I’m often surprised when my friends with sensitive skin say they’ve never tried, or even heard of, Vanicream products. As Dr. Elaine Kung, M.D., previously told InStyle, “every dermatologist in the US is familiar with the Vanicream line of skincare products.” Furthermore, Dr. Kung shared, she will often recommend the brand for ultra-sensitive skin, as it's free of virtually any common skin irritant.  “Vanicream is a blend of purified water and petrolateum, which has been scientifically studied to be the best ingredient in preventing transepidermal water loss (TEWL),” she noted. Naturally, less moisture evaporation from the skin yields more hydrated, healthy-looking skin. 

Dr. Kung — and her peers — are hardly alone in their predilection for this skin-saving, sensitivity-friendly brand of face and body creams. Vanicream’s Daily Facial Moisturizer with Ceramides boasts over 11,000 five-star ratings at Amazon, with ample shopper acclaim across a range of ages and skin types. 

The Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer with Ceramides is a highly soothing, fragrance-free moisturizer. Suitable for all skin types, the formula is particularly ideal for sensitive and thirsty complexions. The medium-weight cream calms skin on contact, absorbs surprisingly quickly, and promotes suppleness — sans irritation of any kind. In place of potential irritants, the cream contains two of skincare’s most hydrating, barrier-restoring ingredients to promote supremely soft, supple skin.

Specifically, Vanicream’s moisturizer is loaded with not one, but five types of ceramides — lipids found naturally in the skin and touted for healing damaged, distressed barriers — a state that can result in excessive dryness, tightness, and inflammation. As dermatologist Dr. Rachel Westbay, M.D., previously told InStyle, "ceramides create a water-impermeable, protective barrier to prevent excessive water loss due to evaporation, as well as prevent the entry of microorganisms and other environmental aggressors, like pollution.”

Adding to the ceramide-rich cream’s quenching, hydration-supporting composure is skincare’s inimitable moisturizing molecule, hyaluronic acid. The ingredient, which is found naturally in the human body, provides plump, dewy hydration. Unfortunately, our hyaluronic acid supplies dwindle with age; the good news, however, is that we can replenish this loss via topical skincare that contains the ingredient. 

Vanicream’s hero ingredients make for a seriously impressive formula, per shoppers. One reviewer swears it’s “the best moisturizer for mature, dry, sensitive skin,” citing that they “no longer have dry flakes on [their] face.” Another fan, who lives in a drying climate, says it “works wonders” on their parched complexion. Yet another shopper dubs the cream “a hidden gem” thanks to how it soothes their “picky, sensitive skin.”

Ready for a flake-free face this winter? Shop Vanicream Daily Moisturizer with Ceramides and Hyaluronic Acid. If over 11,000 five-star ratings are any indication, this cream is worth every penny — and then some.