Applying an occlusive layer before bed—often called slugging—can help reduce moisture loss overnight and protect dry or compromised skin. A well-chosen balm or ointment creates a seal over your existing skincare, helping skin feel softer and more comfortable by morning.
How we choose
From petrolatum-based ointments to plant-rich balms and dimethicone protectants, the eight products here offer different approaches to overnight sealing. Whether you're managing seasonal dryness, recovering from active treatments, or maintaining a healthy moisture barrier, these options cover a range of textures, budgets, and ingredient preferences. Each formula is chosen for its ability to serve as an effective overnight layer, with specific benefits noted so you can find the one that fits your routine.
Our 8 Picks
CeraVe Healing Ointment, Hydrating Skin Protectant With Petrolatum, Hyaluronic Acid & Ceramides, Face & Body Skin Barrier Repair For Cracked, Chafed, Dry Skin, Fragrance Free & Lanolin Free, 12 Oz
What it is
A petrolatum-based healing ointment with hyaluronic acid and three essential ceramides designed to protect and help repair dry, cracked skin on face and body.
Why it's worth it
This is a good fit for overnight slugging because the occlusive petrolatum base seals in moisture while ceramides support barrier repair. The fragrance-free, lanolin-free, and non-comedogenic formula is well suited to eczema-prone and retinoid-irritated skin that needs intensive hydration without additional sensitizers. The 12 oz size offers practical value for regular use as a full-face or body slugging layer.
Caveat
The thicker ointment texture may feel greasy and is best reserved for nighttime use rather than daytime wear.
Aquaphor Healing Ointment Advanced Therapy Skin Protectant, Dry Skin Body Moisturizer, 7 Oz Tube
What it is
A multi-purpose petrolatum-based healing ointment with panthenol, glycerin, and bisabolol designed to protect and restore dry, compromised skin.
Why it's worth it
This is well suited to overnight slugging for severely dry or wind-chapped skin, as the water-free formula creates a protective barrier that allows the skin's natural healing process to occur. The 7 oz tube offers a practical middle-ground size for those who want to use it regularly on both face and body. It is a good fit for winter flaking and cracked heels that need intensive overnight occlusion.
Caveat
Contains lanolin alcohol, which some very sensitive or lanolin-intolerant individuals may need to avoid.
Vaseline Petroleum Jelly Original Skin Care For Dry Skin and Eczema Relief 100% Pure Petroleum Jelly 13 oz
What it is
A single-ingredient occlusive skin protectant made with 100% pure, triple-purified white petrolatum for dry skin and eczema relief.
Why it's worth it
This is the classic slugging base that works for those who want the simplest possible occlusive layer without any additional ingredients that could potentially irritate. The brand states it is non-comedogenic and hypoallergenic, making it a good fit for reactive skin that tolerates pure petrolatum well. The 13 oz jar provides substantial product for frequent full-face or body slugging at a budget-friendly price point.
Caveat
Lacks the ceramides, humectants, or soothing botanicals found in more modern slugging formulas, so it seals in moisture but does not actively supply additional skin-repair ingredients.
La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Balm B5 Skin Barrier Repair Cream with Centella Asiatica, Shea Butter & Panthenol | Multi-Purpose Healing Ointment for Dry, Irritated Skin | Face, Body & Hand Balm, Baby Safe
What it is
A multi-purpose barrier repair balm with panthenol, shea butter, and madecassoside from Centella Asiatica designed to soothe and protect dry, cracked, and irritated skin.
Why it's worth it
This is well suited to compromised barriers that need both occlusion and active soothing, as the formula combines skin-protectant properties with botanical calming ingredients. The non-greasy texture is a good fit for those who find traditional petrolatum ointments too heavy or sticky for overnight facial use. It is suitable for adults and children, making it a practical choice for households with multiple users dealing with dryness or irritation.
Caveat
The lighter balm texture may not provide the same level of occlusive seal as pure petrolatum ointments for extremely dehydrated skin.
Weleda Skin Food Original Ultra-Rich Body Cream 2.5 Fluid Ounce, Plant Rich Hydrating Moisturizer with Pansy, Chamomile and Calendula
What it is
A plant-rich, ultra-rich body cream with extracts of pansy, chamomile, and calendula in a nourishing base of sunflower and sweet almond oils for dry, rough skin.
Why it's worth it
This is a good fit for those seeking a botanical alternative to petrolatum-based slugging, as the dense, balm-like texture creates a protective layer while plant extracts provide soothing benefits. The 2.5 oz size is well suited to targeted use on extra-dry patches, elbows, or as a facial slugging layer for skin that responds well to natural emollients. It is particularly appropriate for dry skin that needs both nourishment and occlusion without synthetic ingredients.
Caveat
Contains essential oils and botanical extracts that may not be suitable for those with fragrance sensitivities or specific plant allergies.
First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream, Intense Hydration - Clinically Tested Face & Body Moisturizer with Colloidal Oatmeal - Supports Eczema & Dry Skin Barrier Repair - Fragrance Free
What it is
A whipped, fast-absorbing face and body moisturizer with colloidal oatmeal and ceramides designed to support eczema and strengthen the skin moisture barrier.
Why it's worth it
This is well suited to those who need barrier support but find traditional ointments too heavy or occlusive, as the whipped texture delivers intensive hydration with a non-greasy finish. The colloidal oatmeal is a good fit for eczema-prone and itchy skin that needs calming alongside moisture. The brand states it boosts hydration by 169% in clinical testing, making it appropriate for chronically dry skin that needs reliable, daily barrier maintenance.
Caveat
The lighter cream texture may not provide sufficient occlusive seal for very dehydrated skin in extremely dry climates without an additional oil or balm layer on top.
Vanicream Moisturizing Skin Cream, 1 lb
What it is
A thick, smooth moisturizing cream free of common chemical irritants, designed to restore and maintain normal moisture levels for sensitive, reactive, and eczema-prone skin.
Why it's worth it
This is a good fit for those with multiple sensitivities who need a straightforward, no-frills occlusive moisturizer for overnight use. The formula is free of dyes, fragrance, lanolin, parabens, and formaldehyde releasers, making it well suited to reactive skin that cannot tolerate botanical extracts or essential oils. The 1 lb size offers practical value for frequent full-body or facial slugging, and the brand states it has received the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance with a 5 out of 5 star rating.
Caveat
The cream texture is less occlusive than pure petrolatum ointments, so very severely dehydrated skin may need a heavier sealant layer applied on top.
First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Rescue Barrier Balm, 1% Dimethicone OTC Skin Protectant, Fragrance Free, Helps Relieve Dry, Red, Cracked & Irritated Skin, Sensitive Skin Safe, 2.25 oz
What it is
An OTC skin protectant with 1% dimethicone and colloidal oatmeal, specifically designed to relieve dry, red, cracked, and irritated skin and support recovery from retinoid and acne treatments.
Why it's worth it
This is well suited to slugging for skin undergoing active retinoid or prescription acne treatment, as the formula is explicitly designed to counteract drying, peeling, and irritating side effects. The dimethicone-based barrier provides occlusive protection with a different mechanism than petrolatum, making it a good fit for those who want to avoid petroleum-derived ingredients. The brand states it improves skin surface renewal two times faster versus no treatment, which is relevant for compromised barriers that need active repair support.
Caveat
The 2.25 oz size is relatively small for regular full-face or body slugging, making it better suited to targeted treatment areas or short-term recovery use.
How to choose
How to choose the right ointments and balms that support overnight skin barrier repair
Takeaway
By choosing an overnight occlusive that matches your skin's needs—whether pure petrolatum for simplicity, ceramide-enriched for repair, or botanically based for nourishment—you can support barrier recovery while you sleep. A consistent but well-chosen product can make a meaningful difference in skin comfort and resilience.
