I've been using this £8 multipurpose moisturiser for six years, here’s why it's a skincare essential
It costs under £10 and is well worth buying.
As a beauty journalist, I've tested many, many products over the years that are described as 'multi-purpose' - unfortunately this often means they can be very mediocre. However, the CeraVe Advanced Repair Ointment ticks every box when it comes to big, bold claims. This rich moisturiser has been by my bedside for years, comes on every holiday with me and is a staple in my skincare routine.
CeraVe Advanced Repair Ointment
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I first got my hands on it in 2019, when a friend gave it to me upon returning from a trip to America. Until January 2024, it wasn't sold in the UK, but now it's available on both sides of the Atlantic, I had to share why it's worth your time (and money).
If you didn't know, CeraVe is an American budget skincare brand that has a range of products for your face and body, catering especially to sensitive skin. The Advanced Repair Ointment is particularly brilliant if you struggle with dryness, whether that's on your elbows and knees, you have perpetually cracked lips or suffer with sore eczema flare-ups.
🛍️ Product reviewed: CeraVe Advanced Repair Ointment
⏰ Tested for: Six years
⭐ Rating: 5/5
💸 Reasons to buy: Multi-purpose, can be used to soothe dry, chapped skin on your face and body
✋ Reasons to avoid: Unnecessary if you don't have any dryness to treat
💰 Best deal we've found: Get it now at Amazon for £8.62 (usually retails for £11)
This rich moisturiser is multi-purpose, you can use it on dry and chapped skin, including elbows, knees, knuckles and lips.
💸 Reasons to buy
When the weather gets cold, or is particularly hot (I'm talking heatwave temperatures) I often find my knuckles are prone to mild eczema flare-ups. This usually results in areas of itchy red patches and cracked skin if I succumb to scratching them.
The ingredients and what they do:
✨ Ceramides — moisturises and strengthens the skin barrier
✨ Hyaluronic acid — prevents water loss from skin and keeps it plump and supple
✨ Petrolatum — protects and helps relieve chafed, chapped, or cracked skin
Applying a 5p-sized dollop of this ointment all over subsides any dryness within days, and in less than a week, my skin returns to normal. I use it sparingly because its rich texture means a little goes a long way, and one tube lasted me well over two years. It's also unscented and doesn't irritate my sensitive skin at all.
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I'm also a fan of using it as a facial moisturiser, especially after I have chemical peel facials. In the five days following a treatment, my skin often peels slightly, leaving me feeling very dry, tight, and flaky. When this happens, I reach for my trusty tube of CeraVe and apply a thin layer all over my face before bed. Upon waking up, the flaky patches are gone, and the uncomfortable tight sensation has greatly reduced.
Lastly, I like to use it to quickly improve cracked, dry heels, especially just before I go on holiday. Before bed, slather it onto the bottom of your feet and wait until its absorbed before touching your sheets to avoid a mess. Do this daily for a week and you'll see a huge improvement.
✋ Reasons to avoid
If you don't have dry skin, this isn't worth a spot in your routine, as it's a very rich and hydrating cream.
Additionally, if you have oily skin, I would advise against applying it all over your face. Instead, focus only on the dry patches - otherwise, it can leave you feeling greasy.
💰 Best deal we've found
It's widely available at Boots, Superdrug, LookFantastic and Cult Beauty, but we've spotted it on offer at Amazon currently, reduced from £11 to £8.62.
Shop now: CeraVe Advanced Repair Ointment | £8.62 (Was £11) from Amazon
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Other affordable beauty products I'd recommend
Get a day and night cream for under £15 - what a epic beauty bargain.
✅ This item has been tried and tested by the Yahoo UK team - read our full review here.
Good for a range of skin types, this concentrated serum comes supercharged with five potent ingredients and works to penetrate deep into the skin for amazing results.
The serum itself is fluid and lightweight, with an iridescent finish when it's on your fingertips. It's quick to absorb, and instantly leaves skin feeling softer and smoother.
Overall, I found it very effective at smoothing and soothing my skin. It's ideal if you want to simplify your daily skincare routine, ensuring your complexion gets enriched with a ton of recommended ingredients in one easy step.
✅ This item has been tried and tested by the Yahoo UK team - read our full review here.
My skincare routine wouldn't be without Medik8's coveted Crystal Retinal. I use strength 3 (which alongside strength 1 is ideal for beginners), and alongside Vitamin A, it's formulated with hyaluronic acid and glycerin, two humectants that hydrate the skin, which combined, will minimise dryness. It's a cream-based serum, designed to be applied during your evening routine onto cleansed skin and followed by your moisturiser.
I love how it's fast-absorbing and has a very gentle but inoffensive scent - two pumps is plenty to cover my whole face. Of the many retinols I've tried as a beauty journalist, this has caused the least amount of irritation. I use it three times a week in my routine and occasionally there's a tiny bit of dry skin on my nose, but that's all.
✅ This item has been tried and tested by the Yahoo UK team - read our full review here.
