Moisturizing Cream — Reddit Reviews
by Vanicream
Updated October 19, 2026
Petrolatum-rich barrier cream for tret dryness and eczema; thick, occlusive.
What the community says
A petrolatum-based cream that seals in moisture works best for dry, sensitive skin and tretinoin routines. Its thick, occlusive finish can feel greasy, clog acne-prone pores, or aggravate rosacea for some users.
What this means for you
Backed by 28 threads from r/SkincareAddiction, r/30PlusSkinCare and 4 more.
Read the threads ↓What people love
- Petrolatum occlusive — excellent for sealing tret dryness
- Minimal, fragrance-free formula for reactive skin
Watch out for
- Too thick and greasy for daytime wear
- Triggers breakouts, clogged pores, or closed comedones for some
Product details
Use caution
Values
Product Traits
Key Ingredients
How to use it
From Reddit routinesHow Reddit uses it
Where to buy
What the science says vs. what Reddit says
Skin Barrier
Some evidence
Petrolatum: 13 studies tested it directly. See all 22 studies
On Reddit: Tret-irritated users apply it on damp skin to help with peeling. 71 mentions
What the studies found
- Most studies found it helped the skin barrier
- It often lowered water loss and helped skin hold more moisture
- It helped damaged skin recover faster and protected skin from some irritants
- It improved dry, itchy skin in some studies, including in older adults and babies
- A few studies found no clear extra benefit over a control or another moisturizer
Eczema
Some evidence
Petrolatum: 6 studies tested it directly. See all 8 studies
On Reddit: Half a dozen hand applications daily make it a go-to when eczema affects the hands. 52 mentions
What the studies found
- Most studies found petrolatum helped eczema or related skin changes
- Studies found it could lower how bad eczema was and reduce scaling
- It improved hand eczema symptoms, but was not better than another moisturizer
- It improved how much water the skin held, though another product worked better in some areas
- One study found another moisturizer helped eczema more than petrolatum
Research context, not treatment advice. Studies are about the ingredient, not necessarily this exact product.
Real Reddit threads — 1,273 mentions across 28 threads
Vanicream Moisturizing Cream on Reddit, in one place — 28 threads from r/SkincareAddiction, r/30PlusSkinCare and 4 more, summarized.
“[Before&After] Finding the right dermatologist makes a huge difference for me. 2 year difference using doxy, 50+ SPF sunscreen, Vanicream, 5 laser treatment and epiduo nightly.”
Positive
“I switched my lotion to vanicream which you can get at CVS or Walgreens for $16 and the jar lasts a very long time (3-4 months).”
Positive
“Both combos definitely help stop getting new dark spots...”
Positive
“Vanicream has helped me by using it every day to prevent flair ups.”
Positive
“I started using a product line called Vanicream. It was recommended by a derm, and I swear this stuff is magic.”
Positive
“I haven’t had a flare-up in three years or so :)”
Positive
“Vanicream moisturizing cream (the tub one not the tube lotions or moisturizers for the face those made my flare ups worse)”
Positive
“These might help for you but they're the only ones that has worked for me so far”
Positive
“my skin is pretty sensitive”
Positive
“topped with a thin layer of vanicream cream.”
Positive
“It works better than slugging ever did, and it's actually comfortable.”
Positive
“a thin layer of vanicream cream”
Positive
“Vanicream Moisturizing Cream also works great!”
Positive
“also works great”
Positive
“Vanicream Moisturizing Cream”
Positive
“Vanicream tub moisturizer or Evermere gel cream”
Positive
“AM: Vanicream facial cleanser”
Positive
“Whatever routine you have going on for your skin, keep at it”
Positive
Dupes & Alternatives
Often paired with
Products Redditors use alongside this one
Vanicream
Mentioned together in 85 threads
“Vanicream Moisturizing Cream works really well on sensitized skin. Do you have a gentle cleanser? Some good ones are Vanicream facial cleanser”
Vaseline
Mentioned together in 59 threads
“If I’m extra irritated and dry, once the vanicream is soaked in a little bit, I apply a thin layer of vaseline.”
— r/eczema
Aquaphor
Mentioned together in 33 threads
“applying the standard vanicream and aquaphor when needed”
— r/eczema
Avene
Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream
Mentioned together in 23 threads
“cleanser>cicalfate>tret>vanicream>castor oil”