15 Best Ointments & Balms That Work Wonders for Dry Skin

Finding the perfect balm or ointment formulation for you is a lot like buying jeans: You can never really have too many, prices run the gamut, and once you fall for one, you’ll find it somehow fixes everything, like the signature distressed Levi’s that never let you down. 

Speaking of which, the aforementioned skin saviors rarely ever do — fail you, that is — as they’re specifically designed for soothing, nourishing, and repairing even the dryest, most distressed skin types. While you should always consult a board-certified dermatologist about any skin concerns, there are plenty of over-the-counter formulas that are superb at healing chapped lips, smoothing flaky spots, soothing irritation due to shaving, and even alleviating burns or skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. Take Aquaphor, for example. This multitasking ointment moisturizes the lips, eyes, and body, heals cracked skin, minor cuts, and scrapes, prevents scarring, and even soothes cuticles.

If that didn’t convince you, one of the other balms, ointments, and salves listed below certainly will. For instance, you can use BYBI’s Babe Balm to add extra sheen to your cheekbones like a makeshift highlighter or even take the tiniest amount to smooth down flyaway hairs.

Without further ado, find some of our tried-and-true staples as well as a few new formulas we’re currently falling for. Pick up any one of these healing wonders and thank us later.

A fan-favorite of bloggers and editors alike, this do-it-all salve has been talked about all over YouTube and on big-name blogs. Every review touts the Lucas’ Papaw Ointment’s ability to hydrate, heal, and keep skin in a healthy and balanced state. Thanks to a mixture of fermented fruit (papaya) and pharmaceutical-grade petroleum jelly, it’s great for relieving pain caused by sunburn, scars, rashes, and stubborn dry spots.

These tiny tubes of KNC Beauty Supa Balm are packed with moringa seed, kukui seed, and cottonseed oils. Squeeze out a pea-size amount for pillowy-soft lips with a healthy-looking — not gooey — sheen. Both flavors, OG Rose and Mint (pictured above), are vegan.

Skinfix Eczema+ Targeted Body Balm

Monastery Attar Repair Concentrate

Our tester was introduced to Skinfix roughly three years ago when her skin was in a serious state of despair. Flaking, rashes, intense itchiness — the works. To her surprise, Skinfix’s line of ultra-soothing balms and ointments came to her rescue. Made without fragrances, steroids, or any other nasties, the all-natural Eczema+ Targeted Body Balm restores moisture and reduces redness with ingredients like colloidal oatmeal, zinc oxide, and sweet almond oil. Need more proof? The countless rave reviews from people with skin conditions say it all.