Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

Review of Vanicream *Moisturizing Ointment* Vs. *CeraVe Healing Ointment*, and why I prefer Vanicream for a lip balm. In my quest for the perfect lip balm, after trying many chapsticks and natural alternatives like oils, butters and waxes, I first started using CeraVe ointment and found it OK until I decided to try Vanicream ointment (formerly called Vaniply Ointment). Went back to CeraVe to give it a second chance then came back to Vanicream for good. This back and forth really helped me understand the difference in performance of both on my lips. Vanicream ointment is dimethicone based and is less oily than CeraVe ointment which is petrolatum and mineral oil based. That's why dimethicone products can claim "oil free" on the package while petrolatum or mineral oil products cannot. Since petrolatum and mineral oil based oitments like CeraVe and Aquaphor tend to have an oilier feel, it will also have more of a sheen to it. Being oilier, it disappears from the skin of the lips much faster, leaving the lips feeling dry again. That is when Vanicream ointment comes to the rescue. It is thicker, more siliconey and creamy, it adheres to the lips much better and stays on for a much longer time. I'm often kissing my little children and I really notice the difference in stay-ability and moisturizing performance of both, and can say that Vanicream ointment wins by far in moisturization properties. None are sticky. I thought the ceramides and hyaluronic acid in CeraVe ointment would give it more of an advantage over Vanicream ointment's short list of ingredients, but it really doesn't come close to how well Vanicream works. Give Vanicream ointment a try and I'm sure you'll find your new lip care favorite. (PS: I got nothing for my review; this simply comes from my satisfaction with the product) EDIT: Over 2 years have passed and I still have some left in my tub, it lasts a long time! I've been using it every day on my lips and on my face, on top of my cheap fragrance-free lotion, at night for extra moisture. Still love it!