What do Waxsol drops do? A comprehensive guide to ear wax removal

October 5, 2025 •

5 min read

Millions of people experience temporary hearing loss or discomfort due to excessive, hardened ear wax buildup. For many, a simple, over-the-counter solution is the answer, and understanding exactly what do Waxsol drops do is the first step toward relief.

Quick Summary

Waxsol ear drops use the active ingredient docusate sodium to soften and disperse excessive, hardened ear wax, aiding in its natural or professional removal. The article outlines the mechanism of action, proper usage instructions, potential side effects, and important contraindications to ensure safe treatment.

Key Points

Active ingredient: Waxsol contains docusate sodium, a surfactant that softens and disperses hardened ear wax.
Mechanism of action: It allows water to penetrate the wax, breaking down the ceruminous mass into semi-solid debris for easier removal.
Application duration: The drops are typically applied nightly for up to two consecutive nights, with the process often starting to work overnight.
Contraindications: Do not use Waxsol if you have a perforated eardrum, an ear infection, or a history of ear surgery or grommets.
Proper usage: For optimal results, apply drops while lying down, remain still for several minutes, and plug the ear with cotton wool.
Temporary worsening: It is normal to feel a temporary increase in blockage or fullness as the wax begins to soften and expand.
Professional consultation: If the problem persists after the recommended duration or if you experience worsening symptoms, consult a healthcare provider.

Ear wax, or cerumen, is a natural substance produced by glands in the ear canal to protect the ear from dirt, bacteria, and other foreign particles. Normally, it dries up and falls out of the ear on its own. However, for some individuals, excessive or hardened ear wax can accumulate, leading to a blocked ear canal. This buildup can cause a range of uncomfortable symptoms, such as muffled hearing, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), earache, and a feeling of fullness. When this happens, a cerumenolytic, or wax-dissolving agent like Waxsol, can be used to treat the condition.

The science behind Waxsol drops

Waxsol ear drops contain the active ingredient docusate sodium. This is a surfactant, which is a substance that lowers the surface tension of a liquid. The ear wax mass is primarily composed of dead skin cells and oily secretions held together by a non-fatty matrix. Water-based ear drops, such as Waxsol, are formulated to be able to penetrate this matrix.

How docusate sodium softens ear wax

The docusate sodium in Waxsol works by emulsifying the ear wax. It allows water to enter and disperse the ceruminous mass. Instead of simply lubricating the wax like some oil-based alternatives, Waxsol actively breaks down and reduces the solid material into a semi-solid, dispersed debris. This process makes the ear wax softer, less sticky, and easier to remove naturally through the ear's normal cleansing mechanisms or with professional help, like syringing or microsuction.

Step-by-step guide: how to use Waxsol drops

To ensure safe and effective treatment, it is important to follow the correct procedure when using Waxsol drops. For most individuals, the process involves application over two consecutive nights.

Read the instructions: Always read the patient information leaflet that comes with the product, as specific directions can vary.
Prepare the area: Wash your hands thoroughly before handling the drops to prevent contamination.
Lie down: Tilt your head to one side so the affected ear is facing upwards.
Apply the drops: Gently drip the required number of drops into the affected ear. Gently pull and hold the earlobe to help straighten the ear canal for better penetration.
Wait: Keep your head tilted for several minutes to allow the drops to fully penetrate the wax. You may hear a bubbling or crackling sound, which is normal.
Use cotton wool: After the waiting period, place a small cotton wool plug in the outer ear to prevent the solution from leaking out, and leave it in overnight.
Repeat: Apply the drops again on the second night as directed.
Observe: If the ear is not clear after the recommended treatment duration, or if the blockage feels worse, consult a healthcare professional.

Waxsol vs. other ear wax treatments

Choosing the right ear wax removal method depends on the nature of the blockage and individual preference. Here's a comparison of Waxsol with other common treatments:


Feature	Waxsol (Docusate Sodium)	Olive Oil Drops	Hydrogen Peroxide Drops (e.g., Otex Express)
Active Ingredient	Docusate sodium	100% olive oil	Urea hydrogen peroxide
Mechanism	Emulsifies and disperses hardened wax using a water-based formula	Lubricates and softens wax without breaking it apart	Creates an oxygen release that breaks up wax chemically
Speed	Often works overnight, full results in 2-3 days	May require several days of application	Often fast-acting, can work in 3-5 days
Potential Side Effects	Mild irritation, temporary hearing dullness, dizziness (if cold drops used)	Rare, mild irritation; generally considered gentle	Foaming, bubbling, stinging, mild discomfort
Best For	Hard, compacted wax that needs breaking down	Mild, less stubborn wax, or gentle softening prior to professional removal	Quickly breaking down impacted wax, but can be more irritating

Important considerations and warnings

While Waxsol is an effective and generally safe treatment, it is not suitable for everyone. Certain conditions make its use inadvisable and professional medical advice should always be sought if in doubt.

Potential side effects

Most people experience no side effects when using Waxsol correctly. However, some may notice temporary discomfort.

Temporary fullness or blocked feeling: As the wax softens and expands, the ear may feel more blocked initially before it clears.
Irritation: Some users report mild itching, soreness, or skin redness in the treated ear.
Dizziness: Using drops that are too cold can cause temporary dizziness. Warming the bottle in your hand beforehand can help prevent this.
Allergic reactions: Though rare, some individuals may have a sensitivity or allergy to the ingredients, including the preservatives or the latex in the dropper.

When not to use Waxsol

It is crucial to avoid using Waxsol in certain situations to prevent further complications.

If you have a perforated eardrum or a history of one.
If you have an ear infection, ear pain, or any discharge from the ear.
If you have had recent ear surgery or have a grommet fitted.
If you have a known allergy to docusate sodium or any other ingredients.
Children under 12 should only use Waxsol under medical advice.

Conclusion: is Waxsol right for you?

Waxsol drops are an effective and safe over-the-counter medication for treating ear wax buildup when used correctly and in appropriate circumstances. Its water-based formula, powered by docusate sodium, is particularly useful for breaking down hardened, impacted wax. However, it is essential to be aware of the contraindications and to consult a doctor if you suspect an infection or a perforated eardrum. For many, a two-night course of Waxsol can provide quick and effective relief from the symptoms of a blocked ear. If the problem persists after a short course of treatment, or if symptoms worsen, it's always best to seek a professional opinion for further advice or a potential ear cleaning procedure.

To ensure the most up-to-date and specific guidance for your situation, consult a healthcare professional. For information on product regulation, you can refer to authoritative sources such as the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA).

When to see a doctor

If you experience severe ear pain, balance issues, persistent hearing loss, or unusual discharge from the ear, seek medical attention immediately. Additionally, if Waxsol does not provide relief after the recommended treatment period, a doctor can assess whether the blockage requires professional removal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Waxsol drops often begin to work overnight, with full results typically seen after using the drops for two consecutive nights. In some cases, the wax may come out on its own, or a professional can remove it after it has been sufficiently softened.

No, you should not use Waxsol if you have a known or suspected ear infection, ear pain, or discharge from the ear. The drops could potentially worsen the condition or cause complications if there is inflammation present.

Waxsol contains docusate sodium, a water-based agent that penetrates and actively breaks apart the ceruminous mass. Olive oil is an oil-based preparation that works by lubricating and softening the wax but does not actively break it down in the same way.

Waxsol should only be used in children under 12 years of age after consulting a doctor. For children over 3 years, the application technique involves pulling the ear lobe down and backward.

This can happen as the hardened ear wax begins to absorb the drops and expands, temporarily blocking the ear canal more tightly. This sensation is normal and should subside as the wax softens and is expelled.

Common side effects are generally mild and temporary, including a feeling of fullness, dizziness if the drops are cold, and local irritation or itching. Allergic reactions are rare but possible.

If your ear is not clear after using Waxsol for two nights, or if the blockage persists, you should contact a doctor or pharmacist. Professional removal methods, like microsuction or syringing, may be necessary.