Healing Ointment

An ointment is a type of moisturizer that can help hydrate, protect, and soothe the skin on your face or body. Compared to lotions,gels, and creams, ointments are generally considered the thickest formula option—making them an intensely hydrating skincare product for dry,flaky, cracked, or chafed skin that also helps lock moisture in. Ointments have a rich, semi-solid consistency and are usually formulated with occlusive ingredients, such as petrolatum (also known as petroleum jelly).

Rather than being immediately absorbed, occlusives stay on your skin’s surface and act as a protective barrier—this helps keep much-needed moisture in your skin and potential irritants out. Ointments are often the preferred moisturizer choice for those with extremely dry, flaky, or sensitive skin. So, if this skin type sounds familiar, CeraVe Healing Ointment might just be right for you.

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, topical ointment formulas with at least 30% petrolatum can help temporarily protect and relieve dry, cracked, chapped, or chafed skin.^1Research shows that ointments may be more gentle than some lotion formulas, making them a beneficial option for those with dry or sensitive skin.²

For this reason, healing ointments are also a popular choice for managing seasonal dryness, such as during the cold, dry winter months. Using a healing cream, such as CeraVe Healing Ointment, can help hydrate and protect your skin against the drying effects of cold weather, wind, and low humidity. If you’re not sure whether or not an ointment is the right choice for your skin’s needs, reach out to the pros and consult a board-certified dermatologist.

There are three main types of moisturizers:lotions, creams, and ointments. Lotions tend to be the most lightweight moisturizer option, followed by creams, and then ointments—generally the thickest and most occlusive of the bunch.

Many people with very dry skin choose to double down by including both a cream and an ointment in their skincare routine. If this strategy piques your interest, try applying a moisturizer like CeraVe Moisturizing Cream first to help provide initial relief for your skin head-to-toe. Then, reach for CeraVe Healing Ointment to specifically target extremely dry, chafed, or cracked areas (think: chapped lips, cracked heels, dry hands, and more).

Some ointment formulas, such as CeraVe Healing Ointment, can be a great way to help soothe extremely dry, chafed, or cracked skin on your face and body. However, always be sure to check ingredient labels or consult a derm if you’re not sure. We wouldn’t want you to try to help certain skincare issues while creating others in the process (like clogged pores).

To help you find the best product for your skin type and concerns, try looking for healing ointments that are developed with dermatologists, fragrance-free, lanolin-free, and non-comedogenic (the opposite of pore-clogging). Ointments like these can be helpful in targeting areas prone to rough, flaky, or dry skin, such as knees, elbows, hands, feet, and eyelids. That said, before applying an ointment anywhere on your face or body, be sure to read the product label carefully and follow its specific instructions.

Ointments are often formulated with petrolatum, a moisturizer that’s considered the “gold standard” of occlusives due to its effectiveness. It works by forming a physical barrier on top of your skin that helps seal in moisture, and its emollient properties can help to soften and smooth your skin. CeraVe Healing Ointment is formulated with 46.5% petrolatum, in addition to other beneficial ingredients for dry, flaky skin in need of some loving. For example, you’ll also find hyaluronic acid in our formula, a popular and effective humectant that helps attract much-needed moisture to the skin's surface.

Like all of our products, CeraVe Healing Ointment contains three essentialceramides—key components of your skin’s natural protective barrier that are vital to helping keep moisture in and harmful irritants out. Learn more about CeraVe’s skin-identical ceramides by visiting The Ceramides Difference.

No, CeraVe Healing Ointment is non-comedogenic, which means it won’t clog your pores. That said, it’s always important to remember that everyone’s skin is unique. So, if you have acne-prone skin or any other skin concerns, it’s best to consult a board-certified dermatologist before adding any new products to your skincare routine.

To help avoid a guessing game whenever you layer products, follow this general derm-approved rule of thumb: Skincare products should be applied in order from the thinnest to the thickest formulas. This means that ointments, since they tend to have more heft to them, are usually applied after any other moisturizers. With that said, application instructions can vary from product to product, so be sure to follow the instructions on the labels of your products for best results.

CeraVe Healing Ointment can make an excellent addition to your daytime or nighttime skincare routine for dry, cracked, or chafed skin. However, if you really want your skin to soak up all the hydrating goodness an ointment can provide, try applying it before bed to help seal in moisture all night long.

The ingredients petroleum jelly (petrolatum) and ointment may seem like they’re twinsies, but they’re not the same thing. Petroleum jelly is a cosmetic ingredient often included in ointment formulas, such as CeraVe Healing Ointment, which also features two of our other favorites: ceramides and hyaluronic acid.

Yes! It’s possible that CeraVe Healing Ointment can make an excellent choice for slugging, a skincare technique that involves applying a thin layer of occlusive ointment after moisturizer as the last step in an evening routine. (Slugging at night is believed to help seal in moisture and help promote a visibly softer, plumper, fresher-looking complexion.) This skincare trend may be especially useful for those with extremely dry skin, especially during the harsh winter months.

However, keep in mind that applying any ointment will lock in whatever lies beneath it, including dirt, grime, oil, and bacteria. So, be sure to “slug” your ointment on after a thorough cleanse, ideally as the last part of your nighttime regimen.

1. Skin Protectant Drug Products for Over-the-Counter Human Use; Final Monograph. U.S. Food & Drug Administration. September 24, 2021.
2. Purnamawati S, Indrastuti N, Danarti R, Saefudin T. The Role of Moisturizers in Addressing Various Kinds of Dermatitis: A Review. Clin Med Res. 2017 Dec;15(3-4):75-87. doi: 10.3121/cmr.2017.1363. Epub 2017 Dec 11. PMID: 29229630; PMCID: PMC5849435.
3. 5 Ways to Use Petroleum Jelly for Skin Care. American Academy of Dermatology.