Why CeraVe's healing ointment is the ultimate multi-purpose moisturiser
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 and is a staple in my skincare routine.
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: Five 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 at Amazon for £8.78, now reduced from £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.
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 very rich and could lead to breakouts on your face.
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 looking 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 £8.78.
