CVS Health Zinc Oxide Ointment | Unbiased Science-Based Efficacy Review

Review

Does CVS Health Zinc Oxide Ointment Work?

According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what CVS Health Zinc Oxide Ointment has to offer:

✅ Intense moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 9.0 out of 10.

Key Benefits of CVS Health Zinc Oxide Ointment

These are the key benefits you can expect from using CVS Health Zinc Oxide Ointment:

🔵🔵🔵 Exceptionally Rich Moisturizer Perfect for Dry to Very Dry Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, CVS Health Zinc Oxide Ointment is intensely moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 9.0 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Rather occlusive. It has a very high humectancy of 8.1 out of 10, solely because of the significant content of Palau White Clay (est. ≈8.1%), and a maximum occlusivity of 10 out of 10, entirely due to the substantial concentration of Mineral Oil (est. ≈42.3%) and Petrolatum (est. ≈29.6%).

This type of moisturizer is ideal for people with dry to very dry skin who want intense hydration. It combines a high concentration of humectants with an exceptional level of occlusive ingredients to provide effective dual-action moisturizing specifically for very dry skin.

The occlusive profile of CVS Health Zinc Oxide Ointment suggests a rich, thick texture, making it perfectly suited for very dry skin.

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the moisturizing rating calculation.

📌 Please note that this is not a complete list of benefits. We are in the process of enhancing our AI model to incorporate anti-pigmentation, exfoliation and anti-acne ratings.

Things to Be Aware Of: CVS Health Zinc Oxide Ointment

CreamScan AI identified a few things to consider before adding CVS Health Zinc Oxide Ointment to your skincare routine:

⚠️ Best for Very Dry Skin - May Be Too Thick for Other Skin Types

With exceptional occlusivity, this product is optimal for moisturizing dry and very dry skin but may be too thick for other skin types, including normal, and especially combination and oily skin.

If you have oily, combination, or normal skin and are considering purchasing this product for the first time, it might be a good idea to try a sample before buying.

Pros & Cons of CVS Health Zinc Oxide Ointment

Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of CVS Health Zinc Oxide Ointment to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:

🟩 Pros:

✅ Very rich moisturizer perfect for dry and very dry skin: exceptionally occlusive and humectant-rich

⭕ Cons:

⚠️ May feel too rich and thick on skin types other than dry

Summary: CVS Health Zinc Oxide Ointment

Based on the ingredient list analysis, CreamScan AI suggests that CVS Health Zinc Oxide Ointment

is an ideal moisturizer for dry to very dry skin, combining a very high concentration of humectants and occlusive ingredients in a rich, thick texture.

That said, there are some things about CVS Health Zinc Oxide Ointment worth noting.

With its high occlusivity, CVS Health Zinc Oxide Ointment is ideal for dry skin but may feel too thick on other skin types. If you have oily, combination, or normal skin, it’s a good idea to try a sample before purchasing.

📌 Fact check. At CreamScan, we are committed to accuracy and fairness. If you spot any errors or something that doesn’t seem right, please click here to let us know. We regularly update the ingredient lists and monitor the latest research on ingredient efficacy to ensure that our information remains as complete and precise as possible. The information provided here is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional advice. We do not guarantee the efficacy or safety of any product, as individual results may vary.

Fragrance
Colorant
Formula helpers

Other

Est. % The Estimated % is our algorithm-based assumption about an ingredient's concentration in a formula. Learn more The Estimated % is our algorithm-based assumption about an ingredient's concentration in a formula. Learn more	Ingredient	Origin	Functions
42.3	Mineral Oil Also known as liquid paraffin, it is an amazing moisturizer (the second most occlusive one after Petrolatum). It is also an excellent emollient that fills the micro-cracks on the surface of the skin, making it appear smoother. Mineral oil is considered safe. Mineral Oil Also known as liquid paraffin, it is an amazing moisturizer (the second most occlusive one after Petrolatum). It is also an excellent emollient that fills the micro-cracks on the surface of the skin, making it appear smoother. Mineral oil is considered safe.	Petroleum Ingredients derived from petroleum, also called crude oil. Crude oil deposits were obtained from the remains of ancient organisms, such as plants, algae, and bacteria. Petroleum Ingredients derived from petroleum, also called crude oil. Crude oil deposits were obtained from the remains of ancient organisms, such as plants, algae, and bacteria.	Moisturizing (Occlusive), Occlusives are moisturizing ingredients that seal moisture into the skin, forming a water-resistant barrier. Moisturizing (Occlusive), Occlusives are moisturizing ingredients that seal moisture into the skin, forming a water-resistant barrier. Emollient, Emollients fill the micro-cracks in the skin and leave it feeling soft and pleasant to the touch. Emollients are often mistakenly perceived as moisturizing ingredients. Emollient, Emollients fill the micro-cracks in the skin and leave it feeling soft and pleasant to the touch. Emollients are often mistakenly perceived as moisturizing ingredients. Fragrance, Fragrance ingredients add scent to a product or hide ('mask') the undesired aroma of other ingredients. Fragrance, Fragrance ingredients add scent to a product or hide ('mask') the undesired aroma of other ingredients. Formula helper Antistatic – reduces electric charge buildup. Solvent – a liquid that dissolves other ingredients. Formula helper Antistatic – reduces electric charge buildup. Solvent – a liquid that dissolves other ingredients.
29.6	Petrolatum Also known as Vaseline, this is the most powerful occlusive moisturizer and at least twice as effective as other occlusives. This is why we multiply the petrolatum score by 2 when calculating the Occlusivity of the product. Petrolatum is not comedogenic. Petrolatum Also known as Vaseline, this is the most powerful occlusive moisturizer and at least twice as effective as other occlusives. This is why we multiply the petrolatum score by 2 when calculating the Occlusivity of the product. Petrolatum is not comedogenic.	Petroleum Ingredients derived from petroleum, also called crude oil. Crude oil deposits were obtained from the remains of ancient organisms, such as plants, algae, and bacteria. Petroleum Ingredients derived from petroleum, also called crude oil. Crude oil deposits were obtained from the remains of ancient organisms, such as plants, algae, and bacteria.	Moisturizing (Occlusive), Occlusives are moisturizing ingredients that seal moisture into the skin, forming a water-resistant barrier. Moisturizing (Occlusive), Occlusives are moisturizing ingredients that seal moisture into the skin, forming a water-resistant barrier. Emollient, Emollients fill the micro-cracks in the skin and leave it feeling soft and pleasant to the touch. Emollients are often mistakenly perceived as moisturizing ingredients. Emollient, Emollients fill the micro-cracks in the skin and leave it feeling soft and pleasant to the touch. Emollients are often mistakenly perceived as moisturizing ingredients. Formula helper Antistatic – reduces electric charge buildup. Formula helper Antistatic – reduces electric charge buildup.
20 Verified concentration of an ingredient as indicated on its package, in the ingredient list, or on the official website. Verified concentration of an ingredient as indicated on its package, in the ingredient list, or on the official website.	Zinc Oxide A white mineral powder mainly used in skincare as a physical sunscreen. It protects against UVA light that leads to visible signs of aging, including wrinkles and fine lines. Zinc oxide can also be used as a colorant to enhance the whiteness of a product. Zinc Oxide A white mineral powder mainly used in skincare as a physical sunscreen. It protects against UVA light that leads to visible signs of aging, including wrinkles and fine lines. Zinc oxide can also be used as a colorant to enhance the whiteness of a product.	Naturally occurring, These are ingredients initially present in nature, such as elements (Zinc, Gold, or Silver), minerals, or water. Naturally occurring, These are ingredients initially present in nature, such as elements (Zinc, Gold, or Silver), minerals, or water. Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure. Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure.	Sunscreen, Sunscreens protect the skin from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation by absorbing or reflecting UV light. Sunscreen, Sunscreens protect the skin from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation by absorbing or reflecting UV light. Antimicrobial, Antimicrobials prevent the growth of harmful microorganisms on the skin. Antimicrobial, Antimicrobials prevent the growth of harmful microorganisms on the skin. Colorant, Colorants give color to skincare products. Colorant, Colorants give color to skincare products. Formula helper Bulking – increases the volume of a product. Light stabilizing – absorbs UV light to protect ingredients. Formula helper Bulking – increases the volume of a product. Light stabilizing – absorbs UV light to protect ingredients.
8.1	Palau White Clay Palau White Clay		Moisturizing (Humectant) Humectants are moisturizing ingredients that draw moisture to the skin, either from deeper layers or from the environment (when it's humid). Moisturizing (Humectant) Humectants are moisturizing ingredients that draw moisture to the skin, either from deeper layers or from the environment (when it's humid).

42.3

Mineral Oil

Function:

Origin:

29.6

Petrolatum

Function:

Origin:

Zinc Oxide

Function:

Origin:

8.1

Palau White Clay

Function:

Origin:

Ratings

Palau White Clay

8.1

Benchmark

Mineral Oil

42.3

Petrolatum

29.6 x 2

Benchmark

Moisturizing rating

9.0

Ingredient		Est. %	Benchmark Sciense based points to which we compare all humectants and all occlusives in a product to calculate its Humectancy and Occlusivity. Sciense based points to which we compare all humectants and all occlusives in a product to calculate its Humectancy and Occlusivity.	Raiting
Humectancy	All humectants	8.1	10	8.1
	Palau White Clay Palau White Clay	8.1
Occlusivity	All occlusives	101.5	20	10.0
	Mineral Oil Also known as liquid paraffin, it is an amazing moisturizer (the second most occlusive one after Petrolatum). It is also an excellent emollient that fills the micro-cracks on the surface of the skin, making it appear smoother. Mineral oil is considered safe. Mineral Oil Also known as liquid paraffin, it is an amazing moisturizer (the second most occlusive one after Petrolatum). It is also an excellent emollient that fills the micro-cracks on the surface of the skin, making it appear smoother. Mineral oil is considered safe.	42.3
	Petrolatum Also known as Vaseline, this is the most powerful occlusive moisturizer and at least twice as effective as other occlusives. This is why we multiply the petrolatum score by 2 when calculating the Occlusivity of the product. Petrolatum is not comedogenic. Petrolatum Also known as Vaseline, this is the most powerful occlusive moisturizer and at least twice as effective as other occlusives. This is why we multiply the petrolatum score by 2 when calculating the Occlusivity of the product. Petrolatum is not comedogenic.	29.6 x 2
Moisturizing rating				9.0

Ingredient	Est. %	Benchmark According to various studies, a formula made up of 10% humectants will significantly increase skin hydration. Some studies also suggest that any further icrease in the consentration of humectants does not translate inty any more hydration and may even be dehydrating. To achieve maximum Humectancy, the product should have humectants with a total score of 10 and more. According to various studies, a formula made up of 10% humectants will significantly increase skin hydration. Some studies also suggest that any further icrease in the consentration of humectants does not translate inty any more hydration and may even be dehydrating. To achieve maximum Humectancy, the product should have humectants with a total score of 10 and more.	Humectancy
Palau White Clay Palau White Clay	8.1
All humectants	8.1	10	8.1

Palau White Clay

8.1

Benchmark

Ingredient	Est. %	Benchmark The most occlusive product possible is 100% petrolatum (hello Vaseline Jelly). According to studies, hovewer, even 10% petrolatum can achieve almost the same mosturizing effect. The occlusive properties of petrolatum are at least twice as superior as other occlusive ingredients. This is why, in order to match the moisturizing efficacy of 10% petrolatum, a product needs to contain at least 20% of other occlusives. Our benchmark for maximum Occlusivity is 20 (and the petrolatum score is always doubled). The most occlusive product possible is 100% petrolatum (hello Vaseline Jelly). According to studies, hovewer, even 10% petrolatum can achieve almost the same mosturizing effect. The occlusive properties of petrolatum are at least twice as superior as other occlusive ingredients. This is why, in order to match the moisturizing efficacy of 10% petrolatum, a product needs to contain at least 20% of other occlusives. Our benchmark for maximum Occlusivity is 20 (and the petrolatum score is always doubled).	Occlusivity
Mineral Oil Also known as liquid paraffin, it is an amazing moisturizer (the second most occlusive one after Petrolatum). It is also an excellent emollient that fills the micro-cracks on the surface of the skin, making it appear smoother. Mineral oil is considered safe. Mineral Oil Also known as liquid paraffin, it is an amazing moisturizer (the second most occlusive one after Petrolatum). It is also an excellent emollient that fills the micro-cracks on the surface of the skin, making it appear smoother. Mineral oil is considered safe.	42.3
Petrolatum Also known as Vaseline, this is the most powerful occlusive moisturizer and at least twice as effective as other occlusives. This is why we multiply the petrolatum score by 2 when calculating the Occlusivity of the product. Petrolatum is not comedogenic. Petrolatum Also known as Vaseline, this is the most powerful occlusive moisturizer and at least twice as effective as other occlusives. This is why we multiply the petrolatum score by 2 when calculating the Occlusivity of the product. Petrolatum is not comedogenic.	29.6 x 2
All occlusives	101.5	20	10.0

Mineral Oil

42.3

Petrolatum

29.6 x 2

Benchmark

Ingredient	Ingredient anti-wrinkle power Shows on a scale of 0-10 how effective an ingredient is at reducing wrinkles. Both the Reported Efficacy of the ingredient and the Strength of Evidence are taken into account. Shows on a scale of 0-10 how effective an ingredient is at reducing wrinkles. Both the Reported Efficacy of the ingredient and the Strength of Evidence are taken into account.	when present at, %	in this formula est. %	Rating
None
Total				0

None

Anti-wrinkle rating

Ingredient	Est. %	Benchmark It differs from one antioxidant ingredient to another, but, on average, the research suggests that topically applied antioxidants are effective in consentrations of 3% or above. Any product with a total antioxidant score of 3 or more is considered to be reach in antioxidants. It differs from one antioxidant ingredient to another, but, on average, the research suggests that topically applied antioxidants are effective in consentrations of 3% or above. Any product with a total antioxidant score of 3 or more is considered to be reach in antioxidants.	Rich in Antioxidants
None
All antioxidants	0	3	No

None

Benchmark

Ingredient	Est. %	Benchmark The effective concentration of soothing ingredients varies, but we consider a product rich in soothing ingredients if their estimated concentration is equal to or higher than 5%. The effective concentration of soothing ingredients varies, but we consider a product rich in soothing ingredients if their estimated concentration is equal to or higher than 5%.	Rich in Soothing
None
All soothing	0	5	No

None

Benchmark

Ingredients explained

Mineral Oil
Est. %	42.3
Function	Moisturizing (Occlusive), Occlusives are moisturizing ingredients that seal moisture into the skin, forming a water-resistant barrier. Moisturizing (Occlusive), Occlusives are moisturizing ingredients that seal moisture into the skin, forming a water-resistant barrier. Emollient, Emollients fill the micro-cracks in the skin and leave it feeling soft and pleasant to the touch. Emollients are often mistakenly perceived as moisturizing ingredients. Emollient, Emollients fill the micro-cracks in the skin and leave it feeling soft and pleasant to the touch. Emollients are often mistakenly perceived as moisturizing ingredients. Fragrance, Fragrance ingredients add scent to a product or hide ('mask') the undesired aroma of other ingredients. Fragrance, Fragrance ingredients add scent to a product or hide ('mask') the undesired aroma of other ingredients. Antistatic, Antistatic – reduces electric charge buildup. Antistatic, Antistatic – reduces electric charge buildup. Solvent Solvent – a liquid that dissolves other ingredients. Solvent Solvent – a liquid that dissolves other ingredients.
Origin	Petroleum Ingredients derived from petroleum, also called crude oil. Crude oil deposits were obtained from the remains of ancient organisms, such as plants, algae, and bacteria. Petroleum Ingredients derived from petroleum, also called crude oil. Crude oil deposits were obtained from the remains of ancient organisms, such as plants, algae, and bacteria.

Also known as liquid paraffin, it is an amazing moisturizer (the second most occlusive one after Petrolatum). It is also an excellent emollient that fills the micro-cracks on the surface of the skin, making it appear smoother. Mineral oil is considered safe.

Petrolatum
Est. %	29.6
Function	Moisturizing (Occlusive), Occlusives are moisturizing ingredients that seal moisture into the skin, forming a water-resistant barrier. Moisturizing (Occlusive), Occlusives are moisturizing ingredients that seal moisture into the skin, forming a water-resistant barrier. Emollient, Emollients fill the micro-cracks in the skin and leave it feeling soft and pleasant to the touch. Emollients are often mistakenly perceived as moisturizing ingredients. Emollient, Emollients fill the micro-cracks in the skin and leave it feeling soft and pleasant to the touch. Emollients are often mistakenly perceived as moisturizing ingredients. Antistatic Antistatic – reduces electric charge buildup. Antistatic Antistatic – reduces electric charge buildup.
Origin	Petroleum Ingredients derived from petroleum, also called crude oil. Crude oil deposits were obtained from the remains of ancient organisms, such as plants, algae, and bacteria. Petroleum Ingredients derived from petroleum, also called crude oil. Crude oil deposits were obtained from the remains of ancient organisms, such as plants, algae, and bacteria.

Also known as Vaseline, this is the most powerful occlusive moisturizer and at least twice as effective as other occlusives. This is why we multiply the petrolatum score by 2 when calculating the Occlusivity of the product. Petrolatum is not comedogenic.

Zinc Oxide
Est. %	20
Function	Sunscreen, Sunscreens protect the skin from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation by absorbing or reflecting UV light. Sunscreen, Sunscreens protect the skin from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation by absorbing or reflecting UV light. Antimicrobial, Antimicrobials prevent the growth of harmful microorganisms on the skin. Antimicrobial, Antimicrobials prevent the growth of harmful microorganisms on the skin. Colorant, Colorants give color to skincare products. Colorant, Colorants give color to skincare products. Bulking, Bulking – increases the volume of a product. Bulking, Bulking – increases the volume of a product. Light Stabilizing Light stabilizing – absorbs UV light to protect ingredients. Light Stabilizing Light stabilizing – absorbs UV light to protect ingredients.
Origin	Naturally occurring, These are ingredients initially present in nature, such as elements (Zinc, Gold, or Silver), minerals, or water. Naturally occurring, These are ingredients initially present in nature, such as elements (Zinc, Gold, or Silver), minerals, or water. Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure. Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure.

A white mineral powder mainly used in skincare as a physical sunscreen. It protects against UVA light that leads to visible signs of aging, including wrinkles and fine lines. Zinc oxide can also be used as a colorant to enhance the whiteness of a product.

Palau White Clay
Est. %	8.1
Function	Moisturizing (Humectant) Humectants are moisturizing ingredients that draw moisture to the skin, either from deeper layers or from the environment (when it's humid). Moisturizing (Humectant) Humectants are moisturizing ingredients that draw moisture to the skin, either from deeper layers or from the environment (when it's humid).
Origin