I started using slugging products because my skin often felt dry and lacked hydration, especially during colder months. After hearing about the benefits of slugging in sealing in moisture, I decided to give it a try. However, finding the right products became a challenge, as I needed ones that wouldn't clog my pores or cause irritation.

To curate the best slugging products, I delved into extensive research, considering ingredients, texture, and suitability for different skin types. I read countless reviews, consulted with dermatologists, and even tested several products myself. Through this process, I identified a selection of products that stood out for their effectiveness, safety, and positive feedback from users.

I recommend using these best slugging products because they've been carefully selected to address various skin concerns while providing optimal hydration. They're formulated with non-comedogenic ingredients, making them suitable for sensitive or acne-prone skin. By incorporating these products into your skincare routine, you can effectively lock in moisture, promote skin health, and achieve a hydrated skin, and radiant complexion.

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  Best for Healing

  Aquaphor Healing Ointment

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Renowned for its efficacy, it serves as a body moisturizer for dry skin, offering deep hydration and protection. Infused with potent ingredients, it forms a barrier that safeguards the skin's natural moisture, promoting healing and restoration. Whether tackling the harsh elements or aiding in the recovery from minor injuries, its versatile formula addresses a spectrum of skin concerns. 

Trusted by consumers worldwide, its reputation for reliability precedes it, making it a staple in skincare routines. From soothing irritation to revitalizing parched skin, Aquaphor Healing Ointment embodies a commitment to dermatological wellness. With each application, it delivers comfort and relief, ensuring skin remains nourished, resilient, and rejuvenated.

2

Best Gentle Formula

CeraVe Healing Ointment

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CeraVe Healing Ointment is a moisturizing petrolatum skin protectant enriched with hyaluronic acid and ceramides, specially formulated to alleviate dry skin concerns. Formulated without lanolin, fragrance, preservative, & dye and suitable for all skin types. Its potent blend of ingredients works synergistically to lock in moisture, replenish the skin barrier, and promote healing. Hyaluronic acid provides intense hydration, while ceramides bolster the skin's natural protective barrier, fostering long-lasting moisture retention. This dynamic combination ensures comprehensive nourishment and restoration for dry, compromised skin.

Quick Tip:

For optimal results, apply CeraVe Healing Ointment to damp skin after bathing or showering. This helps to seal in moisture more effectively, maximizing hydration and enhancing the ointment's efficacy.

3

Best Rich Texture

La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Balm B5

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Formulated with a blend of ingredients including panthenol (provitamin B5), shea butter, and glycerin, this healing ointment offers intensive hydration and comfort to the skin. Its rich texture absorbs quickly, providing immediate relief to areas of dryness and discomfort. Suitable for use on the body and hands and cracked and dry skin, it works to replenish moisture, soothe irritation, and restore the skin's barrier function. 

Crafted by dermatological experts, La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Balm B5 is gentle yet effective, making it suitable for even the most sensitive skin types. Whether dealing with environmental aggressors, frequent hand washing, or other irritants, this multi-purpose cream offers a calming solution to help restore skin health.

4

Best for All Skin Type

Vaseline Petroleum Jelly

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Recommended by dermatologists, Vaseline’s time-tested formula is renowned for its effectiveness in soothing and moisturizing dry, rough skin. This versatile product locks in moisture to prevent further dehydration, promoting skin softness and suppleness. Its gentle yet potent formulation provides a protective seal over minor cuts and scrapes, aiding in the healing process. Trusted by generations, Vaseline Petroleum Jelly Original remains a staple in skincare routines worldwide for its unparalleled ability to address a variety of skin concerns.

5

Best Ultra-moisturizing

Embryolisse Lait Crème Sensitive Moisturizer

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Enriched with soothing ingredients like aloe vera and shea butter, this fragrance-free moisturizer provides gentle hydration and nourishment to the skin. Aloe vera offers calming and anti-inflammatory properties, perfect for soothing sensitive or irritated skin, while shea butter deeply moisturizes and softens the skin, leaving it supple and smooth. This lightweight yet deeply hydrating cream absorbs quickly into the skin, providing instant relief from dryness without clogging pore or causing irritation.

6

Best Unscented

LANEIGE Hypoallergenic Cica Sleeping Mask

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Formulated with cica, also known as centella asiatica, this mask provides intense hydration while calming inflammation and redness. Cica is renowned for its healing properties, making it perfect for sensitive or irritated skin types. This lightweight gel texture melts into the skin, delivering moisture deep within the layers while creating a protective barrier to lock in hydration. 

Overnight, the mask works its magic, replenishing the skin's moisture levels and promoting a plump, radiant complexion by morning. Whether your skin is feeling dry, dull, or stressed from environmental aggressors, it offers a soothing solution to restore skin health and vitality.

7

Best Packaging

Elizabeth Mott Hair Slugging Kit

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This kit features a nourishing hair oil enriched with a blend of botanical extracts including rosemary oil, lavender, thyme, jasmine, sage, and chamomile. These natural ingredients work synergistically to deeply moisturize and revitalize hair strands from root to tip. 

The rosemary oil stimulates hair growth, while lavender and chamomile soothe the scalp and promote relaxation. Thyme and sage help strengthen hair follicles, preventing breakage and split ends, while jasmine adds a luxurious scent to the formula. This slugging kit provides intense hydration and nourishment, restoring luster, softness, and manageability to even the most damaged locks.

8

Best for Reducing Pigmentation

Medicube Triple Deep Erasing Cream

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Enriched with 3.5% inner hydration and 11% outer hydration, this Korean skincare gem combines the power of hyaluronic acid, collagen, and cica to deeply nourish and hydrate the skin. The collagen helps improve skin elasticity, while hyaluronic acid locks in moisture for long-lasting hydration. Additionally, cica soothes and calms irritated skin, promoting a healthier complexion. This skincare product is known to lift saggy skin in 2 weeks for a more youthful appearance and to soothe and improve skin flaking in 3 weeks.

Quick Tip:

For maximum hydration and absorption, apply the Medicube Triple Deep Erasing Cream to cleansed skin in gentle, upward motions. Use it as the final step of your skincare routine, both morning and night, to seal in moisture and protect your skin barrier.

9

Best for Treating Itching

iS CLINICAL Sheald Recovery Balm

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This innovative balm combines a blend of ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and botanical extracts to soothe, hydrate, and regenerate the skin's barrier function. Ideal for use after dermatological procedures or for addressing skin conditions such as dryness, redness, and inflammation, Sheald Recovery Balm creates a protective barrier against environmental aggressors while promoting healing and tissue repair. 

The lightweight yet nourishing formula absorbs quickly, leaving the skin feeling soft, smooth, and rejuvenated. With continued use, this multi-tasking balm helps to improve the overall health and resilience of the skin, restoring its natural balance and vitality.

10

Best for Correcting Dark Circles

Jouer Luminize Overnight Dark Circle Slugging Balm

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Formulated with potent ingredients like caffeine, hyaluronic acid, and brightening agents, this balm targets the delicate under-eye area to reduce the appearance of dark circles, puffiness, and fine lines while providing deep hydration. The caffeine works to constrict blood vessels, reducing the appearance of dark circles, while hyaluronic acid plumps and moisturizes the skin, leaving it smooth and supple. This overnight eye treatment harnesses the skin's natural regeneration process during sleep, allowing for maximum efficacy. Gentle enough for nighttime routine, this brightening eye balm rejuvenates tired eyes, leaving them looking refreshed and revitalized in the morning.

11

Cocokind Ceramide Recovery Balm

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With a rich blend of ceramides, fatty acids, and botanical extracts, this balm deeply nourishes and hydrates the skin, helping to repair its natural barrier function. The ceramides work to strengthen the skin's protective layer, preventing moisture loss and promoting long-lasting hydration. This formula is gentle and non-irritating, making it suitable for all skin types, especially those prone to dryness and sensitivity. Whether used as an overnight treatment or as a targeted solution for areas of concern, Cocokind Ceramide Recovery Balm delivers intense moisture and relief, leaving the skin soft, smooth, and rejuvenated.

Now that you have seen my product recommendations for the best slugging products, glance through my buying guide to make an informed purchase.

When looking for slugging products, which are typically used as the final step in a skincare routine to seal in moisture, there are several factors to consider to ensure you're choosing the right product for your skin type and needs. Here's what to look for:

Ingredients: Opt for products with simple, non-comedogenic ingredients to minimize the risk of irritation or breakouts. Look for ingredients like petrolatum (Vaseline), mineral oil, shea butter, or ceramides, which are effective at forming a protective barrier to lock in moisture.

Texture: Choose a product with a texture that feels comfortable on your skin. Some people prefer thicker, occlusive textures, while others may prefer lighter, more easily spreadable formulas.

Hypoallergenic: If you have sensitive skin, look for products labeled as hypoallergenic or formulated for sensitive skin to reduce the risk of irritation.

Fragrance-free: Fragrances can be irritating to some people, especially those with sensitive skin or conditions like eczema. Opt for fragrance-free products to minimize the risk of irritation.

Non-comedogenic: Especially if you're prone to acne or have oily skin, choose products labeled as non-comedogenic to help prevent clogged pores.

Hydrating Ingredients: While the main purpose of slugging products is to seal in moisture, some products may also contain hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycerin to provide an extra boost of hydration to the skin.

Additional Benefits: Some slugging products may offer additional benefits such as anti-aging ingredients like peptides or antioxidants to help protect the skin from environmental damage.

Brand Reputation: Choose products from reputable brands known for their quality and effectiveness. Reading reviews and researching the brand's reputation can help you make an informed decision.

Suitability for Skin Concerns: Consider any specific skin concerns you may have, such as dryness, eczema, or aging, and look for products formulated to address those concerns.

Price Point: Slugging products can vary widely in price, so consider your budget when making your selection. While some high-end products may offer additional benefits, there are also affordable options available that can be equally effective.

By considering these factors, you can choose a slugging product that effectively seals in moisture, suits your skin type, and addresses any specific concerns you may have. Always remember to patch test new products and consult with a dermatologist if you have any concerns or questions about incorporating slugging into your skincare routine.

While slugging can be beneficial for many people, there are certain individuals who may want to avoid or approach slugging with caution:

• Acne-Prone Skin: Slugging can potentially exacerbate acne for some individuals, particularly those prone to comedogenic breakouts. The occlusive nature of slugging products may trap bacteria and sebum, leading to clogged pores and breakouts.
• Sensitive Skin: People with sensitive skin may find that slugging products, particularly those containing fragrances or other potential irritants, can cause redness, itching, or irritation. It's important to patch test any new products and monitor your skin for adverse reactions.
• Oily Skin: Individuals with naturally oily skin may find that slugging exacerbates oiliness and leads to a heavy or greasy feeling on the skin. Instead of slugging, they may benefit from lighter moisturizers or oil-free hydrating products.
• Active Skin Conditions: If you have active skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, or rosacea, it's important to consult with a dermatologist before incorporating slugging into your skincare routine. Certain ingredients in slugging products may exacerbate these conditions or interfere with prescribed treatments.
• Allergies or Sensitivities: If you have known allergies or sensitivities to any ingredients commonly found in slugging products, such as petrolatum or mineral oil, it's best to avoid slugging or choose products formulated without these ingredients.
• Heat And Humidity: In hot and humid climates, slugging may feel uncomfortable and lead to increased sweating and congestion of the skin. People living in such environments may prefer lighter moisturizers or hydrating serums instead.
• Dermatological Treatments: If you're undergoing certain dermatological treatments such as chemical peels, laser therapy, or microdermabrasion, slugging may not be recommended as it can interfere with the healing process and potentially lead to adverse effects.

Start by cleansing your face with a gentle cleanser suitable for your skin type. This removes dirt, oil, and impurities from the skin, preparing it for the subsequent steps in your skincare routine. If you use any treatment products such as serums or spot treatments, apply them after cleansing and allow them to fully absorb into the skin before proceeding to the next step.

Step 1: Apply a hydrating moisturizer or hydrating serum to your skin. This step helps replenish moisture and nourish the skin, creating a hydrated base for the slugging product.

Step 2: Take a small amount of the slugging product, such as petroleum jelly (Vaseline) or a thick occlusive moisturizer, and gently massage it onto your skin. Focus on areas prone to dryness or areas where you want to seal in moisture, such as cheeks, forehead, and around the eyes. Be careful not to apply too much product, as a thin layer is usually sufficient.

Step 3: Slugging is typically done as the final step in your evening skincare routine. Leave the slugging product on overnight to allow it to effectively seal in moisture and nourish the skin while you sleep.

Step 4: In the morning, you can choose to rinse off any remaining slugging product with lukewarm water or a gentle cleanser. Some people prefer to leave it on, especially if their skin is very dry, but others may find it too heavy for daytime wear.

Step 5: If you choose to leave the slugging product on during the day, be sure to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher as the final step in your morning skincare routine to protect your skin from UV damage.

Step 6: Depending on your skin type and preferences, you can adjust the frequency of slugging in your skincare routine. Some people may choose to slug every night, while others may do it a few times a week or only as needed during periods of dryness.