Looking for the perfect cream to complete your slugging routine? We’ve rounded up the best slugging creams and balms that hydrate, protect, and repair your skin overnight.
Slugging has quickly become one of the most viral skincare trends-thanks to its simple yet powerful results. By applying an occlusive layer as the final step in your nighttime routine, slugging helps trap in moisture, reduce water loss, and strengthen your skin’s barrier. The right cream or balm can make all the difference, turning your skin soft, plump, and glowing by morning.
Lets explore the best slugging creams and balms that not only seal in hydration but also deliver soothing, nourishing benefits. Whether you’re dealing with dryness, irritation, or simply want that glass-skin glow, these picks will help you achieve it effortlessly.
Slugging isn’t just another skincare fad-it’s a proven method that locks in hydration by creating a protective barrier over your skin. This barrier minimises transepidermal water loss (TEWL), ensuring your skin stays hydrated throughout the night. The result? Skin that looks plump, refreshed, and glowing by morning.
For those struggling with dryness, redness, or a weakened skin barrier, slugging can be transformative. By preventing moisture escape and sealing in the benefits of your skincare products, it helps restore balance and gives your skin the chance to repair itself. Over time, this routine can reduce flakiness, smooth texture, and give you that coveted “glass skin” look.
The effectiveness of slugging comes down to the formula. Petrolatum is the gold standard, forming a near-airtight barrier that locks in hydration. But modern slugging creams often pair this with ceramides and glycerin, which help strengthen your skin’s natural barrier and pull water into the skin for maximum hydration.
Soothing agents like panthenol and centella asiatica take slugging to the next level by calming irritation and supporting skin repair. Meanwhile, lightweight occlusives enriched with skin-loving oils or antioxidants can deliver a nourishing glow without feeling too heavy. Choosing a product with these ingredients ensures your skin wakes up not just hydrated, but healthier.
When it comes to slugging, some products have earned cult status. Vaseline remains the simplest, most affordable option, while Aquaphor Healing Ointment takes it further with added panthenol and glycerin for extra nourishment. For those who prefer a skincare-first approach, La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5 provides a soothing, repairing effect alongside hydration.
Luxury options like Dr. Jart+ Cicapair or REN Evercalm Recovery Balm bring targeted benefits such as redness reduction or antioxidant support, making them ideal for sensitive or stressed skin. These formulas prove that slugging isn’t one-size-fits-all-you can choose the perfect cream or balm based on your unique skin needs and preferences.
A petrolatum-based formula enriched with three essential ceramides and hyaluronic acid. It forms a protective barrier on the skin that helps prevent transepidermal water loss, making it a favorite among dermatologists for slugging and barrier repair.
The classic, minimalist option. Because it’s pure petrolatum, it acts as an effective occlusive layer without unnecessary additives. It’s often used in “slugging” routines to seal in hydration overnight.
Similar in function to Vaseline but enhanced with ingredients like panthenol, glycerin, and bisabolol to offer soothing and reparative benefits. Many skincare lovers use it when they want something a bit more “skin-friendly” than straight petrolatum.
Though not fully occlusive like pure petrolatum, this balm has a richer texture and includes ingredients like panthenol and madecassoside to help soothe compromised or irritated skin. Good for nights when you need barrier support with a little more skincare benefit.
A mask-balm hybrid formulated to act as an occlusive while delivering soothing tiger grass (centella asiatica) benefits. It’s often recommended as a “slug-friendly” overnight mask that gives you that barrier effect, but with added calming and skin-repair benefits.
A rich overnight balm designed to lock in moisture and calm sensitised skin. It’s well-suited for those who want a more “skincare” feeling product rather than just pure occlusion.
Slugging is more than just a skincare hack-it’s a game-changing ritual that transforms your nightly routine into a powerful hydration treatment. By sealing in all the goodness of your serums and moisturisers, slugging ensures your skin repairs itself while you sleep. The result? A healthy, dewy glow that makes your skin look plumper, softer, and more radiant with every use.
The best part is that slugging is flexible-you can keep it simple with a classic occlusive or choose a balm packed with soothing and nourishing ingredients. No matter your skin type, there’s a slugging cream that can give you the overnight reset your skin craves. Add it to your routine, and let your mornings begin with skin that feels fresh, hydrated, and ready to glow.
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