Water washable vehicles for topical use

Anhydrous vehicles for topical use, e.g. for use with topically active pharmaceutical agents, including antibiotics, anti-fungal agents, anti-inflammatory agents, antihistamines, antipruritics and local anesthetics, comprise principally from about 60 to about 90% by weight of at least one glycol solvent and from about 2 to about 20% by weight etherified saturated fatty alcohol having a total chain length of from 20 to 216 carbon atoms. The vehicles are substantially free of water, greasy substances and fatty alcohols having less than 16 carbon atoms. The vehicles have a cream-like consistency and can also incorporate suitable compatible plasticizers, coupling agents, penetrants and the like.