Updated: January 3, 2025
The Best Skin Barrier Cream for Sale
Skin barrier creams come in a variety of medical preparations, including gels, pastes, and ointments. These formulations vary widely between brands but have three things in common. They moisturize the skin, provide derma repair, and form a shield against contaminants.
Many skin toxins come from within our bodies. They are naturally occurring and difficult to avoid. These contaminants include incontinence, sweat, leaking ostomies, and wound drainage. Skin barrier ointments block these contaminants.
The active ingredients for skin barrier products must be two things—occlusive and insoluble. They must keep contaminants out and must not easily rub off or wash away with water. The best barrier products contain active ingredients that shield against toxins and are durable.
Three common active ingredients for barrier products are petrolatum, zinc oxide, and dimethicone. The best-selling skin barrier creams include at least one of these ingredients and some contain more than one. This article examines the best skin barrier cream for incontinence, identifying the active ingredients, pros and cons, documentation, and product videos.
The Best Skin Barrier Products for Sale
Below is the rank order of the top 10 skin barrier products. Below this list is a review of each product and additional information.
Best Skin Barrier Products Reviews
#1 Cavilon
3M Cavilon Durable Barrier Cream was ranked #10 last year and is now #1. It is a fragrance-free cream that forms a tough shield against contaminants. This barrier cream is a 3M product formulated to treat damaged skin. It provides a protective barrier against body fluids and other toxins. This preparation rapidly absorbs into the skin. Cavilon cream addresses incontinence, itching, and skin hydration. It is an excellent urine barrier cream and works well with wound dressings. After application, the preparation will not disrupt adhesive bandages.
Active Ingredient
Dimethicone
Pros
- ✓ Contains Dimethicone for its Moisturizing Benefits
- ✓ Aids Healing of Minor Cuts
- ✓ Fast-Absorbing
- ✓ No-Sting Application
- ✓ Does Not Interfere With Tape or Dressing Adhesion
Cons
- ❌ Sold in Small Quantities (3.35 Ounces Is the Largest Size)
- ❌ Thin Consistency and Disappears Quickly
- ❌ Dimethicone May Cause Irritation for Sensitive Skin Types
Documents and Information
3M Cavilon Durable Barrier Cream Video (3:38 minutes)
#2 Vaseline Petrolatum Jelly
One of the oldest protective creams is Vaseline. It is a healing balm introduced in 1870 and earned the U.S. National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance to treat eczema and sensitive skin. This white petrolatum formula is hypoallergenic and gentle on the skin. It is instrumental in helping to heal dry skin.
Pros
- ✓ #1 Dermatologist Recommended
- ✓ Safe for Stressed or Sensitive Skin
- ✓ US National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance
- ✓ Clinically Proven To Help Heal Dry or Damaged Skin
- ✓ Fragrance-Free, NonIrritating
- ✓ Seals in Moisture Without Clogging Pores
Cons
- ❌ Leaves Behind a Thick Layer
- ❌ Greasy and May Stain Clothing
- ❌ Larger Containers Are Easy To Introduce Bacteria and Contaminates
- ❌ Patroleum Product
Documents and Information
Many Benefits of Petroleum Jelly (1:00 minutes)
#3 Aquaphor
Aquaphor was #9 last year and moves up to #3. This skin protectant is for the prevention and treatment of incontinence skin rash. The product is an effective healing aid for minor cuts, scrapes, and burns. Aquaphor helps to heal dry, cracked skin and lips. This ointment, manufactured by Beiersdorf, temporarily protects and helps to heal. It treats difficult rashes and repairs chafing skin. Upon application, it soothes damaged skin.
Active Ingredients
- Petrolatum
Pros
- ✓ Excellent Rash Cream
- ✓ Protects Skin From Repeated Hand Washing
- ✓ Repairs Minor Cuts and Scrapes
- ✓ Moisturizes and Restores Dry Skin
- ✓ Heals Cracked Heels and Feet
- ✓ Works on Minor Burns
Cons
- ❌ Jar vs. Tube Dispenser May Introduce Bacteria or Contaminates to the Cream
- ❌ Take Extra Precaution When Outdoors in the Sunlight
- ❌ Thick Consistency Makes it Hard To Apply
- ❌ Petroleum Product
Documents and Information
Aquaphor Healing Ointment Video (1:00 minutes)
#4 Calmoseptine
Calmoseptine forms a moisture barrier against the skin to prevent irritation. It also aids in protecting the surrounding skin and tissue from exudating wounds. Calomseptin also protects against burns and cuts. Application of a thin layer of this ointment to red or irritated skin two to four times daily after incontinence episodes protects the skin and promote healing. Calmoseptine is available in tubes, jars, and packets from 1/8 ounce to 4 ounces and only for external use. It is the best barrier cream for incontinence.
Active Ingredients
- Petrolatum
- Zinc Oxide
- Lanolin
- Menthol
Pros
- ✓ Provides an Excellent Moisture Barrier
- ✓ Helps Heal Irritation
- ✓ Protects From Fistula Drainage
- ✓ Protects From Urine and Diarrhea
- ✓ Skin Barrier Within Skin Folds
- ✓ Helps Prevent Itching
- ✓ Mild Menthol Scent
- ✓ Long Shelf Life
- ✓ Made in the USA
- ✓ #1 Pharmacist-Recommended Brand
Cons
- ❌ Can Get Messy on Clothing
- ❌ Thick and May Be Difficult To Spread
- ❌ Doesn't Wipe Off Easily
Documents and Information
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Calmoseptine Ointment Brochure - Calmoseptine Use Instructions
Calmoseptine US National Library of Medicine Listing
Calmoseptine Review for Use With Crohn's Disease Patient Video (1:27 minutes)
#5 Vitamin A & D Ointment
Medline Protect A & D Ointment is a skin protectant offering vitamins A and D as an integral component of its formulation. This over-the-counter (OTC) product is available in squeeze tubes and contains aloe and other ingredients that provide a cooling and soothing sensation to the skin upon application. The product forms a moisture barrier to protect the skin. It strengthens immunity and prevents skin breakdown. The product is available in a 4-ounce tube with a reclosable flip-top cap. A & D Ointment is another excellent incontinence barrier cream.
Active Ingredients
Petrolatum
Pros
- ✓ A Little Cream Goes a Long Way
- ✓ Soothes and Moisturizes Skin
- ✓ Contains Vitamin A and D
- ✓ Clear Ointment
- ✓ Applies Soothly Without a Sticky Feeling
Cons
- ❌ Ointment Gets Runny When Stored in Warm Temperature
- ❌ Doesn't Have a Cooling Effect Like Menthol
Documents and Information
How To Apply Medline Skin Care Products (0:38 minutes)
#6 Calazime
Remedy Olivamine Calazime Skin Protectant Paste from Medline is a paste made with four active ingredients--calamine, menthol, white petrolatum, and zinc oxide. The formulation targets the perianal area to treat incontinence skin breakdowns. Available in 4-ounce size tubes with a flip-top cap. This paste offers temporary relief from minor skin irritations, including itching and discomfort.
Active Ingredients
- White Petrolatum
- Zinc Oxide
- Calamine
- Menthol
Pros
- ✓ Provides Cooling Sensation
- ✓ Dermatologist-Tested
- ✓ Soothes Chapped and Damaged Skin
- ✓ Long-Lasting, High-Viscosity Paste
- ✓ Zinc Oxide-Based
- ✓ Nongreasy Cream
- ✓ Treats and Calms Rashes and Inflamed Tissue
- ✓ Hypoallergenic
- ✓ Controls Pain
- ✓ Relieves Itching and Discomfort to Perianal Area
Cons
- ❌ Some Users Reported Stinging
- ❌ Thicker Paste Can Get on Clothing and Be Messy
- ❌ Thicker Paste Is Difficult To Wipe Off
Documents and Information
- Calazime Product Label
- Calazime Use Instructions
- Remedy Calazime National Library of Medicine Listing
Remedy Skin Products Demonstration (8:28 minutes)
#7 Lantiseptic
Lantiseptic by DermaRite is a topical emollient made with lanolin used for treating dry skin. It is available in packets, tubes, and jars up to 12 ounces in size. This product prevents a variety of minor skin irritations and provides relief to itchy, dry skin for in-home and long-term care facilities. Its formula supports skin moisture balance and natural healing processes. This product offers protection from urine, diarrhea, and perspiration.
Active Ingredients
- Petrolatum
- Zinc Oxide
- Lanolin
- Calamine
- Menthol
Pros
- ✓ Prevents Skin Breakdown
- ✓ Excellent Barrier Cream for Bedsore Prevention
- ✓ Only a Thin Layer Is Needed for Long-Lasting Skin Protectant
- ✓ Creamy Texture Aids Smooth Application
- ✓ Treats Dry, Rough, and Scaly Skin
- ✓ Relieves Itchy Skin
- ✓ Useful After Radiation Therapy
- ✓ Treats Burns
- ✓ Seals Out Moisture
- ✓ Protects Ulcer-Prone Skin
- ✓ Prevents Dermatitis
Cons
- ❌ Do Not Use With Deep Wounds
- ❌ May Cause Skin Irritation for People With Sensitive Skin
- ❌ Thick and May Be Difficult To Spread
Documents and Information
Lantiseptic Skin Protectant Effectiveness Video (3:12 minutes)
#8 iLEX Skin Protectant
iLex is new to the top incontinence barrier products lists and is a favorite among infant nursing care in hospitals. It works exceptionally well for diaper rash, burns, skin wounds, and other skin conditions. Although often associated with infant care, it is safe and effective on all ages and all skin types. iLex is gentle and soothing to the skin, containing no alcohol or latex. It comes in a 2-ounce tube or an 8-ounce jar.
Active Ingredients
- Calcium
- Sodium PVM
- MA copolymers
- LiquiparPE
- Zinc
- Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose
- Petroleum jelly
Pros
- ✓ Cures the Worst Cases of Diaper Rash
- ✓ Easy Application
- ✓ Very Effective
- ✓ Treats Bloody Rashes
- ✓ Fast Acting
Cons
- ❌ Expensive Per Ounce
- ❌ Forms Small Pellets During Use
Documents and Information
#9 Aloe Vesta
Aloe Vesta is an incontinence protection product manufactured by ConvaTec. This skin protectant uses petrolatum as the active ingredient and contains aloe, mineral oil, and lanolin. Aloe Vesta is an emollient that soothes and helps rashes to heal. This over-the-counter product is also effective on minor cuts, scrapes, and burns. It temporarily protects and relieves cracked skin and lips. Many use this product to protect themselves from both urine and fecal incontinence. It does not contain any dyes or fragrances.
Active Ingredients
Petrolatum
Pros
- ✓ Contains a Natural Botanical
- ✓ Fast-Acting Results
- ✓ Stops Sweat-Related Issues
- ✓ Dries Clear
- ✓ Eases Irritation and Burning Caused by Rashes
- ✓ CHG Compatible
- ✓ Treats Incontinence Rashes
- ✓ Seals Out Moisture
- ✓ Made in the USA
Cons
- ❌ Not for Use on Deep Wounds
- ❌ Not For Use on Animal Bites or Serious Burns
- ❌ Thinner Consistency if Exposed to Heat
- ❌ Feels Greasy
Documents and Information
Convatec Aloe Vesta Protective Ointment (1:03 minutes)
#10 Sensi Care
Sensi Care, manufactured by Medline, is a petroleum-based cream with zinc oxide. The cream is white and treats and prevents sores and rashes. The product is safe to use for all ages. Sensi Care is latex-free, fragrance-free, and dye-free. It is primarily used to protect skin from incontinence and to prevent infant diaper rash.
Active Ingredients
- Petrolatum
- Zinc Oxide
Other Ingredients
- Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium
- Stearic Acid
- Glycerin
- Cetyl Dimethicone Copolyol
- Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate
- Hexyl Laurate
- Phenoxyethanol
Pros
- ✓ Very Effective for Treating Bed Sores
- ✓ Thick Paste Adheres Well To the Skin
- ✓ Treats Severe Bleeding Diaper Rashes
- ✓ Cures Skin Redness
- ✓ Relieves Chapped and Cracked Skin
Cons
- ❌ Gritty
- ❌ Abrasive
- ❌ Thick Paste May Be Difficult To Wash Off
Summary
This article reviewed the best barrier creams for incontinence. It presented the pros and cons of each product along with a short product summary. Consulting with your doctor can help you select the best barrier ointments and creams option for your specific needs.
