Is CeraVe or Aquaphor better for slugging?

Author: Dr. Warren Ledner PhD  |  Last update: Wednesday, April 2, 2025

Best products for skin slugging Now that you've decided to try slugging, it's time to decide what product you should go for. Dr. Marchbein recommends CeraVe's Healing Ointment and La Roche-Posay Lipikar Daily Lotion, but Vaseline Pure Petrolatum works just fine and so does Aquaphor.

Is CeraVe good for slugging?

For slugging, good old Vaseline, Aquaphor/Cerave Healing Ointment, or Lanolin are your best bets. I suggest using your fave K-Beauty products underneath and then applying a layer of the above on top to create an occlusive layer.

What is the best healing ointment for slugging?

The ideal slugging ointment is petrolatum-based with minimal additional ingredients. Here are the most common ointment choices for slugging: Vaseline: Vaseline's original formula is 100% petroleum jelly, or petrolatum. Studies have shown it to be the most effective ointment for preventing moisture loss from your skin.

Which cream is best for slugging?

For slugging, good old Vaseline, Aquaphor/Cerave Healing Ointment, or Lanolin are your best bets. I suggest using your fave K-Beauty products underneath and then applying a layer of the above on top to create an occlusive layer.

Is Aquaphor good for slugging?

Is Aquaphor good for slugging? Aquaphor is great for slugging because it creates an occlusive barrier on your skin to keep hydration in all night long. It acts like a skincare blanket, swaddling all the good-for-you ingredients from your serums, toners, and moisturizers close to your skin to make them more effective.

CERAVE VS AQUAPHOR 🤔 WHICH ONE IS BETTER? DERMATOLOGIST @DrDrayzday

Is Aquaphor or CeraVe better for slugging?

Do: use a petrolatum-based product. This is where Vaseline comes in. You can also use Aquaphor or CeraVe. "My favorite product for slugging is CeraVe Healing Ointment,” says Evans.

Do dermatologists prefer Vaseline or Aquaphor?

In terms of feel, Vaseline is a bit heavier and greasier, whereas Aquaphor is a bit lighter and easier to spread. Dermatologists say deciding which one to use often comes down to personal preference. One thing to keep in mind is that you'll want to use caution with these products if your skin is prone to breakouts.

What is the best thing to use for slugging?

Slugging's the practice of slathering your face with a layer of an occlusive product or ointment, usually including petrolatum (AKA petroleum jelly), before bed. Popular products to slug with include Vaseline™ or Aquaphor™.

Does Aquaphor clog pores?

Aquaphor is non-comedogenic, meaning it will not clog pores on your face. While it's non-clogging and doesn't contain any breakout-inducing ingredients, you should use it in moderation.

How to get glass skin?

Here are a few clear skin tips to help you on your journey toward healthy-looking glass skin.
  1. Double cleanse. ...
  2. Use an exfoliator. ...
  3. Apply a hydrating serum. ...
  4. Reach for a sheet mask. ...
  5. Layer on a lightweight moisturizer. ...
  6. Always finish with sunscreen.

Can I slug with Aquaphor every night?

Is it OK to do slugging every night? Dr. Kassouf says there's no hard and fast rule to how often you should slug. It's all based on your individual skin care needs — if your skin is feeling dry and dehydrated, it may benefit from slugging.

What works better than Aquaphor?

11 Best Alternatives to Aquaphor and Petroleum Jelly
  • Vegaline.
  • 365 Whole Foods Multi-purpose Jelly.
  • Erin's Faces Tamanu Balm Barrier Salve.
  • Doctor Rogers' Restore Healing Balm.
  • Pipette Baby Balm.
  • Earth Mama Organics' Nose & Cheek Balm.

Is CeraVe an occlusive?

CeraVe Moisturizing Cream features a rich, yet non-greasy cream texture that makes it ideal for those with normal to dry skin on their face or body. It contains petrolatum, an occlusive ingredient that helps seal in moisture by creating a physical barrier on the skin's surface.

Is CeraVe Healing Ointment the same as Aquaphor?

Yes, they are completely different. CereVe cream is a thick, creamy, white moisturizer more akin to a heavy lotion whereas Aquaphor ointment is clear and slick due to its petrolatum and mineral oil base.

Who should not use CeraVe?

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: deep/open/puncture wounds, broken/damaged/blistered skin, animal bites, serious burns. If you are using this product for hemorrhoids and bleeding from the rectum occurs, stop using it and consult your doctor promptly.

Do dermatologists recommend slugging?

Dermatologists often recommend it for patients with extremely sensitive or eczema-prone skin, as well as after cosmetic procedures or skin rashes, to help create a protective skin barrier.

Is Aquaphor or Vaseline better for slugging?

Yes, you can use both ointments on your face, and both are often used in slugging. Because it's 100% petroleum jelly, Vaseline is more effective at reducing water loss from the skin. However, it's thicker and greasier than Aquaphor, so some people may prefer to use Aquaphor.

What happens if I put Aquaphor on my face everyday?

Camp says that while Aquaphor is non-comedogenic, meaning it won't clog your pores, you should use it in moderation. “If too thick a layer is used, if it is left on for too long, or if you already have oily skin, sebum and sweat can accumulate in pores and cause an acne-like rash,” Dr. Camp explains.

Is CeraVe Healing Ointment pore clogging?

CeraVe Healing Ointment is non-comedogenic, which means it's formulated not to clog your pores. However, it's important to remember that everyone's acne is unique. Therefore, if you have acne-prone skin, it's best to consult a board-certified dermatologist before using ointment on your face.

What to avoid when slugging?

The products applied before your “slug” should be formulated with gentle, hydrating ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid or ceramides. Formulas with active ingredients should generally be avoided before slugging, in order to avoid any irritation or unwanted side effects from “sealing in” these actives overnight.

Do dermatologists recommend Vaseline or Aquaphor?

According to Dr. Paul, Aquaphor can also be better for extremely dry, cracked skin and healing minor skin irritation. “It provides additional hydration and barrier protection beyond what Vaseline offers,” she says. In other words, break out the Aquaphor when your skin has extra needs beyond basic moisturizing.

Can you sleep with Aquaphor on your face?

If you plan on using it all over the face it is best to use Aquaphor at night. This is a process called slugging, it helps lock in the products and promotes their benefits. Other ways to use Aquaphor include on the eyelashes and eyebrows, it can strengthen both and help them look shinier and healthier.

Why do dermatologists love Aquaphor?

Aquaphor, which is "a mix of petroleum jelly, mineral oil, glycerin, and lanolin," acts as an emollient to "help soften and smooth the skin and create an occlusive protective barrier on the surface to seal in moisture," says Shari Marchbein, a board-certified dermatologist and clinical assistant professor of ...

What are the side effects of the Aquaphor?

Stinging, burning, irritation, dryness, or redness at the application site may occur. Acne, unusual hair growth, small red bumps on the skin (folliculitis), skin thinning/discoloration, or stretch marks may also occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

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