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CeraVe Healing Ointment Review: Would Buyers Buy It Again?

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. If you buy through links on this page we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. How this review was made: We did not test this ointment in person. This verdict is based on two review aggregators and reviewer themes listed at the end. Neither cites named clinical tests, so we treat the evidence as owner feedback, not lab data. Our method.

Repeat

A dependable night-time fix for dry, cracked skin

Reviewers describe fast relief for cracked heels, hands, cuticles, lips and irritated skin, and the formula is fragrance-free with ceramides and hyaluronic acid added to a petrolatum base. The trade-offs are real: it is thick and greasy, the tube is hard to squeeze, acne-prone faces may break out, and some long-time users report irritation after a formula change. For its target use, most feedback is positive enough that we expect buyers to rebuy.

Check current price on Amazon → Prices and availability change often, so we don't list them here.

Buy it again if you…

  • have very dry, cracked or chapped skin
  • want a fragrance-free ointment for hands, heels, lips and body
  • apply a thick layer at night

Skip it if you…

  • dislike greasy or tacky textures
  • have acne-prone facial skin
  • want a quick-absorbing daytime lotion

CeraVe Healing Ointment is a thick, fragrance-free skin protectant. It is built on petrolatum (listed at 46.5 percent by one aggregator) with three ceramides, hyaluronic acid and panthenol.

Not medical advice. This review is for general information. See a doctor or dermatologist for eczema, wounds, infections or skin that does not improve, and patch test if your skin is sensitive.

Our evidence is mostly reviewer themes and editorial summaries, so we note where it is thin.

What owners say, at a glance

46.5%petrolatum baseBuyary and ShopSavvy
3ceramides in the formulaBuyary
0fragranceShopSavvy
Relief for dry, cracked skin
Strong praise
Versatility
Face, body, lips, heels
Texture
Thick, greasy, tacky
Tube design
Hard to squeeze
Formula consistency
Some reports of irritation after a reformulation

Bars show our editorial summary of how consistently owners praise or complain about each area across all sources — not a lab measurement.

The key specs

TypeOcclusive ointment, skin protectant
BasePetrolatum, with mineral oil and dimethicone listed
Added careCeramides NP, AP and EOP, hyaluronic acid, panthenol
ScentFragrance-free, lanolin-free
PackagingSqueeze tube

What owners love

Repairs cracked, dry skin.Reviewers describe improvement on fingertips, cuticles, heels and chapped lips, often within days.
Works overnight.A small amount goes a long way and suits bedtime use, including on irritated or eczema-prone skin.
Feels lighter than petroleum jelly.Several reviewers call it less sticky and easier to spread than Vaseline or Aquaphor, though others still find it heavy.

What owners complain about

Greasy and tacky.It absorbs slowly and can ball up under makeup, so it is mostly a night product.
Hard-to-squeeze tube.Reviewers say it gets stiffer in cold weather.
Breakouts on oily or acne-prone faces.The occlusive base may clog pores for some people.
Reformulation irritation.Some long-time users on forums say the newer formula irritated them; aggregators suggest patch testing.

How it holds up over time

Because it is a simple ointment, the long-term question is formula consistency more than durability. The reformulation complaints come from forum reports summarized by one aggregator, not a controlled comparison, so treat them as a reason to patch test, not proof of a problem.

Tips from owners

  • Apply to damp skin to help seal in moisture.
  • Use a thin layer on the face and avoid it if you break out easily.
  • Remove the cap and warm the tube if it is hard to squeeze.

Pros and cons

What owners love

  • Fragrance-free with ceramides and hyaluronic acid
  • Works on face, body, lips and heels
  • Strong relief for dry, cracked skin
  • Small amounts go a long way

What owners complain about

  • Thick, greasy feel
  • Tube is hard to squeeze
  • May not suit acne-prone skin
  • Some users report irritation after a formula change

Other options buyers compare

These are the products most often compared with it.

ProductStyleConsider it if…
CeraVe Healing Ointment (this review)Ceramide petrolatum ointmentYou want a fragrance-free repair ointmentSee on Amazon
Aquaphor Healing Ointment
Read our review
Petrolatum ointmentYou want the classic option, often preferred for lipsSee on Amazon
CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
Read our review
CreamYou want something lighter and quicker to absorbSee on Amazon

Need a barrier ointment for dry skin?

Check current options and sizes on Amazon.

See it on Amazon →

Frequently asked questions

Is it fragrance-free?

Yes, according to the aggregators we read.

Can I use it on my face?

Many reviewers do, but the occlusive base may worsen breakouts on acne-prone skin.

Is it greasy?

Many users say yes at first. One aggregator also notes some reviewers find it lighter than petroleum jelly.

Does it help eczema?

Reviewers say it soothes dry, itchy skin, but see a doctor for eczema care.

Sources we analyzed

Figures reflect each source as of October 22, 2026 and may change. We summarize owner feedback in our own words and do not reproduce retailer reviews.