Cerave Healing Ointment – 2023 Review

This post will be reviewing the Cerave Healing Ointment

I’m so excited to review this product because it is long overdue. I jumped on the Cerave Healing Ointment train about two years ago and I haven’t regretted it ever since. It started with a tiny sample that I think I bought on eBay to the massive tube I invested in afterwards. Throughout the year, I use it for different purposes as it arises but this winter, it has really come through for me in so many ways.

These days, particularly in online skincare communities like Facebook and Reddit, it has become increasingly popular among people on Tretinoin and generally anyone that uses a lot of actives on their skin. Regular people prefer to slug it at the last step of their routines.

As you are aware, there’s quite a bit of controversy around Petrolatum aka Vaseline in skincare for good reason. A lot of people have mixed reviews about the benefits of Vaseline. But ultimately, it down to your skin’s preference. In recent times, a couple of brands have begun to capitalize on the benefits and popularity of Petrolatum. They refined it to give us a more elegant product which I can honestly get behind. I’m not sure which brand kickstarted this trend of transforming Petrolatum to healing ointments but I’m honestly not complaining. There’s absolutely no way that I would have slugged Vaseline on my face if not for Cerave. Oh! I think I did once and I hated it!

So, what makes Cerave Healing Ointment different from Vaseline and any other Petrolatum based product on the market? Let’s find out!

First Impressions of The Cerave Healing Ointment

First of all, it is important to understand that regardless of what the brand says, this product is not a moisturizer. It will not hydrate neither will it moisturize your skin. It is also not a product that should take the place of your moisturizer. Instead, it should supplement it by locking in all the moisture in your skin thereby reinforcing your skin’s barrier.

Overview & Product Promise

According to Cerave:

Cracked, chafed or extremely dry skin needs special care, and a healing ointment or balm that helps hydrate and soothe the skin can help you get the relief you need. A balm formulated with petrolatum, hyaluronic acid and ceramides provides extra hydration and helps restores the skin’s barrier. While helping to temporarily protect and relieve chafed, chapped or cracked skin. When choosing a balm to treat compromised skin, look for one like CeraVe Healing Ointment, which is free from lanolin and fragrance to avoid irritation from these ingredients.

CeraVe Healing Ointment is formulated to temporarily protect, soothe and hydrate skin as it recovers from cracking, chafing and extreme dryness. It is lightweight yet intensely hydrating. It features three essential ceramides and hyaluronic acid in a moisturizing base. Our balm is also non-comedogenic, suitable for all skin types, and free of fragrance, dyes and lanolin to minimize the risk of irritation from these ingredients.

These are quite bold claims for a Petrolatum based product but let’s dig further into the ingredient list, shall we?

Ingredient List

ACTIVE INGREDIENTS: PETROLATUM 46.5%

INACTIVE INGREDIENT: MINERAL OIL, PARAFFIN, OZOKERITE, DIMETHICONE, CERAMIDE NP, CERAMIDE AP, CERAMIDE EOP, CARBOMER, WATER, SODIUM LAUROYL LACTYLATE, PROLINE, CHOLESTEROL, PHENOXYETHANOL, TOCOPHERYL ACETATE, TOCOPHEROL, HYDROLYZED HYALURONIC ACID, PANTHENOL, PANTOLACTONE, PHYTOSPHINGOSINE, XANTHAN GUM, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN

With all the healing ointments in the market, there’s no doubt that Cerave stands out for good reason. Asides from the 46.5% Petrolatum, it has Mineral Oil, Cholesterol, Panthenol, Hyaluronic Acid and Cerave’s signature three essential Ceramides which is not bad at all.

Looking at the ingredient list, it’s so easy to get carried away by the other nice things and forget that it is a Petrolatum based product. Which is why I mentioned in the beginning that it should not take the place of your moisturizer. For what is it is, it is a great ingredient list. Chances are if you use it on its own, it might clog your pores and cause you to breakout.

Texture & Consistency

It wasn’t until I used another healing ointment before I could appreciate the texture of Cerave. Instead of the typical waxy texture you would expect, it has a softer consistency that makes it easy to apply. It is soft, spreadable and greasy. It has been well formulated so much that it doesn’t constantly remind you of the presence of Petrolatum. Think of it as a rich emollient cream. But in this case, it is an occlusive. It’s an absolute dream to use.

Price & Packaging

As a result of its increasing popularity, it has become quite a hot product as it is hardly available. Nevertheless, the product comes various sizes that it is easy to sample out before committing to the 12oz jar. As for the price, it is also reasonably priced. If you think it is too much for a Vaseline dupe, consider the extra ingredients used.

Review of the Cerave Healing Ointment

I use this product for quite a number of things particularly anything that needs to be healed. From my piercings to cuts, burns, irritations and most importantly as an occlusive in the last stage of my winter skincare routine. I even hear it can be used to treat gunshot wounds according to Twitter, lol.

Performance

What can I say? It is simply amazing. My piercings heal faster. I don’t wake up with an ashy face on cold winter nights even when some of the product has been rubbed on my pillow. These days, I can feel a noticeable difference when I don’t use it at night. It is that amazing. On the other hand, when it is not winter, it sometimes feels too heavy for my face so I skip it completely and just settle for a facial oil.

One of my favourite ways to use it to calm my skin after irritation or a damaged skin barrier. There are times when I go overboard with my actives or when a product like the Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant stings my face, I finish my routine with the Cerave Healing Ointment. Believe me when I say that it instantly calms my face. It’s a must-have in any skincare routine.

Who Should Use the Cerave Healing Ointment?

• Those suffering from Eczema. It has been certified by the National Eczema Association.
• Those on prescription-based Tretinoin to calm redness and irritation.
• Those that use a lot of actives in their skincare routine that could possibly cause irritation.
• Those with dry chapped or cracked skin.
• Those that struggle with dry winter skin.
• Just about anybody or anything that would benefit from a healing ointment such as tattoos, gunshots and piercings.

Cerave Healing Ointment vs Vaseline

The major difference is the ingredients and texture. While Vaseline is simply 100% Petrolatum, Cerave is 46.5% Petrolatum with skin-loving ingredients like Ceramides, Panthenol and Hyaluronic Acid. Furthermore, while the former has a waxy and tacky texture, the latter has a smoother and more fluid texture. So, it’s up to you to decide what you prefer.

Cerave Healing Ointment Dupes & Alternatives

While this product might be popular, it is not guaranteed to work for everyone with different skin types and concerns. So, if you’re looking for alternatives here are a few:

Aquaphor Healing Ointment

Eucerin Original Healing Cream

In Conclusion,

I believe everyone should have a jar of Cerave Healing Ointment in their homes. You never know when it would come in handy. If you have been contemplating buying this product, I hope this post has helped to make your decision easier.

What are your favourite healing ointments? Share your thoughts in the comments.