CeraVe Healing Ointment Versus Minimalist Zinc Oxide + B5 Healing Ointment
Updated on February 03, 2025
Overview
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin and scar healing
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens or parabens
What's Inside
They both contain oils and silicones
We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that needs an update? Let us know.
Ingredient Info
CeraVe Healing Ointment 22 ingredients
Minimalist Zinc Oxide + B5 Healing Ointment 18 ingredients
What's inside (and what isn't)
What's inside (and what isn't)
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
CeraVe Healing Ointment 22 ingredients
Minimalist Zinc Oxide + B5 Healing Ointment 18 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Benefits
Ingredients Side-by-side
Petrolatum 46.5%
Emollient
Paraffinum Liquidum
Emollient
Paraffin
Perfuming
Ozokerite
Emulsion StabilisingDimethicone
Emollient
Ceramide NP
Skin Conditioning
Ceramide AP
Skin Conditioning
Ceramide EOP
Skin Conditioning
Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingWater
Skin ConditioningSodium Lauroyl Lactylate
EmulsifyingProline
Skin ConditioningCholesterol
Emollient
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Pantolactone
Humectant
Phytosphingosine
Skin Conditioning
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPetrolatum 46.5%, Paraffinum Liquidum, Paraffin, Ozokerite, Dimethicone, Ceramide NP, Ceramide AP, Ceramide EOP, Carbomer, Water, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Proline, Cholesterol, Phenoxyethanol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Tocopherol, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Panthenol, Pantolactone, Phytosphingosine, Xanthan Gum, Ethylhexylglycerin
Water
Skin ConditioningZinc Oxide
Cosmetic Colorant
Petrolatum
Emollient
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Dimethicone
Emollient
Glycerin
Humectant
Microcrystalline Wax
Emulsion Stabilising
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil
Emollient
Magnesium Sulfate
C18-38 Alkyl Hydroxystearoyl Stearate
EmollientPolyglyceryl-2 Oleate
Emulsifying
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Polyhydroxystearic Acid
Emulsifying
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientPolyglyceryl-2 Stearate
Emulsifying
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningWater, Zinc Oxide, Petrolatum, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Dimethicone, Glycerin, Microcrystalline Wax, Panthenol, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Magnesium Sulfate, C18-38 Alkyl Hydroxystearoyl Stearate, Polyglyceryl-2 Oleate, Glyceryl Stearate, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Caprylyl Glycol, Polyglyceryl-2 Stearate, Xanthan Gum, Ethylhexylglycerin
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Petrolatum is more commonly known as petroleum jelly. It is created by mixing waxes and mineral oils.
This ingredient is effective at reducing water loss by 99%. This is because it is an occlusive. Occlusives create a hydrophobic barrier on the skin to prevent evaporation. This property makes it great for hydrating dry skin.
Pro tip: Use occlusives, such as this ingredient, on damp skin for the best results.
The quality or origin of petrolatum is only known when disclosed by the brand. Most cosmetic petrolatum has gone through several purification stages.
Another benefit of occlusives is it protects your skin against infection or allergies.
Petrolatum may not be safe for fungal-acne. Studies show mineral oil / petroleum leads to the growth of M. Furfur, a type of yeast.
Learn more about PetrolatumDimethicone is a type of synthetic silicone created from natural materials such as quartz.
What it does:
Dimethicone comes in different viscosities:
Depending on the viscosity, dimethicone has different properties.
Ingredients lists don't always show which type is used, so we recommend reaching out to the brand if you have questions about the viscosity.
This ingredient is unlikely to cause irritation because it does not get absorbed into skin. However, people with silicone allergies should be careful about using this ingredient.
Note: Dimethicone may contribute to pilling. This is because it is not oil or water soluble, so pilling may occur when layered with products. When mixed with heavy oils in a formula, the outcome is also quite greasy.
Learn more about DimethiconeWater. It's the most common cosmetic ingredient of all. You'll usually see it at the top of ingredient lists, meaning that it makes up the largest part of the product.
So why is it so popular? Water most often acts as a solvent - this means that it helps dissolve other ingredients into the formulation.
You'll also recognize water as that liquid we all need to stay alive. If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about WaterPanthenol is a common ingredient that helps hydrate and soothe the skin. It is found naturally in our skin and hair.
There are two forms of panthenol: D and L.
D-panthenol is also known as dexpanthenol. Most cosmetics use dexpanthenol or a mixture of D and L-panthenol.
Panthenol is famous due to its ability to go deeper into the skin's layers. Using this ingredient has numerous pros (and no cons):
Like hyaluronic acid, panthenol is a humectant. Humectants are able to bind and hold large amounts of water to keep skin hydrated.
This ingredient works well for wound healing. It works by increasing tissue in the wound and helps close open wounds.
Once oxidized, panthenol converts to pantothenic acid. Panthothenic acid is found in all living cells.
This ingredient is also referred to as pro-vitamin B5.
Learn more about PanthenolXanthan gum is used as a stabilizer and thickener within cosmetic products. It helps give products a sticky, thick feeling - preventing them from being too runny.
On the technical side of things, xanthan gum is a polysaccharide - a combination consisting of multiple sugar molecules bonded together.
Xanthan gum is a pretty common and great ingredient. It is a natural, non-toxic, non-irritating ingredient that is also commonly used in food products.
Learn more about Xanthan GumEthylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.
You might see Ethylhexylglycerin often paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol. Ethylhexylglycerin has been found to increase the effectiveness of these other preservatives.
Ingredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
CeraVe Healing Ointment 22 ingredients
Minimalist Zinc Oxide + B5 Healing Ointment 18 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
CeraVe Healing Ointment 22 ingredients
This is my holy grail for lip care. It's affordable and a tube lasts for ages. I apply it every night before bed and always wake up with soft lips. I have never had dried, peeling lips ever since I started using this.
TL;DR: Way better than Aquaphor. Affordable and really good for dry skin.
I picked this up in a pinch because my skin was dry in California and from traveling in airplanes. Was really pleasantly surprised. It’s about the same price as a tube of Aquaphor, but less greasy. My skin drank this up with no issues. I’ve been reapplying it frequently and it’s been helping. Not sure why it’s so much Show more
