CeraVe Healing Ointment: 7 Surprising Uses Derms Approve

Brand Origin

It’s not just for cracked heels — dermatologists are now recommending this $10 drugstore staple for everything from slugging to post-procedure care.

Expert Analysis · Honest Reviews · Real Results

1.💡The $10 Skin Fix

Okay, so you know that thick, greasy tub your grandma uses on her heels? Yeah, that one. It’s now the coolest thing in my bathroom cabinet.

Derms are pushing this drugstore staple for everything from “slugging” to wiping out post-procedure flakiness. It’s not just for cracked feet anymore, and honestly, it’s kind of ridiculous how well it works.

2.🔬Why Derms Love It

CeraVe Healing Ointment is basically a tube of Vaseline that went to college. It’s $10, sits on the shelf next to the baby stuff, and has a texture that feels like a hug for your face.

The Slug Life

Slather it on at night and you’ll wake up with skin that looks like you actually slept 8 hours (even if you didn’t).

Post-Laser Armor

After a facial or peel, this is the only thing that stops my face from turning into a reptile.

Cuticle Savior

Rubbing it into your nail beds after doing the dishes works better than any fancy cuticle oil I’ve tested.

a woman with a towel on her head and a jar of cream on her face

Photo: Kaeme / Unsplash

3.🧴The Science-y Part

It’s got petrolatum as the base (the ultimate occlusive), but the magic is in the extras. It’s not just sealing in moisture — it’s actively repairing the barrier while it sits there.

Petrolatum: Locks in moisture with a breathable seal
Ceramides: Rebuilds your skin’s protective wall
Hyaluronic Acid: Holds 1000x its weight in water
Panthenol: Calms angry, irritated redness

Assorted pink cosmetic containers, tubes, and a makeup brush on a pale background

Photo: pmv chamara / Unsplash

4.✨Texture & First Thoughts

It’s thick. Like, really thick. Dipping a finger in feels like grabbing honey that gave up. But it melts on contact with skin and doesn’t sit on top like a greasy slick — it actually sinks in after about 5 minutes.

Week two: I started using it on my elbows and the back of my hands before bed. The rough patches I’ve had since winter are just… gone. Didn’t expect that.

💡

One Thing: Warm a pea-sized amount between your palms first. Pat it on, don’t rub. It spreads way further than you think.

Photo: Igor Rand / Unsplash

5.🩹The Honest Results

My moisture barrier is finally not screaming at me. The flakiness around my nose vanished in 3 days. But my face still gets oily by noon if I use too much — it’s a balancing act.

✅

Buy if

You have dry patches, just got a procedure done, or love the idea of slugging without the panic.

⏭️

Skip if

You have active breakouts or hate anything that feels like it might transfer to your pillowcase.

💰

Worth it?

Yes. It’s $10 and lasts me 4 months. That’s pennies per night for skin that doesn’t crack.

woman in gray shirt leaning on white wall

Photo: Apostolos Vamvouras / Unsplash

6.📋Final Verdict

It’s not sexy, but it works. Keep it on your nightstand and forget the fancy serums for a week — your skin will thank you.

9.2/10

Cheap, thick, and utterly reliable.

🛍️

Where to Buy: Grab the 12oz tub at Target — it’s cheaper per ounce than the tiny tubes, and you *will* use it.