Healing Ointment

Ointments are a type of moisturizer that can help hydrate, protect, and soothe your skin. When compared to lotions, gels, and creams, ointments are generally considered the thickest moisturizer option—this makes them an intensely moisturizing option for dry, flaky, cracked, or chafed skin. 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.

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), topical ointment formulas with at least 30% petrolatum can help temporarily protect and relieve dry, cracked, chapped, or chafed skin.^1,2 Research shows that ointments may be more gentle than some lotion formulas, making them a beneficial option for those with dry, sensitive skin.¹ Ointments are also a popular choice for managing seasonal dryness, especially during the cold, dry winter months. Using an ointment, 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, consult a board-certified dermatologist.

There are three main types of moisturizers: lotions, creams, and ointments. Generally speaking, lotions tend to be the most lightweight moisturizer option, followed by creams, and then ointments—which are usually the thickest and most occlusive. Many people with dry skin choose to include both creams and ointments in their skincare routine. For example, you can apply CeraVe Moisturizing Cream first to help relieve dry skin all over your face and body. Next, CeraVe Healing Ointment can be applied to help provide soothing benefits and targeted relief for chafed or cracked areas (such as chapped lips, cracked heels, and dry hands).

Many ointments, such as CeraVe Healing Ointment, can be used on both the face and body. However, this will depend on the specific product you choose. We recommend looking for ointments that are developed with dermatologists, fragrance-free, lanolin-free, and non-comedogenic (meaning they won’t clog your pores). In general, ointments can be helpful for targeting areas that may be prone to rough, flaky, or dry skin, such as the knees, elbows, hands, feet, and eyelids. Before applying an ointment on your face or body, read the product label carefully and be sure to follow the instructions on the packaging.

Ointments are often formulated with petrolatum, an occlusive moisturizer that’s considered the “gold standard” of occlusives due to its effectiveness. This ingredient works by forming a physical barrier on top of your skin that helps seal in moisture. It also has emollient properties that 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 special care. For example, you’ll also find hyaluronic acid in our Healing Ointment. Hyaluronic acid is a popular and effective humectant that helps attract much-needed moisture to the skin’s surface. 

Like all CeraVe products, our Healing Ointment also contains three essential ceramides and is formulated to help maintain the skin barrier. Ceramides are a key component of your skin’s natural protective barrier—they play an important role in helping your skin barrier keep essential moisture in and harmful irritants out. Learn more about CeraVe’s skin-identical ceramides by visiting The Ceramides Difference.

CeraVe Healing Ointment is non-comedogenic, which means it’s formulated not to clog your pores. However, it’s important to remember that everyone’s acne is unique. Therefore, if you have acne-prone skin, it’s best to consult a board-certified dermatologist before using ointment on your face.

In general, skincare products should be applied in order from the thinnest to the thickest formulas. This means that ointments are usually applied after any other moisturizers. With that said, application instructions can vary from product to product. Follow the instructions on the label of your ointment for the best results.

CeraVe Healing Ointment can make an excellent addition to your daytime or nighttime skincare routine for dry, cracked, or chafed skin. However, many people prefer to apply ointment in the evening as a way to help seal in moisture and support skin hydration overnight. Because ointments have a thick, semi-solid consistency, their texture can sometimes make them better suited for evening use—particularly if you’re applying ointment on your face or if you’re worried about the product transferring onto your clothing during the day.

The ingredient petroleum jelly (petrolatum) and ointment are not the same thing. Petroleum jelly is a cosmetic ingredient that is often included in ointment formulas, like our Healing Ointment. It can also be found over the counter in its pure form.

CeraVe Healing Ointment can be a great choice for slugging, a skincare technique where a thin layer of occlusive ointment is applied after moisturizer as the last step in your evening routine. Slugging at night is believed to help seal in moisture and promote a soft, plump, and fresh-looking complexion. This skincare trend may be especially useful for those with naturally dry skin, especially during the harsh winter months.

When slugging, it’s important to always apply your ointment to freshly-cleansed skin using clean hands. This is because occlusive ointments seal in whatever is on your skin’s surface, and you don’t want to lock in pore-clogging dirt, oil, and bacteria. To learn more about this technique and whether it may be right for you, visit our slugging guide.

1. 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.
2. “CFR - Code of Federal Regulations Title 21.” U.S. Food & Drug Administration, 7 Jun 2023.
3. “5 Ways to Use Petroleum Jelly for Skin Care.” American Academy of Dermatology Association, 2023.