C)-formaldehyde into excised human skin was studied. The control skin and the barrier cream treated skin were exposed to the test substance for 0.5 hr, whereupon the amount absorbed was determined. The results indicated that the experimental cream "Water barrier" reduced the absorption of water and benzene but not formaldehyde. Kerodex 71 cream slightly reduced the absorption of benzene and formaldehyde. The barrier creams Petrogard and "Solvent barrier" did not affect the absorption of any of the substances studied. The use of these creams against percutaneous absorption is questioned.