Side by side
CeraVe Healing Ointment vs Vanicream Moisturizing Cream
CeraVe Healing Ointment
53 positive (85%) · 5 mixed (8%) · 4 negative (6%)
Trust + time weighted: +80%
AI summary — not a quote
CeraVe Healing Ointment is a highly-rated occlusive skin protectant frequently recommended for 'slugging' and treating severely dry, cracked, or eczema-prone skin. Users generally prefer it over plain Vaseline or Aquaphor because it contains ceramides and has a slightly lighter, less 'clingy' feel while remaining highly effective at trapping moisture. However, recent sentiment is split due to a formula change that some users claim is more irritating or less cosmetically elegant than the original version.
Pros
- Excellent for 'slugging' to lock in hydration overnight.
- Contains ceramides and hyaluronic acid, providing more skin-barrier support than plain petroleum jelly.
- Highly effective for chronic conditions like eczema and severely chapped lips.
- Slightly more breathable and less sticky than traditional Vaseline.
Cons
- Recent formula change has caused irritation or breakouts for some long-time users.
- Heavy, greasy texture that may be unpleasant for those who prefer light moisturizers.
- Newer version is reported to be stickier and less 'elegant' due to the removal of dimethicone.
- Can still cause breakouts for certain acne-prone individuals despite being non-comedogenic.
Top excerpts
CeraVe Healing Ointment — slightly lighter than Vaseline but almost as occlusive, absorbs a tiny bit more. Great glow without the clinginess
CeraVe healing ointment over your night moisturizer is a game changer when it's brutal outside, just slug it up
My skin hates the new formula, so disappointing!! They should’ve warned us. I used a tiny bit, but I’m wondering if I can return it via Amazon. I also compared the two and it’s so different.
I do have some cerave- I will switch, thank you!
Have you tried CERAVE healing ointment? I’ve had eczema since 5, and im 29 now, my favorite product
Vanicream Moisturizing Cream
34 positive (83%) · 5 mixed (12%) · 2 negative (5%)
Trust + time weighted: +79%
AI summary — not a quote
Vanicream Moisturizing Cream is widely regarded as a reliable, "boring" staple for sensitive and reactive skin. It is frequently recommended for its minimal ingredient list and its ability to provide a thick, occlusive barrier without common irritants like fragrance or parabens. While overwhelmingly positive, some users find it too heavy for daytime use or report that it can occasionally cause breakouts despite its simple formulation.
Pros
- Minimal ingredient list free of dyes, fragrance, lanolin, and parabens
- Highly effective as an occlusive layer for dry winter skin
- Excellent for buffering or following irritating treatments like tretinoin and Differin
- Affordable and accessible drugstore option
Cons
- Texture can feel heavy or uncomfortable when layered under sunscreen
- Occasional reports of breakouts or increased acne for certain skin types
- Some users feel it sits on top of the skin without providing deep hydration
Top excerpts
Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer or the Vanicream Moisturizing Cream (very boring in a good way, low breakout risk)
I tolerate the vanicream cleansing bar and vanicream moisturizing cream.
For the midwest winter hell, I swear by Vanicream gentle cleanser and their moisturizing cream - boring but bulletproof for sensitive skin.
The Vanicream cream (not the daytime lotion) is excellent. I use it both morning and night in the winter. This year I've had a ton of extra peeling due to upping my tretinoin usage, and it's been fantastic at helping with that.
I tried to get Vanicream cream (in the tub) with the impression it is a simple cream that will help combat the dryness from tret and to help support my skin barrier. All I’ve found is that it causes more breakouts…. has anyone else experienced that??