Side by side
Cetaphil Multi-Purpose Ointment vs Vaseline
Cetaphil Multi-Purpose Ointment
34 positive (100%) · 0 mixed (0%) · 0 negative (0%)
Trust + time weighted: +100%
AI summary — not a quote
Cetaphil Multi-Purpose Ointment is consistently recommended by Reddit users as an effective occlusive balm, primarily for 'slugging' or as a final night-time layer to seal in moisture. It is frequently grouped with other industry standards like Vaseline and Aquaphor for treating dry, flaky, or peeling skin.
Pros
- Effective occlusive for night-time 'slugging'
- Helps resolve flaky and peeling skin patches
- Works well when layered over a standard moisturizer
- Provides a nourishing barrier for irritated areas
Top excerpts
Try an occlusive balm after your moisturizer such as Vaseline, aquaphor, or Cetaphil multi purpose ointment
Have you tried layering on an occlusive balm on top of your Aveeno moisturizer? Vaseline, aquaphor, or Cetaphil multi purpose ointment could be good options.
Try occlusive balms like Eucerin healing cream, Aquaphor, or Cetaphil multi purpose ointment
Occlusive balm like aquaphor or Cetaphil multi purpose ointment
Also occlusive balms like Vaseline, aquaphor, or Cetaphil multi purpose ointment is good for flaky areas
Vaseline
193 positive (77%) · 26 mixed (10%) · 31 negative (12%)
Trust + time weighted: +67%
AI summary — not a quote
Vaseline (petroleum jelly) is widely regarded as a "god-tier" occlusive, primarily used in skincare to seal in moisture and protect the skin barrier. It is the standard product for "slugging"—applying a thin layer over moisturizer at night—to prevent transepidermal water loss. While it does not hydrate the skin on its own, it is highly effective for healing dry patches, protecting minor wounds, and soothing conditions like eczema. Beyond skincare, it is also noted for its utility in camping as a fire-starting aid when paired with cotton.
Pros
- Excellent occlusive that effectively locks in moisture and treatments
- Supports skin barrier repair and reduces transepidermal water loss
- Versatile application for lips, feet, dry patches, and eczema
- Promotes moist wound healing and protects raw or irritated skin
Cons
- Does not provide hydration or active skin treatment on its own
- Heavy, greasy texture can be uncomfortable for some users
- May clog pores or cause breakouts for specific skin types
- Can trap heat, which may exacerbate certain inflammatory skin responses
Top excerpts
Vaseline is now considered the standard for helping broken skin heal. Whenever I get cracks in my hands I get them moist and put a daub of Vaseline in/on the crack. At night I put a good amount and wrap with a bandaid.
check out 'slugging' at night, which is just using an occlusive layer (Vaseline) to seal in moisture. Helps some, but not everyone!
Moisturizer after Tret sits on your skin for 10 minutes, and then add a thin layer of Vaseline.
Sometimes, I like to go overkill mode on the nuclear option and seal the Cosrx with vaseline at night. I don't think it does much more, but I have spare vaseline in my cabinet, so I'll do it anyways.
Don’t use any actives on it and keep it moist - a layer of Vaseline or Aquaphor will help.