I Have Access to Wildly Expensive Moisturizers, But I Always Choose This $13 One

I write about beauty for a living. Because of that, I get to try some really amazing and sometimes pricey products. And I have to say that is a work perk that never gets old. However, even with my ability to try sought-after prestige products, one jar of goop is always by my bed and in my purse: Aquaphor. Many moons ago, I read that Beyoncé would use Aquaphor on her skin before bed. While I’ve never used it on my face—even though the formula is both hypoallergenic and noncomedogenic—my skin loves it, especially when dry patches pop on my legs or I’ve overwashed my hands.

Before the TikTik slugging videos, dermatologist-recommended ointments like Aquaphor were on the outs. However, skincare pros haven’t stopped recommending it since its U.S. introduction in 1925. These days, the occulent formula is available in various sizes and still comes highly recommended for addressing skin concerns like dry skin. Keep reading to find the perfect fit for your routine.

I keep a jar of this preservative- and fragrance-free find next to my bed to slather on my cuticles, hands, elbows, and feet every night. Don’t worry about your skin not being able to breathe. This ointment nourishes the skin and creates a protective barrier that allows for oxygen flow to help heal the skin.

Even beauty icons, such as Hailey Bieber, reach for this drugstore find to keep their lips moisturized. Formulated sans fragrance and preservatives, you can drop this stick into your carry-on, purse, or backpack to keep your lips moisturized and chap-free.

Carrying a large jar of ointment isn’t ideal no matter how awesome it is. But don’t worry—the hypoallergenic, noncomedogenic ointment comes in a travel-size tube. For a natural highlight or glossy eyelids, dap a small amount on your lids over eye shadow and add a touch to your cheeks and Cupid’s bow.

If applying moisturizer post-shower isn’t at the top of your to-do list, look no further than this body spray. You can get to those hard-to-reach places, and it goes on evenly in seconds.

The ointment comes in a tube coupled with a touch-free foam applicator for mess-free application. This option would be ideal for applying on a healing tattoo or for use during makeup application.

You’ll protect your lips from UVA/UVB rays while the hydrating formula relieves dry lips. It’s formulated with vitamins, shea butter, and broad-spectrum SPF 30.

Have you been on a hike or outdoor outing and are now experiencing itch from insect bites or poison ivy? Then, reach for this drugstore ointment made with 1% anti hydrocortisone itch ointment to provide long-lasting itch relief for 12 hours.

Nothing like a mini beauty product that packs a punch. In this case, we’re talking about the healing ointment packed into a mini jar to help soothe skin, no matter whether you’re at home or on the run. This little pot would be ideal for slugging, as you can take a small amount and layer it over your moisturizer or eye cream.

This award-winning organic balm formulated with sunflower seed, olive, and coconut oils alongside shea butter is designed with sensitive skin in mind. It can be used for everything from diaper rash to eczema.

With a 100% plant-based, hypoallergenic formula, this balm protects and helps heal eczema, irritations, cuts, scrapes, burns, and even skin post-lasering and post-tattooing.

This cult-favorite infused with castor oil, beeswax, and lanolin doubles as a skin salve and lip balm and comes in both original and flavored formulas with a sheer tint.

We know this is labeled a baby balm. But this hypoallergenic, plant-derived formula made with jojoba esters boasts rave reviews for baby care and adult skin.

Formulated with organic and fair-trade ingredients like beeswax, jojoba, avocado, and hemp oils, this multipurpose balm can be used to dry hands, face, body, and cuticles. In addition, it can be applied to recently tattooed skin.

If you’ve ever scrolled by this moisturizer on Amazon, you can see thousands of rave reviews. The lanolin-based formula is excellent for soothing and healing cracked hands, cracked heels, elbows, and dry knuckles.

With a National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance, this vegan, noncomedogenic, fragrance-free formula—housed in a recyclable glass jar—moisturizes the skin for up to 24 hours. Don’t be afraid to layer a bit on dry facial skin—it’s formulated with plant-based ingredients like glycerin, cupuaçu butter, babassu oil, and linoleic acid that won’t clog pores.

This noncomedogenic ointment is infused with ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and petrolatum and is perfect for treating eczema and cracked skin and, of course, slugging. It’s lightweight and gentle.

Honey is at the center of this salve. Rightfully so, given the healing powers of the ingredient. Infused with 132 nutrients, including amino acids, antioxidants, and vitamins A, B, C, this multipurpose moisturizer can be used for everything from hand lotion to highlighter on the cheekbones.

Dry, cracked skin happens to the best of us, but leave it to Dove to craft a hypoallergenic, fragrance-free soothing skin balm clinically proven to help relieve severely dry skin.

Next, 9 Warning Signs That Your Face Is Thirsty and What to Do About It