My lips were peeling from a retinol mishap. Desperate, I grabbed the CeraVe Healing Ointment from my medicine cabinet.
The flaking stopped overnight. Not softened—gone. It’s the petrolatum. It doesn’t heal, it just creates an impenetrable healing environment so your skin can fix itself. Genius.
It’s a thick, petrolatum-based ointment. Under $20 for a giant tube. I bought it for cuts, but the CeraVe ceramides made me try it on my face.
Cuticle Savior
Slug your cuticles before bed—wake up with zero hangnails.
Highlighter Topper
A tiny dab on cheekbones over makeup gives a glass-skin gleam.
Tattoo Aftercare
Soothes fresh ink without the sticky, hair-catching mess of lotion.
Photo: sarah b / Unsplash
It’s not magic, it’s smart formulation. Petrolatum is the main event—a flawless occlusive. But CeraVe added their signature ceramides and hyaluronic acid, which most healing ointments skip.
- Petrolatum: Locks in existing moisture, full stop.
- Ceramides: Reinforces your skin’s natural barrier while it heals.
- Hyaluronic Acid: Pulls water to the skin before the petrolatum seals it in.
- Dimethicone: Creates that smooth, non-greasy slip—feels expensive.
It’s thick and vaseline-like, but with a smoother, almost silky slip. Less tacky than Aquaphor. Sinks in a tiny bit, but you’ll still see a sheen.
After two weeks, my dry elbows are socially acceptable. The surprise? It didn’t break out my combo skin when used as a targeted overnight mask on dry patches.
My heels are no longer a weapon. Makeup sits better on prepped skin. But it’s still an ointment—you will look glossy. Not for a full face under daytime makeup.
It’s a brilliant, boring multitasker. Not sexy, but it solves a dozen little problems you didn’t want to buy a dozen products for.