Olive oil (often “medical-grade”, “virgin”, “EP grade”) as the active softening agent.

•  May include minor amounts of purified glycerin or other carrier agents (depending on formulation).
•  Typically no added antimicrobial or steroid components (unless specified).

Examples: “EP grade virgin olive oil” in Otex Olive Oil Ear Drops. 

The ear drop (liquid) variant — 10 mL dropper bottle is common. Some may come in different sizes (5 mL, 20 mL).

•  Warm the bottle to body temperature (hold in palm).
•  Tilt head so affected ear faces up.
•  Administer 2–3 drops into the ear canal.
•  Keep head tilted for a few minutes to allow oil to penetrate wax.
•  Use once or twice daily for a few days until wax softens and can be removed.

Example from Otex: “Repeat once or twice daily for up to 2 weeks until improvement” 

•  After softening, wax can be removed (by irrigation or aural toilet) if necessary.

Always follow the instructions on the product you have.

Common Side Effects:

Mild ear irritation, itching, or burning (rare)

•  Temporary hearing muffling / sensation of fullness since oil may fill canal
•  Rare allergic reaction (if sensitivity to olive oil or impurities)
•  If eardrum perforation, possibility of deeper irritation or damage

Dropper bottle (sterile, small volume) — typically plastic or glass with a dropper tip. For example, many olive oil ear drops come in a 10 mL dropper bottle (as seen for commercial olive oil ear drops). 

•  Keep the bottle tightly closed
•  Avoid extreme heat or freezing
•  Keep out of reach of children

•  If ear is infected (pain, swelling, discharge), consult a doctor — do not self-treat
•  Avoid inserting objects (cotton swabs, etc.)
•  Discontinue if irritation, pain, dizziness, or worsening symptoms
•  Use under supervision in children
•  Check for impurities; prefer “medical-grade” or pharmaceutically pure olive oil
•  If using hearing aids or other ear devices, consult a specialist before applying
•  Do not exceed recommended usage frequency

Other ear wax softeners / cerumenolytics, including:

•  Mineral oil ear drops
•  Almond oil, glycerin, hydrogen peroxide / carbamide peroxide cerumenolytics
•  Commercial earwax removal drops (e.g. Otex Olive Oil, Bell’s Olive Oil, etc.)
• Over-the-counter cerumenolytic formulations

Bell’s Olive Oil Ear Drops by Bells Healthcare (UK) is another brand. 

Bell’s Olive Oil is UK based.