Best Ointments for Dry Skin
Ranked by 481 mentions across Reddit
Reddit’s top ointments for Dry Skin

The why
Pure petrolatum creates an occlusive barrier that seals moisture for users with extremely flaky areas and sensitive lips.
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Community take
What works
- Ointments effectively prevent dryness and lock in moisture.
- Thin layers of Vaseline work well for dry winter skin.
- Applying ointment after tretinoin reduces irritation and dryness.
Watch out for
- Ointments should not be slathered on thickly to avoid discomfort.
- Cannot be applied over wet tretinoin, requiring careful timing.
- Some users experience initial dryness when starting tretinoin despite ointment use.

The why
Petrolatum-based occlusive ointment seals moisture overnight to heal flaky patches and soothe irritation during tretinoin use.

The why
Petrolatum-rich ointment serves as a thick occlusive, sealing in layers of moisturizer overnight to soothe flaky patches.

The why
Stick format allows precise application around eyes and mouth for severe patches before treatments and showers.

Baby Eczema Therapy Nighttime Balm
See alternativesThe why
Colloidal Oatmeal 1% in a lighter nighttime balm targets eczema-prone areas for overnight relief.

Skin Utility Ointment Facial Treatment
See alternativesThe why
Petrolatum-heavy ointment feels like Vaseline and works well for lips and nighttime slugging to prevent flaking.

The why
Lanolin-based ointment treats lips at night for those with chronically flaky lips.

Ultra Repair Rescue Barrier Balm with 1% Dimethicone
See alternativesThe why
Dimethicone at 1% targets flaking associated with harsher acne treatments in this balm.


















