CeraVe Healing Ointment with Ceramides & Hyaluronic Acid, 3 oz
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What it is
CeraVe Healing Ointment is a petrolatum-based occlusive balm formulated with ceramides and hyaluronic acid to protect and restore severely dry or compromised skin. Unlike a traditional moisturizer, it works primarily as a physical barrier — locking moisture in and shielding damaged skin from environmental irritants. It is fragrance-free and developed in collaboration with dermatologists, making it appropriate for even highly reactive skin.
Who it's for
This ointment is best suited for anyone dealing with dry, cracked, or persistently irritated patches: chapped lips, rough elbows, cracked heels, dry cuticles, or flaky areas that lighter moisturizers simply cannot resolve. People with eczema-prone or sensitized skin will find the fragrance-free, barrier-focused formula particularly useful. It can also help soothe skin after minor surface irritation from friction or hair removal.
Those with oily or acne-prone skin should use caution. Petrolatum-based ointments are highly occlusive and can trap debris in pores when applied broadly to the face. If your goal is a lightweight everyday facial moisturizer, this product is not designed for that role.
How to use it
Apply a small amount directly onto dry or irritated areas as the very last step in your skincare routine. Occlusives work by forming a seal over the skin, so they must go on after any serums, treatments, or lighter moisturizers — otherwise they will block those products from absorbing properly. Evening application is strongly preferred; the texture is too heavy for comfortable daytime wear under makeup.
For dry body areas, apply immediately after bathing while skin is still slightly damp to lock in additional moisture. For cracked heels or cuticles, apply before bed and cover with socks or cotton gloves to maximize results overnight. Use it as a targeted treatment rather than spreading it all over your face daily.
Key ingredients
Ceramides are lipid molecules that naturally exist in the outermost layer of the skin and are essential for maintaining an intact moisture barrier. Harsh cleansers, cold weather, over-exfoliation, and chronic dryness all deplete ceramide levels; topical application helps replenish them and support barrier integrity over time.
Hyaluronic acid is a humectant that draws and binds water within the skin's layers. In an ointment format, it works in partnership with the petrolatum base: hyaluronic acid pulls moisture in, while the occlusive layer prevents that moisture from evaporating off the surface.
Pros & cons
- Highly effective at preventing transepidermal water loss on very dry or damaged skin
- Fragrance-free and non-irritating — well-suited to sensitive, reactive, and eczema-prone skin
- Ceramides provide long-term barrier support rather than just temporary surface softening
- Versatile use: lips, cuticles, elbows, heels, and dry patches anywhere on the body
- Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars across more than 43,000 shoppers — an unusually strong signal for a product in this category
- Greasy texture makes it impractical for daytime face use or wearing under makeup
- Too occlusive for oily or acne-prone skin types, particularly on the face
- Designed as a targeted treatment, not a whole-face daily moisturizer
- The 3 oz size depletes quickly if you rely on it for multiple body areas at once
How it compares
If you need a daily face or body moisturizer rather than a targeted occlusive, CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion for Dry Skin, 12 oz delivers ceramides and hyaluronic acid in a much lighter, non-greasy texture that absorbs cleanly and works under makeup. For drier body skin that needs more richness than a lotion without the intensity of an ointment, CeraVe Moisturizing Cream for Dry Skin, 19 oz sits in the middle of the spectrum — thicker than the lotion, spreadable enough for all-over use, and part of the same ceramide-focused family.
The verdict
CeraVe Healing Ointment fills a specific and genuinely useful role in a skincare routine. It is not an everyday all-over moisturizer, but for sealing and protecting severely dry, cracked, or irritated skin it is one of the more dependable options available without a prescription. The combination of petrolatum's occlusive strength with ceramides and hyaluronic acid makes it more than a basic skin protectant — the ceramides actively support barrier recovery over repeated use. Keep it as a targeted, last-step treatment for problem areas, especially during winter or any period when your skin is under stress. For shoppers who have tried lighter moisturizers without success, this is the logical next step.
What shoppers say
Shoppers frequently praise this ointment for delivering serious moisture relief, particularly for eczema, cracked heels, and healing minor wounds like cuts and blisters. Many note that a tiny amount goes surprisingly far, and dermatologist recommendations come up repeatedly as a reason buyers first tried it.
The main caveat nearly everyone agrees on: it leaves a noticeably greasy residue that can transfer to clothing and surfaces, making daytime hand use impractical for most people. At least one buyer also flagged a possible formula change over the years, so experiences may vary depending on when a jar was manufactured.
My review is based on my jar purchased from 2022 that still works very well. I’ve been having some dryness on my feet and toes and recently decided to open up a jar purchased back in 2022. Ointment is highly moisturizing and my feet and toes are no longer dry and my skin is smooth to the touch. Also works great on my dry elbows. That being said. I am extremely disappointed that CeraVe changed their formula. I added a pic of ingredients of CeraVe’s “improved formula” against the label of my 2022 jar of ointment. As you can see they increased the petroleum percentage, added glycerin, less ceramides, less tocopherol, less panthenol. Just compare both ointment labels and you will see the difference on formulas. I hope CeraVe reads this and goes back to their original formula.
Read on Amazon ↗I have really bad itchy eczema dry skin in the winter. For the past year or so it continued into the summer, so I have been dealing with this frustrating issue for quite a while. Sometimes it gets so bad I end up scratching my skin until it starts bleeding and I have been desperate for an affordable solution that doesn't involve doctor's appointments to fix. I've tried lotion after lotion after lotion. From CeraVe Intense Moisturizing lotion to Amlactin Intensive Healing lotion. Nothing had been working. After discovering that ointments are much better for constant skin irritation than your standard lotions, I bought this and I am so thankful that I did. For the first time ever, I have been able to see immediate improvement in my skin when I apply this at night. The itching is soothed so quickly after applying, and it helps me sleep instead of being kept up all night from scratching. It is so nice to wake up in the morning with little to no itching or burning. I would need to apply lotions 24/7 to even see a fraction of the results I see from this in just two nights. I am bad at consistent use of almost anything but when I go too long without using this it is very obvious which makes keeping up with consistent use so easy. Sometimes I even apply this to my lips at night before sleeping and it works so well for incredibly chapped winter lips if I do that for a couple nights. It may be a little sticky and the consistency is a little thick in comparison to lotion, but the results are well beyond worth it for me. I would recommend this to absolutely anyone with harsh painful itchy skin. It has been a miracle worker for me all winter long. The tub lasts quite a long while and a little goes a long way, so the size is perfect. And it doesn't have any noticeable scents or fragrances which makes it even more compatible for sensitive skin and people with sensitive noses which is a huge plus.
Read on Amazon ↗So the reason for the four stars and not five is the following. The description for this product states this does not leave a greasy feel or film. I have to disagree as it does leave a bit of a greasy film and feel. A little goes a very long way so start small and add more if you require it. This is what I do as I use this only for my hands due to sever dry hands from constant washing using a medicated hand wash for my skin condition that is only on my hands. This product works extremely good and is a life saver for my dry hand condition giving me hands that are soft again and do not feel like dry leather. I just started using this product on the date of this review as this is when I received it. I like it so much that I purchased the larger 12oz container for home and a 9oz container for taking with me when I'm out of the house to keep my hands feeling and looking their best. I do highly recommend this healing ointment as it does what is says with the exception of the greasy feel and film that it does leave on your skin. It is not a heavy amount but that will also depend on how much you use. I use a very light amount just enough to provide what I need for protect and hydrate my skin.
Read on Amazon ↗My dermatologist turned me on to this and I couldn't be happier with the results! It covers, protects & keeps the blisters/scrapes moisturized while they heal. Great value for the money. I apply it gently with a q-tip or wooden "spoon" twice a day with no irritation nor any inflamation. Fragrance free, easily absorbed (not greasy!) and it helps minimize the scarring. Good product!
Read on Amazon ↗Love this product. I use this for packing in my travel bag to ensure my hands and feet stay moisturized. Word of advice - do not use a lot of using on hands for during the day usage. It is very greasy. Hand and feet stay moisturized for a few days. It absorbs in the skin well. Average value for your money.
Read on Amazon ↗Reviews are from verified Amazon customers, shown for reference. We don't edit or endorse individual reviews.
CeraVe Healing Ointment with Ceramides & Hyaluronic Acid, 3 oz: frequently asked questions
Is CeraVe Healing Ointment basically Vaseline?
It shares the same petrolatum base as Vaseline, which creates an occlusive layer that locks in moisture and shields damaged skin. The meaningful difference is that CeraVe adds ceramides and hyaluronic acid—ingredients that actively help restore the skin's natural barrier and attract water into the skin, rather than just sealing the surface. It's petrolatum with targeted barrier-repair support built in.
What is the difference between Aquaphor and CeraVe Healing Ointment?
Both are petrolatum-based healing ointments, but the formulas diverge in a few ways. Aquaphor includes lanolin, panthenol, and bisabolol, making it slightly more emollient-rich. CeraVe's version adds ceramides and hyaluronic acid for skin-barrier reinforcement and is free of lanolin—a better pick for anyone with wool or lanolin sensitivity. Neither is universally superior; the right choice depends on your skin's specific needs and sensitivities.
Does CeraVe Healing Ointment really work?
Yes, for its intended purpose. Petrolatum is one of the most clinically validated skin protectants available, effectively reducing transepidermal water loss. The ceramides help reinforce a weakened skin barrier over repeated use, while hyaluronic acid supports hydration. It works best on dry, cracked, or sensitized skin and as the final step in a nighttime routine to seal in lighter products underneath.
If your skin is oily or combination and you need everyday face hydration, a lighter option like CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion is a more comfortable daily alternative.
Is it good to put CeraVe Healing Ointment on your face?
It can be, especially for very dry, flaky, or sensitized skin. Apply a thin layer at night as the last step in your routine—the occlusive barrier seals in the serums and moisturizers applied underneath. A little goes a long way; over-applying leaves a heavy, greasy film. It's labeled non-comedogenic, but those prone to breakouts should patch-test first, as heavy occlusives can feel pore-clogging on some skin types.
Can CeraVe Healing Ointment heal cracked heels?
It's an effective option for rough, cracked heels. Apply a generous layer to clean, dry heels and cover with cotton socks overnight—the occlusive barrier traps moisture in place while ceramides work to rebuild the skin. Consistent nightly use typically shows visible improvement within one to two weeks. For deeper fissures, pairing it with a urea-based exfoliant before application can help soften thick skin more quickly.
What are the side effects of CeraVe Healing Ointment?
Most people tolerate it well—it's fragrance-free and developed with dermatologists. The most common complaint is a heavy, greasy feel when over-applied, which can contribute to breakouts or congestion on acne-prone facial skin. True allergic reactions are uncommon. If you notice redness, itching, or new irritation after use, stop applying and consult a dermatologist to rule out a sensitivity to any of the inactive ingredients.
Can I put CeraVe Healing Ointment under my eyes?
Yes—the under-eye area is among the thinnest and driest skin on the face, and a petrolatum-based ointment can help reduce overnight moisture loss there. Apply a very small amount with your ring finger using a light tap, not a drag, to avoid pulling at delicate skin. Keep in mind it's an occlusive protectant, not an active treatment, so it won't address dark circles or puffiness—just dryness and barrier protection.
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