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I
f you struggle with dry, cracked, or irritated skin, you’ve likely searched for and tried many different products in hopes of finding one that actually works. I know that I have, not only for myself with my dry and sensitive skin, but also for my six year old son who suffers from atopic dermatitis.
I was excited to do this review on CeraVe Advanced Repair Ointment to share our experience because the results have been really positive for us. Despite trying so many different creams, lotions, balms and oils – this one really stood out for how gentle, yet effective it was on both mine and my sons irritated and inflamed skin.
So I hope this review will be useful for anyone else experiencing skin issues or for those just looking for a good emergency repair ointment to have on hand.
Product Overview
Brand & Product Name
- Brand: CeraVe – known for its science-backed, skin-friendly formulas.
- Product Name: Advanced Repair Ointment – a dermatologist-developed solution designed to restore and protect the skin barrier.
Price & Availability
- Price: Around $9-$15 (depending on size)
- Where to Buy: Available at most drugstores, Amazon, Ulta, and major retailers like Walmart and Target.
Packaging
- Comes in a blue squeeze tube (or jar for larger sizes).
- No-fuss, hygienic packaging that makes it easy to store, carry around in a handbag and dispense just the right amount.
Key Ingredients
- Petrolatum (46%) – A powerful occlusive that locks in moisture and protects the skin.
- Ceramides – Essential for strengthening the skin barrier.
- Hyaluronic Acid – Helps attract and retain moisture.
- Mineral Oils & Dimethicone – Contribute to the ointment’s smooth texture and spreadability.
My Experience
First Impressions
I was expecting a thick, greasy ointment like Vaseline, but CeraVe’s formula pleasantly surprised me. While it does have a rich, balm-like consistency, it feels slightly lighter and less sticky than traditional petroleum-based products.
Application & Texture
- Spreads easily across the skin without feeling overly greasy.
- Leaves a protective barrier but doesn’t suffocate the skin.
- A little goes a long way—only a pea-sized amount is needed for targeted areas.
Performance
- Within one night, my dry patches (especially on my hands which, at the time were really sensitive and cracked) felt so much better and significantly smoother.
- My cuticles and cracked heels were softer.
- It provided instant relief for irritation and chapped skin during the cold weather. Worked really well also left on my lips overnight (they were so soft when I woke up the next morning!)
- Unlike pure petrolatum-based products, it absorbed better, reducing that sticky feeling.
- Really helped to hydrate my sons skin during an eczema flare-up and it didn’t irritate his skin either (which is usually the case when his skin is inflamed).
Longevity
- Forms a lasting barrier that stays put for hours, even after washing hands.
- Works well as an overnight treatment for extreme dryness.
Skin Compatibility
- Oily Skin: Might feel too heavy for the face but works well for dry patches.
- Dry/Dehydrated Skin: Perfect for dry and dehydrated skin!
- Sensitive Skin: Fragrance-free and non-comedogenic, making it a safe option.
- Eczema/Barrier Damage: Great for compromised skin, but always patch-test first.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Intensely hydrating and effective for extreme dryness.
- Non-irritating and fragrance-free.
- Contains ceramides to support the skin barrier.
- Works well on hands, feet, lips, and even post-procedure skin.
- More lightweight than Vaseline but still protective.
Cons:
- Can feel greasy if applied too liberally.
- May be too heavy for daytime facial use.
- Some might prefer a cream or lotion rather than an ointment.
Comparison to Similar Products
| Product | Key Ingredients | Texture | Best For | Price |
| CeraVe Advanced Repair Ointment | Petrolatum, Ceramides, Hyaluronic Acid | Lightweight balm | Dry skin, barrier repair | $9-$15 |
| Aquaphor Healing Ointment | Petrolatum, Glycerin, Lanolin Alcohol | Thicker, more occlusive | Chapped skin, minor wounds | $5-$15 |
| Vaseline Original Petroleum Jelly | 100% Petrolatum | Very thick, greasy | Pure occlusive for sealing moisture | $3-$10 |
While all three products excel at locking in moisture, CeraVe Advanced Repair Ointment stands out for its ceramide-rich formula, making it more nourishing for long-term skin barrier health.
Final Verdict
If you’re looking for a powerful yet lightweight repair ointment, CeraVe Advanced Repair Ointment is a fantastic choice. It’s particularly great for dry patches, cracked hands, heels, and post-treatment skin recovery. It worked really well for my skin and I felt like I got instant relief when my hands were extremely painful and dry. It has also been a life saver for my sons skin – both for preventing dryness and also when he has an eczema flare-up. It is one of the few products that doesn’t further irritate his already inflamed skin.
Who Should Try It?
People with dry, sensitive, or eczema-prone skin. Those looking for an alternative to heavy petrolatum-based products. Anyone who wants a barrier-repairing treatment with ceramides.
Would I repurchase? Absolutely! It is a staple in our house both for everyday use on my sons skin and also in my own winter skincare routine!
Have you tried CeraVe Advanced Repair Ointment? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below! 
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